Babies and learning to drive

So I found out yesterday that I'll be working with babies for the next few months - kids from a few days to two years old. The home is called Hogar Esperanza: Casa de Lactantes, and the goal is for each baby to be adopted. So excited - but here's the catch: part of the job involves driving the kids to preschool or to doctor's appointments. In a car with a manual transmission.

I don't know how to drive stick just yet (I've practiced a couple of times, stalling in McDonald's drive-thru, of course) - Christy, a current volunteer will teach me - but this is going to be interesting. I'm the girl you see on the road, talking on the phone, drinking coffee, putting on chapstick, reaching in the backseat for a CD, driving with her left foot up on the seat, because she clearly does not have to shift (or has no fear of accidents??). SO not happening in Santiago...

Mi hermana

One person I will miss for three months. Lynn and I talk almost every day, live six houses from each other, borrow clothes, fight, have lunch together, laugh at each other and keep each other in check. I'll miss ya feef!

Soon

Less than two weeks. I don’t think I ever really thought I would do this, but yeah, I’m on my way. Working with kids in Santiago, Chile for a few months (at least) and adjusting to life in another continent, country, culture. Learning Spanish as fast as I can, and trying as hard as possible not to give in to the temptation to lapse back into English whenever possible. Hopefully traveling with other volunteers or friends, and experiencing life to the nth degree.

What will I do when I get back? I have no idea. Definitely have options, definitely have responsibilities in Grand Rapids, but nothing locked into place. I can’t predict how I will have changed by the time I get back, so in the words of my wise mother, I’m taking things one day at a time. Lord knows I understand that patience is a virtue… and besides, right now I’m still working on a packing list.