quick update

It's really amazing how much has happened in the past few weeks.  So much has changed.  Our time in Chile as volunteers is quickly winding to a close, and I have a lot to reflect on.

However, all i have time for here is a quick update.

The new HM volunteers got to Chile at the beginning of September. After spending a couple of weeks at each of the 3 possible sites, they elected to stay in Santiago.  I'm glad they had a choice of where to stay, and were able to find something that feels like a good fit for both of them.  However, that decision has been difficult for us (although I guess more on a selfish level).  We're so starved for social interaction with people our own age, and we were looking forward to having 2 new compañeras.  Also, it's been hard for it to sink in that we're actually leaving, since we don't have "replacements."  There isn't a sense of continuity, and my heart breaks a little bit to think that some of the ministries we've been involved in won't continue.  The abuelitos really seem to depend on our weekly visit, and the pre-teen girls are disappointed that there probably won't be a class for them next year.  BUt, that's the nature of the program.

Another big change is that I am in the process of moving out of my house.  After several big problems with my host family, I've decided to move in with a different family for the remainder of my time in Chillán.  This has been extremely difficult and stressful, and it not the way I was expecting or hoping to end my time here (obviously).  However, one thing being in Chile has taught me is that you really have to be flexible and you also have to know and stand up for what you need.