Days

I barely even remember what's happened this past week... Apparently nothing too mind blowing (like sea lions).  Aside from Flo's official birthday party on Saturday, not much has happened outside of everyday life. Which includes (but is not limited to):

• Classes
• Sleeping
• Eating
• Finding new cafes
• Trying to find something to do that doesn't cost money

That last point hasn't really brought about any significant results.  I'm really trying to cut down on small expenditures to save up so I can travel throughout the semester, but it's hard when the only opportunities to socialize typically involve buying coffee or food.  Nonetheless, we've branched out a little bit.  Vicky and I went for a walk along the beach one day, where any number of little stands selling trinkets and snacks line the boardwalk.  We found a cute little cafe overlooking the shore that we hope to hit up someday.  I've also spent a couple evenings at Marie's house.  It's been great to bond with her host family, too - Judith and her two daughters Vaihere and Marreva (sp?) have taken to me and I love practicing Spanish with them.  They spent a number of years in Tahiti and have only been back in Chile for two years, so they have some cool stories and cultural tidbits to share.  

This week I've also been able to connect more with some Chileans.  On Sunday we went to the church that held that college-age service on Fridays, Iglesia Unión Cristiana, and I met a couple people there who are involved in the exchange student outreach.  Wednesday was a feriado, or holiday, so I left REALLY early in the morning to help a friend pick up her boyfriend who would be arriving in Santiago at 8 a.m.  On the bus ride back, I sat next to (1) a girl who had recently moved back to Chile from Mexico and (2) an older woman who spent the entire hour and a half ride telling me her life story.  This woman, Zoiea (I think that's her name; her handwriting is pretty hard to read), has had it super rough and was going back to a tough situation in Viña.  She said that she had been mulling over all of her troubles before I sat next to her, but felt way more at peace after talking to me and (as a devout Catholic) she was positive that God sent me her way to ease her mind.  I was so blessed to be used that way.  We exchanged numbers, so we'll see if anything comes of it.  Also, today I was able to talk a little with a couple Chileans from one of my classes.  I sat next to one of them on the bus, and the conversation immediately took a philosophical turn when I told him that I'm studying theology in the States.  It was a good discussion, I think.  Then tonight I got a ride back from class with Marie and one of her Chilean buddies.  She was pretty cool to talk to, and she told us to send her any essays that we have to write in Spanish to revise.  

It's been good to practice my Spanish more, too.  Judith told me almost immediately after we met that I talk "like a Latina."  Alice said that I've started speaking more fluidly since I got here, though I still have an accent.  Hoping to kick that by the end of everything...