Chao Chiloe!

I tried! The social work job never worked out.

At the end of the 3rd week, Dr. Jaime´s boss requested that I write an official letter to request permission to work there. Uhh, shouldn´t the organization that sent me here already have done this? At that point it became clear that ELI really did not fulfill anything they promised me and I would not be able to really accomplish anything within my last week. After many correspondences with ELI, they have agreed to give me a refund! I cannot believe that I am saying this but I think that going through Senior Project my last year in high school really helped. Effective communication among other things that Senior Project tries to teach were key in this negotiation. It is still extremely difficult for me to stand up for myself at times but I had to be realistic that the collapse of this placement was not my fault.

It was a huge disappointment and left me in an uncomfortable position having to tell my host family that I would be ending my time there early. It was a huge relief when they were so happy that I had gotten the refund and they invited me to stay with them until originally planned even though I would not be working. I had tons of things still planned that I wanted to get follow through on so I took them up on their offer.

My last 2 weeks were full of lots of time in the house enjoying the family & friends and 2 terrific camping trips. I went to an asado with a traditional Chilean barbeque for my host uncle`s birthday. I took my little sister on her first group date which was cute! I also have tons of little stories about the kids which are balls of energy themselves. Probably one of the funniest is when the moms and I went out for a night on the town, Emilio stole and ate about 5 pieces of the blackberry pie that we had made that day. We came back to the house that morning at the height of the incident. Emilio had just puked the bright purple pie all over the bedroom floor, white sheets & comforter, and covered his twin sister who was sleeping next to him. The babysitter was more than frazzled!

I feel like I made the most of my time there. Although the placement didn`t work, I was still able to live with an incredible family and got to know some really impressive people. Chiloe is distinct from the rest of Chiloe not only environmentally, but also through the mystic sea culture and note-worthy slow pace of life. To be able to get a general understanding of this unique location was a special experience in and of itself!

One con. My breakfasts and dinners normally consisted of pan, butter or marmelade, and tea with sugar or hot chocolate. With all the rain and time waiting for a chance to go to a meeting etc., it was not possible to be my active self. Let`s just say I definitely put on some pounds in the last month. Hopefully I can get back in shape during my next placement. Bring on the fruits and veggies!!!