¿Catchai?

It has been almost a whole week here in Chile! Seems that every day is a new adventure here. The trip began with a ten hour flight out of Dallas to the capital city, Santiago. The city is.. como se dice.. amazing. The city of over six million people is situated in the shadow of the Andes mountains, and each morning we had a stunning view of the sunrise over the already bustling megalopolis that is Santiago. After spending three days seeing the sights of the city, getting to know my ISA compañeros and adjusting to the culture and language. The sightseeing and tourist-y feel of the first few days served as a trial period for the next few months, but we were told the immersion begins in Valparaíso.

Santiago from Cerro San Cristóbal

Sunday, we arrived in Valparaíso, our home for the next few months. Walking into Católica (the university) to meet my host family was the most nervous I have been in a while. My life for the next few months depends, at least in part, on the hospitality of these people I have never met! Pero no te preocupes, the members of the Clobares/ Burgos family have been a huge blessing for me. They are some of the most welcoming and accommodating people that I have met, and I already feel a part of the family. Our home is situated on Cerro Larrain, only a ten minute walk from the university. The first night, the whole family took me on the roof of the house, and we began to talk for hours about, well everything. From the roof you can see all parts of Valparaíso, and there David shared with me stories of his work and childhood in Valpo. Here in Chile, it's customary to greet members of one's family with a big hug, and a kiss on the cheek. It seems strange, but to me it is a sign of inclusion into the family. Two days in and I have already met my oldest brother and his seven month old daughter, Sofia, as well as mi abuelita, or grandmother, and each welcomes me with the same warm embrace.

View of Valpo from the roof

The food is fantastic and the city is more beautiful than I had even imagined. Valparaíso is a city rich with art, culture and influence from all parts of the world. The city is separated by Cerros (hills) that divide the city into neighborhoods, each with a unique view of the ocean. Underneath the hills is the city plan, which seems alive with memories and influence of the golden age of Valparaíso. Before the construction of the Panama Canal, Valpo was a coastal center of the southern hemisphere, but even today one sees its magnificence in the details of the stonework of the buildings. Thank goodness I have two months to explore the city and its nearby neighbor, Viña del Mar.

¿Catchai? (catch-eye)- a verb meaning "to catch." One says this in conversation meaning "you got it/ you understand?"

I chose this word because of the whirlwind that learning Spanish has been the past few days. Poco a poco, I am learning and becoming accustomed to the speed and nuances of Chilean spanish. Honestly, it has been quite a humbling experience. Being immersed in that language takes so much more energy than I had imagined, but honestly I wouldn't have it any other way. Every moment of the day is an opportunity to learn, engage, and challenge myself. Each conversation is new and interesting; every newspaper and advertisement a chance to "catch" a new word. I suppose it is something that we undervalue in the US, the ability to communicate. It is incredible to learn a new language because it allows communication with a vast group of new people with a different world view from yours. It is something I hope to continue learning and valuing for the rest of my life. Even so, being in such an unfamiliar place is reinforcing to me the words of Proverbios 3:5-6-

"Confía en el Señor de todo corazón, y no en tu propia inteligencia. Reconócelo en todos tus caminos, y él allanará tus sendas."

Somethings I am looking forward to: The start of classes, La Copa Mundial, and traveling through Chile.

Mis amigos de ISA

¡Nos vemos pronto!