Bring it on Chile

I now remember why I chose this beautiful country. I wanted to be fully submersed in a culture completely unfamiliar to my own. My wish has been granted. In advance, I have to thank the people of genuine spirit and generosity of this country, because without them I wont be able to survive. My decision will be a trade off; I will have to work harder than ever before to learn a language and culture completely foreign to me, but the reward will be oh so sweet. My first week of classes has been overwhelming to say the very least. In my empreza class I am the only gringo. The teacher doesnt hesitate to point that out. He pokes fun at me sometimes by telling the girl next to me that she will have to explain to me what is going on. Wayon (dude), Im getting what youre throwing at me. We have to do a group project in the class that describes a businesses operations. Today we chose to do a local beer company in Valparaiso. It way my idea and the group really liked it (Parker 1, Language barrier 0). Today I went to my first class of Reccoursos Humanos. There had already been 2 classes before, but because I had to change my classes around I just entered. The teacher wasnt there, it was only the teachers assistent. We watched a movie about new techniques of cooking, and the obejective is to relate the movie to fundamental business processes. After the movie everyone organized into their groups (problem was I had no group). Thank goodness, a group of students were very kind to accept me into their group. I felt like such an moron sitting there, because I didnt really catch the concept of the movie. When one of the students finally asked me what I thought I drew blank. Do you know how hard it is to eleborate your thoughts in another language (Parker 0, Language Barrier 1). The two girls in my group were very nice to sit down with me after class and discuss the movie, I am going to watch the movie again and get a clearer idea about what I need to do.Yesterday, I walked into my pilates class 5 minutes late and there were over 100 students in the class. The teacher waved a familiar wave, everyone in the class looked over at me, all girls i might add. I went to sit down, but there were mats, so I had to sit on the floor. After a minute of feeling awkward and cramped, I got up and took off [Parker 0, Social insecurity 1]. Yesterday, I went to my danzas traditionales class. There are five guys and over 20 girls [Parker 1, Social insecurity 0]. We are learning a whole bunch of different dances begining from the north of Chile all the way down to the south. Today, I started class at 10 in the morning and finished at 8. I met 7 new amigos and amigas and got invited out to two different places tonight [Parker 1, Social insecurity 0]. When I got home I received a message from someone who is terrified to come to Chile and asked if I could be of some assistance. It will be my pleasure to answer questions and help her in any way I can [social responsability 1, thumbs up for me]. All in all things are looking on the up and up. School is definately going to be a struggle, but my life has given me alot of struggles. I am staying positive and I think that is the only way to go, because I am not willing to give up. Shout out to my mom for adding me to facebook. Love you mom :o