alegria (joy)

just been feeling a lot of joy as of recent.
alot of laughter: I tell you, my roommate Menfis and I have some of the greatest laughs. Number of times soda has spewed out our noses: twice, number of times i nearly wet my pants: atleast a dozen, number of times our roomates have told us to pipe down in the middle of the night: 4, and the number of drunken nights slurring spanglish (a mix of the small english vocab she knows with the vast lexicon i am learning): more than what I am proud to say.
a lot to look forward to: wednesdays is gringo get together where me and the other american professors get to gather and share bottles of wine and vent about our obnoxious students. thursdays, intercambio conversation..a night devoted to english/spanish speakers who wish to practice language both chileans/americans alike! sundays, day at the beach volunteering to help teach kids to surf. midterms next week. my dad visits in less than 2 months.
a lot of angels in disguise or as Dr. Watson always said "divine appointments: the infamous samaritan story. opportunities to share my heart with the teachers I teach with and the students I teach. playing with chilean children. living among chilean young adults. and workings with chilean professionals. I am seeing God's beauty in all of His creation. I personally believe there is something to be learned in every humanbeing that is but another trait of God. That is my mission...to love all, and discover the beauty which they posess of the Lord's character.
growing closer to content when the sun hits my face with the morning sun. or my feet splash in the puddles of a rainy day. The comfort of my warm down comforter on a cloudy sunless day. Fresh empanadas and sopaipillas at every street corner. amazing veggies and fruits for a bargain. the exhaust from the endless line of public transportation. happy hour specials filled with strong liquor. and good company.
loving the classroom more every day my strudents are comprehending so much more. I have been able to reach students on an individual level after learning their names and speaking with them one on one during oral quizzes. Remembering small things like "how's your girlfriend?" "learn anything new on guitar?" "how's work?" has allowed me to grow closer to my students and confide in one another. students are respecting me more, using spanish less, and comprehending more than I could have planned. I am encouraged in the classroom and feel professional while still a friend. As students file in early to seek my advice about personal problems, or stick around late to help me with my things..when we joke in class or I introduce English slang or interesting american traditions/entertainment...these are the moments I cherish. Where for a brief moment two people from opposite sides of the world, different languages, believes, and norms..can meet in the middle and with a smile respect and comprehend the other!

live to love and love to live
-Kendall-