Almost four weeks of sharing day and night has definitely created a lot of great moments.

Here are some

of them.
1. Meeting everybody: Sonia was driving, so we stopped by the airport to pick up somebody. At the
airport, I had the opportunity to meet some of my classmates. There were a lot of expectations about
who was who. We had lunch with Walkiries, she was very nice and talkative. Then, we decided to leave
for Peas Blancas, Grettel and Blanca wanted to come with us. We were chatting all the time and
Blanca was very excited taking pictures. Once everybody got to CEM, we started introducing ourselves
and creating connections. Honestly, I hadnt checked where most of them come from beforehand, so it
was very interesting to know their country of origin. I love learning about cultures so this was a great
opportunity for interacting and knowing new things.

2. Panteras welcoming: I dont know why but I have always been afraid of dogs. I dont dislike them but I
am a little scared when they get too close. As soon as I arrived to CEM, Pantera started walking around
me; I was trying to stay calm. Whenever a dog gets close to me I raise my hands, for this reason when
Pantera sat next to me I put my hands on my pockets. Suddenly, Pantera bit my hand very gently I
couldnt believe it, I just stood still and I couldnt say a word. After a while when I finally caught my
breath I told Sonia and Grettel, Pantera just bit me! I showed them my hand with Panteras teeth
marks. I thought to myself oh no what I am going to do the whole month!!! Today I cant believe it, I
pet the dogs, I talk to them, I give them food. Am I becoming a dog lover???

3. First day of class: I like the relaxed atmosphere of the classroom, no desks, some rocking chairs and a
lot of teaching materials and stuffed animals. We started with the community building, everything
looked fun so far, but then the trainers gave us the materials and started explaining and assigning tasks
and homework. Since then everything has been a combination of hard work and fun moments.

4. Birthdays celebration: We celebrated Walkiries, Daniela and Charos birthday. Donnay and Libia
prepared them a cake. The three cakes were delicious! The first celebration was Walkiries, it was a big
surprise not only for her but also for everybody because it was the very first day of classes. It was a very
nice from all the people at CEM to pay attention to those details.

MOMENTS
5. Going to La Fortuna: I love to organize my familys and friends vacation trips, and take people around
to new places. In fact, my friends always tell me that I should have a travel agency. The day we went to
La Fortuna I felt like a real tour guide. I just wanted them to feel good and welcomed in my country.
Thus I was eager to help whoever asked for it, and they did. Everybody was asking about different
places, prices, souvenirs, places to do shopping. They were asking about so many things and wanted
me to go with them to the stores. When I realized I was ordering my food and then running to the
supermarket to help some of them get some good quality coffee and then I ran back to the restaurant
because another person needed to go to the drugstore and three of them were having lunch with us
and wanted to know what was good and cheap. Wow I really had my hands full that day!

6. Before teaching: I have been a teacher for 27 years so far and I still feel a little anxious anytime I have
to work with a new group. However, the first day at CEM I was not only anxious but also nervous. I
liked feeling those butterflies in my stomach because I realized that teaching did matter to me. A lot of
good moments, and some others not so good, came to my mind as I was getting ready for that first
class. Quite a moment!

7. Singing: The day we were asked us to prepare a song to check the content of a reading was a great
moment. I had to work with Tony and Walkiris. I took my music because I thought that may be useful.
But surprise, surprise as soon as we stepped outside Tony started singing like a priest in a mass. It was
so funny that we decided to do it like that. We fixed the main ideas into that rhythm and decided on
the choir responses. We had a great time preparing and performing it!

8. Thunderstorm: Living in a country with a long rainy season, how heavy or light it rains doesnt make a
big difference most of the time. Though, the first day it rained really heavy Charo was very nervous.
She hadnt seen so much rain in Peru so she began to ask question about it. It was really interesting to
see how something you are so used to in your everyday life can be quite an issue for another person.
She was asking for some specific details that I never thought about before. I will always remember
Charo anytime it rains and I will try to observe those beautiful details the rain brings with it.

9. Donnays laughter: They say laughter is contagious. It is true if you listen to Donnay laughing. The way
she laughs is so her that there are no words to describe it. It is just Donnay and her great and
contagious sense of humor. Thank you Donnay for filling up our hard working days with your laughter!

10. Mate time: I always wondered why Argentineans like mate so much. Now I know why. It was a very
interesting cultural experience. To be honest I didnt like the taste and it was too hot, but I enjoyed
learning what is behind the custom. Thanks Laurita for that experience!