la despedida (the farewell). doggies and more.

1) Today one of our UCSDians is going back to EEUU. We had a joyful but also reflective and nostalgic despedida. A night full of stories, monologues, singing, completos, cake to sweet for words, endless suprises, and a air of hope and of farewell anticipations mingling together. Jenn came here at first being restless and depressed. But her last months here were life-changing. She became parts of families, a sister and daughter, despite what people had said to her. That six months wasn't enough to build lasting relationships here. But she, or rather God, proved the contrary. It was funny how I met Jenn here in Chile even though we were in the same university in San Diego. It's funny how she first heard my song and then met me.. and it was as if we had always known each other. I know I'll be seeing her again at UCSD, and I also know she'll be going back to Chile. It's bittersweet. But this despedida is giving me a glimpse of the mixed emotions that I will probably face when it comes time for me to go. It's been 2 months and more... and time is truly flying. I feel like I'm living here. Not just an extranjera staying for a while, or just a gringo student in the university, but I am starting to feel like a part of Chile and people's lives in Chile. Although I don't doubt that taking every weekend to travel/backpack somewhere is an exciting adventure, I think I can confidently say that living here, finding those little picadas, spending time with friends, knowing your way around, being known in class, and ademas feeling comfortable in a class full of Chileans, grabbing lunch with other foreigners that aren't from EEUU and hearing about their way of life; and on the more spiritual side, being able to share the deep commonaility of faith with others despite language/culture differences, growing in faith day by day... all of this is equally, if not even more, adventerous.

mmmhm.

2) The past nights I've been going home later, I feel like all the street dogs have been following me, accompanying me home. For example, tonight, I walked about 15 minutes by myself (I know, not safe), but this cute white dog was following me until I got to my block... and when I turned around it was nowhere to be found. Haha.

3) Classes are getting busier. I'm starting to realize how much work I have to do.. which is good for me because my brain has become a bit mushy. After this week (a big fat national holiday-fiestas patrias) the ola of pruebas are coming. Weee. But I really enjoy my classes. On the not so fun side of things, I have research papers to do and stacks of photocopied books to read. Oh the life of the student is never different in el fondo.

4) September 11 is coming up. The aniversary of Allende's death... meaning campus will be closed because there will be massive strikes, marches, and violent whatnots. Although I'm curious as to how things will turn out. But then again, I've been strongly advised not to stick my nose around. After that, fiestas patrais will explode in this country and it'll be curazzzy. I'm thinking about doing little trips here and there... but I will definitely be back for the 18th.

5) Luz al Mundo changed locations and time! It's now ubicada en a cute little chapel and now empieza a un tiempo menos tarde ni tan temprano. I love that church.

6) Oh and I joined a soccer class for fun. YES.

And random pictures: