Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Why Chile





Why Chile?
Our first evening in Chile, Saturday evening we sat around outside under the awning introducing ourselves, drinking pisco sours, the native drink to Chile, and attempted to discover the path that led everyone here to the same place at the same time. Everyone had different stories, but it seems every one's story was exactly the same, looking for something different, wanting to learn about a different culture, different people, and a new way of doing things, in a foreign part of the world. We were all looking for something, but something we couldn't find where we came from, so we went looking for it. Many people ask me, "why? Why Chile? " And normally I say because we wanted to learn Spanish, the program was on sale, and Chile is beautiful, but the true answer is more complicated than that. I will only answer this question for myself, although I am sure Kyle's is very similar to mine, we aren't truly the same person, so I will allow him to answer this question for himself. I love Texas, I love my friends, and my home and my family, but I crave something more, something that I can't explain. When I first took the job at High Country Marketing, I was excited because I felt like I was going to build a strong future for Kyle and I, but along side that excitement was a voice screaming at the top of it's lungs that it was too long term of a job and with it, I would never be able to just get up and leave the country if I wanted. I guess I should mention that since high school, I have had a strong desire to join the peace corps. The peace corps offers many things that I desired, an ability to speak another language, to live in another country for two years, and a life changing experience of service to others. After taking my job, I was afraid that I would never see that dream realized, a dream that I had carried close to my heart for a long time. I felt suffocated by reality and by ordinary and a dull existence. My spirit is one of giving and adventure, and neither were being fulfilled in Austin. I felt so alone, afraid and timid, something I am not accustomed to. My spirit was desperate for air, but there wasn't even promise of it in my future, and I could feel it shriveling inside. With High Country Marketing, I had one client and two more that had said yes, but hadn't signed the dotted line. When the dotted line remained empty, my phone calls avoided, and my one client unhappy with the progress, my first reaction was to feel unhappy and confused, but within a couple of days, I realized that this door that slammed in my face could actually be my out, my window, my silver lining. I called Kyle as soon as the storm clouds revealed their first gleams of sparkles. Although my enthusiasm overpowered kyle's tenfold, I heard excitement in his voice. The next couple of weeks I spent glued to the computer, researching all of the many possibilities. I applied for at least ten positions, including, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, and Chile. We chose Chile, not for the money, obviously, but because we felt that it was the best fit. So here we are, on this roller coaster we have chosen, not knowing where the next turn will take us, but excited just to be on the ride!

6 comments:

sharon said...

Dear Vanessa and Kyle,
Happy Birthday, Nessa! And a late one to you, Kyle. I'm glad you are feeling better. I am enjoying reading your blogs, and hope you continue them. Life here is about the same. Lisa passed her state test with a 96, and is waiting for her license, but is working 6 days a week. She can't cut or color hair until she gets the paper, tho.
Kindergarten is fun. We flew kites one day, and I have an incubator full of hen eggs, and we caught a baby bird one day. Of course, we also took our state exams, and I haven't recorded them yet on the computer because I am afraid that my last two boys didn't pass. I have to give the 5th grade TAKS for 3 days next week.
Jon and I have been working in my yard, and it is already looking good. Kyle, you need to come back and finish Sharon's. I found some "Stepables," small plants that are kind of like grass, but don't need mowed, and she's interested in looking at them. Jon may finish it for her.
Aunt Millie has been sick with emphysema, but is better. Grandmother is doing fine. I'll write more later. Your mother and I are going out for lunch, somewhere near the cellphone store. Love, Nancy

Anonymous said...

Sharon,

Have you become a kindergarten teacher? I always thought you would be better suited to teach five year olds than psychotherapy! Just kidding! Hi Sharon, Nancy, Vanessa and Kyle! Nancy, tell Lisa congrats on the test! Hope everyone is doing well! Vanessa, why aren't you returning my e-mails?!?

Love,
Leslie

sharon said...

Leslie Dear,

Are you bored? This time it really is Sharon. Vanessa does not have much access to the internet. They have a computer, but have to go to an internet cafe to post what they write. I would like for you to contact me at Sharon.Braun@gmail.com. I need to talk to Jennifer Grogean also.

Love you,

Sharon

sharon said...

Vanessa Dear and Kyle Dear,

I love your writing which I find insightful, touching, personal, warm and witty! I can picture vividly the places and people and actions as you describe them, and I feel what you describe feeling. Keep it up! And as usual, Write Your Mother.

Love,

Your Mother

Anonymous said...

Sharon,

For the record, I was not bored. I was procrastinating. But none of you Brauns and Rogers and Sanders are familiar with that activity, are you??? ;o)I've elevated the practice into a precise art.

What did you do for your birthday Vanessa??? I hope you do a post about it!

luuuuuuuuuv,
Leslie

Anonymous said...

Dear Vanessa,

i, too, love your blogs, but I'd like some photos, please. I have some pictures in my mind, but maybe they're Peruvian pictures, or Mexican pictures, and I need to know how they differ. It sounds like you're having a challenge and some fun at the same time.

BB