Coquimbo or Bust

hello friends!

Sorry that it has been so long. There has been a lot happening and computer time is rather limited. Pictures will soon follow suit, when i can get to Kelsey´s house to post them. Yes, she has a computer.

After the somewhat organized orientation, we boarded an 8 hour bus heading north from Santiago, to the town of Coquimbo. Arriving in Coquimbo we were met by our regional coordinator, and sent off to meet our families. For the next two months I am living with a lovley, happy family. Alexis, the 36 year old father speaks some english, so it helps when i get a little confused. The 29 year old mother, Alejandra, is as kind as they come, but speaks not a word of english, however the house is never quiet. The three children - Cameron (10), Stacy (6) and Kahel (1) make enough noise for all of us. The house is very well located, as the centre is but a 10 minute walk, and the Mormon church only a block away. Oh yes, they are Mormons. I experienced my first religious gathering the other day, in Spanish of course. This will take some adjusting, but its always interesting to learn... Kelsey´s house is a 15 minute walk from mine, and is often a haven of cafeine for me, as i am not allowed to consume any in my house. Its great to have a familiar face around the corner too.

My observation week at the school - where i followed the teacher around like a lost dog - has finally come to an end, and i will be placed in my own classroom as of Monday. For me, the school has been the most shocking part. The students are on their cellphones and mp3s during class, putting on makeup instead of doing the work, and ive encountered only a few (out of the 150 i will be teaching) that know a word of english. Liceo Diego Portales, my school, is a bit run down with minimal windows still in tact, few doors that actually close, some classrooms have lights, and one is hard pressed to find a classroom without graffitti all over the walls. Its no Havergal or Lakefield, thats for sure! Despite all of that, the school does look out over a harbour filled with fishing boats, and is backed by a beautiful mountain range in the distance. There is however, lot of room here to make a difference. As the week concluded my feelings of frustration were rising, as i felt almost useless in the classroom, I have difficulty getting my point across in Spanish, and i figured that no one would benefit from me being here as i had yet to encounter a single student interested in learning. Things change. I helped to teach a 4th grade (grade 12 for us) english class yesterday, and i was appraoched by one of the students. Jose was very reserved about the english he would use, but as we began our conversation he opened up in english and was not afraid to make mistakes. He mentioned that I was the only foreigner that he had ever spoken to, in english or spanish. e sat with me for the better part of the class asking as much as he could, improving each time he spoke. I went home after school that day excited to go back and teach. Monday will be challenging, but if i am able to reach even one student, then everything has been worthwhile!

A new found Torontonian - a fellow volunteer - Steph, is placed in a smaller town about 40 minutes away called Tongoy. She will be coming into Coquimbo this weekend and staying with me, so that Vianna, Kelsey, Steph and I can explore together! Also, a friend from the program, Colin - from Vancouver - is in Coquimbo with us. e has sort of been MIA for the past couple days but we hope to meet up with him this weekend.

I hope that all is well at home, wherever that may be.
All for now!
amor siempre Liza.