DAinChile

The adventure

2010-05-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

About fifteen years ago, the teacher had asked her students to pick a country they wanted to learn about. Many students picked Australia, Egypt, England, or Canada. I picked Chile. My report was really nothing special, I wasnt studious at 8 years old. I think I found a book in the library and gave a presentation on how Chile has almost every physical climate on the planet and is a long and thin. They also spoke spanish. Little did I know, I would one day visit Chile. Little did I know, I would one day live there, love it there.
My time in Chile sure has been one of cultural growth. I have learned how another country truly is shaped, how its people build a nation and not what the produce or control. I never imagined myself I would have it in me to learn a new language, face the challenges of living out of the comfort zone, or certainly survive 2 earthquakes. I have though. I am proud to be a part of what has happened in Chile. I certainly am proud to represent my family, friends, and Saint John's Abbey and University.
The Manquehue Movement has been an adventure in Chile. A subculture within the developing world of a changing society. I have taken part in something very unique. A lay group of men and women expressing and living out their talents, beliefs, and characters in order to make Chile a better place. That idea is nothing new, to give and receive love. That was the message of Jesus Christ. Manquehue has been an inspiration for me, showing that our faith can be practiced in the world and not confined to a religion. I have learned to live in community, to find common sense within the Scriptures and my life as a 23 year old young man. I have learned to walk within a community not as a stranger, but as an intimate part of that community.
I have been to Aysen, Patagonia, a region of the world undeveloped and untouched by the compelling push towards modernization. While there, I took part in an organic, changing mission of love while living and serving the people around Lago General Cerrera. This mission is about to develop in the future into something much more than formation and a farm. The people there are facing a devestating problem of dam construction solely for profit and economic growth. The natural world can teach us so much, and I believe to destroy a wilderness and identity so pristine, virgin is a destruction to humanity. I can only hope the local gauchos realize Manquehue's presence is one of love and will continue to support their actions for the Church.
I have seen and experienced a earthquake rip through villages and towns where access to clean water, food, and shelter are instantly lost.I have helped repair villages and bring food to children who may otherwise go without. It is sad to see children hungry, and I know this is a world issue we must face before we destroy the land and way of life that has been given us.
I have learned and continue to recognize the reality of a vocation. In the following months, I hope to cultivate and maintain this sense of spirit and positivity that gets me through the daily: community, prayer, and love. I personally know I need that. Manquehue has helped me understand that being a Benedictine means walking through the desert in community, with God. I wont be perfect, I am a human. I certainly havent moved Manquehue hill during my time here. I have impacted a community with my strengths and weaknesses and witnessed love from every angle and person. I have played a positive presence in the lives of children, a friend, a tutor, a clown. I hope they remember me in the future as gringo loco, or tio Fifo.
I want to make the world a better place, and want to share with others my love for the Earth, nature, a loving God, friendship, and the Spirit. I hope my dreams can become a reality in the way that they should.
I have one more week left with the Manquehue Movement. I will be traveling to Buenos Aeries and Brazil to visit family friends until later this month. I hope to write one more good blog before that adventure. Thank you to the Manquehue Movement and the oblate community for sharing their lives and love with me. I am grateful and so thankful for as John calls, the light of Christ shining on the path. I am excited to see where that light leads, I can tell you right now, I hope to work hard for it. I love you all!!

Been a long time

2010-04-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

Prayer is the life of the Spirit as breathing is to the body.

Hi everyone. Things have really been happening.
Here you go...
I am now assistant of the library, assistant to 9th graders, and tutoria maestro. Those roles have kept me busy while at the same time given me a lot of time to think and pray. San Lorenzo is repaired, but still has construction workers all over the place. It reminds me a lot of Saint Johns my first two years, I felt like I saw more men in hardhats than my friends at times. It is real interesting to see how a culture affects your life. I wouldnt say I was super impacted by Chile, but by Manquehue.
I went on two retreats these past two weekends. One was for fourth graders and it was fun playing games with them and singing songs. I forgot how much energy they have when they are all together. It was a blast! The boys are tougher, but you got a real chance to make an impact on retreats. The other retreat I went on was for 9th graders. They were typical ninth graders, not too excited to be participating and not too excited about much. Thats not cool, remember. Anyways the basis of that retreat was to get them involved in lectio groups, which is the entry into Manquehue as a young student of one of the schools. Although this was tough to do, we managed to get a core group of young guys out there and excited to try it. I think it will go well and they will have some good young leaders.
My friend Pete Jensen came down from Peru a week ago. It was real great to see him. Hadn't seen him since graduation and we had lots to catch up on. We both had beards and both had big dreams of doing special things with our lives. Pete's work in Peru and Ecuador was real exciting. He will be continuing to work in Peru with Los Amigos de Padre Juan, a non profit based out of Chimbote, Peru. This is the place where CSB SJU students go for a two week winter break trip. I think he will be a great volunteer coordinator. I have great friends.
Another real interesting thing that has happened is the oblation of three men: Roberto, Juan Jose, and Vicente. I knew Roberto because he is the head of tutoria at San Lorenzo and Vicente (Vichu) has always been a great guy when he is around. Juan Jose was at Downside with Rodrigo but is back now. It was neat to see the oblation. Like a profession to monastic life, they have to sighn a commitment to the community. The oblates also where a special robe specific for liturgical celebrations as well. They sometimes look like Jedi's, I always tease Anthony and Juan Pablo. It was real neat to experience that special moment for Manquehue.
It is real interesting having these young Englishmen from Ampleforth. You can tell there is a real culture of Ampleforth here with the Chileans of Manquehue. At least I have never felt more American in my life. Well I have learned a lot about myself here which is why I truly came down.
I am continuing the journey now.
Love you

David

Easter memories

2010-04-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. What a Holy Week it was for Manquehue. A great celebration, but sure a lot of work. Anthony described it as being the most intense time of the year and certainly a difficult time for the oblates, but a good time. All three schools partake and participate in the celebrations of the Triduum. On Thursday the schools ended early and we headed to San Anselmo where the mass took place. There, I got to partake in the foot washing ceremony and that was real neat. I also wondered as a kid why people got their feet washed, because I never understood the scriptures. Now with lectio, I understand it better. After the mass, our house went home and we had our own foot washing ceremony and big meal. Didnt get to bed until 2 am.

Now to Friday...We woke up at 6 am and traveled to San Lorenzo to pray Matins. Yep, Matins. I thought that monastic practice died out after Vatican 2. I know St. John's doesnt do Office of Readings or Matins anymore, maybe because of the size of the community, or because they are always leading in contemprary monasticism. After Matins we had Lauds at 8 and then I traveled to San Benito where I met Andy Coval, an ex novice of Saint John's Abbey and good friend of Br. Peter Sullivan and the monks. He came to Chile with his girlfriend Rebecca to explore the country and get a feel for Manquehue during Holy Week. I know his stay was limited, but hope he got an understanding of Chilean culture. I went to 2 talks by Mario and Juan Pablo, which I almost fell asleep for. Not that they were boring, but talking about moral theology and its relation to scripture in spanish is difficult to keep up with. Friday we had the Veneration of the Cross at San Lorenzo and that evening stations in the streets of recoleta. This was really awesome, and I still cannot get over how active the students are here.
Saturday was very similar to Friday except for the 4 hour Vigil at night followed by a 3 hour party at San Benito. Long and awesome!

Sunday we woke up and the easter bunny filled the house with choclate eggs. Yes Joni, and Grandma and Grandpa. I got your cards, thank you. Yum. The english speakers made an english breakfast, with lots of meat, and something I hadnt had in 8 months and wont again...bacon. I don't know where Chris Dobson found it. So delicous. Yesterday, we went to the temple of Maipu to show the new guys the site. It was fine and a nice way to end Easter.

Holy week

2010-03-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Happy Holy Week to those who are celebrating. Things here can be descibed by the following adjectives: silly,hot, energetic, intense, different, and interesting. A lot has happened since my last post. A little log entry as I reflect:
March 19th- said goodbye to James Albrecht who decided to end his experience earlier than originally planned. A new lifelong friend, I hope and excellent partner on this adventure.
March 22- The arrival of Edward and Lucas, two eighteen year old alumns of Ampleforth College near York, England. The house changed that day for me as well. My original house lead by Jonathan and had Jose Miguel, Anthony, Andres, Tote, James and I has now changed to the "gringo" house. The occupants are Rodrigo Vidal, Cristian, Andres, Chris Dobson, Ed, Lucas, Joaquin, and me. Quite a change there.

Things have been good here and the school really has kept me motivated. I am working more in classes and assisting in other projects. The school really took some serious damage from the earthquake. If you are interested in learning more or how you could help in the earthquake relief effort, please email me.

I went on a mission trip to the village of Pumanque and did earthquake relief. Sadly, I forgot my camera. It is probably better that I didn't because it was so sad to see so many displaced. A trip of manual labor, talking, and playing with little ones. A trip I will never forget.

Holy Week kicked off with Palm Sunday in the streets of recoleta procession with palm branches. It was followed by an excellent mass as well. I am excited for this Holy Week here, it should really be an excellent time. Pete Jensen, my college roommate is coming down for a visit from Peru for 2 weeks next Wednesday. Another thing to keep me motivated. Please continue to write and thank you to all who have.

DAvid

Being a tutor for Manquehue

2010-03-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

So this blog is dedicated to all those wondering what actually being a tutor is with the Manquehue Movement. Tutoria for me means a lot to the program we are doing and is the base of the work we are doing here. I hope next year's volunteers understand that they need to learn tutoria first and the other jobs will follow, and they will do more. I will make sure of that.

Tutoria was started in the 1980's by oblate brothers Jose Miguel and Jose Antonio Navarro. Being two different people their approach to building relationships with youth was different than any teacher or sport could provide. They decided to create an after school session with kids just talking, playing games, and singing songs. What they learned to realize is that kids kept coming with more kids. They were asking for more activities and Jose Miguel and Jose Antonio lead lectio readings as well. They with the other founding oblates based their vision for all three Manquehue schools under the idea of relationships, friendships, Scripture, and missions.

For James and I at San Lorenzo, and Charlie and Cole before us, tutoria is your base work. It is what most gringos come to do, and most only do that. As a college graduate who had worked with thousands of children in a youth ministry setting, I learned that the incorporation of lectio was real important. Being a tutor is simply being present at the school as a positive role model for the children. With the New Jerusalem Bible, we talk about bigger things than the media, reggaeton. We talk about our futures, our pasts, and present. How God has played a role, how God hasn;t, etc. Tutoria has now grown into older students becoming the actual tutors while the staff really just facilitates everything. One day a week, older kids take over a younger class and read scripture, do activities, play games, and simply be with the little ones. It has been a success for Manquehue and I know when I was a St. Joseph's Catholic School, the system of older students spending time with younger students was used constantly. Talk about a great way to form community in a school setting!

So that's been tutoria for me. I hope I can give a picture to those who want it. Feel free to email me with questions.

David

Big changes and shakes

2010-03-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. So I really am not sure how to start this blog. I know all of you who have read this have heard something about the 8.8 earthquake here in Chile. I guess we can give you our story of it. About a week ago, James and I had came home from a fun night with friends we met traveling,etc. We went to sleep and were awoken by our room shaking. I was sleeping but felt something huge and my bed moved across the room. James yelled, "Dave get up!! This is an earthquake!" Things were falling all over the room and our windows were shakng. The whole house felt like one of those fun houses we went to at the county fair. We ran outside of our room to find Jose Miguel (Monato) yelling "Gringos, este terremoto esta mas fuerte de 85!!" Suddenly the shaking stopped and we realized we were okay. The lights were dead, sirens were blaring all over the city, and cars were zooming. You could smell fires from all over and when we went outside you could see smoke and rubble all around the street. Luckily our house had no problems, amazingly! No one really slept that night, but Andres, Monato, James and I spent the night listening to the radio and making phone calls.

The next few days were some of the scariest we have experienced in Chile. Without lights and running water it was tough to pray, eat, and live properly here in Santiago. We were all concerned about people like Rodrigo Vidal (the guestmaster and good friend of Charlie and Cole and Br. Paul) and Patrick Blumer, Nicolas, and Antonio who had just left Saint John's ( I hope that went well by the way). The whole day sirens were blaring and we realized the cities of Talca, Concepcion, and Constitucion were really destroyed. The tsunami was what ruined so much of Chile. The city of Santiago has really experienced some damage, but the people here are acting with hope..most of them. I won't lie here and say we haven't seen more violence and theft because of this. In fact our car was stolen from our house, along with my old shoes.

What James and I have realized is how lucky we are to be writing this and how inspiring the people of Chile have been. Thank you for your support, words, and prayers. We have been spending the last week cleaning our school, which really got hit. We pray the violence has died down and Chile can be restored.

Our work has consisted of a gringo cleaning crew, or as Mario Canales calls us, "his north american slaves." Luckily, we get to wear shorts and my spanish is better so I can understand the directions and everything. The experience here sure is a lot more fun when you understand what people are talking about. I hear the boys in Guatemala get private classes in Spanish, lucky. Anyways, San Lorenzo was a disaster. The church has a lot of broken windows, statues fell, and the altar will need to be replaced. One of the roofs has entirely caved in. We have been praying outside on the patio and eating with the professors and tutors. Everything in Chile has to be done by hand, which I love. We are using all the bricks from the walls that have fallen around Recoleta and here at San Lorenzo to build patios for the schools. Basically we crush bricks and cement blocks and create a gravel like substance, using small hammers. Not the most fun job in the world, but at least we know we are making a difference.

School will start on Wednesday simply to get the kids off the street and away from any problems at home. The teachers will have to teach as much as they can with all the repairs going on, but a lot of the work will be playing with the kids and making them feel welcomed back to school. I am excited for this.

On a much more positive note, Rodrigo Vidal who was at Ampleforth Abbey for 6 months successfully made it home last night. We had a great time getting to know him. This is the final few days for Jim, who has been a great partner. He had decided before the earthquake to head back to Minnesota earlier than originally planned. I will miss him so much and he has been a great presence in my life. He will do amazing things and has been a gift to Manquehue. Thank you to the monks of Saint John's for your love to James and I during this catastrophe. James, I cannot thank you enough. With love.

David

Red headed reflections

2010-02-26T07:32:00.000-08:00

Hello friends and blog readers,

Things have been very tranquilo with the American Manquhue members here( James and I). Since our great time in Patagonia, the thing we needed most was a little R and R. James and I left San Jose on Sunday the 15th and traveled north to Coyaiche. For next years Johnnies with Manquehue, do not go to Coyaiche. Either travel south to Punta Arenas or go to Puerto Montt.

Sorry, but Coyaiche was great to check email, and have ice cream, but nothing could compare to how magical our experience was in Mallin Grande, Guadal, and San Jose. James and I spent 3 days looking at national parks, eating bread, and trying to bargain for cheap housing. Luckily James and I found hospedajes (people's homes) for real cheap.

We left Coyaiche last Wednesday and flew to Puerto Montt. Puerto Montt isn't too big, but very dangerous. A lot of gringos go there in hope to travel further south or catch buses to Chiloe, or Argentina. That means there is a lot of petty theft. Luckily, James and I saw none of that personally. We traveled then to Chiloe, Chile's biggest island. Think Maine meets Ireland. It is very green and very peaceful with huge bays. On these huge bays are very old wooden boats. Chiloe is famous for its historic wooden churches that were made 200 years ago and are still standing. Boy were they gorgeous.

James and I met people from all over the globe while traveling and had fun getting to know kids from Israel, South Africa, Japan, Australia, and Norway. James had the best spanish of anyone and was often asked to ask for directions, get food, etc. My spanish really improved on the missions and all these international young people commented that our guacho experience was cooler than anything they had ever done.

James and I got back to Santiago after a 12 hour bus ride from Puerto Montt and have been given a week of freedom: no lectio, no schools. The only obligation is to eat dinner with Jose Miguel and Andres. It has been great to sleep in and reflect on my time in Patagonia. We took a trip to Valpariso yesterday which is my favorite city in Chile. I recommend it to anyone going to Chile as well as Patagonia of course.

I love and miss you all and look forward to the getting back to San Lorenzo.

Love

David

My other favorite place in the world...Patagonia

2010-02-21T11:18:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Wow! What a great adventure the year has been for us. In the last 40 days, I sure have done a lot. James and I just got back from our time in the south known as Aysen. Aysen is the Alaska of South America...an unknown territory still waiting for civilization. James and I spent the first 2 weeks since we last left you on missions with young people from Manquehue. James was in the large pueblo of Guadal along the beautiful lago general cerrera. I was stationed in the Guacho capital of the world known as Mallin Grande. High in the mountains I spent my days missioning to houses and getting to know the families. Mallin is tiny folks. About the size of Jacob's Prairie for you monks back at home. I met a lot of families for who many have never seen a gringo before. The guacho men were incredible. Scary at first, as they approach you with burly arms and a huge knife tied to their belts, they soon became my friends.

I connected with the other people in my missions group as well and made some close friendships. The missions ended with a Patagonian barbeque of roasted sheep... that was sheard and butched by me. That morning, I went with my friend Javier and a guacho named Don Paulo to the sheep corral on horseback. The guacho said, gringo cual cordero te gusta? I pointed at one and he lassooed it and handed me his knife. Slowly I gutted the sheep with Javier's help as the guacho had a great laugh. I know, maybe the story was too graphic. Believe me, it was amazing!

After missions, James and I went to San Jose, the coolest formation house on the planet! This home for men has no electricity... so at night everything is done with candles. It made me really think about old monastic life and how our society is so dependent on electricty. Grr. We spent about 5 days there living and working on the farm. After that, Diego our boss took us up to the mountains where James and I lived 10 days away from anything. While camping, we picked up and cleaned a huge cow pasture for the farm of San Jose.

This has been one of the most incredible times of my life and I want to thank all of you for making this dream a reality.

Please write!!

Love David

Missiones

2010-01-13T07:17:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone! Happy New Year!

I rang in the New Year in Leyda, the cabin of Jose Manuel and that was awesome. So beautiful and I got to see a lot of the coastal range of Chile again. It was great to be there with Ignacio and get to know Jose Manuel better!

James and I just got back from a great trip to the small farm town of Mallauraico for ten days with the students of San Lorenzo. Although James got food poisoning during the middle of the trip and had to go home for 5 days, we both had a terrific experience. We ran three projects: Building a medio aqua which is a 2 room house for a needy family, repairing a roof for a family, and going door to door and getting to know the families. James went to build the medio aqua, and this extrovert was asked to be a missionary.

Going door to door was very nerve racking at first, but luckily I was paired with some great students. For 7 days we visited a diverse set of families, farms, and homes. I remember one day in particular my friend Alejandro and I had to walk 6 miles to a home one morning where we met a 90 year old man who had lived on the farm for over 75 years! His house was burnt down by farmers during the Pinochet regime, and although he couldn't understand me too much, we had a great time. During the evenings, the group of 40 held activities for the kids of the community and spent time getting to build relationships with kids in the schools. I felt closest to Francisco, Jorge, Michu, and Alejandro who assisted me a ton during the missions. We shares a lot of great laughs and had a blast! The food was also great as well! It was overall an amazing week!

This week James and I are on vacation and taking some time for ourselves. James and I have continue to grow and learn so much from Manquehue. At times, it can be a bit overwhelming working with youth all the time, but I think it is in those relationships that we are getting the most out of.

On Tuesday, we head off to Patagonia and will spend most of our time away from any contact with the outside world. For 16 days we will be going on separate mission groups to small pueblos just west of Chile Chico. James will be going to Guadal and I will be in Mallin Grande. After the Chelenco missions, we will spend 12 days on the San Jose community! Look forward to hundreds of photos to come and many stories to share!

I love and miss you all and know you are in my thoughts daily! Thank you so much for this opportunity!

Chilean Christmas and New Year

2009-12-29T12:03:00.000-08:00

Hola amigos!!
It has been awhile since we have blogged, the main reason being no internet and it was Christmas in Chile!!! Wahoo! Well Chileans do not really get into the holiday spirit too much except for on Christmas Eve, which is there big day. The past two weeks James has been blessed with a visit from his aunt Karen. They have been traveling all over Chile and to Mendoza, Argentina. That's great that James has a guest. He is definately someone who deserves a guest to show off his spanish skills and his love of Chile.
The oblates and I spent Christmas with a mass at San Benito, followed by a huge dinner and party at Jose Manuel's the founder of Movement Manquehue. I was invited to this closed event, and we had cold turkey, potatoes, steak, mushrooms, salads, and all the dessert you could ask for. It was a great time! Sadly, I forgot to take my camera along. The house was beautiful and it is warm enough outside to eat out throughout the night.
Christmas day was a very peaceful day. The gringo oblates (Jonathon, Anthony, Simon and his wife and kids, Christine) and I went to Patrick and Gigi Blummer's house. Patrick and Gigi are English gringos who came to Manquehue Movement in 1994 and raised their 8 children here. So I had 2 big Christmas feasts!! That was great! Their kids are bilingual, which is really cool.
For the past few days since the 26th, there have been no oblates in sight. They all went off on a retreat leaving me alone in our house. Luckily, my good friend Jorge has agreed to stay over as long as I help him organize the missions with San Lorenzo. It has been a great time.
A funny thing happened to me the other day. I was walking to buy a new journal and found a young kid calling me Prince Harry. I get that a lot (Ron Weasley, Senor Tomato, Prince Harry). The kid asked in spanish if I have ever been to the moon. He then told his mom that he met an alien or a prince. I am neither, but am definately a foreigner.
Now to tell you about Patagonia which James and I are leaving for in 3 weeks. We are going with 40 other college age or older kids on missions in Chile Chico. I will be spending 2 weeks on these missions with my new friend Javier Fernandez, who is about 28. Javier spent 5 months in the Chilean Patagonian wilderness by himself. He is amazing. He has agreed to spent the next 5 weeks working and living with me and James. I am psyched to get to know this guy better. I am going to the village of Millan Grande which is near San Jose, the oblates community there. This is a lot like the cabins in Northern MN except people live there all year round and lead retreats and present community ( could be a possible monastery new job Br. Paul Richards). Anyways, James and I will live in San Jose for 3 weeks after our missions in Patagonia. I am hoping on going back there again with students in April or something as well.

Thats whats up down here in Chile. I love the people and mountains here, and am doing great! Thanks for your support, thoughts, and prayers-
Love David and James

Talleres de Navidad

2009-12-17T16:37:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

James and I are very happy here. Summer is upon us in every shape and form. The days are longer, the sun shines, and we are eating more fruits and vegetables in our meals. This also means lots of sunscreen, freckles, and people get crabby because of the sun. Oh well. Our time in San Lorenzo has changed a lot this week and will until Christmas. School is done for the year since the school year is March to December. We are still going to the school and helping out with various things. Are main work has been putting on day camps called Talleres de Navidad. We basically have about 30 young kids from ages 5-10 come in for the mornings and we do activities. From all my days at Park and Rec in high school, not a hard thing. The afternoons we have been going to San Benito and taking part in Lectio 101. This is a class devoted to the Bible and understand what lectio really is. That has been going well, and helping me realize that the Bible is a good thing at times. We are doing that with two other gringos, Christine from Cambridge, and Dominic an older man visiting for 10 days and who went to Ampleforth with Jonathon and Patrick.

Christmas is next week! Holy Cow! I may not have the opportunity to update this by then. Merry Christmas if I can't update!

Dave

Last week of tutoria and the peaceful river

2009-12-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. I want to start this blog off thanking everyone for their support with my grandfather Fritz Dolejs. He was a great man and is now looking out for me in what lies beyond death. Thanks for your prayers, thoughts, and words. Means a lot to me.

Last week was our final week of formal tutoria for the year in the classrooms. How did we finish them you may ask? With a snack party of course! Nothing like watching little 5-8 year olds chow down on munchies with their friends during school! It was great to see the kids so happy. The next few weeks James and I will be working less, basically playing with kids until the school year ends. After this week and before Christmas, we will be giving private English lessons to students. That will be fun!

Last weekend James, Andres, Jorge, Jaime, and I went off to the Andes, but this time to a river in closer to home. The river was very clean and the water was very cold. I was brave enough to walk in, James has been under the weather all week. He actually fainted on the subway twice! Poor guy! Ah well, the river was great and I had fun taking photos and relaxing.

Yesterday we celebrated the Immaculate Conception with some boys in 9th grade from San Lorenzo and Andres. We walked up the hill by our house and went to church by the huge statue of Mary that is there. It was nice and pretty, although too hot to focus on church!

Things have been pretty good here despite everything going on with my family right now. We are very happy to be in a culture that respects and loves their families so much.

Things have been really good for James and I. Next week we are helping host a gentleman from England who has been involved in the Movement before.

Hope all is well!

The Andes finally

2009-11-30T10:51:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone! As my good friend Br. David Paul Lange reminded me, I should be happy to be in spring. I sure am, although spring here feels much more like our summer. It is HOT in the sun.

James and I had a spectacular weekend. Friday night was really relaxing, a few laughs and games with the oblates. Jose Miguel was in charge this weekend, because Jonathan and Jose Manuel are in England exploring monasteries. I've been telling them their next US visit should include the Collegeville area. I think it will be. Anyways, we played cards, listened to music and had dinner out on the patio. It was excellent! The weeks are very long here, and so to have a little time to relax is real great! Tote (toe-tay) was around this weekend too, which made things extra fun. On Saturday, Jose Miguel (monato) went to a pro soccer game because he had exclusive seats. I always forget what type of position he is in, he basically is the headmaster of the prep school, meaning he has to make face with a lot of important people. Jose Miguel reminds me a lot of my Papa Fritz, he is very extroverted. I suppose myself as well. I can see Father Don nodding his head!

Anyways, he went off to the game and Tote had to go work with Ignacio, but Anthony, James, Andres and I headed off to the Andes. The Andes are only an hour and a half from our home, and a very gorgeous view included. Anthony was at the wheel and as we were driving we noticed the road to be much wider, and we noticed we really weren't going upwards into the mountains. We ended up getting sidetracked and found a copper mine. After driving around, we realized our path was not this Indiana Jones looking path. We drove up to the mountains finally and I was thinking, "finally, no people".... boy was I wrong. The mountains were filled with people because there was some dumb Red Bull motorcycle competition on top of this beautiful landscape. We were so angry! I'm sorry motocross fans, but come on! Luckily, Andres was determined to find a quiet spot and we walked a few miles up. We found a huge rock on a cliff for lunch and prayers. The view was amazing!

Sunday after mass, we all went to Roberto and Magdalena's. They are both oblates and have seven children. When Br. Paul and Charlie first told me about married oblates, I thought that families lived together in one huge house. Well, I was close with that idea. It turns out that Roberto and Magdalena live right next to Patrick and Gigi and their 8 children. Thats awesome! Reminds me of another family I know... the Otts in Mancos, or the Dolejs family. We had a great time with an asado and playing with their kids. It was a great weekend!

James and I are really learning a lot. As my good friend Fr Mike would say, our spirits are being tested. After a great walk yesterday with Anthony, I am sure learning much more about my vocation. I really want to be someone who makes a difference in other's lives, and due to my personality I want to live somewhere that I can grow, learn, and make a difference. I hope everyone at home is doing well. It looks like the monks, family, and friends had a nice Thanksgiving! As you can see the Advent wreath was made this weekend as well by yours truly.

Work is going great and James and I are making some serious relationships here! Love you!

Birthday wishes in Chile

2009-11-25T04:05:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. Back to the blog. I notice I have been journaling and blogging less and less. This blog will be pretty short. James and I are doing just fine here, and have both really been moved by the people we have met. It was my birthday last thursday and San Lorenzo sure made me feel special. In the morning they had an assembly to talk about the end of year, but afterwards I had 1000 kids singing me Feliz Cumpleanos followed by about 500 hugs and high fives. Not a bad way to start the morning. I have never really felt so lucky on my birthday. Mario, who is the head of San Lorenzo invited me to his office for coffee and snacks as well. Given that it was a school day, I really was celebrated by all those kids. I had to walk into every classroom where children were handing me cards that spelled my name, "Deivid". It was sure a great day!!

This weekend I helped Anthony with Ignacio. We took him to a scout meeting, where he is the honorary head scout for the movement. His job is to pray and I have asked him to keep my grandfather in his prayers. Ignacio and I are becoming good friends and I think he really likes having me around. The oblates, James, and I also went to a high school play held at Colegio San Benito. The play was very confusing, I think like the equivalent of Shakespeare in Spanish. It was hard for Andres to follow, and Andres is 100% Chilean. Oh well, it was good to get out and see the other schools, and fun for me to see high school theatre again.

James and I are very thankful to be in Chile and although we will not have thanksgiving this year, we are happy to be with such nice children. The kids are really making this experience a great one, along with our relationships with the oblates.

In honor of the holiday spirit, James and I are both thankful for our families' love and the support of the Saint John's community. We hope all of you have a wonderful holiday!

Love

David

Acts of kindness

2009-11-17T08:52:00.001-08:00

Hello there from the playground of Colegio San Lorenzo! James and I are learning the benedictine value of humility in many different ways. This past weekend was great, we both clocked in some good times with oblates, friends, etc.
Friday, I had my second meeting with my lectio group. It is lead by Alvaro one of the head tutors of San Benito and he is a great guy. We meet with about 6 other old boys of San Benito, basically alumni of the school who are interested in being involved in the movement. We met at one of their homes and had snacks and read a little scripture. Not a bad time and it was great to meet some young guys who were all my age outside of San Lorenzo. That night, I went up to Jose Manuel's home and assisted Anthony in working with Ignacio, Jose Manuel's 24 year old son. Ignacio is amazing. He has a condition where he cannot walk or talk. Working with him takes constant vigilance.James and I met him during our vacation to the coast, but hadn't seen him for weeks. He remembered me though, and we hit it off really well together. It is work like this where I wish I had more practice in personal care or physical therapy, but as Anthony says, my presence is a gift to Ignacio. This was a wonderful opportunity to become closer with the Movement and the family who have given Manquehue so much of their lives. Ignacio has 3 brothers and a sister and they are really amazing as well. Domingo, the middle child is an excellent Guacho in training and I think he will be an excellent guide during our time in Patagonia.
Speaking of Patagonia, I am invited and will be buying my ticket soon. This sure is a unique and wonderful opportunity for the Benedictine Volunteers. We will be participating in Chelenco, a missions trip with 30 other youth in villages in Patagonia. This will be building relationships, frindships, etc with kids and families along with lectio. I am so excited for this! After the two week mission, I will spend a month at San Jose, Manquehue's community in Patagonia. I do not know about Punta Arenas, but I think I would rather live in a place where only 4 or 5 Americans have been, than go to the tourist trap of Torres del Paine. It is those experiences which push our limits, and raise our potential: thats when we truly learn how to live. Thats what I want in my Patagonia experience.
I truly am learning to live more simply, in community, and am growing as a Benedictine person. I can only hope the other volunteers around the world are feeling good about their experiences. I know it has been the tough days that have helped me learn to grow and share my real self.
I sure miss Saint John's but feel very lucky to be here. Oh and the herbal tea matte rocks.
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and emails!
David

Just another day at San Lorenzo

2009-11-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

Dogs walking in classrooms. Kids eating mush. Ping pong. Bibles. Chocolates. 2 Gringos: welcome to San Lorenzo. Hi everyone, I am typing this with about 4 boys asking me what I am doing.

Typical week here in Chile, James and I are doing well. I have taught the kids my camp songs in English class, and we go over the vocabulary. They like it when we talked about the ocean and the city, I taught them baby shark. Can't have a bad time singing and learning at the same time. Fr Mark is right, singing and dancing is a great way to learn a language. Kudos Pader.

Let's see James and I have been doing great getting accustomed to Chilean life and I think James might be part Chilean. He sure can blend in well. Sadly, he is stuck with the most odd looking person in this urban area of Santiago.

I think the kids are really adapting to having James and I around. We eat lunch with the students everyday... well we entertain them as they laugh and share their food. Not a dull moment.

The past weekend James took the opportunity to visit his host family in Vina del Mar from last year. He had a great time, and I will be going off with him again soon. I went for a run up cerro de San Cristobal, which is a lot harder than it looks. I have lost some weight here, which is a fine feeling. I also spent my Saturday with Jonathan and Anthony helping the two of them clean their office at San Benito. I also am working with Anthony in preparing a document on dams around the world, because the country is planning on building dams within Patagonia. Not a good idea to one of the last untouched places on the face of the earth. I will be spending a month in a place that before Charlie and Cole, very few Americans have ever been to in January. Not a bad thing to look forward to. I am working on getting that ready, it reminds me a lot of my work in Environmental Politics. Wish I had Jeff Anderson's peace tunes cd for some good jamming. Ah well... the music in Chile is very unique. I really like it, and hope to share some with my friends when I return. Our Sunday was nice and quiet. We went to an old marketplace that was once run by Dominicans in Santiago. Things were way too pricey, but I bought a few things for some family members. This weekend we will be here in Santiago, and will be going to a play written and directed by Patrick Blumer, the first Englishman to become an oblate. He is married to another gringa and the two raised their 8 children here in Chile. Talk about a great life story! I am not really sure what the play will be about, but it could be good.

Hope the Vikings put a smile on everyone's face and the Johnnies have a great playoff run. Soccer is a cool sport, but I am terrible with my eye foot coordination. Ah well... all part of the fun right?

Things are well here in Chile, and I think James and I for the most part are overall doing great. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts.

-David

Happy Halloween and November

2009-11-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!!!

Here we are in Santiago, with nothing too different to report. James and I went on a retreat with 100 8th graders and had a great time. It was south of Santiago and we basically were in charge of a small cabin of guys and participated in lectio, activities, etc. It was an awesome time believe me! The view was great and everyone was happy. 8th graders are 8th graders though and some of them had chips on their shoulder. No Halloween celebrated here, nor Day of the Dead. I was looking forward to some Chilean candy, but sadly that must come another day. We are still doing alright in San Lorenzo and with the oblates at home. I am improving on my spanish, and finding people to trust more and more.

James and I have been great together forming community groups among the kids. Our games program and homework help has been really good. Kids are asking me about math and english almost any chance they can. That is great if you ask me, they are learning to trust us a lot. I am learning a lot about the families here in Chile, it is pretty sad to see how mixed the homes for these children are. We found a house that the school will have to give an extreme makeover, including installing plumbing. Hopefully that will give James and I a good service opportunity to pitch in.

We are off to Patagonia in January, and I will be traveling to the end of the Amercias in February. Manquehue has a mission held in Coyaihque on the edge of the lake district. That will be a dream come true. Don't worry, you will see lots of photos!

I can't believe we have been here for two months, time sure does amazing things when you are fully immersed in a different country! I sure hope the other BVC sites are doing well, guys we are praying here lots for you.

Saint John's Abbey keep up the great work you do! I miss you monks!

Ciao for now.

Dave

Dia de la familia y cerro Manquehue

2009-10-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

Hola everyone! James and I are continuing our journey and are very happy. We had a great weekend full of excitement.

On saturday, we celebrated Family Day and had a great time at San Lorenzo with the students and their families. It was an excellent opportunity to be with the kids outside of their normal school days. We got to jump on trampolines, go on a ride, and of course feast on junkfood like any fair. During the day, James was asked to participate in a dance competition with other members of the school. He backed out though, but volunteered someone else...me. So I danced with a 12 year old girl, and we actually got 3rd place out of 10. Who knew? Fun times had by all and lots of laughs.

Our house for the past week has been close to San Benito. We have been living with Benjamin, Chris Dobson, Andres, Juan (a 19 year old college kid) and Jorge my friend from San Lorenzo. We spent the weekend together and saturday night watched The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Talk about a downer film. Oh well. Sunday we woke up early and went to mass, followed by a 5 hour hike up Manquehue hill. The hill was huge and beautiful, and it reminded me a lot of being a little kid hiking in MN. The view at the top was gorgeous and I took a ton of photos. Santiago looked so tiny. The houses near the hill reminded me of the old homes on Summit Avenue, and we all joked which one we would live in. The way down was a little scary, we all slipped and slid down the rocks and dirt. Oh well, no broken bones just some scrapes. We were pretty stiff and sore that evening, but had a good time with the guys sharing lots of laughs and stories.

James and I are getting into our routines, which have changes a bit since starting here almost 2 months ago. James and I both work in the library in the mornings after lectio and help out with classes. James takes on more classes than I do. I only teach 3 days a week. I have been assigned a new project with the Family Office and am recording data for a study, and going with two social workers every Wednesday to different homes to speak with the families, etc. Mostly pastoral and social work, which I do like. I am really realizing that I have a lot of talent, not only in the classroom or talking to kids, but with families, ministry, and people in general. The people here really seem to think I am either a charming guy, or just a goofy gringo. No, things really have been going well and I think James and I could not be more happy with the situations and work here at San Lorenzo. We have decided to help at San Anselmo every other Thursday, and focus most of energy here at San Lorenzo. So far, that has been going great.

We start our lectio groups with other men soon, and I will hopefully be starting to do more to get involved in the Movement. Thanks again to the monks, our families, and friends.

Love ya

David

Walking,baking, building

2009-10-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

Oye!. James and I have had an incredible weekend, and if I don't share it now, I never will. This was the weekend of the caminata. The caminata is a pilgrimage for the youth of Chile about an hour outside of Santiago. I call it a desert-like mountain area, somewhat like Southwest Colorado. This is how it all happened. James and I woke up at 3:30 am on Saturday and were out the door by 4:15 with Andres and took a bus with 55 students and about 20 adults to the foothills of the Andes. I had with me a packed lunch of sandwiches, fruit, a brownie, my bible, shorts, long-sleeved shirt, hat, and of course my SPF 70. The day was really warm when we arrived at about 7 am. Basically we walked, walked and walked up and over mountains all morning. I had the pleasure of walking with Jorge one of the tutors, Sebastian a 9th grader, and Minina a 24 year old psychologist who smoked on the way up. We were met by 80,000 other Chileans along the way. It started getting very warm and my backpack was wearing me down before lunch. Silly me, I brought along my huge bible, which we ended up never using. Oh well. They had water trucks, like big fire water trucks that would periodically squirt water at people every 2 hours. We stopped for lunch at 1, where I met Alvaro, Pipo, and Traffi who are 3 people from San Anselmo. Those kids are really nice, but not as genuine as the kids at Lorenzo. Minina ended up drifting off after lunch, but I had the walked the last half down the mountains with Romina one of the tutors, and Darly, Catalina, and Daniela all students at San Lorenzo. We had a great time singing songs, and they enjoyed me dancing and making it fun. It was getting so warm as we walked the last quarter, but in the distance I saw the Andes and I was in heaven. We finally made it out to the huge wooden church in the middle of nowhere, and were met sadly by vendors who tried selling rosaries, bandanas, and hard candy. I dont know why people werent selling ice cream or drinks. The girls and I were one of the last groups to arrive at about 5 pm, just before mass began. Most people slept through mass, and I had fun being me and talking with people afterwards. After everything, the Manquehue group all got together for a huge dance circle. I still have no idea where people got all the energy. It was awesome!

After a 3 hour wait on a bus in the parking lot, of which I went out to gather water, we were on our way home at about 9pm. It was a long day, but so amazing to see all those people together walking. We all should walk more, and I recommend John Francis' Planetwalker to anyone.

Yesterday, James and I woke up after our long 25 mile walk and got a call from Jorge, a 23 year old tutor who is becoming a very good friend of mine. He asked if we wanted to go to Recoleta and help build a roof for one of the families. We did, and boy was it a good opportunity. The house really needed a new roof and the family had 8 children who were in need of some service. The house sure opened my eyes again to the terrible class and poverty problem here in Santiago. Remember the shantytowns of the Great Depression? Worse and with a lot more garbage. The family fed us rice, veggies, and fruit. With the help of Alvaro, the 27 year old head of tutoria from San Anselmo, 3 boys from San Benito, 1 boy from San Lorenzo, Jorge, James and I were able to reframe the roof and add "shingles". I thought a lot about my life at this moment and the blessings I have been given, but also the fact that home is really where your heart is. This family truly had a home.

I am now teaching english primarily in the middle school level. This includes my high school algebra class, and a religion class to freshman boys. My philosophy classes are done, because really the teacher didn't need my help. Those kids rock at the middle school level, and make me think about my cousins who are all that age. I am better at authority for that age, and a better friend to high schoolers. I will also be working with families and doing more service like things on Wednesdays, on top of helping in the library, tutoria office, and the maintenance crew.

Going to San Anselmo every other Thursday but will try to make it a priority next school year ( March, April, May, June). James is doing great everyone, and he really is becoming fluent as ever. Kids and professors have him translate and teach a ton. I think that is so great!

Still praying 5 times a day and doing lectio. Hope all the other sites are moving well.

Love from the Andes

Dave

Programs, classes, and laughs

2009-10-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

James and I are doing well and getting more comfortable with navigating the metro and bus system and getting more familiar with our surroundings. Remember we are at school for 12 hours a day and have very little time to ourselves, all part of community huh?

I have now been named DA, Loco, or just Gringo loco. All of which are terms of affection and mean that these children in Chile must really like me. Both Jim and I have been working hard on building relationships with the kids in any way that we can. For me that means dancing, singing, laughing and most of all being me. Some things just dont change when you travel to another part of the world.

So Jim is now English teacher Superman. I think he has about 10 classes a week for about an hour and a half each. Thats great! I am busy working on our upcoming recycling program which means contacting teachers about what we plan to do. We plan to create a competition between the grades to see who can collect the most plastics, glass, and paper. Hopefully that will be fun for them and the class that wins will receive a party with James and I. Things are going okay here, but it is difficult to have advertising materials when you have so many schools to share the info to. Ah well... I also am busy with my classes and being Mr Social with the children. Tomorrow I play basketball with the older boys, this probably will mean another opportunity for laughs.

James and I will be going with our students and Andres, Tote', and Anthony to the North of Chile for the annual caminada, which is a day long 30 mile walk. I am super excited, although I hear it will be super duper warm!

The oblates seem to like us, even though there are days where I'm sure they think, why did Saint John's send this goofy red head?

Our Patagonia experience looks like it will take shape January into February, I hope to spend about 40 days in the wilds of the end of the world. It is one of my dreams and I'm really excited. James and I are planning to finally get to Valpariso and Vina soon as well.

Please keep emailing with questions. I should have pictures up soon after the walk this weekend.

Love

David

Working hard

2009-10-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Jim and I have been spending long days here at San Lorenzo and one day a week at San Anselmo. We are trying to make ourselves resources for the entire Manquehue Movement and the oblates thought having a presence at both San Lorenzo and San Anselmo would be great. We mostly just to recess and play games at San Anselmo. Here at San Lorenzo we are working on getting the recycling program moving and have created signs, posters, and a powerpoint. Sadly our artistic materials are very slim here at San Lorenzo. Everything is a work in progress.

I am spending my breaks helping the custodial staff and teachers with lunch and do any manual labor. Jim is working hard in classes and Fridays have been his busy days with english work. We are both spending time with kids on a one on one basis. My work is much more informal but very helpful. With his psychology and spanish background Jim has begun a program of more formal mentoring, while I am still working with the kids in small groups. My long term assignments of teaching has been great. In english classes we have covered family trees, clothing, basic conversations, and grammar. The middle schoolers and high schoolers have been great with everything and think I am hilarious. Jim was a model for the class with all of the clothes. The freshman girls cracked up and have learned a lot with him.

This weekend Jim and I are planning to visit Valpariso or head north to the Atacama. If not, we will continue to explore this massive city we live in.

We are praying everyday and doing well with our lectio.

I am still working on my guitar skills and getting much better at spanish.

Keep the comments coming!

DA and James

fun times

2009-09-29T06:09:00.000-07:00

Jim and I are getting much more comfortable and happy in Chile. We are now residents of Chile, which really doesnt mean anything except that we cant get deported until next July!

San Lorenzo really has opened our eyes about the Latin American world and about service in general. The school is located in a tougher neighborhood of Santiago, and the learning outcome is to help the kids find a sense of place and become good citizens instead of academic scholars. Very few go off to college and if they do it usually takes a few years longer to complete. The kids have excellent attitudes and Jim and I feel welcomed by their presence. They have been calling me DA Loco, or Gringo Rojo. I think we both are starting to feel happier and are continuing to pray with the community and participate in lectio.

This last weekend Jim and I went with Andres and Jose Miguel (munato) to the procession of our lady of Mount Carmel. This was outside the cathedral and we walked with students from the 3 schools around downtown. Although it was raining we had a great time. The down part is I have caught a cold. Oh well.

Jim and I are overall happy and healthy. Please keep us in your thoughts!

Dave

Good times at school, etc.

2009-09-25T05:11:00.000-07:00

Hola! Jim and I are back in the swing of things at San Lorenzo. The week has gone pretty well. To paint you all a picture of our day we start out working in the library every morning. Here we usually just organize books and file the card catalog. Not the most glamorous work, but work that needs to be done. At 9:15 every morning, Jim and I have Bible Study or Lectio Divina with the community at the school. I think this is where Jim and I feel the weakest in terms of our understanding of Benedictine life. Even as a theology major, this can be tough. First off, we have never used the New Jerusalem Bible in college, so thats really new. It is filled with footnotes describing similar passages to the text, kinda of like links on a webpage. It still is helpful though to bond with the community. After lectio, Jim and I branch off and work in our separate classes. Since this site has already staffed a full teaching faculty, Jim and I will be assistant teachers. I have taught a few religion classes, ethics, english, and for some reason an algebra class. Yeah I am just as surprised as you with the math class. The kids are really nice, but have such a tough time focusing and being respectful, especially the younger boys.

In between our day of classes, we have prayers, lunch and recess. Our routine is starting to take shape.

We have met a new friend. Her name is Christine Guest and she is a college student from Cambridge in England taking her year abroad, because she is a spanish major. She will be living with the community of women oblates, and seems very nice. Jim and I were here tour guides for the first day. I think that was good.

In other news, I want to learn some guitar chords this year and am having fun playing the ones that the other tutors have taught me. Jim and I are a starting a recycling program soon and are looking into assisting families in repairing their homes later on in the school year.

I have been here for almost 30 days and am still learning and adjusting to a true immersion abroad. I am having a lot of fun, and learning so much about myself and what I want to do here in Chile. I still would like to travel to the isla de Chiloe, Mendoza Argentina and of course PATAGONIA! I am getting very comfortable and happy with the community we are living with and having a great time with the kids. I still think the kids think I am nuts, but better to make them smile than be scared of you.

We are not exactly sure what we are doing this weekend, but hopefully something fun. In Chile, we never really get to plan ahead. Thats all part of the adventure!

I want to personally send out some thank you messages. First, Mom and Dad I received the package this morning. Already have opened up the peanut butter... so good. Thank you so much. Also to everyone who has taken an interest in this adventure... thank you for your thoughts, words, and wonderful questions. I'm sorry I cant answer all of them. Please let me know if there i something specific you want to know.

Thank you to the monks for this amazing opportunity, I hope I can be an example of your Benedictine love here in Chile. I am having a blast!

Feel free to email me at dmallensju@hotmail.com

David

Week off

2009-09-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Jim and I have had our vacation with the oblates. I think we both had a great time at Juan Pablo's family's home on the pacific coast. We stopped at a great restuarant on the coast and while in the town of San Domingo met a huge town parade. San Domingo was actually a city of where the wealthy and well to do lived and would go for the summer until recently when the crime and poverty took over the city. Lots of abandoned hotels and mansions on the cliffs. The pictures should show a little of what I am talking about. Sure was neat to be there for the week of the dieciocho September 18th.

Although Barack Obama seems to be all over the US news, Jim and I were close to being on the Chilean news. Dont worry Brother Paul... Jose Miguel had tickets to mass at the cathedral with politicans and the president Michelle Bachelet. I actually was about 5 ft from the Chilean president and probably stood out like a rose in a sunflower patch. It was a really cool experience, and the morning was followed by a parade by the Chilean military...very impressive.

A change from our work in San Lorenzo. Things are going well here and I think Jim and I are both excited to get back to work and get our routines down. We will both be working in the library and helping in English classes. I will be teaching religion classes, which I feel okay about. I am excited to get to know the kids better and get to work happy and healthy. Today is a gorgeous day in Santiago and this morning I went for a run up the hill overlooking Santiago. It was a great run except for when I bumped into 5 dogs who chased me back down the hill.I think they just wanted to play or see who I was. No worries.

Nothing too exciting happening except for our Asado last night, which is the Chilean bbq. Jim and I feasted on delicious meats and sausages followed by laughs and stories. Our spanish is getting better and we are praying every day. We also do lectio which is a bible study every day with the oblates as well. These experiences help us grow into the community although it can be difficult.

Please keep the emails and comments coming. I am sorry I have not been very good at answering everyones questions. Pax

Waves and smiles

2009-09-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

We are alive and well here in Chile. A picture is worth more than I can say. Jim and I will update more tomorrow! LOve from Santiago.

check out photos below

photos 1

photos 2

week of the school

2009-09-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

This week was the week of the school with next week being off from school to celebrate independence day. Sadly this blog has to be short because there is a dance competition going on right now. Pictures will be up this weekend, but new ones are on facebook. The school divided everyone into 3 alliances: red, blue, and yellow. Jim was in yellow and I was in red of course. Where else would they put the red head? This was really fun watcing the kids get excited about their alliances and watching them compete. Reminded me a lot of the rat pak and things at SJU. Very fun. I played my very first game of soccer ever... against Chilean men. Believe me not a fun sight to see. Oh well. It has been a great week with great weather here. The Andes look gorgeous on our way to school as well. Jim and I have both been very happy here and continue to go to prayer every day. Our relationships with the kids has also been growing.

Jim and I are Chilean residents. After what was an adeventure going to the government office with Jose Louie a Chilean who looks like Steve Mohr (seriously). He drove a huge conversion van that smelled like hay around down town and parallel parked like a mad man. Hilarious! I am now a Chilean resident though, so thats great! I am excited for this weekend. but now must sign off to spend more time with the kids and celebrating independence in Chile.

Love ya

David

great first weekend... fresh fish and walks

2009-09-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

So it is safe to say that this blog will act as the primary dairy for our time in Chile. I think St Johns has sent it out to alumns, profs, and others. Friends and family you are welcome to do the same. Things are cold in Chile, but the people are warm and friendly as ever. Jim and I had a great weekend exploring Santiago. We started the weekend with a trip to the food market or venga in Spanish. Anthony our english housemate and primary domestic contact took us to the food market. Boy did I look like a fish out of water, many stares but quite the adventure. Imagine the farmers market meets the stock exchange and a flea market. What a great time watching a man chop up a shark! Although it rained all weekend we had a great time. That afternoon we were treated by subway to a trip to downtown and historic Santiago. Santiago is like Chicago meets Denver. Benjamin and Chris Dobson (another english friend) gave us the tour. We prayed a lot this weekend, so if you had any luck I probably asked for your grace. Santiago was great! I saw many great buildings and the cathedral as well. Photos are below follow the same link to facebook. Saturday night we watched futbol! Chile vs Venezuela and boy is it fun watching 3 Chileans rejoice in their soccer team. We ate completos for dinner which is a hotdog with everything (kraut, ketchup, guacomole, tomatos, onions, lettuce) very good. Chile drew 2-2 though so they need to play brasil to get to world cup. Ah well.

I am loving living with these men. They are very kind and enjoy our company very much. My red hair is still a novelty and the kids still love playing with Jim and I and are getting less cautious. The prayer is great, although I think it is a challenge for both Jim and I at times. My spanish is also getting better everyday.

We found out our jobs will primarily be assisting in English classes and I'll be helping in religion as well, as long with our work in tutoria( school summer camp acivities and hang out time). Our routine wont begin until after the independence of Chile (sept. 18).

Yesterday, Jim, Anthony, Tote, and myself walked up the hill to our house. The view is amazing!We live in the childhood home of Jose Manuel who founded Manquehue, and our neighborhood is nice. Although San Lorenzo is in what some would call a shantytown, both Jim and I are learning the simplicity of life and enjoying and valuing the heart of the students.

It has been a great first week. Please email and comment.

Again the photos are in facebook!

Link below again!

Love

David and James

photos

2009-09-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

photos are here if you follow this link!

Have a great weekend!

Jim and David!

click here for photos

this is the link!

Getting along okay

2009-09-03T09:45:00.001-07:00

Hi there everyone. So much to share with you, but not enough time to do so. I know I have promised pictures but that might have to wait until tomorrow. I am enjoying and learning so much here. The language piece is my setback but all in all people really like me. The adults and childen think I am a very nice guy and Jim is helping me with the tough conversations. I dont want to rely on him all the time, but it is very difficult. I expect the next few weeks will be the hardest of my life in terms of me out of my comfort zone and in a new place. Thank you so much for your emails, posts, and comments. It feels good to be loved.

The days in Chile so far have been very long, but I am getting along alright. Jim and I have been moving from the 3 schools each day learning how they operate and teh people who work there. San Anselmo is the nicest school y San Benito is very nice as well. San Lorenzo is the school where Jim and I will work and the greatest need. The kids and workers are very grateful for our presence and I pray they will oneday trust us.

Last night Jim and I had an eye opening experience. We went with a woman named Anita who is a member of the movement( Manquehue Apostolic Movement) to a battered womans shelter. This was in a very rough neighborhood with graffiti everywhere. We parked in a side alley where I was instantly yelled at by some homeless men for being a gringo. The shelter reminded me of Sirius Black's home in Harry Potter. It was extremely cold inside and the women and children were very sad. Luckily the kids were excited to see two young men and instantly went to play with Jim, myself and Blanca who is Anita's daughter. We ended up serving dinner for the ladies and having conversations. We went back to our house in Santiago, where Jonathon who is the Prior of the house greeted us for dinner. This was a lot better than the previous night when Jim and I were locked outside on the streets. Been a very interesting past few days.

Today Jim and I have been in San Lorenzo all day and are praying often. We include ourselves in all the prayers and have been making an effort all week to be vocal and positive. I am learning a lot about myself and growing from each conversation and experience. I am learning more about Chile, the amazing Manquehue Movement, and the love for Benedictine community.

Santiago is a gorgeous city. Hope all is well in Minnesota and to Patty in Honduras.

Mom and Dad: dont worry. I am eating okay, Jim is helping a lot.

Thank you!

Please email me if posting comments does not work!

dmallensju@hotmail.com

Day 2 in Santiago

2009-09-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I can now share more about everything.
First Chile is gorgeous, we flew above the andes and I was really enjoying the sights yesterday. Jim and I were picked up by an Englishman named Chris and a Chilean named Ben. Driving crazy ythrough city but we arrived at our house in Santiago. The house is a ranch style house and every home in Chile has a fence and gate around the home. Yes Sarah I have taken some photos. I hope to get those up soon! Jim and I share a room and live in a home with 6 other members of the Manquehue Movement. They are Anthony who is about dad´s age and is from England, he has been here since 1992. Jonathon who is the Prior of the movement and is also from England, Jose Miguel who is the Headmaster of San Benito one of the schools, Juan Jose who is 25 and works at San Benito, and Andreas who works in San Lorenzo where Jim and I work. We visited San Benito yesterday and the school is gorgeous, reminded me a lot of a place in Hogwarts. We had lunch and prayed there. Afterwards Benjamin took us home and Jim and I slept until about 7. We had dinner with the guys who live with us. Our dinner was casserole with egg or huevo.
Today Jim and I went with Andreas to San Lorenzo which is in a very poor neighborhood and it is where we will be workingh. We are very excited, but the kids were staring at me like I was some sort of celebrity. I have never been pointed at this much, nor have I had to meet so many people with names I cant remember. Jim and I will be working with the other young workers with tutoria which is their afterschool hang out time and our basic work will be building friendships with the Chilean students.
Challenges so far have been the spanish which will be for awhile.
Meeting so many people at once
Taking a shower or trying to no hot water last night
Adjusting to it being chilly in Chile and nightfall coming at 5pm

I love and am praying for all of you!

More later con photos!

We are here!

2009-08-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

Well, Jim after about 24 hours of traveling Jim and I have made it to Santiago. We were greeted by Benjamin a Chilean who is about 24 and Chris a man from England. They took us to house and we settled in. We explored the school San Benito this afternoon and had lunch with some of the members of Manquehue. All is well. I will be updating more soon when Jim and I have more time.

Much love

David

Chile bound

2009-08-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

Well I am off to Chile today! It is finally here. Although this has been a dream of mine for years, I cant believe I am doing this. Words can not describe the excitement I have and I want to thank all of you for supporting me. Your love will be very helpful at times and rest assured I hope to make you proud.
I will miss sharing stories, memories, and good times together.

Peace and Blessings,

David Allen

Advice with Charlie and Jim

2009-08-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

So last night was a lot of fun! We invited Jim Albrecht ( who you will hear a lot about in the following months) I'm going to Chile with him and past Benedictine Volunteer Charlie Sawyer SJU'08 and one of the guys who piloted the program in Chile over last night for a little advice session, story time... whatever you wanna call it.
Charlie gave Jim and I the 4-1-1 on Santiago, Manquehue Movement, and finally what we should be expected to do while in Chile. First off I should be prepared to not know at all what I am doing until I actually get down there, but if we follow in the footsteps of the previous guys.

My years at summer camp should be very useful because it sounds like I will be a role model and resource for the students to play with, get to know and coach/tutor. This sounds like my primary work assignment in Santiago. So thats cool, huh? Maybe I'll teach them punch the numbers, Sardines, and the DA game. Manquehue Movement is a lay apostolic movement funded independently and also by grants through the Chilean government. Who knew I would be working for a foreign government right out of college? No, but it is composed of 100 individuals and other married families who are interested in following a dedicated life following the Rule of Benedict. Jim and I will be living with these members in a house nearby Colegio San Lorenzo, one of the three schools developed by Manquehue and the poorest of the three.

Charlie showed us photos of the school, city, and other highlights of the Santiago area which was great! I really am looking forward to taking my own photos as well!
Well the clock is ticking and I'm getting everything layed out. Those who know me well, are probably asumming I will be done packing 6 days before I go, just in case. The pacing has begun, but luckily I have had friends who have been great to visit with: Nick, Scottie, Brittney, Jen, Ottster thanks guys! shout out to PA in Honduras.
More later

DA

Last week of camp and getting ready for the adventure

2009-08-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

This is the last week of Saint John's Leadership Camp and my last time in Collegeville for awhile. Camp went really well this summer and I am excited to see where life takes me in the following weeks. Jim and I are getting ready for our flight to Santiago, Chile where we will begin our 10 month volunteer program with the Manquehue Apostolic Lay Movement of Chile. Manquehue runs 3 schools, which Jim and I hope to play a role in one of them called Colegio San Lorenzo. I have slowly been working on my spanish, something I will have to work very hard on in the next few weeks.
The flight is scheduled for August 30th and I am as excited as ever to see where the next year takes me.
As for my time at camp want to thank Patrick and all the counselors for a great summer. To Saint John's for letting me stay another summer on campus. Thank you!

-David

Aprils showers and wallflowers

2009-04-26T09:36:00.001-07:00

Welcome to my blog. I guess I am starting a bit early, but I am getting aquainted with this blog thing. Last two weeks as a student at Saint John's University. Been the best time of my life. Seriously, I have never been happier. Thanks goes out to my family, friends, profs, monks of Saint John's Abbey, and to Mom and Dad for making this dream become a reality. Thanks for believing in me everyone.

-Dave