Big Girl in Small World

My first week here in Chile has been a great experience! - Family, Fun and Food! My experience so far has reinforced three main lessons that everyone should always remember, 1: Family is the foundation for a successful life, experience matters more than materialistic things, and that it’s a small world -we are more similar than different.

Spending time and observing the dynamics in my host family is by far the most valuable experience I have had. My host family consists of Mom, Dad and their two sons. This family is by far one of the most loving and caring family I have ever met. They are very affectionate towards each other and communicate any discomfort that they have. They are warm and expressive. Observing how loving, gentle, open and honest they are to each other reminds me that there are still good people around. It was nice to see people who share the same values as myself, and a family with good hearts who have a sincere love and appreciation for God, people and life. The bond they share was exuded as soon as I saw them at the airport! My family has lavished me with love, exciting activities and food. We spend a good amount of time chatting, sharing world views, hanging out, listening to music, watching television and sharing in laughter.  Thank you M.H. and S.H.!

Meeting with students and teachers at Colegio de Concepcion has also been an exceptional experience. The students I am working with have been very receptive of me and I like the communal atmosphere that the school have. I have found so many things about the Chilean culture that is also shared with other countries I have lived and visited. common food, places, music, attitudes, desires, way of life, values and opinions. In fact, generally I find people from different cultures, similar than they are different. This is interesting to me because too often, people focus on differences and forget that we are the same by core. No matter our race, color, social class, sexual orientation, religion or creed, at the end of the day we are all humans—over 99% the same,

I have traveled around the world and one week here in Chile has shown me that anywhere I go I can learn something new. Before coming here, I thought that my trip may not be as interesting or novel, and that I would have more to contribute to the people I meet, than they would have to contribute to my experience. I felt like my time here would be “just another trip”. After, spending a few hours in Chile, I suddenly realize that this was not so. My heart was enlightened and I quickly learned that this trip would be a trip to remember.

I visited the lagoon El Grande, Dichato Bay, Concepcion Bay, El Coliumo—the vast pacific ocean, and my experience there has given me a greater appreciation for life. The magnificent view of the sea and rivers has evoked in me a great sense of power, yet humbleness, and has commanded a greater appreciation for nature from me. Climbing the gigantic rocks and seeing the humongous ocean was very breath taking—literally and figuratively. . Being 6’3’’, this was the first time I have felt small in my entire life (despite being around smaller body frames). As I toured these great historic sites, heard about the natural disasters, and experienced Chile’s natural way of life, my eyes and mind opened to discover new meanings and insights. I owe complete respect and adoration to this beautiful land. My excursions reminded me that some things cannot be created by hand or accomplished by mere human strength and intelligence. I have learned that in my pursuit for success, fight to be on top, and to conquer the world, I suddenly realize that this world is bigger than me, and it is more perfect than imperfect. I am truly inspired to continue my mission in life and to fulfill my life’s purpose.  I am no longer a big girl in small world!

Phelecia