My second semester has officially begun!!! I have received all of my grades for last semester and was pleased with all of them (see below). The scale is 1.0 – 7.0.
PRIMER SEMESTRE 2009
LCL110-01 EXPRESION ORAL Y ESCRITA - 6.2
PIIE340-01 ESPAÑOL COMUNICACIONAL Y CULTURA CHILENA – AVANZADO - 6.6
PIIE350-01 ESPAÑOL ESCRITO – AVANZADO - 5.9
PIIE360-02 GRAMATICA - 6.6
By the end of this week I will have my final class schedule for second semester. I am enrolled in a special certificate program this semester called, Certificado de Estudios en America Latina Contemporanea. I think the program will coincide quite nicely with my academic interests and background. I fear the heavy reading but predict once I’m in my grove, I’ll be just fine.
I spent quite a bit of time with the Munoz family these past couple weeks. The last two weekends I was in Santiago participating in various family activities. Sunday, August 9th was Día de Los Ninos in Chile. We celebrated by having a big family lunch and all the children received presents. I also went to Santiago last weekend to attend Martina’s 3rd birthday party. Jessica and I had a sleepover party at her house on Friday night. Saturday was her party at the nicest McDonald’s in Santiago. Unfortunately, the roof wasn’t in such good shape and the rain leaked through leaving huge puddles all over the restaurant and play area. Most people would have shut down or at least blocked off certain areas…but in Chile no…the kids were just told not to remove their shoes. I thought that was pretty funny.
Jessica and I went had “once” with our Tias and Tias kids this week. We also taught them how to play the game MASH. They are all doing amazing. Romanet is now on track to pursue a career in child care. The program includes a sort of internship followed by job placement assistance. In two years she will be a sufficiently trained to be a pre-school teacher. Jessica and I are thrilled about her plan!
The construction projects are also going great. The outside stairs leading to and from their front door are finished. Now, when it rains they won’t slide into the front door, the will actually be able to walk to it. The upstairs bedroom is done and the downstairs kitchen and living areas should be done in a couple of weeks. I will post a special blog about the construction project featuring before and after pictures once everything is complete.
Jessica and I have also started recruiting new Tías y Tíos. We’ve been visiting certain classes to spread the word. Our first meeting is next week. We hope to set up our first event as a trip to the snow up in the Andes. The kids have not seen snow, so it will be a big deal. Also, Gina’s birthday is next week; Jessica and I plan to take her and the kids out to a movie.
I hope all is well stateside…I’m going to get back to my homework. I need to review the play, Pueblecito, before class tomorrow!!!
