WOW! From my perspective all I can think is, "what an adventure Chile has been so far!". Unlike what Forrest Gump said, life is not really like a box of chocolate, but it is full of perspective. Admittedly I can cynical and critical, but I like coming to Chile because despite my cynical tendancies I am given an extra boost in the goodness of humanity when I see Chileans in action.
All the participants seem to be settled in, establishing their life routine for the next three weeks. We have made a few shifts and changes out of necessity, but for the most part families, students, and participants are very happy. The happiness has come at the tireless efforts of Ms Lorena, Ms Cecilia, Ms Catherine, Ms Magda and Mr Greg who have done so much already. Besides finding families for everyone, they have also given the participants access to the school, provided a catered breakfast our first day, and established a program that fosters intercultural and interlanguage sharing.
I am ALWAYS amazed by the generosity and kindness of Chileans, but I think I can finally accept that in Chile, you will be treated with generosity and kindness; that's just the way it is.. I have been here many times before, and I am always taken aback by how unselfish and thoughtful the Chilean people are. We have just met a group of "stranger" families on Saturday and Sunday, and it is only Tuesday but it is like we have known these folks their whole lives. The care and attention they give to the students is AMAZING, and it is free. The families take in students from the US, without compensation purely from a kindness of heart to facilitate this experience -- to me it is breathtaking to see families make bonds that will last lifetimes with these folks. Of course the benefit for the family is to have a "native" English speaker in their home, but that seems to be less than an even exchange when we think about the food, drink, shelter, warmth, care, and concern showed to our students.
You also learn to put stress and life in perspective. Today when we were driving from one appointment to the next we (myself along with Ken and Margaret) were hit by a semi-truck causing significant damage to the vehicle. OUr first thoughts were making sure we were back in time from our appointment with the University of Concepcion to see out students off. Fortunately Deanna and Leah, our doctoral students and program supervisors have been awesome components of the trips leadership team, and have ensured things go smoothly, particularly when Keny, Margaret, and I have been having to deal with various instances. Once we were hit, we called the school and immediately two of the academic leaders of the school Ms Cecilia (Vice-Principal for Academic Affiairs) and Ms Catherine (Director of Elementary Education) got into a car and came to make sure we were ok, to accompany us to the police station, and to make sure we got back to the school alright. And for me this is where the whole perspective thing comes in -- even in a scary situation being here helped us see the beauty in the moment, that total strangers were so concerned for our safety and well being, that we became the priority. If I am being totally honest, I cannot think of many instances back home where I have seen the level of generosity and care directed to seeming strangers.
We are so fortunate to have great hosts in the Thomas Jefferson community. When our students come back and describe this trip as life changing, we know they are telling you the truth -- the important part will be pushing your loved one who was on this experience to share some of the rich stories and experiences that lead them to the conclusion that this experience has changed their life. Seeing our Lady Tigers (and our one Lady Cayenne (our whole group is ladies) working with students, exchanging with families, and being immersed in a new culture is an AWESOME experience. Here are a couple of photos, because, well, photos are fun!
As you look through past posts and those yet to come, I think you will be engaged with the level of excitement from our students -- GEAUX Tigers (and Cayenne).
Kenny
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