WELCOME - BIENVENIDOS

We were given a wonderful welcome party by the parents of the host families and the school. The directors were there as well as the families. The director of the school, Miss Paula Cruz, gave each of our students a photo design of all our faces around a picture of the Colegio (school) for a souvenier. There were good refreshments and wonderful times of sharing between all.

Mrs. Dubreuil introduced each of the girls to all the families and said a little of each of their interests and what levels of Spanish they have studied. Interestingly, many of the parents and teachers at the high school thought that our students had had as much Spanish as their kids have had of English. Their students start studying English in kindergarden, and therefore, by the time they reach high school, most of them have a great grasp of the language. So I have spent some time explaining to the teachers and the parents the limit of our students' Spanish. This has helped a great deal in expectations fo the Americans in school and at home.

introductions by Dubita

Becka here is very demonostrative of the genral attitude of our US students!

A photo of all the siblings together - US and Chileans.

This is the view behind the school ... very pastoral and relaxing. Beautiful, with the Andes in the background always, always.

US Students with their new friends at Colegio!

The US students seem to be VERY happy with their Chilean families. They tell me (Dubi) almost daily. It's only about a week and a half in, and already they're getting so attached here. I am very pleased with their experiences over all and also with their conduct. I have received a good amount of unsolicited compliments about our kids. It's great!

The first couple days here had absolutely beautiful weather, but the last number of days have been cloudy, cold, and very damp. A couple of nights it has rained tremendously, but that also helps to clear away the smog here in Santiago. If the sun would just come out, it would be BEAUTIFUL ... like spring in Maine. Even now there are spots of blue sky peaking through ... just waiting ... waiting ...!

We have been very busy with classes at school. There are many activities planned: skiing in the Andes, a City Tour (actually 2) of Santiago to visit the Presidental Palace, as well as some museums and other spots of interest, and a trip to the coast to visit the home of a Nobel Peace Prize winning poet: Neruda, and the Congress. There is also a long weekend coming up (4 days) where many families are planning to take their exchange kids to special places outside Santiago.

So, if you don't hear from us for a bit, do not despair! We are only VERY BUSY! It's an exciting time for these young North Americans and I am enjoying watching them experience this new view of life and the world. Keep us in your prayers and thoughts! You are ALL in ours.