The best part so far (besides Jumbo) about being here is
meeting my team, the department of Community Affairs at the Candelaria
Mine. They have welcomed me with such
warmth, and so have other employees.
After a week here, I already feel as if I am a part of the team. My jefe here is funny, he has already
included me in other projects and makes sure to speak slowly so that I follow
what he’s saying (sidebar: Chilean Spanish
is no joke, the accent combined with the speed in which Chileans speak, combined with their penchant for having their own vocab
aka “Chilenismos” ("How to Survive in the Chilean Jungle" .... an actual book
that exists that translates Chilean words and sayings to English) makes it SUPER difficult for my Central American/Caribbean Spanish accustomed ears to understand).
And my “teammates” are super inclusive as
well as patient with me, especially when my Spanish is not flowing, which right now, is most of the time! One of my
teammates even invited me to her beach home in Bahia Inglesa (pics forthcoming) for a day trip. Que guay! But best of all, everyone in this department
cares about the community and how the mine can make a positive impact, and give
back; not just take. We work hard, umm
surprise of the month, a 10 hour work day, 730a to 530p (cue the cartoon
surprise noise)!! As a totally and completely non-morning person, this has
proven to be an uphill battle. I truly
enjoyed my first week at work, and that’s never happened to me before.
I am so happy to be here, yes I know, I’m
falling right along with the culture shock graph, but it’s still true. I’m where I’m supposed to be, at the time I’m
supposed to be there. I believe in this project,
and I’m grateful to be working (period!), but also working with what seem to be
really good people, who have been watching out for me and have been concerned
about my wellbeing since before I arrived.
Blessings y Besos,
Jeder
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