#26

~~ 5 MONTHS HOME!! ~~

Miss Lucía, from Santiago de Chile, the lady who started this whole Exchange, and her 2 teens, were in Maine for vacation (their summer vacation) to visit the Host Family in Manchester (southwest of Augusta) with whom Lucía lived those couple of decades ago as an exchange student. The visit was wonderful, and her son and daughter got to attend school and meet new friends, and she got caught up on old relationships. The skiing, however, left MUCH to be desired this year here in Maine.

Some of us who had gone to Chile got a chance to visit with them one afternoon here in the Old Port. We had a great lunch at Sebago Brewery Restaurant, then went for ice cream. 4 of the McAuley girls came and had a great time, as well as Ms. Glass and Mrs. Finnerty from Cheverus, and Mrs. Dubreuil from McAuley. It was a great way to keep in touch and keep all the relationships alive!

New students from Chile will be coming to Maine on March 18. Some to McAuley and others to Cheverus. Check our NEW McAuley BLOG for that experience. And always remember to check McAuley Webshots for tons of photos!

http://mcauleycja06.blogspot.com

http://community.webshots.com/user/mcauleyhs

#25

~~ 2 MONTHS HOME!! ~~

Marissa:
Has it really been two months? It seems impossible. I feel like life is the same as it was before I left, but entirely different. It's one of those oxymoron-ish feelings that you can't quite describe. It's amazing how I feel like I haven't changed, but I know I have.

However, I do know that my love for Spanish is at its peak. Knowing the language has benefits that are limitless. A few weeks ago, I was volunteering at a soup kitchen with my best friend and one of the guys who we were serving spoke only Spanish, so I was told. I went over and asked him what he wanted to drink (in Spanish, of course.) The look on his face was of pure surprise (that I spoke Spanish.) He told me I spoke well, and asked me how long I'd been taking Spanish (which was all discussed in Spanish.) I also mentioned that I lived in Chile for a month.

That was the moment for me! For the first time (back in los Estados Unidos), I realized the magnitude of that month in Chile. That conversation with the man at the soup kitchen was one of the first times that I had a fluid conversation with a native Spanish speaker without thinking of the correct conjugations in my head. In other words, it came naturally to me, like speaking English does to all of us here.

That experience, as miniscule as it was, made me realize that I love that look on that man's face in surprise that I spoke his language. That feeling that you are capable of speaking to a whole other group of people is addicting! I'm looking forward to majoring in Spanish next year (!) in college, and studying abroad again in college.

It's trite, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, that, despite the unheated houses, constant cigarette smoking, and no mode of self-transportation, I don't regret for a minute.

#24

~~ HOME !! ~~

The last ring of the school bell and tears started to flow.



The girls got as many e-mail addresses and last-minute photos that they could from their new friends.













At the airport it was just families, and once our flight was called, tears again. Sad to leave our new families and friends behind us. Last sight of Santiago was just a blur of nighttime lights.

There were tears off and on well into the flight … which was very very long. About 18 hours in all.

Our first sight of Portland was sun and clear skies and the ocean shore. At the terminal it was a quick group-hug “see ya later” then off to find our families. Tears again, of joy and “so glad to be home!”

Maine. A perfect, beautiful summer day. A perfect welcome home.

During our trip home we talked about many mixed feelings. Realizing that part of each of us will always now be in Santiago, and part of Santiago will always be in us. We are now forever slightly different from those around us, changed, subliminally unique. Enriched.

Our next step is to organize the accounts our journey in order to share it with others. Hopefully this will create a ripple effect of experiences so that others will catch the vision and be moved to become involved as well.

Here are some of the girls comments after a few days at home in Maine.

LEO:
So yesterday we came into portland at 12:30. As we were landing, i could see a familiar place that did not look so familiar anymore. I had made a new home in a new country with new friends and a new family...I was not ready to leave all that but i had no choice. I got off the plane, saw my dad and was thankful to have made it home. But it was very weird hearing only english in the airport.

The first thing i did was i went to subway. When the guy asked if american cheese is what i wanted i say “Sí” (with the accent but we dont have it here). Also on my new cell phone that i got right after, i changed the set up for my date to the way they do it in chile on the food products. dd, mm, yy....:( to remind me of my other home). I kept saying ‘cómo’, ‘qué’ and ‘sí’ yesterday when i hung out with my friends.

When i stepped into my house, it felt a little weird. The heat was getting to me. It must have seemed like it was 100 because coming back from a cold climate makes the weather seem hotter than it actually is. I went into my room and saw everything basically the way i left it. I showed my dad the gifts my family had gotten him and my mom...

i KEPT and still, call my chilean parents mom and dad, too, because i feel like they are. I miss them all very much, all my pictures are hanging in my room. It feels so weird being home, i wish i could have stayed longer...They are my other family that i love...

I received an email from my little brother today, and it almost made my cry because he told me how sometimes he sees people that remind him of me and images me there...

well i am home and i will have to face reality now, but in my car i only listen to reggaton and right now i am watching “Ray” in spanish..
Exchange student number 1, Chile summer of 05'
...first crew to go..right girls? lol


NAT:
Being home and going to Wendys was great. Seeing my family and my friends was also soo fantastic, but i find myself having Chile withdrawal. Showering in my shower, sleeping in my bed an typing on an english-speaking keyboard felt completely new.

I'm getting back into my routine and it feels good to have my own life back. But I have cried a lot since yesterday because I tried to explain to my mom, about all of my friends and inside jokes. I have gone to Wal Mart to develop pictures and i think that I ordered 350!!!.

I still wish I was back in Chile, I miss my friends and I miss school so much. I think about going back to McAuley on Thursday, and I wish that i went to Colegio de los Andes.

I love and Miss you all, (thats another thing, i miss seeing all of us Gringas everyday) and i will see you soon!!!!
xo MUAH xo, ciao,
Natalie



MARISSA:

Yeah, it's still a little bit weird for me. I drove for the first time today, and it was so strange. Ha. But it's nice to be back and breathe in fresh air! And it's odd to go from wearing layers and my winter coat to shorts and a T-shirt!

We drove by McAuley and I'm amazed at how the Field of Dreams is coming along. And how looking at McAuley makes me forget I've been 5,000 miles away from it and everything I call home. But, it is good to be back and catch up on everything I missed here. I have enjoyed educating my friends and family about the politics, culture, and lifestyle that is Chile.

#23
* heading home ... it´s gonna be a loooong day *

We`re at CPH-CJA (school) today ... enjoying a BEAUTIFUL Andes morning here ... clear and sunny ... spending our last moments with all the new friends we´ve made. Classes end at 2 today, so we´ll all head to our own homes here, grab our luggage, then off to be at the airport by 6 for a 8:30 pm flight... we´ll be in Portland in about 25 hours. (the photo to the left is what is directly behind the school, the right is the school ... beautiful, no?)

Girls are busy saying good-byes and taking last-minute photos of all their friends. It´s becoming increasingly emotional ... but wonderful! I´m so pleased to see the impact of this trip on the lives of these young ladies! And I also know that their enthusiasm will spread to others so they will catch the vision of this great¨"intercambio" with Chile ... and any country.

I had a meeting with the founders and directors of the school today. They have been so generous and helpful ... there work here over the last 25 years has been amazing. And, as we all agree: The world is getting "smaller" as we move toward the future so international relations are becoming increasingly vital.

See you all soon!

Blessings from Chile ... for now ...

"Hasta luego, Chile"

And in the final words of Padre Hurtado

(soon to be Saint Alberto Hurtado):

"Contento, Señor, contento."

#22
* we fly out tomorrow *

It´s hard to believe that our final day in Chile is nearly upon us. There have already been some tears shed and everyone has been trying to cram everything they bought into their suitcases. We will be at CPH-CJA school tomorrow ... all the girls wanted to come for a last bit of time with their new friends here. We´re torn between wanting to stay and being ready to come home.

It has been an amazing experience, this month. Yesterday we cooked our "breakfast" - cranberry or blueberry coffee bread and hot chocolate with marshmallows - for the directors, English teachers and chilean siblings and friends. Ms. Dubi and Leonora had a meeting with the Directors of the whole school and the directors of the Exchange program. We reviewed the objectives, expectations, and initial evaluation of the present Exchange. We also analyzed some possibilities for the future ... including a common web page for shared language activities between the classes! Many ideas to be considered and worked out.

Leo: So today is our next to last day :( At the beginning of the month, I really thought this would go by slowly, but as the month progressed on, I felt like one of the family and I understood more Spanish. I really do not want to leave because I have made new friends and a new family. A family that i have never had and always dreamed of having. Now i have two great familes in two great places.

Today, FIRST period, i got to teach my little brother, Benja, in english class. He is in third grade and the teacher is awesome. The class is so sweet and they all were asking wonderful questions. I got to spend time with my little bro and took many many pics. The teacher told me that the kids will never forget this day or me. That made me feel wonderful....I love them.

This month has been so life changing, I have seen so many different places in Chile. I am definitly going to come back. I hope many other girls at McAuley get to experience this wonderful journey like the 6 of us did. I know all of us in a way want to go home but in another way don`t want to go ... But memories have been made and they can never be erased.

Some times in life you have to leave a familiar place to go to an unfamiliar place to find out where you came from. Everyone here has taught me something about this place that i will cherish forever. Tomorrow will be sad, but it will not be goodbye...It will be a thank you and cya later...I am looking forward to sharing all my memories and talk about my great new friends with my family back home...`

Peace 1
::Leo::

Nat:
So I started packing last night and I was amazed to find how much I have bought. I decided to separate all of my gifts from they´re massive bags, into smaller packages. Each one, made me smile and hope that the person recieving it loves it. During this trip, I have spent money, ate food, had fun, and grown as a person. I had my 15th birthday here, and that day, I learned who my real friends, that I have made here, are.

The hardest part about leaving this wonderful place, is that I have grown attached to Chile, its people, my family, the customs, and my new found Chilean friends. I have been going out with the other Gringas all weekend long, and the most repeated thing, that we all agree on is this: "I am ready to go home, but I am not ready to part with Chile". I think about getting on that plane, and I shed a tear at the thought, of leaving this chapter in my life, behind me.

Chile holds a special place in my heart, and I will never, truely, leave it behind. This is not "goodbye" its just a "hasta luego" and we will meet again.....someday!

Corinne:

July 27, 2005 seems like a whole lifetime away. I cant believe that it has been 4 whole weeks simce we left Maine and tomorrow we will be on the last leg of our trip. Thinking of it now it is all i can do to try and think of all the happy memories i will leave with instead of all the people i will be leaving behind. Packing last night and seeing all of the things i had bought brought both tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. Everyone here has been so welcoming especially all the families that opened up their homes to us, and all of the new friends we have made here.

The phrase that best describes the felling in all of us is "We are ready to go home, but we are not ready to leave Chile." It will be one of those bitter sweet moments when the best way to say good-bye is not good-bye but simply "ciao" for now, until we meet again!

Marissa:

In an English class today, I was asked whether or not I'd recommend this exchange experience to other people. I thought about it, and realized that I would try to convince others to go to another country, because it's more than I ever anticipated. It's not just what I thought it would be, which was studying and improving my knowledge of Spanish. It's been completely educational, in that I've learned more than I think I ever have in just one month.

I've discovered the universal things between people, that no matter what language they are speaking, the goofy moments and the showing of one's love to another is the same here, as I realize it must be worldwide. And it's necessary to be taken out of your country, to gain a whole new perspective. I know now with certainty how the Chileans, as a whole, feel about President Bush and Americans (or United Staters, as it is more politcally correct to Chileans but grammatically incorrect to us.)

And while the language is most obviously an element to being an exchange student, it's only a small part of the whole experience. Yes, I understand Spanish more, and yes I've got the verb tenses drilled in my brain, but it's almost negligible to the entire point. To learn about a whole culture, country, and more about my own country, is something that can only be done on a trip like this.

Daphne:

The day before we left Maine to come here to Chile, I was upset. I was disappointed to leave home, and I really thought the timing was wrong. I just didn't want to go. And now, the day before we leave Chile for Maine, I am distraught. I feel the same as I did before we came here, only it is more poignant.

I really, REALLY, do not want to leave here. I have met so many amazing people, and had so many great times, that I don't want any of it to end. My family and I went out on a limb to send me here for the experience, and I can safely say that I realize now that I have only lived because I came here. I am going to miss my 'family' here, the Mendias. They were always there for me, making sure I was comfortable, and treated me as a part of the family. Sure, they spoke in a different language some of the time, but that made it all the more interesting.

Everything I did here challenged me, tried to make me step out of the box that living in one environment has created for me. I feel that I HAVE stepped out of the box, maybe even jumped out. All the people I met at school, out of school, just everybody, helped me do this. Being here in Chile for a month has changed who I am, in a way, for the better. I am still me, but I have a different outlook on life and on just living. There is so much out there for me, and I can not wait to explore it all and find out what life has in store for me.

I want to thank everybody for making this such an experience for me, and I can assure you, I promise everybody that I am coming back. I don't know when and I don't know how, but I want to do it and I feel I need to. That is one of the things I learned here...

... if you want to do something, and you feel that you should, do it. Chances are, it's the only chance you'll have, so take adantage of it!

#21
¡¡ Feliz cumpleaños a la Quinciniera, Natalie !!

Today, August 19th, is Natalie´s 15th birthday. In Latin American countries this is a BIG deal. She has some big plans for tonight to celebrate ... along with 3 other Chilean girls who are celebrating too. FELIZ CUMPLEÑOS, Natalie!

Yesterday we spent the day going to the mountains and skiing! The ski resort we went to was El Colorado. It took about 2 hours to get there, up crazy mountain roads with hairpin turns, between mountains dotted with brush and cliffs and a few cows or horses and tiny homes. One spot had a delicate waterfall in the distance near Las Manzanitas (¨little apples¨).

Once we hit the higher elevations, near the snow line, we could see Santiago and the surburbs in the cistance, blanketed in smog between tiny hills.

Most of the day was cloudy until the afternoon when the sun broke through and made all things beautiful! The skiing was great, the temperature like Spring Skiing in Maine. Two or three of the girls and Miss Sonia (who was the Chilean teacher at McAuley last spring) took an hour lesson. Others of us split up according to abilities. Everyone was with a group and we had a great time. I must say that Leonora improved tremendously! She went from a basic beginner lesson in the morning to near intermediate by the afternoon! It was beautiful.

Today is a session at the school where many other school groups from Santiago are joining in to celebrate the canonization of Chile´s own Padre Hurtado. The boys side of our school here is named for him. He was an extremely hard-working, loving, and giving man who, during the first half of the 1900s brough great relief to the youth and impoverished of Chile. Many areas of Santiago are named in his honor. He will soon be Chile´s Saint.

The girls and I spent the afternoon Wednesday doing some gift shopping at the Artisanía of Santa Lucía. We were trying to focus on Chile-made specialties, but did get distracted by so many other items. After an ice cream we headed home. The Metro (subway) here is very modern and clean and efficient. It only costs about 75cents and you can ride to most of the city. From where I leave the girls with their parents, metro exit La Escuela Militar, to my home in Las Cisternas, it takes me just about 45 minutes. And, believe me, Santiago is a huge sprawling city.

One of our blog readers wrote and asked me if everything is old here .. no! But it is quite a mix of old and new. Alot of what I have posted on the Blog are historical buildings and such. But there are major areas in Santiago that are experiencing a building boom and expansion. The major roadways are being updated to be more efficient. When driving on one, your car is automatically tallied by a toll counter. There are buildings that are beautifully modern and well-designed. Technologically the country is very up-to-date with Web Cafés and most families from middle income up have computers, laptops, cellphones, and internet links. Certain central areas of the city have advertising with huge TV screens, like Time Square. When the days are clear and sunny (like today) the city is beautiful.

They country is working on modernizing in many ways. Pollution control and litter laws are underway, but some of these things take years to experience the trickle-down effect to everyone. Some habits are hard to change. I remember it took a couple decades in the US to notice the effect of the litter and anti-pollution laws. It´s beginning to happen here, too. Some areas of town are spotless, others need work.

Santiago is more like a city-state than a city. 5 million people in this one valley, spread into every nook and crany, yet there are still areas of untouched land and some beautiful parks within the hugely developed segments. New trees are planted everywhere along the streets to help clean the air. The youth of Santiago, especially those who attend schools like CPH/CJA, are far-seeing and consciencious of caring for their country for the future. The Spirit of Padre Hurtado infuses the city with Charity for those in more need than oneself. Their pride in their soon-to-be-Saint is awakening and even greater love for their fellow beings here in Santiago.

#20

7 days ... count them …1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ... until we leave.

Natalie & Corinne:

When we first arrived I was kind of counting the days until we would be returning home but now I wish we were staying here for another 4 weeks! (sorry, mom). It’s been such a wonderful experience and one that I will always remember. It’s going to be so hard to say goodbye to the people who opened up their homes to us and treated us like we were a part of the family.

Enough of the depressing thoughts of leaving ... probably one of the major things that we (by "we" I mean Corinne and Natalie) are going to miss is the friends we´ve made, especially some boys! The main reason why is because they are easier to talk to, they´re friendlier. When we walk into a room to attend class, it’s not the girls to say ¨hola¨ first, its the boys. (Only some of the girls that we have met have been totally open to getting to know us better.) They take interest in knowing about aspects in our lives. We laugh more, have more fun, and enjoy ourselves more ... also, they make us feel like royalty, telling us that we are beautiful. Here, we feel special, and in the U.S., we know that we wont get this attention.

Having the time of our lives, in Chile!!!

Ciao, Natalie and Corrine

#19

Fotos from the "El Centro" field trip

*La Moneda - the Presidental offices and site of the 1973 Military Coup.


*Statue of President Allende who was killed during the coup.


*Monument on the Hill of Santa Lucia, where the founder of Santiago first viewed the valley.



*Some of the McAuley girls after climbing to the top of Santa Lucia.



*El Correo - the post office.




*Inside the ancient church of San Francisco.




*Some of the McAuley girls, Chilean students, Ms.Dubi, and an exchange student from California at lunch.


*Leigh trying on some sunglasses!

#18

from a parent: These youngsters are indeed very resilient. My daughter has handled all sorts of changes while she has been there and been able to get beyond anything overly trying. Thanks to you for being there for them. I heard that the first power point presentation went well (we all get a case of nerves doing oral presentations -- I can't imagine doing one in a foreign language where the audience gets to ask questions!) I hear the softball demonstration was a big success too. The phone cards are working fine. Thanks for everything you are doing.

Dubi: We had a great field trip today to the Center of Santiago -- a beautiful hill from which we could see most parts of the city, the National Library that had a great exhibition about creating Dialogues of Peace in the World, areas of colonial and famous buildings of the city, and La Moneda which has an amazing history in the country, including being the site of the Military Coupe of 1973. It was facinating and emotional. It was there, in ´73, that the popularly elected Socialist President Allende was killed by the soon-to-be Military Dictator Pinochet. The dictatorship lasted about 15 years and now Chile has a strong history of democratically elected presidents. At this point the country is in the process of elections in December for the next president, and the forerunner is a woman! A few of the Chilean students came with us on the field trip and had prepared some tri-fold brochures with photos for us .. they were bilingual, written and illustrated by the students themselves. There was good interaction between all the students ... a great day to solidfy the relationships created in the exchange. (I will get more photos up as soon as I can.)

#17

** Thursday, August 11th, 2005 **

Yesterday we passed our half-way mark of our month here in Chile. At lunch yesterday a few of the girls mentioned how they don´t want to leave and 2 weeks is coming way too quickly. It´s been a very busy week with their PowerPoint presentations to the school and two field trips.

Tuesday we went to the coast to visit the home of the famous Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda - the house was amazingly creative and individualized. It is on a hill overlooking the ocean - a beautiful panoramic view. His bedroom had huge wall-sized windows overlooking the shore and he always tilted his bed diagonally in the room so that no matter how he and his wife woke up, they could see the sea. The home was filled with amazing collections, from ship-prow figureheads, bizarre insects, to African sculptures, Asian masks, seashells and a narwhal tusk. We could touch the desks he actually wrote on for a bit of creative inspiration.

Then to another costal town, Valparaiso, where the Congress is located. The countrside between was filled with vineyards everywhere. Valparaiso is built amongst hills, and every tiny bit of space seems filled with layer upon layer of colorful houses, situated precariously on the hillsides. We toured el Congreso building, but neither the Congress nor the Senate were in session. The building itself was beautiful. One aspect is a huge marble relief of the Chilean shield - it is designed to split into twelve separate parts in the case of an earthquake. That way none of it gets damaged! I would love to know the engineering mechanics of that.

Yesterday after classes, we all went to the Feria de los Dominicos. where I went last weekend. It´s a quaint artisan area behind a beautiful church. It´s not so much of a tourist trap, but more for artists and artisans to create and sell their artworks in small studios and shops that altogether resemble a small town. I would love to have a studio there myself!

Tomorrow we´re off to tour the Center of Santiago, to the famous La Moneda (combo Presidential offices and Capitol building with lots of history - especially during the Military Coup of 1973) and other aspects of the city. I HOPE it´s a nice day. Lately it HAS been very nice. Rather warm and sunny (which is great for photos). Maybe about 70 degrees. Some days the smog is worse than others, too, but we are learning to live with that.

# 16
* Monday the 8th *

Another weekend apart, so this morning at school was the talk, talk, talk syndrome. It was a bit of a trick to get the girls off to their classes. A couple were having a bit of a hard time this weekend or today, but they are overcoming all and doing well. I am soooo proud of them!

Tomorrow we´re off to a field trip in Valparaiso near the coast. If the weather stays clear and warm like today and yesterday we should have a wonderful time and get some beautiful photos.

Last Friday was a Reception for the Intercambio at one of the host families´homes. All the families of the McAuley girls and the Directors of the school (CPH/CJA) were there. It was a very nice welcome for us. The girls also had another chance to get together and share their separate experiences.

This last weekend I went to some wonderful artesan markets with "my" family. Some of the girls have gone around to awesome places, too. So, here, I´m putting up some photos.

# 15
~ Saturday ~

If you are receiving this by e-mail, PLEASE be sure to go directly to the

Blog on-line for the complete experience. More photos soon to come!

mcauleyhs.blogspot.com

Dubi:
WOW - it´s been a LOOOOOONG and busy and tiring week! By last night (Friday) I was EXHAUSTED ... so after school I took a quick nap before we were off to one of the host families´ house for a welcome party. We thought it would last from about 8 – 10pm, but we were there until nearly midnight! All the host families and the administration were there. The Administrators are the owners AND directors of the school - a wife/husband team. I tried to make the rounds at the party to mingle and chat with all the parents and supporters. Their administration wants us to expand and deepen the program... there’s lots to discuss and work out.

Thursday afternoon there was FINALLY a bit of sun for the afternoon, but then it POURED! This actually cleaned up the air quality a lot. Although there was a bit of SNOW on the school roof Friday morning, the sun came out clear and strong and it got quite warm (maybe 60s) and melted the dusting of snow quickly. It was a BEAUTIFUL afternoon!

Thursday Patty and I took off early from school (her classes were done by noon that day) and we went to the Center of Santiago. We had a typical Chilean lunch then off to the museum of fine arts to see a Rodin exhibit and the Chilean permanent collection.

After the museum, we went to a hill in the center of the city where you can go up a Funicular - which is a type of train tram for steep hills - to the top and get a great view of the city. By that time the fog was beginning to roll in so we didn’t see as much as we hoped. There’s a church and huge statue of Mary at the top. In summer there’s a zoo and a couple swimming pools for family fun. Pope Paul was there once (at the chapel) and held mass.

Friday, I helped out in a couple of English classes: grade 8, HS frosh, and Patty’s elementary special needs English class. The Frosh class I took for the whole period. They were working on a project following up watching the documentary “Super Size Me” ... the guy that lived only on McDonald’s food for a month. Some interesting ideas they gathered from it about American’s eating habits, etc. We got to discuss how it’s not indicative of ALL North Americans, however.

I have a TON of photos, but I’m having trouble getting them up onto the internet ... every computer connection I can find so far is quite slow - even though they use cable. I’m resting quite a bit today. I sat out in the sun for a little while trying to absorb what I could. I did some laundry a couple days ago, but it takes about 3 days for it to dry on the line outside! No clothes dryer. My jeans are almost ready!

This coming week is going to be even more nuts than last. Two field trips in one week (one postponed) and two days of PowerPoint presentations. The following week we have Monday and Friday off from school. Ski day is Thursday of that week. The time seems to be flying by … only 2 1/2 weeks left! I’ll get some photos up as soon as I can.

From a parent:

You all don't really seem so far away since we have the blog. It's great, especially the pictures. Hope you get all the girls to write some thoughts. I last talked with Daphne on Sunday evening. She's been having a 'very good time'. She floored me when she said she has been eating fish! Is this really my child? Hope the schooling is going well for you all. Thanks for everything.chao-Elaine


Marissa:
The biggest difference I notice between the Colegio Juanita de los Andes and McAuley High School is the classroom environment. There is little control over the students; an obviously stark contrast to McAuley classes as a whole. The students (as everyone of us from McAuley has noted) have zero respect for the teachers, and as a result, the classes are always screaming battles between the teachers and the students. Truthfully, I don't know how the teachers can even stand teaching in that kind of environment. Naturally, there are some exceptions, as some teachers have some control over there classes. I do want to make it clear that I like CJA, however, coming from McAuley, where there is respect for the teachers (with a few exceptions), makes me realize that I would need the type of environment that McAuley offers, in order to learn.

# 14

~ Thursday ~

Lo que pasa en Chile, se queda en Chile

Daphne:
So yesterday, Leo, Nat, Corinne, Marissa and I reeeaaalllly wanted to go shopping. We knew how to get HOME from the mall, but we couldn't figure out how to GET there. So after alot of debating and compromising, we all decided to call a taxi or two to get to the mall. DON'T WORRY MOM AND DAD!!! DUBI CAME WITH US! We went to a big mall in Santiago that virtually had nothing too too interesting. But we scrounged and got some good things. I got a tank top and polo shirt that I really like from Zara, a store we don't have in Maine. From two other stores I got a blue shirt that ties in the front and a white zip up with the colors of the Irish flag. It fits me pretty well, seeing as I'm Irish...and I look albino compared to most of the people here in Chile because I'm so light.
Right now we're sitting in the computer lab working on our powerpoints...Well, not me, I'm writing this, but I'm about to go do that sooo...Hopefully we go out more soon.

Wednesday:
I cant believe weve been in Chile for an entire week! The time has gone by sooo fast. From right when we got here to mid Sunday, I stayed with Francisco Walkers family. We went to...Cachugua? A little town about 2 hours from Santiago right on the Pacific Ocean. It was wicked fun and I'm really glad I got to stay with the Walkers. They made me feel at home and always made me laugh.
For the past few days I've been at Anto Mendias house. Her family is very easy to get along with, and they're also very welcoming. I have to go now, but there'll be MANY more memories to come, and alot that I actually didn't have time to mention. Haha.

#13

Tuesday

Leo: Ok so it is tuesday, i got up at 7 and the first thing i thought of was - i am going to have to do this 5 days after i get home to maine for my school lol. I arrived at school and went to the english department and met all the other exchange students. Around 8ish, we went to a huge room and the whole high school was there waiting to meet us. We got introduced and they gave us ties and pins to feel more like one of them in their school. They were all very welcoming. After that, all of us went back to the english department and took many picture. Hopefully all of you back home will see them. Well i am going to go because we are discussing field trips while we are here....I hope you all are having a great WARM summer in Maine lol. See you in school. Peace 1
Hasta Luego
::Leo::

LEIGH:
Chileans think it´s pretty funny when we say the word, ¨Brownie.¨ Some of the students laugh at the most random things... I´ve gotten corrected a few times for calling myself an ¨American,¨ because in South America, people considered themselves Americans, too, and like to call us ¨gringas,¨ ¨norteamericanas,¨ or ¨estadounidences.¨

Florencia´s mom is now my official ¨profesora,¨ so she corrects me if I mess up a verb or use the wrong word, etc... People are more relaxed about PDA´s here. (They don´t shake hands in Chile; they give each other light little kisses, besitos.) I went to a juntas, which is a
little party without dancing, just so people can catch up with each other. I met some of Florencia´s friends in and outside of the school, and was even able to help them out with their English work, which was kind of cool.

#12

** Colegio Juanita de los Andes **

Monday
DUBI: We´re in class at school today. Everyone up early and out. It was GREAT to see all the girls - ALL of us were excited to see each other and share all our experiences so far. We sat in the teacher´s room of the English Department talking a million miles a minute! It was great! We spent a couple periods together and then they were taken off to class with their ´sisters´. Three of them are in one classroom and we will probably split them up with other people starting tomorrow so they are all independent and can really focus on their acquisition of Spanish. (this is not a photo of the school, this is a specially designed home in the mountains - I don´t have photos of the school yet .. soon)

I´ve been pretty cool off and on - have resorted to wearing my goose-down jacket. But I´m not alone. The school here is beautiful - amazing. All sorts of little separate areas, like houses but not ... with a central plaza. And it´s at the foot of the mountains. Just beautiful. Up a bit so we´re not in the smog constantly. We´re having a great experience.

Last weekend notes:

DUBI:
This (Saturday) a.m. Micky (father) and I went to the market - they call it a fair, because it´s like a farmer´s market that moves from one locale to another. All fresh fruit and veggies. It was great. I took some good photos there (although the smog interferes with everything light wise) Luckily they´re digital photos and I can enhance them later.

The people here are very friendly .. and I get lots of comments and stuff ... just cuz I´m different looking mostly. My spanish is getting more fluent every day. about half the time I don´t have to think when I´m talking. The Chileans drop the ends of words off when they speak alot. The Ecuadorians say EVERY letter, much more clear and enunciated ... but here I can make mistakes and make them kinda disappear by mumbling at the end a bit (like they do).

Yesterday late Patty, Micky and I went to the Central Park- Parque O`Higgins. There´s lots of little shops and restauraunts near the entrance ... one restaurant had shut down for some reason and there were about 8 people beside it with a big sign ``hunger strike´´because of being out of work. There were some small museums there ... well, they call them museums. One with insects, another fish, etc. I got some good photos there too .. especially gigantic insects to show my daughter ´(she´s a bit squeemish). In the park part there was a nice pond with little bridges and beautiful different types of trees. Most of them have no leaves right now, but there´s one, the alamo, that has beautiful bark.

One of the main things here is that everything EVERYTHING is covered with a fine grey dust. You can wash the car one day and within 2 days it´s dirty again. It´s from the smog. It sneaks into the house and everywhere. Every time I come home I wash my hands and you wouldn´t believe how much soot comes off!

There are stray dogs everywhere too. They, like everything else, are covered with the soot. Everything looks dingy all the time. Plus, knowing that I´m breathing it in ... The water is very good and I can drink it. The subway is very new AND very clean. One of the places in the city that is so. Spotless practically. And no trash. On the sides of the streets it´s almost like the 60s all over -- litter EVERYWHERE. These are things that bit by bit they are trying to change. Construction - everywhere you run into construction. New houses, apartment buildings, roads and more roads. A good thing for the future, but also annoying for now.

#11

-- sabado --

Third day in Santiago de Chile. I couldn´t access the computer yesterday, so here I´m going to put some snippets of thoughts from some of the group.

Thursday:

DUBI: We arrived about 7:30 this morning. It took a litle while to get through custom but not bad at all, really. The flight was long and most of us got little to no sleep. Once I arrived at Patty´s house, I had some tea and toast and went to bed for a nap. I´m feeling the after blahs now, but tomorrow should be much better. Just had a great supper - typical South American chicken soup with veggies, potatoe and cilantro. A small cup of vino tinto (red wine) and so far that´s it. Everyone here is on school vacation. Both Patty and Mickey are teachers. So we´re all just lounging around. Just what I need today. I already have invitations to take off with others later.

At the airport, the girls disappeared quickly after we got thru customs and took some pictures from the ´welcoming committee´. One dad was taking video .. and the girls felt like the paparazzi was after them! It´s still hard to believe I´m here in Chile.

Natalie: My family is trying so hard to make me feel welcome. I´m learning Spanish like crazy, plus having three younger siblings that know little words helps!! I´m going to the cinema and the pool today and i think that tomorrow we´re going to head to Vina.

Marissa: Wow. Is anything the same here? I´m having some issues adjusting...though my family is very kind. It´s almost impossible for me to understand them, well when they talk to each other. I have to have Consuelo translate to me from her parents too. But, it´s good. We went to a concert last night at the University in town. And I think we are going to their apartment at the beach this weekend. It will be nice to start school and see people I know! (The culture shock is extreme here, for me. Last night, at the concert, I was literally the only person out of maybe 60 people with blonde hair. And the many construction workers look at me funny and say things to each other, which I can´t really understand. ) Wow...it´s difficult right now, but it will get better, I´m sure of it.

Corinne: heyyyyyyyyy i know it all happened so fast! OMG!!! i love cecis family they are soo nice!!! i just got back from hanging out with ceci and 16 of her friends. they were having a party because some of them are going to rome to meet the pope. they talk sooooooooo fast i could only pick out a word here and there but then again their dropping letters and using slang i dont know didnt help my understanding either hahaha. they were all really nice though and i talked with some of them and they have realy good english some better than others but still wayyy better than my spanish at least it seems that way not that i was joining in on the conversations. the ones i talked to wanted to know how things were different here than in the US, and they wanted to know about the social life and my life they were surprised at how different they were. surprisingly they all though i was older than 16, no idea why, and they all assured me after i told them i havent had a boyfriend nor do i have one that the chilean boy will in their words "look at me" hahaha. i cant beleive its 830 and im getting ready to eat dinner . . this is soooo wierd but in a good way. feel free to put some of this in the blog if you want (you might wanna edit it a lil bit tho hehe :-P). just thought id let you know how things are going. talk to you later and if not see you monday in school ahhhhh!!! by the way this gives a whole new meaning to sumer school lol. caio!!!!!!

Friday:
DUBI: Friday
Went off to the mountains to the south today '' where there´s some snow on the peaks. It´s kinda like the Kangamangus highway winding around the mountains with the river below - that color of water that comes from the melting snows in the spring. Took some cool photos.

The air here is very very hazy from humidity and smog (especially in the city) so my photos will look bland until I get to adjust them digitally. I´m going to try to put some up later today .. The family here is wonderful. They are very loving and very close. The 12 & 14 year old boys still hug and kiss both their parents. Very affectionante.

#10

* SANTIAGO de CHILE *

We arrived about 7:30 this morning. It took a litle while to get through custom but not bad at all, really. The flight was long and most of us got little to no sleep. Once I arrived at ´home´, I had some tea and toast and went to bed for a nap. I´m feeling the after blahs now, but tomorrow should be much better. I´m sure the girls are the same.

At the airport, the girls disappeared quickly after we got thru customs and took some pictures from the ´welcoming committee´. One dad was taking video .. and the girls felt like the paparazzi was after them! Anyway, they disappeared quickly so the 10 minute before talk about ´nerves´must have vanished in all the attention. Flowers, welcoming signs, pictures, excitement, a great feeling of welcome here. No one cast long last glances as they took off with their families ... I´ve sent out an email already, and told them to call me anytime they need.

Just had a great supper - typical South American chicken soup with veggies, potatoes, and cilantro. A small cup of vino tinto (red wine) and so far that´s it. The boys of my family are very entertaining - the conversation at the table never faltered. I´m still getting used to the speed and the accent that is different from Ecuador´s. I wish I could see how the girls are doing.

Everyone here is on school vacation. So we´re all just relaxing. Just what I need today. I already have invitations to take off with other teachers and families later this week. We´re in school classes on Monday. I´ll see ALL the girls for sure then. Still ... seems like a long way from now. (Wed)


It´s still hard to believe we´re here in Chile!

I´m off for now ' just wanted to d rop a note. If the punctuation comes out weird, it´s because it´s in different places on this keyboard ... there´s no double quote marks either, since Spanish uses the <> for quotes.

¨¨ Dubi

#9
~ gone! ~

This is the last entry before we're off and flying. It's been a hectic day ... the final prep stuff took more time than I expected, but now I'm off to the airport. I know that once we are all together things will be better. All the preparation behind us and just adventure before.

Look for our next entry from Santiago de Chile!

besitos a todos

~Dubita

#8

~ thoughts ~

Um, well, it's very busy. Still a little bit of last-minute packing to do. I'll be eating at Susan's Fish and Chips for the last time in a whole month. Oh, yes. And my family. I suppose I'll miss them, too. I'm trying to remember all the people I want to send postcards to and bring back souveneirs (spelling?) for. The Venegas family is just great. I'm not nervous at all, which means I'm either very, very level-headed or in complete denial. I don't think I quite realize I'm going to South America yet. I guess I haven't really completely realized how far away that is. But it's not really the physical distance, I guess. I think it's the fact that it's so different from anything I've ever done before. I wonder if anyone is cutting it as close as I am with the packing...

Leigh : )

#7

~ thoughts ~

Nervous, would be the best word to discribe my feelings. I'm nervous about spending four weeks in a country that I've never been to, and of spending four weeks away from my family and friends. Traveling doesn't make me so nervous but I'm traveling with these girls that I'm still getting to know.

And, the biggest thing that I'm the MOST nervous about is communication. I think that I'm the worst off out of all the girls because I've only learned French untill now. I know in my mind, that my host family will help me, and that they speak English, but it's still a large worry to me.

Overall, I am excited to go and learn about the Chilean culture and life, but at the same time, I AM SO NERVOUS!!!

~Natalie

#6

~ thoughts ~

At the moment, the nervousness has taken over whatever excitement was there. I realize that I am going somewhere that I really know nothing about and staying with people I really don't know. The language is the factor too. I think I'll experience some initial panic when we're there because I have always relied on my ability to communicate clearly, but that was in English, not Spanish. But I also feel that there will be that moment where everything will "click," and I'll realize that I am understanding what is being said to me. I'm just waiting to get done with the running around for things, to finish the packing, to go through the security checks, and finally get on the plane.

~ Marissa

#5

~ 5 days left ~

Lots of busy happenings lately ... finalizing our Power Point presentations, hoping that they will be interesting to the Chilean students, so working on making them interactive. Checking packing lists, checking with each other, trying to be sure that everyone is set. Tomorrow, Friday July 22, we'll be meeting for the last time at McAuley to try to finish things up. We probably won't see each other's faces again until Tuesday at the airport.

Personally, as the teacher/chaperone, I've been very pleased and proud of the girls: their efforts, attitudes, and courage. Yes, it takes courage to go traveling to a foreign country, away from your family, where things are SO different, and at such young ages. I'm proud of the parents, too, because it's not easy to let your young daughter fly off to a strange city, as far south of the equator as Maine is north. Thankfully we're going to people we already know and with people we know, all together!

I believe the time will fly by and at the end of the 4 weeks the girls will be surprised that it's over "already", reluctant in some ways to leave their new "life" in Santiago, yet excited about coming home to share all their amazing experiences with their families, friends, and classmates at McAuley.

I think about how each one of them is like a seed that will grow up and out, influencing each other life that they touch. When I was at the State House and Museum in Augusta last week, I stopped by the Samantha Smith statue, and pondered her short life and amazing influence on the world today. Each one of the McAuley girls going to Chile this summer -- Marissa, Corinne, Leonora, Daphne, Natalie, and Leigh -- will also have the opportunity in their lives to bring change to the world.

"One child can play a powerful part in bringing peace to the world."

I'm excited!

I'm blessed.

~Terrilynn (Señora Dubreuil)

#4
~ ONE WEEK to GO ! ~

We spent the end of last week getting all our papers notarized. After the parents had signed off permission for me to take legal charge of the girls in and out of the countries, I had to do some major running around. Early Thursday I took off North to Augusta to get the Secretary of State's signature and seal on the permission forms (8:30 a.m. there).

Then turned back South and drove to Boston. I arrived in Medford, MA, (just Northwest of BeanTown, where my Ecuadorian "sister" lives) about 12:30. I listed to Jazz going North, and the full Phantom of the Opera Soundtrack going South. The traffic was not bad.

I took a quick break in Medford, dropped off my over-night stuff, then headed out to the Chilean Embassy in Brighton (West of Boston, just South off I90). My MapQuest and GoogleMap didn't totally agree, so I wandered a bit and finally called the Consulate. He redirected me and I got there quickly. [I'd been better off going down Beacon Street! - I was at least familiar with that area! ~ah, well]

The Consulate is in a nice little neighborhood, with a tiny round-a-bout just out front. The island itself is about 4 feet in diameter with a tree in the center and some boulders around it. I asked two people having a chat on the sidewalk stone wall where the Chilean Embassy was, and they pointed at a house beside them. I parked in the half-round driveway (big enough for about 2 cars) and walked past the Chilean flag flying outside the door and went inside. I entered a room that was more like a finished basement with a small washer/dryer set-up and a coat rack. I was called from a back room to "come on in" - went through a short corridor and into a small office what was the other side of the finished basement.

One desk, shared by two brothers, who looked to be twins, although I never got the chance to ask. A computer on one side, which Philip was busily using, and a programable typewriter on the other, into which Paul would enter information that would be auto-typed onto forms. They were intently finishing up some official paperwork for someone while I sat and waited. Most of the furniture in the 10 x 14 room was antique. On the wall was a variety of U.S. and Chilean artifacts. Paul's Consul Certification and some other various Naval declarations about him, both in English and Spanish. There were bronze vultures around the room in various sizes (which made me wonder if the national bird of Chile is the vulture, as it is in Ecuador, but again, I never got the chance to ask). The office was tiny and cozy ... and definitely cooler than the humid July air outdoors.

The official talk was mixed with some interesting banter tossed around. Both were Harvard graduates and quick witted. Chats on the phone were mixed: the Embassy in New York City and some close acquaintances. Philip at one point told Paul: "Your stuff is on my desk." I noted that there was only ONE desk ... and chuckled to myself. They sent me off to BankAmerica for a deposit (in the Consulate's account). Philip walked me out to the curb to give directions. We ran into a neighbor and they proceded to recount the previous evening's 3 a.m. excitement of Fire Trucks in the neighborhood, because someone across the street on the 3rd floor rear apartment had forgotten to extinguish their charcoal grill out on the balcony before going to bed. It caused some very early morning commotion.

I did my assigned chore quickly and returned ... Paul, the Consul, had finished all the fine details and personal writings to each and every document for the girls. Stamped, sealed, signed, and checked. When I asked about next year, whether to do the process in person or by mail, he strongly indicated that "in person" was definitely the way to go. Actually, I would really enjoy going back to them again. It was interesting.

I wanted to take a photo of the two, but, again, things were done quickly, efficiently, yet casually. I was in my car waving good-bye before I realized Philip was just coming back up the street from somewhere ... I hesitated on the photo, wondering if it would be awkward for them ... I kept getting befuddled between their "official" personna and their casual. Next year I'll just plain ASK.

I returned to Monse's home (remember? my Ecuadorian sister, in Medford - "our" mother Elena is visitng from Guayaquil for the summer) ... and spent the next day or two with them. It has given me a good jump on my convo español for the trip. They are my second family, but we spent about 10 years deeply separated, due to a separate reason, and just last summer have we begun to re-establish our close relationship. I'm blessed.

[For McAuley people: is it just my imagination that Elena reminds me of Sister Francis Clare? .. bad photo of us all.. ah, well]

Tomorrow I'm at McAuley with some of the girls to work on their PowerPoint presentations. I'm trying to tie up all the lose ends ... because I know there's ALWAYS something that will surprise one, once everything seems set! ¡Esté lista!

~ Dubi

#3

~ two-week countdown ~

The next two days will be nuts! We'll be (some of us) all day at McAuley: 9 a.m. - 11 for conversation practice (en español, por supuesto), then working on our PowerPoint presentations for Santiago (those that haven't been working on them!), probably a pizza dinner and the 7 p.m. meeting with the Notary Public to get the parental permission forms done. That is so I, as chaperone, can take the girls in and out of the countries.

I also have meetings with Sister Edward Mary and Sister Francis Clare to interview two candidates for the other Spanish teaching position at McAuley! I'm praying that it will be someone who is a perfect fit for us! (That's a hint that you, too, can help pray!)

Early Thursday I will be out of here with all the passports, permission slips, and other required items, to drive to Augusta by 8:30 a.m. There the Secretary of State's office will research and verify the various Notaries we have used. As soon as that is completed, I am off to Boston for an appointment with the Consulate of Chile, so HE can also verify and approve each set of official documentation for each student! Whew! I wish we had had all the lpassports a few weeks ago so that this wouldn't be a rush now. If anything hits a snag ... (again ... prayer will help avoid this!) Anyone who misses any aspect of this will have to complete it all on their own before we leave on July 26th. I'm so trying to help and make it easiest and clearest for all concerned.

Once I am sure that that whole aspect is under control and completed, I'm heading to the house of my Ecuadorian "sister" Monse in Medford (Boston suburb) to visit with her family and "our Mamita" Elena, who is up visiting from Guayaquil for the summer. This was the family I lived with 25 and 32 years ago. Their second daughter, my "sister" Patty, lived the year before that with my family as an AFS student in Gorham, Maine. (1972) [AFS = American Field Service] This is the relationship that started my whole intercambio experience. It is a life-chaning opportunity that I KNOW these McAuley girls will begin to experience now in Santiago, Chile.

Here's photos of me; and my Ecuadorian Papi (Ricardo) and me BAILANDO. Yeah, this is a while ago ... 1979. My second time living in Guayaquil.

It was from there that my friend Anny and I went to Perú and traveled that beautiful country. Ah, the tales and stores, the sites and sounds, that we could tell you from there ...

~ Dubita

#2

~ continue preparation of the Blog ~

Been working on the Blog site today - trying to figure out how people learn about it and access it. Someone please e-mail me or post a response to this when you get it so I KNOW that it is working.

I got the appointment today with the Chilean Consulate in Boston - for next Thursday at 11a.m. We'll have our Wednesday night meeting with the Notary, then I'm off the next day to BeanTown to be "approved".
I also realized today that I cannot find all the photos of the girls ... they are SOMEWHERE on a CD, but between home and school ... (?) Ah well. Either they will show up OR I will have to re-request photos ... [sorry, girls. As if you don't have enough to do.]

Today is finally a gorgeous summer day in Maine! Last week I'd come on line, compare the weather here in Maine (ie: summer) to that of Santiago (ie: winter) and basically they were the same! I told the LadyLions at our last meeting: "well, we're going into weather basically like this, maybe 5-8 degrees colder". But today is beautiful, and what I said no longer pertains. It will be nice to get a FEW days of summer in this year!

Thinking about the Cheverus HS group and that they only have this one last week in Santiago. Next week we plan to have a get-together to share experiences and thoughts and suggestions. Also, I'm hoping the LadyLions are doing well on their PowerPoint presentations. Working to make them interesting and interactive.

Signing off for now. Interested in responses!
Thanks

~Dubi

#1

~ kick-off entry ~

McAuley HS of Portland, Maine

starting a great academic exchange program!

Last March,2005, yes during that wildly snowy and cold month, we had 4 Chilean students and a teacher from Colegio Juanita de los Andes of Santiago, stay with our families and at our school for the month. It was an amazing time and now they are returning the favor to us! Six students and one teacher from McAuley HS are going to spend the month of August 2005 in Santiago ... going to classes, becoming acquainted with the people and their country, and expanding the world just a little bit more. We hope and pray that this is just the beginning of many such "intercambios".

This blog has been initiated in order to keep the McAuley community and supporters aware of, and encouraged by, the experiences of this small band of explorers. Please check back often to see our latest exploits and follow the link to our photo page! (see link below) Our red and blue here is a tribute to BOTH countries' flags: USA (EEUU) and Chile !

Just over two weeks before we take off for our month in Santiago, Chile!

We've been meeting a couple times a week for "conversation" practice, but really I think it's for mutual support and encouragement! Excitement is running rampant, but there's definitely some nervousness mixed in. There's still alot to get accomplished before we go. The group from Cheverus HS will be back after next week, and we'll get together in order to get some fresh insight about what to do to prepare... and what to expect when we arrive! We're also preparing a number of PowerPoints that will share our Maine heritage and highlights with the students at CJA.

Our group:

Marissa, our steady and solid anchor, the most knowledgable del español
Corinne, our "overseer", teaser and lookout, keeps us laughing!
Leonora, our lioness! (actually born just outside Santiago, adopted at 6 months - wow)

Leigh, our hispanohablante - keep an eye on this one! (literally!)

Natalie, our energetic Quixote, bravely venturing into el mundo español, ready to conquer the windmills, having studied only French before now

Daphne, a later addition, but psyched to go! keeping us grounded in reality

and Sra.Dubi .. our intreped leader! ...

"are you taking all those girls alone?!"
"OF COURSE! They're the best of the BEST... LAS MEJORES!!"


Our intent is to take turns posting entries on this blog so all at home or those interested can follow our ADVENTURE! We will have internet and e-mail access in Chile. We will also post photos on this blog AND on Webshots.com:

http://community.webshots.com/user/mcauleyhs check: NEWEST

~Dubita