The Peña was so much fun! Helping to make empanadas and decorating the Casa before hand was also exciting! It was a good chance to interact with some of the women, as well as learn something new! The event itself, however, was definitely a cultural experience! There was so much delicious food, good conversation and, of course, a lot of dancing. Much of the night everyone danced the Cueca, which was a lot of fun to watch. There were also times that some Reggeaton was played, so some of us got up and moved to the beat- I pretty much just shuffled my feet, but it was still lots of fun! I laughed more than I have laughed in one setting since I got here and I definitely ate more in one setting as well! I think I clogged every main artery from all the grease, but it was worth it! Its so wonderful to be around such high-spirited people who are completely content with dancing and simply being together.
Friends and family back in the States have asked me, “are they really poor where you are?” and I never really know how to answer the question. Gretch and I have talked about this as well and it is difficult to define exactly how I feel. Of course, when looking at the way they live from an arrogant/ ignorant American perspective, they are very poor. However, when looking at it from a perspective that isn’t so narrow-minded, there is no poverty at all. They have only what they need, and only out of necessity. No, they do not have all the luxuries, conveniences, nor all the things that make life “easier.” But does that make them poor? Americans, in general, are just spoiled. We all want, want, want more and more. We are never satisfied. I learned, after having spent time in the Dominican Republic, that it is possible to be completely content in having less, and that same way of life is seen here in Chile as well. There is happiness without all of the material clutter! However, that is not to say they have absolutely nothing either, but that they can find contentment in what they do have. I want that idea and way of life to be ingrained in my soul; and I want to carry this spirit on once I go back to the States. However, as I have experienced before, its so easy to fall back into the bustle of the American society; it will be a challenge to go against the grain.
This evening we went out for dinner with the Sisters because the Casa was being cleaned up after all the festivities of the Peña. So, we decided to go to a German Restaraunt in the mall and I had the most scrumpcious cheeseburger ever! (I know it was a very American choice, but it was amazing to have so much meat in one setting!) After dinner, there was a folklore group playing music and dancing the Cueca in the main part of the mall, so we got ice cream and listened to them play for a while. Anyway, while we were sitting, Sister Mimi said, in reference to the devolopment of the mall and of the city in general, “I think there is a point when progress no longer improves the quality of life.” I think that is a spledid argument to consider. It makes so much sense. Yes, it is nice to keep moving forward; and especially after studying all of the sciences, I definitely understand how progress does help us. However, on the other hand, progress is also destroying, not only how we connect with others, but also the Earth and our natural habitat. When is enough, enough? I do not want to sound cynical, and I really do think its pretty miraculous how easily connected we can all stay via the internet and such, but at the same time I think progress is disconnecting people as well, in many ways.
True happiness is found in our relationships! We must also learn to connect with the Earth and protect it. We must connect with others and discover friendship and love. I believe that to my inner core. It is something that I witnessed at the Peña as well- that here in the Casa everyone is family. There is a great sense of belonging, for everyone. It really is a great place for women to be a part of.
This week is going to be busy, but I am looking forward to it! Wednesday, possibilities are up in the air, but we may be going to either Concepcion (which is on the coast) or to the mountains, where there are thermal baths. Tuesday, we may have the chance to go to the Campo (countryside)! We shall see how that all works out though. Either way, Gretch and I will be leaving Chillan on Thursday to go to Vilches, which I am really looking forward to! Mimi and Ruth will be joining just for the holiday and then will come back here to Chillán, while Gretch and I continue to observe the work being done in Vilches! I will do my best to keep updated!
