The Greenland School

This is the magical institution where I educate young Chilean minds. Valentina, Fernando, Martin and Antonia. Those are the names of the majority of my students, sometimes it's Pablo or Maria Paz. They spend most of the class time asking me if they can go to the bathroom or as they so sweetly phrase it "puedo hacer pipi?" (can I make pee pee?). The other part of class time is spent making crazy minture forts out of their pencils and pens. They love to call me Miss Michael Jackson, and they all ask me about Disneyland, and Hannah Montana. They have no intention of learning English. They basically want to use this time to have arm wrestling contests, make paper airplanes, and around the room. I stand in vain at the front of the classroom shouting in a language they do not understand, about colors, and shapes, and then I do the Hokie Pokie by myself. I have a big ball that I past around to make them answer questions. No matter what question I ask they respond with their name. It's really entertaining.

Watching them at recess or recreo is like watching a Gladiator match to the death. They are all jumping on each other, hitting, kicking and screaming. It is utter chaos. Trying to walk through the hall during this time is a big rookie mistake. You will suddenly have children hanging from all your limbs and they will accost you with kisses and hugs and ask you a million questions in rapid- fire Chilean Spanish. It is an utter nightmare. I mean if you were some sort of crazy, overly maternal freak, who just loved stinky, snot nosed, dirty children jumpying on you and then leaving sloppy wet kisses on your cheek. Well, then this would be the best time of your life.
Frankly I abstain from drinking liquids while on school premises because on route to the teacher's bathroom is where they will accost you most frequently. Their deceivingly sweet little voices screaming, "Hola Miss Michael!" over and over, until you acknowledge every frickin little Valentina or Fernando on the playground.
So this is the beautiful Greenland school, and I am the agitated white lady trying so desperately to teach the unruly students their colors, and numbers, and then trying even harder to dodge them on the playground.

8.8

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Everyone here in Santiago has a lot to be thankful for. Most of the people living in the city are scared, but safe. Most of the damage here has been superficial, and most of what has broken can be replaced.
Those living in Santiago are frightened and worried, but they have put on a brave face for their fellow countrymen. I am blown away by Chileans inner strength. I am even more impressed by their perseverance and ability to begin picking up the pieces after this historic and devastating event.

Chileans are both patriotic and tenacious. They lived through colonial rule and a harsh dictatorship. This 8.8 earthquake was the 5th largest Earthquake ever documented, but it is no match for Chile.


People here are offering their support any way they know how. They have started relief programs for Chilean by Chileans. The program is called "Chile ayude Chile" Chile helps Chile. Everywhere you turn they are collecting clothes, food, money and goods. They have put up flags and banners everywhere. Their pride and patriotism is inspiring to say the least.

There has been a change in the city of Santiago. Everyone seems a little more united, a little more open, a little more concerned for the other people on the metro, or in line at the market. Maybe it is my imagination, but the Santiaguinos seem a little more in tune with the people around them. Suddenly it seems like it is the people of this country that matter now, more than ever.


There is an overwhelming feeling of being the lucky ones, here. Watching the news and the chaos and destruction that is ubiquitous in Southern Chile, only two hours away. Many people in Santiago feel thankful, blessed, and humbled by the fact that they are safe. It is gut wrenching for them to watch as their fellow countrymen suffer. They are not taking their safety or life for granted, they are completely over come by the brevity of this situation, and the fact that they, are still standing.

The citizens of Santiago have quickly gotten to work, moving past their own grief and fear and have begun working for the larger cause, their country, and more importantly the lives of others.
Viva Chile!