We're Not in Kansas Anymore. We're not even in the United States anymore!

It's been almost a week in Concepción, Chile and all I can say is wow. It hasn't even been a week and I feel like I have gone through enough new experiences to fit into a month. I've flown over a ocean. (I had to actually pay attention to the flight attendant's speech about flotation devices!) I flew overnight. Who knew airplane dinner could be so fancy? I moved in with complete strangers. Although I must say that Barbara, Connie and her family became very comfortable within a couple days. I went to a grocery store where I could not read half of the items listed. At least I had an excuse this time for not finding something unlike in the states where I have to call my mom asking where they keep certain items. Most importantly, I have been in multiple situations where I legitimately do not know what people are saying around me. So many new experiences and the trip has only just begun! So far, the most important thing I've come to realize is being comfortable with the unknown. The amount of times I have been and will be in a crowd of locals (at school or home) where their Spanish leaves me clueless is crazy but predictable. At first, I felt uncomfortable not knowing what people are saying around me then it came to a point where I realized that not only will I be in this situation a million times over before I leave but that it's okay not knowing everything. I have the English speakers I need when the information is important. Other than that, I learn to smile and listen.

This would be the smile I use when my second graders come up to me running off in Spanish awaiting a response I can't give them because I'm not even sure what they asked. Luckily with second graders, you can usually say "ahh si" or just laugh because they are most likely sharing a piece of information about themselves. I get to work at Campus Huertos which is their elementary school. 

My family has been very good at introducing me to traditional Chilean food. To the right would be some of the best food I've had here. Empanadas. Wow. Delicious. The only downside is waiting till 3:00 (their lunchtime) to eat them! To the left is a drink they have at 'once'. In Chile, they don't eat dinner. Instead they have 'once'. They have bread and sometimes this drink called Pisco Sour. It's a very sweet drink but very good!

This would be a perfect shot of their lagoon. Normally, when I hear lagoon, I picture a swampy land. This "lagoon" was beautiful. It had a nice view of the city and the black-necked swan lives in this "lagoon" which is unique to Chile. Barbara tells me it is too cold to swim in but people will kayak. 

 This would be one of my favorite things about being here so far. Somehow, Chilean children are incredibly adorable! So far, these are the two I would love to take home with me! I think hearing a small child speaking Spanish is part of what makes them so cute. To the left is Martin (pronounced Mar-teen). He is absolutely one of the cutest kids I've ever met! He is Barbara's cousin and he is wild! I met him during Mother's Day festivities and he spoke a little English to me. And let me tell you. Hearing a few English words from a kindergartener goes a long way in a Spanish country. He was very much entertained when I showed him the Snapchat filters. To the right is Connie. I am lucky enough to live with her and experience her every day. When I get home from school, she comes into my room and plays with me. Well, more like she takes the stuff out of my cabinets and puts it on my bed. The other day we went through one of her books and she taught me some animals in Spanish. She is so happy and such a fun time to be around. She speaks no English so I mostly just listen to her because she rarely waits for a response or Barbara will translate for me and I can say a few words back. My family is taking me out adventuring this weekend and I can't wait to see what I get to experience next!!