There are certain things that I never, ever could have even imagined would happen in my life. Things like…say…hearing my own voice speaking both Spanish and English on Chilean radio several times a day? Surreal, but it’s happening.
Plan A
About 3 weeks ago, I met my colleague Pastor Oto at Radio Ancoa, a local station in Linares which broadcasts a mix of local news and community opinion call-in shows, Chilean folk, Spanish pop, and English music. There we met with the sound tech Fernando to record an ad for the English classes I will be teaching. This glorious little announcement – which combines a Mexican accent, a U.S. Spanish accent, and American worship music – was then broadcasted 4 times a day for 12 days. Just for fun, I’ve provided the link so that you can listen to it here: Clases de Ingles.
Although I was unsure about radio advertising, it truly has helped us reach the intended audience: fairly well-informed and educated adults with high self-motivation to learn the language. In fact, most of them came right to the church itself to inquire about the classes. One week later, I had arranged interviews with 7 Chileans who are, um, a good word might just be “giddy” …to learn English. I am not kidding. They are pumped! Which makes me pumped! Yeah, synergy.
And….Plan B
My goal is to have 24 students total, or about 4 classes of 6 alumnos each. When the radio ads expired, I all but stopped receiving calls or visits…soooo it was time to form a plan B. After learning that my friend’s brother, a pastor in New York City, does evangelism by riding the subway there, I decided that the central plaza here could be a solid starting place.
On Tuesday, I hit the plaza armed with flyers and sunscreen (Chile has a major hole in its section of O-zone…and I keep having bad dreams about getting extremely sunburned. Weird.).
I definitely didn’t “warm up” before I arrived at the plaza; as a result, I started off really timidly (I know I know, those of you who know me well may be surprised!). So, ahem, Day One was a bit…painful? For example, I approached two ladies with my winsome line “Tienen interes en clases de ingles?” I had barely finished the question when they responded with “OOOhhhh, ¡Qué liiiindoo!” Well, being in the rather self-conscious state to that I was, I roughly translated this in my head as “Awwww how cuuute!” It actually probably doesn’t really mean that. But…Ahem. In that moment, I’m pretty sure I all of a sudden felt like a little American toy doll. Cute?!? I am not cute!! I am…I am an English teacher, for goodness sake! (Insert subtle Garrison Keillor reference here.)
So, after a bumpy and timid first day, I re-evaluated and took a second plunge on Tuesday with my host mother’s words echoing in my head: “One just has to persevere, that’s all!”
Constantly Learning
Here are the top 4 things I have learned so far from my few days canvassing in the plaza:
1. Appearance matters in Chile. The first day, I handed out flyers wearing jeans, sensible brown shoes, and a nice zip-up sweater. People were kind but didn’t seem to take me seriously. I had a hunch that it had to do with my outfit. Pretty sure they thought I was 17 and trying to “make it” in Chile by convincing them to learn English with a gringa out of her tiny studio apartment. Day 2: Business make-up, pencil skirt, blouse, coordinating earrings, dress shoes. Results: Positive.
It seems to me that most people out and about during the business day in Chile have just stepped out of this ad for, er... ProntoMatic. Yes. But seriously.
2. You can talk with someone for 5 minutes in the plaza and make a friend for life (probably). I spoke with one gentleman about classes for him and his daughter; we exchanged normal life info and contact information. The next day, he invited me to coffee. In the U.S., this would make me second-guess his motives (creepy!). Here, I’ve realized it’s just an everyday outing with a Chilean friend. (Of course I bring my cell phone, insist on driving myself, and ensure that we stay in public…just in case!)
3. Know your stuff. People in the plaza are more-or-less relaxed and like to strike up a longer conversation. Within 5 minutes of any given conversation, I’ve been drilled about Martin Luther, the Lutheran church (is it like the Mormon church? the Catholic church?), the class schedule, my political stances, how I like Chile, my marital status, and how much class costs. It’s important to have professional yet light-hearted answers ready for everything. Chileans are genuinely curious about the life of a foreigner, and they appreciate a sense of humor. Avoiding the question or changing the subject quickly means running the risk of seeming cold, brusque, and unfriendly to the Chilean personality.
4. It works! As the plaza is a place for everyone – families, office colleagues on break, government workers, car washers, teenagers, students between classes, vendors, readers, couples – there is a wide audience. In addition, soliciting in the plaza is normal and even expected, which makes the job easier. It’s also a great way to give the church more presence in the community. After only 2 days (4 hours), I now have 8 more students – and it only cost my time and photocopies.
Today, I am thankful for plaza culture :) And cute English teachers.
I love this!!! YOU ARE AMAZING, CHELSEA :D
hey, que accento Srta Dietsche!! Saliste tan excelente en la grabacion! :) estoy orgullosa de tener una amiga famosita :) jaja
Me alegro que hayas podido aprender mucho mas de la cultura chilena solo con hacer algo tan sencillo!! Me hubiera gustado compartir esa experiencia contigo!
besos linda, que estes super bien!! Dios te bendiga grandemente en tu obra para la iglesia
Oh, Chelsea! Thanks! I love to hear about your work and I really appreciate your writing….add good writer to “cute English teacher”! Jesus bless you and each student.
Betty, how is everything in Minnesota? Thanks for your prayers! We are just now entering the “midterm” of the English course that started in November, and it is hot hot hot here. I can see the drained look on my students’ faces at about minute 43 of class! I’m hoping and praying that God keeps my mind and will fresh to “keep on keeping on,” despite the heat and sometimes “iffy” attendance due to summer travelling. My project for this week, therefore, is to start an attendance record and doing follow-up calls… Gotta keep fishing! And it seems my students could use extra encouragement.
Happy New Year to you and your family (which still inspires me from afar)!
Your blogs are wonderful to read. I also listened to the radio advertisement.
The Skype English class to Peru is still on track. It is a unique opportunity for me to help supplement their lesson plans and actually see and hear the students response. You know that I would love to go there for the summer.
Last night I taught Jesus Cares and showed the story THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT from the Matthew video. The movie started in Spanish and we could not get it changed to English. The situation was both funny and frustrating.
Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.
Chelsea!
Que divertido!! :D I too learned REAL quick how NOT to dress in Mexico in order to be taken seriously. I’ll never forget seeing women dressed in heels, a NICE blouse, earings, necklace, perfectly coifed hair when going to WALMART. So interesting. Gil always told me that he and others could always tell a gringa by the way she dressed, hehehe. So funny. I guess we are more casual here! Keep up these posts- your talent for putting words to paper is amazing!
It sure isn’t hard imagining you at the plaza doing this! Sounds like things are going well, keep the posts up, it’s nice to read what you’re up to!
Chelsea: It is interesting to here about your travels.
If I could, Chelsea…I’d like to offer you one piece of advice, however. Please, please be careful- I’m alluding to your mention of the guy asking you to come have some coffee with him. I’m sure it was harmless this time, but don’t do it again….I’m speaking from three years’ experience in a Latin American country….. there’s a much different perception of women, ESPECIALLY “gringas” in South America. Be on your guard. Only go out with men you meet through your church, your work, or another safe, “confirmed” environment. I was stalked for several months during my time down there by someone I thought was perfectly harmless. Just be careful- you’re out of your element and because of that you can more easily be caught off guard. Just porfas…ten cuidad, sale? TQM!! :)
Mary, thanks for your concern and advice. I also generally ask my host family about such things before following through. They’ve told me that this is pretty normal, but of course I still wonder…Therefore, consider your words taken to heart :) Besos!!
That’s good, Chelsea! As long as your host family feels safe with it….then I’d think you’re ok. Just always keep your eyes and ears open :) Besos amiguita!
I know you are just a perfect fit for this mission, and yet there might come times when you might doubt it. – In those times, remember me and your other many friends in Christ who know you well and know that there would not be anyone who would be better at this than you – turn to the Lord always and STAY SAFE!
Love you,
Jessica
hi we are moving to linares chile area, please help us with any and all inof of christian churches and groups in linares area. thank you very much for your help in jesus name
Hello!
My apologies for the delay in reply. I’m not extremely familiar with all of the churches in Linares, but I am certain about the one where I work, of course! The name is Iglesia Cristiana Luterana, and it’s located on Presidente Ibañez Avenue. Please send me a message at ced182007@yahoo.com if you would like more information. Of course, I’d love to meet you regardless of where you decide to attend church, and would be happy to help.
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