Having rounded our one year anniversary of being down in Chile, I can say I am incredibly happy with the way everything is going. This year has been a crazy adventure and I know that I have grown a lot, and learned a lot more.
I have been especially busy with different projects at EPES and Centro de la Mujer and I have been thoroughly enjoying everything. From assisting with a workshop on women, health and leadership, to starting a women’s self-help group, to collaboratively developing a Volunteer Program, to being part of planning a campaign against domestic violence, everything has been a great learning experience. The following picture was taken at EPES, it is of the group of people from different organizations that will be involved in the planning of the “Por mi, Por ti, No + Violencia” Campaign. It was a very productive meeting and I am looking forward to the events and activities that will be part of the effort.
The following picture is of a few of the teenagers I work with at Jardín Sembredor (the daycare where I have been involved with community work). I am leading sessions on HIV/AIDS there, but unfortunately last week not one of them came, so we shall see how that continues to go. The picture is of Kena, Yoci and Daniela. We were playing an HIV/AIDS game that EPES created.
It has been an incredible learning experience working with them. Also, now that I have a better handle on the language, I am able to interact with them better. As in the States, teenagers use so much slang and talk so incredibly fast. When I first started working with them, I just sat there thinking, what the heck are you saying!?
I have also enjoyed visiting the Sembredoras (the women’s group) when they are making bread, which they do as way to make money for the group. It is always so much fun to chat with them and they have really welcomed me as a friend. The following picture is of Edith, Jaqueline and Lala, at the nifty “oven” that is used to bake the delicious bread. The piece of metal with the fire on it (in the foreground of the picture), is placed on top of the barrel for baking.
The following picture is of Edith in her home, with the special table she made for making the dough.
It has been a pleasure to get to know them. Unfortunately, not all of them are pictured, but they are a great group of women. (Note: the pictures of making bread are from July).
Apart from volunteer activities, I also started taking Tai Chi classes at the beginning of August. I love Tai Chi. After every class, I feel so energized and relaxed, which may seem like an ironic combination. It has been a great for me to become involved with something outside of work though and meet new people. Which brings me to Salsa dancing. Gretchen has been taking Salsa classes since the beginning of June and this month, my birthday present from her was a month of Salsa! I started this past week in Salsa Casino classes and had so much fun! Huge thanks to Gretchen for the present.
Reflecting on this year, I can really only say, ¡what an amazing adventure! When I think of all the things I have been involved with, all of the people I have come to know and everything I have learned, I know I was meant to be in Chile this year. Despite the difficulties the first few months, it was worth it. I have had an amazing time here. I have also made a best friend in Gretchen, and am extremely lucky to have her as my co-volunteer. I am really excited about my remaining months in Chile!
I now, without a doubt, understand that it really does take time to become accustomed to another culture, a new place, and a different language. It takes time, but it does happen… má o meno..
