Just A Little R&R

Hello all!
So I have come to the conclusion that I kinda suck at this whole blog thing when I'm in the States.  Maybe because I feel my life isn't that exciting when I'm in the US or that people don't want to hear about it.. haha.  Well, anyways, I'm back.  The last time I wrote on this thing I was having a terrible time with reverse-culture shock while back at school in Chicago.  I missed everything about Spain and I came to realize that I really missed speaking Spanish everyday.  I had become addicted to learning another language, which led me to intern at Centro Romero in Chicago during the spring semester.  Centro Romero is a Latin American immigrant and refugee organization in Chicago.  During my time at Centro Romero, I helped in an ESL classroom and then began teaching my own bilingual computer classes.  I LOVED it.  I was speaking Spanish daily and had a hands-on role working with people.  I made some amazing friends from Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru and many more places.  (Here are a few pictures!)

It was by far one of the most amazing experiences I have had.  My time at Centro Romero also solidified my passion for español.  I know it sounds nerdy, but I am addicted to communicating with people in Spanish.  For me, it's just plain fun!  Over this past year, due to school papers and projects, I have had the opportunity to get more acquainted with Latin America and our neighbors to the south.  I became mesmerized by the ancient Aztec, Mayan, and Incan influences throughout the area as well as the mystery of the culture, injected with magical realism, spicy merengue, and rich histories filled with brutal dictators and heated rebellions...

So why am I rambling about all of this?  Well, these are just a few of the factors that have led into my decision to study abroad a second time.  However, I will not be returning to Spain quite yet.  Instead, I will be studying in Santiago, Chile.  (No, not Chile as in chili, the food, but Chile as in the long skinny country on the west coast of South America! :)  The country with volcanoes and earthquakes that you have probably heard about if you watch the news.)  Anyways I am extremely blessed to have this opportunity!  Although it was a hard decision choosing to leave the US and Loyola with all my friends and family, I feel like God wants me in Chile, if nothing else to learn Spanish in order to communicate with Spanish-speakers.  If you know anything about me, you know how much I love and care about people.  Plus, I am young and single, which to me seems like the perfect excuse/reason to go travel the world.  Don't ya think? :) 

Well, anyways, it is time to eat at my house sooo I'm out.  But I promise I'll update soon!  It definitely won't be 6+ months like last time!  Lo siento mucho y pásalo bien.

Besos,

Sarah