We arrived in Chile just over one week ago and immediately boarded a bus from Santiago to Antofagasta. Once we arrived we met our host and learned that we would all be staying with different host families. This has created a unique and wonderful cultural experience for our team.
The host families treat us as though we are a part of their immediate family. We have meals together, walk to school together, and do our best to communicate with each other. Usually my broken Spanish paired with their broken English brings us to a mutual understanding of the direction of conversation. It is at least enough to get by. My “Chilean mom” even packs me snacks for throughout my day. This created a funny situation when she packed me a banana and I gave it to “my little brother” once we arrived at the school. He asked why I did not just tell her I do not like bananas. I just shrugged. That night at dinner, I was asked if I liked coke, I said yes of course. Then his mom said, are you sure? I said yeah I am sure. To which she laughed and said, “Well what about bananas?!?!” The whole family burst out laughing, and I think I have been offered a banana at least twice a day in jest since then.
Our work here is multi-faceted. We go to the school each day and help teach English and Religion classes. We also work in a poor area of town at a local church plant, spending time with youth and attending Bible study.
The days at the school can vary greatly from class to class. Today we helped in two 5th grade classes, one 7th grade class, and one 9th grade class. The kids all vary in their understanding of English, but all seem excited to have visitors.
On Sunday we celebrated Dia de los Niños, which consisted of playing games and handing out gifts to kids while their parents attended the church service. It was a blast!
A few of us also attended a local kickboxing class with some of the local people we have met. It was so much fun, but I was worn out by the end of the 2.5 hour session! We of course had to follow it up with a giant plate of fries covered in a pile of every kind of protein available…
Yesterday was Assumption Day here in Chile, and we celebrated with a cookout with all of our host families… it really feels like we are suffering for the gospel here. (That’s sarcasm)
Leading this team has also been a blast. I am getting to know the people on my team better every day. We have been sharing testimonies and spending as much time together as we are able to. One of the values that I hope to bring is clear and healthy communication, so we have been practicing that daily as well as creating space for healthy feedback. I have enjoyed seeing each person on the team share their thoughts and approach difficult conversations without fear. I believe that we will all benefit greatly from this approach and I hope to grow and learn just as much if not more than the people that I get to lead.
Personal update: After revising my personal statement and adding to my application, I have submitted all of my medical school applications for the third year. I would appreciate prayers that I will stick out to one of the admissions committees and will get the opportunity to interview for a spot next August!
If you would still like to support me financially, the best way for me to receive money on the field is through Venmo. Again, I am fully funded for travel, but if you are interested in helping me personally, my Venmo name is:
@Matthew-C-Kane
Thank you all for the support!
