So Chile has been so incredible thus far. I have met so many amazing people who have been so warm and welcoming! Its been great! Surprisingly, even the weather hasnt been bad. The nights are cold, but the days have been very comfortable. Of course, I was setting myself up for the worst.
I am definitely excited to be in Chillan now and starting to take in all the opportunities that I have to serve! The town is poor, but the people are rich in spirit and heart. Everyone has honestly been amazing.
I am so excited to work with all of the women here, and get to know them as well. I am thrilled just thinking of all the possibilities of making new friends and experiencing this culture the fullest!
My greatest cultural experience thus far, would have to be visiting the main cemetary in Santiago. I have never seen anything like it before in my life. All of the burials were above ground, much like in the DR and New Orleans. However, this is a Spanish tradition here and not a consequence of being at sea level. Walking through the cemetary was like walking through a city of bulidings and apartments, but instead of living/work space they were burials. It was incredible. Also, the cast system is still a huge part of the culture here and that is very apparent in how everyone is buried. It is quite obvious who was poor and who was wealthy. I cant say that I have ever enjoyed being in a cemetary so much, which I know sounds a little weird.
Now Gretchyn and I will stay in Chillan for a while longer and then move to Vilches and I am really excited for that! While here in Chillan, we will be observing Julia and Andrea and working with the women here at Casa Ursalina. Right now though, I really need to work on my spanish :-/ Although I am doing well, I still find that I am completely lost most of the time hehe.
