Un Techo Para Chile

Of the 3 volunteer programs, I think Un Techo Para Chile will be my favorite. From what I've gathered in the meeting, I'll doing something involving education with younger kids in the acampamentos on the outskirts of Valdivia. It is a completely different environment that I probably never would have known existed had I not done this program. The houses and buildings that make up the community are essentially one-room wooden boxes that I will eventually help build. I just had my first real orientation today, so I don't really know how things will go, but I have a good feeling about it. The other volunteers are college students, so it will be a great way to meet some people my age who like to help out. I was a little nervous about coming because it seems like everyone speaks Spanish really fast and it intimidates me a little. It was drawn to my attention that I was one of the few gringos that go to that part of town when a kid referred to me as the ugliest volunteer. Yeah, kind of jarring, but I think it stems from the fact that I just looked really different than what he was used to. Being in Chile has constantly put me in a position where I stand out, for better or for worse. Either way, I'd like to think it's been a healthy challenge that I never have had to deal with before. I'm proud of myself for seeking out all the info I needed to join, and try not to worry about not understanding everything that's going on. Last night I went to a get together held by some of the Un Techo Para Chile folks because Tania, a Chilean peer advisor for my exchange program, has participated in the Un Techo for 4 years. It was a big help to get to know more people who have been doing it for a while, and made me less nervous for my orientation today. The guys were pretty funny and spent a bit of time teaching me a colorful collection of Spanish words that I ideally would never hear or say myself : ) I forgot the majority of them anyway, there were so many...

I also have gotten to know a really nice girl who is new to Un Techo Para Chile like me. I can ask her what's going on if I'm confused, and it'll be great to see her on a regular basis. I always have a lot of respect for people like her and my peer advisor Tania who seem to enjoy spending time with me even though that have to repeat themselves a bit and explain new words to me. I've discovered that a sense of humor can get me a long way when it comes to dealing with the limits of my Spanish as well as keeping other Chileans entertained!