I'm home for my second summer of the year, though the one in Chile was much sunnier and hotter, all around more summer...ier if you will, but being back in America is great. There are so many things that we take for granted because we don't know a life without them. The simpler the item the easier it is to take for granted and the quicker we realize their absence. Things like free water at restaurants, free refills, free toilet paper and bathrooms, clean air, and a shared language are all examples of things I took for granted that were not a given while I was in South America. On the other hand, there are also things that I miss from the South American lifestyle that I think we may be missing out on such as more walking, fresher foods, and closer family lives.
I'll try to answer some of the common questions I've been asked:
1. What was your favorite part? Well, I loved the food. It was fresh and different even though a lot of the ingredients were the same. I also loved having my room next to the kitchen because I could smell the food cooking. The fresh bread was amazing! My other favorite things were my host family even though the language barrier was a challenge and the mini adventures we had where I got to do things I never imagined I would get to do (such as horseback riding in the Andes Mountains while we were in Mendoza, Argentina for one thing and Machu Picchu for another.)
2. What was your least favorite part? It's not the earthquake as you might think, but what happened after the earthquake. While Chile tried to recover and prevent further damage, our class tried to get back to normal and went back to school the Monday after the earthquake almost as if nothing had happened. This was frustrating for me personally, and I wish we would have done more in the harder hit regions of the country. Though to be fair we did have a lot of work to cover in a condensed amount of time. I also wish I had improved even more on my Spanish while I was down there.
3. Would you do it over again? If there were some significant changes to the program yes, but I think I would definitely study abroad again if I could, but I might do it through a different program. This question kind of goes along with "Are you glad you did it?" It's hard to say. I think I learned a lot through this adventure, but, again, I wish I could have changed some things about the program. I also believe that there is a reason for everything and that God will use the time I spent in South America for his good.
So for all of the people thinking about studying abroad I say do it. Do something outside your comfort zone, try something new, and see the world from a different point of view.
Are there any questions I missed? Please don't hesitate to ask. And thank you to everyone who read my blog, I just wish I could have kept it a little more up to date! Until next time!
-Elyse
PS: Thank you for all of your prayers for Chile and for our team.
PPS: No, Chilean food is not the same as Mexican food. :)
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Off to Peru then Home!
Our time here is just about up. It's been an amazing adventure (and I'm sorry not to have updated you all about it regularly enough). Ecclesiastes 3 talks about there being a time for everything under the sun--"a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,"
We've definitely had some hard times being in a new environment and culture, but it's also been fun and full of laughter. (I think it's safe to say that there's been enough dancing too.) Likewise, there is a time to come and a time to leave. God has kept us all safe here and blessed us all with great home-stay families. I know I am going to miss them probably most of all.
I will try to update this even more about the rest of adventures when I get back home. =)
a time to mourn and a time to dance,"
We've definitely had some hard times being in a new environment and culture, but it's also been fun and full of laughter. (I think it's safe to say that there's been enough dancing too.) Likewise, there is a time to come and a time to leave. God has kept us all safe here and blessed us all with great home-stay families. I know I am going to miss them probably most of all.
I will try to update this even more about the rest of adventures when I get back home. =)
Friday, March 19, 2010
Argentina, the Andes, and a New Job!
Sounds like a pretty cool week, right? Well I guess it's time I write about it then. We've had a lot of homework lately which is still a struggle, and I really wish we had a spring break to relax. Ok ok, I bet you're wondering why I have anything to complain about, right? I spent four days in Mendoza, Argentina not to mention three months abroad in Chile. However, would you consider it a restful break after long bus rides and staying in a hostel in a room across from your whole class? And your teacher? Naaah... But I will say that we had the opportunity to do some fun stuff!
We (everyone except Patrick who got stopped by the bus driver for not having his tourist visa paper thingy) left Tuesday night, so we didn't get to see much of the mountains on the ride into Argentina, but the stars that we saw through the window were amazing. We arrived early Wednesday morning just as the sun was coming up. (Side note: I think I know why Americans sometimes get a rep for being rude: they don't expect anyone to understand English around them. Behind Taylor and me there was a loud baby and outside a bunch of people taking pictures. Without thinking, we were complaining a bit before we left the station, and were surprised when she responded in English: [they're taking so many pictures] because they're family. Oops! Haha) Somewhere in the middle of the ride we were stopped at the border to get our bags and passports checked. Everything went pretty smoothly, but it was really cold. (And the bathrooms were gross.)When we arrived in Mendoza, we looked around the bus station thingy a bit and got some breakfast while waiting to check into the hostel which was only about 5 minutes away. We finally checked in and got our rooms. Veronica and I had our first room upstairs with a separate, but thankfully private, bathroom (though it was no dream bathroom either). There were two computers there that people could use on the rare occasion that they were available. Ron checked his email and Pat was able to find his paper and was going to leave that morning meaning he would arrive in the afternoon.After we got settled in, we talked a bit as to what we wanted to do and walked around the city a bit, and exchanged some money. We set some things up with an excursion agency--four of us would got horseback riding in the sunset/night, all of us would go on a winery/olive oil/chocolate tour, and the guys went to a tango and dinner thing.
The horseback riding thing was something I never thought I would do, which is one of the reasons why I decided to do it. I mean how often do you get the opportunity to go horseback riding in Mendoza, Argentina at night? At first it was scary and I kind of thought I was going to fall, but eventually got into the rhythm and trusted my horse not to kill me (not on purpose at least). I would have taken more pictures if I wasn't holding on for dear life, but the stars, the city lights on the horizon, and the flashes of lightning in the distance were amazing. There were some points on the train when the guides made us go a bit faster, which was also pretty exciting. After we got back we had authentic barbequed meat sandwiches. I guess the cowboys would often cook the meat and then for easy transportation turn it into a sandwich. It was pretty good, but kind of boring once the food was gone and everyone else was talking. Carlos, Patrick, and I were just kind of bored and waiting to go home. Ron even fell asleep in the van afterward while we were waiting. We all decided to go on the tour because wine is a big thing in Mendoza, Argentina and we thought it would be fun, informative, and a good cultural experience. As you may know, language depends a lot on where you are. Eskimos have a lot of words for snow, Seattle-ites have a bunch of words for rain, and people from Mendoza have a lot of words for their grapes/wine. I didn't buy any wine, but I did buy CHOCOLATE! Yum... :)
Veronica and I ended up switching rooms to right across the hall from the guys room, but at least this one had a nicer bathroom. If you don't know, hostels are a great place to meet...interesting people.
On the way back we had a really good view of the mountains (including Aconcagua-pictured above- the highest mountain in the Western hemisphere!) It was freezing when we were at the top waiting to go through customs. It seems kind of the Mexico/US border-going into Mexico is a lot easier than coming into the states. Likewise, coming into Argentina is a lot easier than coming back into Chile. We did get our tourist visas renewed, which was one of the main goals of the trip because they only last 90 days.
This sign was comforting: Danger 300 meters.
So, I am more thankful for Santiago/Las Condes now because it's a lot nicer, cleaner, safer than Mendoza even though things in Mendoza are cheaper.
The job I got? I applied for a few school jobs and I got hired to be an RA-Resident Assistant. Yey! Still have to iron a few things out which are a lot harder from 6,000 miles away, but we'll make it work. We had to have the interview via Skype which was interesting. I'm really excited for it though. :D
Any questions? Did I forget anything?
Oh yes! While we were in Mendoza there were some more fairly big earthquakes which I was glad to miss. I guess some people called my mom to see if I was ok, but because I was in Argentina I didn't feel anything. Oh and some other things that happened while we were gone: my mom left for the US and they inaugurated the new Chilean president. My sister Pili has kind of taken over the motherly roles, thanks Sis! She doesn't like being alone though because the aftershocks still really scare her. :(
Random things that I meant to post before leaving for Argentina but never actually got around to:
The other day one of my sisters had a friend over and he had been to America for a year studying in Illinois, so he spoke pretty good English. When I was talking to him about his experience in the States he said that he really missed it. I said, "Yeah, when I go home I'll probably miss Chile too." To that he replied, "Naah you won't." He wasn't joking either. Strange... lol
Also, my cousin (who reads this sometimes so: Hi!) went down to the south of Chile as a firefighter (or firefighter in training) to help out. When he got back he said it was terrible. Keep praying for them down there!
I went to volunteer at the Montessori school Tuesday morning before school. The schools were all supposed to start on March 1st, but that was postponed because of the earthquake and most started today (Monday). My ears were plugged up so I couldn't really hear people, but they just assumed I couldn't understand and laughed.
Happy Women's Day! (Feliz Dia de la Mujer!) (March 8th)
People keep making fun of me for going to bed shortly after the excitement of the big earthquake. Mostly my cousin and sometimes Taylor/Patrick.
We (everyone except Patrick who got stopped by the bus driver for not having his tourist visa paper thingy) left Tuesday night, so we didn't get to see much of the mountains on the ride into Argentina, but the stars that we saw through the window were amazing. We arrived early Wednesday morning just as the sun was coming up. (Side note: I think I know why Americans sometimes get a rep for being rude: they don't expect anyone to understand English around them. Behind Taylor and me there was a loud baby and outside a bunch of people taking pictures. Without thinking, we were complaining a bit before we left the station, and were surprised when she responded in English: [they're taking so many pictures] because they're family. Oops! Haha) Somewhere in the middle of the ride we were stopped at the border to get our bags and passports checked. Everything went pretty smoothly, but it was really cold. (And the bathrooms were gross.)When we arrived in Mendoza, we looked around the bus station thingy a bit and got some breakfast while waiting to check into the hostel which was only about 5 minutes away. We finally checked in and got our rooms. Veronica and I had our first room upstairs with a separate, but thankfully private, bathroom (though it was no dream bathroom either). There were two computers there that people could use on the rare occasion that they were available. Ron checked his email and Pat was able to find his paper and was going to leave that morning meaning he would arrive in the afternoon.After we got settled in, we talked a bit as to what we wanted to do and walked around the city a bit, and exchanged some money. We set some things up with an excursion agency--four of us would got horseback riding in the sunset/night, all of us would go on a winery/olive oil/chocolate tour, and the guys went to a tango and dinner thing.
The horseback riding thing was something I never thought I would do, which is one of the reasons why I decided to do it. I mean how often do you get the opportunity to go horseback riding in Mendoza, Argentina at night? At first it was scary and I kind of thought I was going to fall, but eventually got into the rhythm and trusted my horse not to kill me (not on purpose at least). I would have taken more pictures if I wasn't holding on for dear life, but the stars, the city lights on the horizon, and the flashes of lightning in the distance were amazing. There were some points on the train when the guides made us go a bit faster, which was also pretty exciting. After we got back we had authentic barbequed meat sandwiches. I guess the cowboys would often cook the meat and then for easy transportation turn it into a sandwich. It was pretty good, but kind of boring once the food was gone and everyone else was talking. Carlos, Patrick, and I were just kind of bored and waiting to go home. Ron even fell asleep in the van afterward while we were waiting. We all decided to go on the tour because wine is a big thing in Mendoza, Argentina and we thought it would be fun, informative, and a good cultural experience. As you may know, language depends a lot on where you are. Eskimos have a lot of words for snow, Seattle-ites have a bunch of words for rain, and people from Mendoza have a lot of words for their grapes/wine. I didn't buy any wine, but I did buy CHOCOLATE! Yum... :)
Veronica and I ended up switching rooms to right across the hall from the guys room, but at least this one had a nicer bathroom. If you don't know, hostels are a great place to meet...interesting people.
On the way back we had a really good view of the mountains (including Aconcagua-pictured above- the highest mountain in the Western hemisphere!) It was freezing when we were at the top waiting to go through customs. It seems kind of the Mexico/US border-going into Mexico is a lot easier than coming into the states. Likewise, coming into Argentina is a lot easier than coming back into Chile. We did get our tourist visas renewed, which was one of the main goals of the trip because they only last 90 days.
This sign was comforting: Danger 300 meters.
So, I am more thankful for Santiago/Las Condes now because it's a lot nicer, cleaner, safer than Mendoza even though things in Mendoza are cheaper.The job I got? I applied for a few school jobs and I got hired to be an RA-Resident Assistant. Yey! Still have to iron a few things out which are a lot harder from 6,000 miles away, but we'll make it work. We had to have the interview via Skype which was interesting. I'm really excited for it though. :D
Any questions? Did I forget anything?
Oh yes! While we were in Mendoza there were some more fairly big earthquakes which I was glad to miss. I guess some people called my mom to see if I was ok, but because I was in Argentina I didn't feel anything. Oh and some other things that happened while we were gone: my mom left for the US and they inaugurated the new Chilean president. My sister Pili has kind of taken over the motherly roles, thanks Sis! She doesn't like being alone though because the aftershocks still really scare her. :(
Random things that I meant to post before leaving for Argentina but never actually got around to:
The other day one of my sisters had a friend over and he had been to America for a year studying in Illinois, so he spoke pretty good English. When I was talking to him about his experience in the States he said that he really missed it. I said, "Yeah, when I go home I'll probably miss Chile too." To that he replied, "Naah you won't." He wasn't joking either. Strange... lol
Also, my cousin (who reads this sometimes so: Hi!) went down to the south of Chile as a firefighter (or firefighter in training) to help out. When he got back he said it was terrible. Keep praying for them down there!
I went to volunteer at the Montessori school Tuesday morning before school. The schools were all supposed to start on March 1st, but that was postponed because of the earthquake and most started today (Monday). My ears were plugged up so I couldn't really hear people, but they just assumed I couldn't understand and laughed.
Happy Women's Day! (Feliz Dia de la Mujer!) (March 8th)People keep making fun of me for going to bed shortly after the excitement of the big earthquake. Mostly my cousin and sometimes Taylor/Patrick.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Take Two Asprin and Call Me in the Morning
***Edit: We'll be in Mendoza, Argentina Thursday night-Saturday afternoon and I won't be bringing my laptop so that's why you probably won't be hearing from me until I get back. =) I'll hopefully have a lot to share when I get back, though (and the motivation to write about it), so check back for an update.
It's been a little over a week since the big earthquake caught our group and all of Chile off guard at 3:30 in the morning. This past week there have also been over 200 aftershocks and other earthquakes that keep us on our toes. Recently I read that there has been a new death toll that actually went from 800 to less than 400 so that's a praise, but I think because the tsunami that hit Chile's coast may have swept some people out to sea, it will continue to change.
It has been a rough week (though I should mention I picked the title just because it sounded funny, not actually an accurate description of how I feel) and things may start getting back to normal soon. I think being able to get involved a bit on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday definitely helped me and our group because I was restless and frustrated about not knowing what to do or how to get started helping.
On Thursday we went to a boys home/orphanage (above) for a meet and greet because we had heard that they needed some help picking up a brick wall that was damaged because of the earthquake. (Picture below)
On Friday Veronica had wanted to drop off some shirts to donate at the church we've been attending--La Vina (with a squiggly over the n)--but when we were greeted with "Oh good! More volunteers!" we decided to stay and help sort and box up donations. We made some friends and it felt good to do something.
So Saturday morning most of us headed back to the orphanage and got to work on those bricks! We did a pretty good job too. It was also fun hanging out with some of the boys afterward. :)
Saturday night we had a going away dinner for Alyssa who's going back to NCU late Sunday night/early Monday morning depending on how you look at it. We're all going to miss her and it was fun getting to know her.
On Tuesday night we're going to take the bus for Mendoza, Argentina! Not exactly sure how long we're staying there, Friday maybe? I think that'll be fun. We're going to stay in a hostel and I've never done that and we're not even sure which one yet. While we're gone my Chilean mom (who is actually from Mendoza, Argentina) is going to fly to the States to see her daughter and son-in-law. Also, President Pinera (with a squiggly over the n) will be taking office. When we get back I think some of us are hoping to go back to the orphanage and play with the kids again.
Thank you for your prayers and support! Dios le bendiga!
It's been a little over a week since the big earthquake caught our group and all of Chile off guard at 3:30 in the morning. This past week there have also been over 200 aftershocks and other earthquakes that keep us on our toes. Recently I read that there has been a new death toll that actually went from 800 to less than 400 so that's a praise, but I think because the tsunami that hit Chile's coast may have swept some people out to sea, it will continue to change.
It has been a rough week (though I should mention I picked the title just because it sounded funny, not actually an accurate description of how I feel) and things may start getting back to normal soon. I think being able to get involved a bit on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday definitely helped me and our group because I was restless and frustrated about not knowing what to do or how to get started helping.
On Thursday we went to a boys home/orphanage (above) for a meet and greet because we had heard that they needed some help picking up a brick wall that was damaged because of the earthquake. (Picture below)
On Friday Veronica had wanted to drop off some shirts to donate at the church we've been attending--La Vina (with a squiggly over the n)--but when we were greeted with "Oh good! More volunteers!" we decided to stay and help sort and box up donations. We made some friends and it felt good to do something.
So Saturday morning most of us headed back to the orphanage and got to work on those bricks! We did a pretty good job too. It was also fun hanging out with some of the boys afterward. :)
Saturday night we had a going away dinner for Alyssa who's going back to NCU late Sunday night/early Monday morning depending on how you look at it. We're all going to miss her and it was fun getting to know her.On Tuesday night we're going to take the bus for Mendoza, Argentina! Not exactly sure how long we're staying there, Friday maybe? I think that'll be fun. We're going to stay in a hostel and I've never done that and we're not even sure which one yet. While we're gone my Chilean mom (who is actually from Mendoza, Argentina) is going to fly to the States to see her daughter and son-in-law. Also, President Pinera (with a squiggly over the n) will be taking office. When we get back I think some of us are hoping to go back to the orphanage and play with the kids again.
Thank you for your prayers and support! Dios le bendiga!Tuesday, March 2, 2010
10 Minutes of Fame
Too bad it took a severe natural disaster...
For those of you who missed it here's the KOMO News radio 1000 clip of my interview. Thank you Mrs. Barrick! Interestingly enough, I actually followed her for career shadow day in 10th grade I believe. =) I was actually more nervous for the interview than I was during the earthquake! (More time to be nervous and think about the interview I suppose.) My host family's reaction was pretty funny. They kept calling me "The famous Elyse" and would make jokes about me meeting President Obama or Hillary Clinton while she is down here in Chile. They were listening for a little bit on my laptop while I was talking, but I think they lost internet connection in the middle.
Some more local press coverage of our story in Eugene, OR:
Video
and
Article
For those of you who missed it here's the KOMO News radio 1000 clip of my interview. Thank you Mrs. Barrick! Interestingly enough, I actually followed her for career shadow day in 10th grade I believe. =) I was actually more nervous for the interview than I was during the earthquake! (More time to be nervous and think about the interview I suppose.) My host family's reaction was pretty funny. They kept calling me "The famous Elyse" and would make jokes about me meeting President Obama or Hillary Clinton while she is down here in Chile. They were listening for a little bit on my laptop while I was talking, but I think they lost internet connection in the middle.
Some more local press coverage of our story in Eugene, OR:
Video
and
Article
Monday, March 1, 2010
March-Update and Earthquake songs!
Sometimes I feel like I just want to hug all the Chileans I pass on the street because I know that this is such a trauma and that I've been through it too, it's like we're connected. Maybe I could start a revolution! Every time I watch the news and the coverage of all of the homes destroyed and loved ones lost, I feel helpless and heartbroken, but thankful that God has kept us safe in our neighborhood of Las Condes.
Anyway, I think that the stress from the earthquake and aftershocks weakened my immune system so now I have a cough, sore throat, and a possible slight fever. We're the Santiago 7: Survivors of the 7th biggest earthquake in the world. (Update: Now it seems like it's the 5th strongest since 1900. It is also the strongest since 1990.) The first, and quite possibly the last group to go from our school. We're all dealing with the shock and trauma in our own ways, but we're all trying to remain positive. Patrick still doesn't have power or gas at his house last I knew, but the rest of us have all of those things up and running. For the first couple days after the quake most of the grocery stores were closed and the few that were open were jam packed with people. You'd think that it was the end of the world from the way that they were acting sometimes. As we were driving around Saturday afternoon looking for a store to buy bread, the worst structural damage I saw was a one-level collapsed parking garage. We finally found a store to buy bread awhile later, and when my sister was getting some of the fresh baked bread, it looked like a bunch of sharks going after their prey. Then we had to wait in the checkout line for 20+ minutes.
(Pictured above) On Sunday the President said that big groups couldn't meet, which meant church was canceled. Some more stores were open on Sunday, but they had to limit the number of people in the stores. There was a long line of people outside a nearby grocery store waiting for people to come out, because guards would let more people in. (Pictured below)
On a lighter note: Do you ever think about which songs you would want on your life's soundtrack? I've been thinking about some lately, have a look (written in no particular order):
I Felt The Earth Move-Carole King
Blessed-Martina McBride
Survivor-Destiny's Child
I Will Survive-Gloria Gaynor
Fight to Survive-Bloodsport
Lucky-Brittney Spears
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger-Daft Hands
Shake, Rattle, and Roll-Jesse Stone
It's the End of the World as we Know it-REM
You Shook me All Night Long-AC/DC
Shake It -Metro Station
All Shook Up-Elvis
Knock Me Down-Keri Hudson
Don't Bring Me Down-Electric Light Orchestra
*Thanks for the help Ann!
What other earthquake related songs can you think of?
Anyway, I think that the stress from the earthquake and aftershocks weakened my immune system so now I have a cough, sore throat, and a possible slight fever. We're the Santiago 7: Survivors of the 7th biggest earthquake in the world. (Update: Now it seems like it's the 5th strongest since 1900. It is also the strongest since 1990.) The first, and quite possibly the last group to go from our school. We're all dealing with the shock and trauma in our own ways, but we're all trying to remain positive. Patrick still doesn't have power or gas at his house last I knew, but the rest of us have all of those things up and running. For the first couple days after the quake most of the grocery stores were closed and the few that were open were jam packed with people. You'd think that it was the end of the world from the way that they were acting sometimes. As we were driving around Saturday afternoon looking for a store to buy bread, the worst structural damage I saw was a one-level collapsed parking garage. We finally found a store to buy bread awhile later, and when my sister was getting some of the fresh baked bread, it looked like a bunch of sharks going after their prey. Then we had to wait in the checkout line for 20+ minutes.
(Pictured above) On Sunday the President said that big groups couldn't meet, which meant church was canceled. Some more stores were open on Sunday, but they had to limit the number of people in the stores. There was a long line of people outside a nearby grocery store waiting for people to come out, because guards would let more people in. (Pictured below)On a lighter note: Do you ever think about which songs you would want on your life's soundtrack? I've been thinking about some lately, have a look (written in no particular order):I Felt The Earth Move-Carole King
Blessed-Martina McBride
Survivor-Destiny's Child
I Will Survive-Gloria Gaynor
Fight to Survive-Bloodsport
Lucky-Brittney Spears
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger-Daft Hands
Shake, Rattle, and Roll-Jesse Stone
It's the End of the World as we Know it-REM
You Shook me All Night Long-AC/DC
Shake It -Metro Station
All Shook Up-Elvis
Knock Me Down-Keri Hudson
Don't Bring Me Down-Electric Light Orchestra
*Thanks for the help Ann!
What other earthquake related songs can you think of?
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Earthquake Update!
Well the title of my blog says it all. This trip has been one crazy adventure after another and last night was no different. A little after 3:30 this morning there was a huge earthquake, as you may have heard. I was half awake at the time and figured it was just like any other little earthquake that we've been having. I stayed in bed because I figured it'd be over in a few seconds. When it didn't stop and in fact got worse, I got up and went to the doorway. My family (mom, dad, sister, and cousin) were very close all holding on to each other. I could hear plates and cups crashing and breaking while they fell from the cupboards. My dad said it lasted around 90 seconds, but added that it felt like a year. Once it stopped, you could tell that the house was still swaying. I'm really thankful that I'm only on the 4th floor! We got on shoes and walked downstairs outside. We only stayed down there for a few minutes and then cautiously returned to the 4th floor. The power, gas, internet, and phone lines were down, so we got some candles and quickly surveyed the damage. The earthquake was strong enough to knock down some of the TVs even though I didn't hear them fall. My family kept trying their cells to get a hold of family members. I didn't really know what to do so eventually, around 6 something, I just tried to get some sleep. My mom and dad recommended that I move my bed away from the window (the window of death) and that I sleep with the door slightly ajar. Almost as soon as I got into bed, I heard my Chilean cell phone ring. Taylor called! He wanted to check in and make sure I was ok. I think we're the only two students with Chilean cell phones and the landlines weren't working so we couldn't really get a hold of anyone else last night. (Thanks, bro!) Needless to say, I didn't sleep too well last night. There have been a bunch of aftershocks that vary on the Richter scale, but I know that some were even around a 6. In the morning the power still wasn't working, but at least the sun was up and gave us some light. I could see the cracks in the walls and some more of the damage that the earthquake did. The railing on the porch doesn't seem very sturdy anymore, so I will be even more careful when I go out there. Even now (more than 12 hours after "the big one") there are still some pretty strong aftershocks. My mom and sister are both pretty freaked out. When I see the pictures from the epicenter and hear the death toll and how it's still rising, it's shocking. I still can't really believe that all this has happened. It's really weird to think that (1) we're the first group from our school to go, (2) this is the biggest earthquake they've had in 10+ years, and (3) we've only been here for a little over a month! I'm very thankful that it happened when it did though because I think it could have been a lot worse if it happened during the day time, or if any of our group had been home alone. I'm thankful God has kept us safe! Please continue to pray for us, for Chile, and for the potential for tsunamis!
I'll try to keep you guys updated! Thanks for your support!
PS: Ron, our professor, has contacted all of the students and we're all safe!!!
PPS: Oh just wanted to say to those who are potential Santiago study abroad students: Contact me with any questions or concerns! ;)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/lt_chile_earthquake
Apparently this quake is tied for the 7th strongest in the world...goodie.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100227/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_chile_earthquake
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100227/ts_nm/us_quake_chile
Apparently this quake is tied for the 7th strongest in the world...goodie.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100227/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_chile_earthquake
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100227/ts_nm/us_quake_chile
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