Adios to Chile (Veta Parker)

When I made the decision to study in Chile, I knew that it would be an experience that would change my life.  I was nervous and apprehensive about a few things.  I love to travel but, this would be my first time visiting a country where I lived with a family there and totally immersed myself into their culture.  Although, there were experiences that took me out of my comfort zone, I have been enriched my every experience.  The greatest lesson that I learned was that you do not have to speak the same language to have unconditional love, respect, and genuine concern for another human being.  Although the family that I lived with only consisted of 3 people, I was welcomed by 4 generations of the family!  There were several things about my Chilean family that reminded me of my only family from this, I learned that even they we may have different beliefs, speak different languages, and live on different continents, family was very important to all of us and an essential part of our lives.
  

Paulina saying goodbye

Paulina, Gaby, and I in Dichato

This past week, my host sister, Paulina celebrated her 14th birthday.  The entire family came to celebrate her birthday on Wednesday, June 1st.  We had completos -The completo (Spanish for "complete", "total") is a hot dog eaten in Chile, usually served with ingredients such as chopped tomatoes avocados, mayonnaise, and sauerkraut. Its size can be twice of an American hot dog.

Completo

After, Pauly's party, we had dinner as a group and were able to bid farewell to our Chilean teachers and administrators that we worked with.  This was a great opportunity to relax and connect with the people we had worked with. As I sat there, I thought...I wish we had done this dinner the first week. Everyone was all dressed up and looked really nice.  

Michael and I at farewell dinner

During this week, I was also able to visit the only public high school that was located in the municipality.  We were able to sit down and meet with the principal and get insight on the challenges that he faced at his school.  He told us that the biggest problems were students use and selling of drugs and lack of parental support.  We shared with him that those were the same problems faced in the U.S.  While there, we were able to witness an English spelling bee!  The kids worked really hard to spell the words.  The winners from each grade level were awarded with prizes and the participants were given certificates.  The students are very interested in learning English.  One student opened the program by singing a song by...who else...but Beyonce.

On Thursday, we planted trees along the large lagoon as part of the coastal roots project.  The kids really enjoyed digging in the ground with their shovels and planting their trees.

Friday afternoon, were were treated to a traditional Chilean BBQ by the school at the Masonic lodge.  We were entertained by the teachers that danced traditional Chilean dances and the traditional dance of Easter Island.  In return, the faculty and students showed the Chileans how to 2nd line.  Everyone had a blast!

It was very hard to say goodbye to Chile and my Chilean family.  I will forever have with me the experience...the beauty of the country, the love of the people, and the laugh of the children.  Adios Chile...until we meet again.