Sunday, September 2, 2007 Study Party!

Sunday, September 2, 2007

I woke up around 10:15, went running, and then showered before mass. On my way out to mass, I met the neighbor who lives across the hall. I could barely understand her, but was very sweet and I from what I understood, her name is Maria Teresa and she was happy to finally meet me. She went to mass at St. Ignatius, but I went over to St. Lazaro. While I was walking over, I thought I should have changed plans and gone to mass with Maria Teresa. But as soon as I got to the church I was glad I hadn’t changed my mind. There was a group of musicians, 4 singers, 2 violins, a viola, a cello, a flute, and an organ and they played the entire mass. It was absolutely beautiful. After mass the priest walked out and they continued playing/singing. They sang Ave Maria, then for the last song they sang the Alleluia. I was listening and it wasn’t until the second verse that I realized it was in English! Its amazing when you realize things you’ve always taken for granted can actually completely foreign for some people. They sang it perfectly and I had goose bumps when they finish. And just when I thought mass couldn’t get more perfect, a bagpiper walked in the front door. He walked all the way down the isle, played a song at the front of the church, and then walked back down. I don’t know how many people knew that was going to happen, but everyone looked pleasantly surprised.

After mass I walked home and again ran into Maria Teresa and another neighbor Patricia. Patricia immediately asked me how old I was and mumbled something to Maria Teresa about the same age as Juanito. We continued talking and Patricia asked me how I like Chileans. I told her they are all very nice and I’ve had a wonderful time so far. She then told me that she hopes the Chileans treat me very well and hopefully I can find a Chilean boyfriend! I told her I had a boyfriend back home and she couldn’t hide a slight look of disappointment on her face.

Olga had almuerzo waiting and after eating I took a little nap. I was really tired and knew that although I have to study for the test on Monday, it would be worthless to study now. So I slept for a while, and then studied/slept till 4:30. Then two gringos in my class, Christine (who came to the book fair Friday) and Mike came over to study. At 7 Mike left to go to mass nearby and when he got back at 8, Olga pulled all the stops and fed us enough for a small army. Both Christine and Mike were super appreciative and seemed to love it. Christine’s family never really eats together and Mike was just happy to eat, so we had a great time sharing stories and laughing. They headed out after nine and we continued studying. I gave up around midnight and fell asleep.