Back in the real world...

Hey there family,

Well, I suppose this is the first time I am emailing since I arrived home a week ago. So, things are going pretty well and the transition hasn't been too rough...yet. I'm not sure what to expect, but I hear it may get a little harder soon. But anyway, it sure was great to see everybody this weekend and it was really great to be with you and talk with you and enjoy your company again. That was probably what I really missed most and now that that need has been filled I can move on to the other things in my life.

So I started this morning bright and early by heading over to Ralston Valley where I worked as a translator for two Chileans who are investigating the American public education system with hopes of improving their own. It was a really great experience and I loved translating. Not only did I get to practice my Spanish, but I really learned a lot about schools and especially the blessings and opportunities that we in the United States enjoy. DON'T TAKE IT FOR GRANTED! Things are pretty rough over in Chile and that is why Eduardo and Eric came here. Both are members of the church and are the equivalent of Principal and Assistant Principal at a "semi-private" K-12 school in Chile, and they are looking for solutions to improve the public education in Chile. Two years ago they had what was called the "Revolution of the Penguins", or a revolution of students against the public schools where they revolted against the teachers and police and closed the schools for about two months in protest of the poor public education. They were called penguins because of the uniform that all the students wear of a blue jacket and white shirt. So there seems to be a lot of problems and it was really interesting to hear their questions and the solutions that they were finding. It seems like a pretty hopeless situation from my point of view, but they are really devoted to finding the solution to make the education better in Chile. They hope that in about 20 years these problems will have been solved and Chileans will have greater opportunities, improving the economic situation and improving their standard of living, which in turn really helps us all out. Education really is the solution to poverty.

I have to thank you all for all of the support and love that you gave me throughout my mission. You really helped me push along and keep my spirits up and I know your prayers were answered. So thanks a ton!

So that's all this week! I hope everybody is doing well and I love you all! Talk to you later!

Love,

David