Argentinean Style BBQ at Mr. Buk's House

From left to right: Susan, Pilar, Pablo, Juan, Edwin (aka Mr. Buk), Anony
From left to right: Marionetta, Pilar, Pablo
From left to right: Juan , Anony, Mr. Buk From left to Right: Anony, ME, Juan, Marionetta, Pilar, Pablo

Scholars For Schools

For many of you out there who have been in contact with me outside of just my blog you are aware of a project that myself and three other Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars, Paul Goldberg, Hannah Kelley and Nathan Gill have been ardently working on forming: Scholars For Schools

Scholars For Schools is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the quality of education in underdeveloped municipal schools throughout central Chile. Scholars for Schools works with Rotary clubs, school administrators and community volunteers to construct libraries and provide educational and technological resources to improve children’s literacy in elementary and middle schools. Our goal is to ensure that every child in central Chile has access to the necessary literacy tools for educational and life success.

I urge everyone to check out our website at www.scholarsforschools.org There is a plethora of information about our goals, short and long term vision, the problem our solution and most importantly, how all you philanthropic people out there can DONATE!!!! Our hopes and dreams can only become a reality through the generous donations of our family, friends, Rotarians, strangers, and anyone else in this planet who has money and wants to do something with it!

We have chosen the school David Ben Gurion in Cerro (hill) Las Canas of Valparaiso to be our first recipient of a library/multi-purpose room. The past weekend we had our first official work day where we cleaned, painted, organized and cataloged over 400 books, and generally enjoyed the spirit of rotary: serving the community through friendship. Over 40 volunteers showed up throughout the day, Rotarians, Rotaractians, Scholars, Professors, Classmates, Community Members, and Children of the school.

I personally was quite impacted by the day. As you can all see in the first picture of this blog I had the amazing opportunity to meet a little girl by the name of Natalie. She lives in the poverty stricken neighborhood of Las Canas and is a student at David Ben Gurion. Natalie arrived at the school on a Saturday because she didn't have anywhere else to go. She helped us paint, organized books and most of all showed us the real reason we are working on this project: for children just like her. During a break, Natalie read to me for about 20 minutes, explained the story and was truly breathtaking in every sense of the word. This little girl just needs someone to listen to her and somewhere to go and read.

The thought of a little girl who loves to read as much as I loved to read and still love to read but doesn't have the monetary resources available to her crushes my heart. However, through Scholars For Schools, Natalie will soon have a new library full of books that she can read as much as her little heart desires. Go Donate!!
Rotaractianos and friends painting the new library
Scholars For Schools: Nathan, Hannah, Paul and Susan
Maria Jose, Claudio y Cecilia helping to catalog and organize books
The whole Scholars For Schools team at the end of our first official work day, GO TEAM!!

Dia del Patrimonidad

Besides going to Cerro San Cristobal on Saturday, the GSE team and I took part in an all day cultural activity of the city called "Dia del Patromonidad", which literally translated means Day of the Patrimony. This celebration occurs twice a year throughout all of Chile where all the museums and cultural sights of the country are opened to the public for free, many art exhibitions take place, and all plazas and parks are giving special recognition by the Chilean government. In short, this day allows celebrates Chile's dedication to its culture.





Fountain at Plaza Italia in the Providencia neighborhood of Santiago




While taking a leisurely stroll throughout the city we came upon this interesting display of "sand, flower, and leaf" art in the Plaza de Armas. The main plaza of Santiago is home to many governmental buildings and historical sights that were celebrated by the community throughout th entire day. Festivities included, live music, parades, speeches by government officials, and street performances by local artists.




Sculpture displayed at the Museum of Beautiful Art located in the Historical Center of Santiago
Across the street from the Museo de Bellas Artes is one of Santiago's most recognized parks, Parque Forestal. It is home to many prominent statues of national heroes, gifts from other nations, and icons of the Chilean culture.

Cerro San Cristobal

A couple of weekends back I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting up with the Group Study Exchange team from Orange county in Santiago. After their official "tour of duty" as Rotary ambassadors was over they had a few free days in Santiago and I offered to act as their semi-sort of-kind of- tour guide. Before I get started I would just like to state for the record, that every time I have a chance to visit Santiago I like the city more and more, just for the record.

In any event I suggested that the girls take the opportunity to visit one of my favorite places in the city, Cerro San Cristobal. This metropolitan park is home to many athletes whom revel in the opportunity to climb the steep assent to the top of the hip whether it be on bike or foot. Within a city of almost 7 million people, this park and many others like it serve as an oasis away from the everyday hustle and bustle.

The park has two pools, many play areas for children, various types of gardens, resting points, running paths, horse riding trails, a wine museum with a fabulous restaurant inside, and of course at the top of the hill is the statue of the Virgin Mary and an open air alter overlooking the city.
From Left to Right: Maggie, Dora, Mauricio, ME, Marina, Hannah, Dana and Paul
Beautiful sunset from Cerro San Cristobal, Santiago
From Left to Right: Hannah, Dora, ME and Marina
Beautiful sunset number 2 overlooking Santiago from Cerro San Cristobal

Mote Con Huesillos

Mote Con Huesillos is a typically chilean drink, that is almost considered a meal due to its heartiness. "Mote" is a type of wheat/barley that is cooked until soft, "Huesillos" are whole, dried, peaches that are reconstituted in the liquid substance of the drink. The liquid is a type of simple syrup, much like the syrup you would find in canned peaches from the grocery store. The peaches or "huesillos" soak up the syrup and become the soft ball of deliciousness!! As I mentioned before, this drink is quite typical of Chile and can be found almost anywhere. I love it! Fruit and wheat/barley mixed together in an ice-cold sugar filled syrup, what is not to love?? Nothing I say....






Let me help with the translation and intended meeting. The picture above (I was at a very touristy spot in Santiago which would explain the sign in English) should read: a syrup made with wheat and dried peaches, definitely NOT a tea. The picture to the left says: Delicious, ice-cold mote con huesillo, for approx. $1 USD

Noche de Amigos "Night of Friends"

So I promised everybody that I would be doing some much needed blogging, since I have been majorly slacking on the entries of my life. With no further adieu, I give the first of many.... This post is a collage of pictures taken during an afternoon of friendship with Rotaract members, followed by the birthday celebration of my friend Jose.
Rotaract members enjoying a afternoon BBQ. From Left to Right: Katty, Lorri, Kike, Natty, Paul y Diego
From Left to Right: Cata, Dennis, ME, David y Jose Luis
Jose's Birthday Celebration; From Left to Right: Marina, Nacho, Jose, Maggie, Dora y Cata
From Left to Right: Dora, Nacho, Susan y Marina

Evaleigh Nicole

Evaleigh arrived at 1:22 AM on Friday, June 6th. She weighed 7 lbs 8 oz and was 19.5 inches long.

Congratulations Kindra and Ryan!! I love you guys and am a proud "Auntie".

Sorry!! ....I am alive

Hi Family, Friends, and anyone else out there who is wondering what has happened in my life during last the last few weeks. Between my classes, Rotary, Scholars For Schools, and attempting to have a social life I have not had a lot of free time for Blogging. SORRY.

I promise a few posts very soon!! Until then, I love you all, and Vamos LIGA de Ecuador!!! Finales!!! (Ecuador´s soccer team has made it to the finals for a huge tournament in South America!)

BESOS,
Susan

Medical Operation of RC Miraflores

Last weekend I was able to participate in a Medical Operation with Rotary Club Miraflores, Vina del Mar. What an amazing opportunity! Three times a year, RC Miraflores visits their "adpoted" school, Escuela Especial Rapa Nui, and provides basic medical, dental, and optical attention to both the students and the surrounding community that otherwise would be unavailable.

The school Rapa Nui is a special education institute for children/adolescents/adults, ages 5-22 more or less, with varying forms and degrees of Down's Syndrome. Students who attend this school are taught not only academic lessons, but life lessons, such as shopping, making their bed, counting change, preparing their own food, cleaning, etc, with the goal of helping them integrate into society with the abilities necessary to live on their own, or at least with minimal outside intervention. RC Miraflores provides the man power, all supplies and tools necessary for the medical attention, as well as a mobile clinic that allows Rotarian doctors to complete more intensive procedures for the adult community in the surrounding area.
From Left to Right: Susan Owen, Ricardo Menzel, Director Perez, and Rene Pino during the Medical Operation
Children at Rapa Nui Elementary School receiving dental care by Rotarians

Throughout the day, my job was to do whatever it was that needed to be done. I assisted the dentists in preparing their utensils, prepped cotton swabs, acted as a secretary recording patients' information, held the hands of scared children, and worked with the director to organize the appointments of children and their family.

This mobile medical clinic (pictured right), was obtained by RC Presidente, Commander Ricardo Menzel, and donated for the days use by the Chilean Merchant Marines and Naval Academy. With the use of the mobile medical clinic Rotarian doctors were able to provide the surrounding community and student's family members with medical attention as well. As an ambassadorial scholar, this is what Rotary is about; helping a community that otherwise wouldn't receive such resources. Not only were the people we were helping genuinely thankful and appreciative, they couldn't wait for us to come back. Go Rotary!
RC Miraflores taking a break from all the hard work!

Rotary Club Miramar

As many of you know, part of my scholarship obligations are to visit as many Rotary clubs here in Chile as I can and if possible complete presentations not only about my self, Fresno Rotary, District 5230 but Rotary in general. This past Friday, I received a splendid invitation to visit RC Miramar and had a wonderful time! I always feel a little guilty because every time I attend a meeting, they always end late, and I think it is my fault! But in a good way because everyone is always very interested in what I have to say, but that means quite a bit of excess talking and in the end leaving the meeting quite late. Oh well, better than no one giving a hoot! Yeah I know, cheesy, but oh well.
During my visit to RC Miramar I was given a very special commemorative folder/album for lack of a better word, celebrating Castle Wolf's 100th anniversary here in Vina del Mar. The folder and/or album itself is quite special in and of itself, however, to personalize the gift even more, all Rotarians of RC Miramar signed the inside with a special note to me! I love it!

Okay, so you guys might be wondering what this amazingly wonderful plate of dessert, a tiramisu, Godly creation, has to do with Rotary...umm, well not really a whole heck of a lot. But I did eat it a the meeting and wanted you all to see it! It really was quite fabulous. Chocolate, caramel, cream, just about every girls sinful food creation. RC Miramar holds their meetings inside Hotel San Martin and quite obviously they have an superb chef! Bon Appetite!

And the "Paro" Becomes A "Toma"

HI everyone! Just wanted to give you all a quick update on my school situation here...the "paro", the strike, has officially turned into a "toma", a take over. In order for the students at the University to put pressure on the administration to talk with the government about reducing the bus prices they took the university over. Meaning, the live there, they sleep there, they eat there, they have meetings there, and they do their chores there!! Let it be known that I am truly experiencing the South American culture first hand.

The situation isn't dangerous at all, so no one needs to worry about my safety, BUT, it is very interesting and unique. Things like this just don't occur in the United States. Literally the students have moved in to the campus. They hey rotating "guards" (students) who only let people in with a student pass; all entrances have been barricaded with chairs, tables, pretty much anything they could find. Their goal by doing this, is to irritate the university administration into utilizing their power with in the government to achieve their petitions. Quite obviously, with the campuses taken over I have not had my classes in their regularly scheduled locations, but have had them in coffee-shops, restaurants, professors houses, parks, anywhere and everywhere. Gotta love Chile!
Main entrance of the University blocked by chairs and tables

Rotary Club Vina del Mar Norte

And the list of clubs visited keeps getting longer and longer and longer. The Rotary clubs here in Chile have been absolutely fantastic. Each visit and presentation I give is so warmly received and appreciated. Most recently I received an invitation from RC Vina del Mar Norte to attend their meeting and give an informal presentation about myself, Fresno Rotary and District 5230. What a pleasure! They were wonderful. Almost immediately I felt as if I had been adopted by a new family. I have been invited to attend their meetings whenever my schedule allows it and hopefully that will be as often as possible.Club President Lionel Curti Leite, Secretary and Past District Governor Reynaldo Martinez Urrutia and I exchanging club banners
Rotarians of RC Vina del Mar Norte and I after a meeting in Hotel Militar

Afternoon in "Valle Alegre" (Happy Valley) With RC Vina del Mar Concon

With the Group Studies Exchange team here from Southern California, my sponsor club planned a family style afternoon of fun and relaxation. We spent the day at a Rotarian's country home in Valle Alegre where we were able to enjoy the fantastic weather and fabulous company. Myself and the other "gringas" were taught by Rotarian's children how to play a game called "dudo" (Doubt). Que entrentenido! How fun! When I come home we are all playing Dudo. It is basically a game involving dice and people's bluffing abilities. :-)
Rotarians, family, GSE members, and I at Valle Alegre.

Beside learning how to blufear "bluff" from our game of Dudo, I was able to spend quality time with many members of my sponsor club as well as their wives and children. Being a part of such a genuine group of people really helps to fill that void I have with out my family here in Chile with me. However, due to the love and support of such people as Franco and Ginetta (pictured right), I feel adopted by many different families here in Chile. Their complete generosity and desire to make me feel at home leaves me feeling as though my family has doubled, tripled and even quadrupled over night. I miss you family, but I am being well taken care of, so no worries.

Group Study Exchange Arrives in Chile

Last night I received a wonderful invitation to visit my host Rotary Club Vina del Mar Concon. The meeting was quite special as in attendance were Rotarians, their wives, governmental guests, and the Group Study Exchange team from Rotary District 5320, located in Orange County, Caliofrnia. Besides the number of people in attendance there was also a "swearing-in" ceremony for a new Rotarian.
GSE Team Members from Left to Right: Dora Lam, Marina Hamm, Dana LeFever, Sara Sultze (team leader), Margarita Munoz, and ME

The Group Study Exchange (GSE) is a program of the Rotary Foundation. It is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for non-Rotarian businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas. In a typical four-week tour, applicants participate in five full days of vocational visits, 15 to 20 club presentations, 10 to 15 formal visits and social events, two to three days at the district conference, three to four hours per day of cultural and site tours, and three to four hours per day of free time with host families.

It was wonderful to meet the group as I had been in contact with the group leader for several months before their arrival, so it was fantastic to meet them their first week in Chile. I took a peek at their schedule and they have a lot of exciting activities planned, visits to local industries, and of course to many different Rotary clubs. The group exchange team gave an excellent presentation, highlighting each member of the team and then focusing on California and specifically District 5320.

Earlier that day I had the distinct pleasure of being a personal interpretor for Dana LeFever (picture left) as she took part in one of her full vocational days. Dana is a self-employed CPA working in the private sector specializing in taxes. We visited the "Servicio de Impuestos Internos" (SII), Chile's version of our Internal Revenue Service, where we met the Director of the SII of the entire 5th Region of Chile, Erika Morales. It was VERY interesting to get an inside perspective on the Chilean tax system. Besides translating and practicing my Spanish, I learned a great deal from the experience. We were there from 8:30am to almost 1:30 in the afternoon touring the facility, speaking with supervisors of each department and my most enjoyable moment speaking with Erika Morales. What an amazing woman! In a country that is still heavily influenced by the Machismo culture aspect, she holds a very powerful position within the country that is based off of her knowledge and desire to succeed as a professional career woman while being able to balance the needs of her family simultaneously. All in all it was a great day!
Rotarians, GSE team members and I socializing after the meeting

So Long and Farewell To My First Car Loan

This has absolutely nothing to do with Chile, but let it be known, that as of Monday April 28th, 2008, my car is officially paid off. Full and clear, I owe nothing! Woohoo. Wow, this is kind of a liberating moment in my life. My first car loan done and over with. That's all for today. I hope everyone is smiling and appreciating life. :-)