Finally, a Schedule

Yesterday I got to go to La Chureca, the trash dump, for the first time on this trip. I took a taxi to a car dealership near the entrance to the dump, because no taxi wants to go in (it's dangerous and the road is in bad condition). So, I waited on the corner for a teacher from the school to come walk with me into the dump. I started walking a little closer to the entrance, but a security guard warned me not to go in by myself. So, I just sat and talked with him until the teacher came to meet me. The walk to the school was long; full of rank fumes and dust that made you want to hold your breath and close your eyes forever. Once we got to the road to the school, the smoke cleared and the smell faded. I started playing with some kids while I waited to speak with the directors. I saw some of my old friends and made some new ones. The directors told me that I would really be needed in the mornings, because there are more kids during that time, and I'd be able to help the teachers with their larger classes. I was so thrilled at how excited they were to have me.

I've been working a fair bit at the language academy, having taught five classes so far. I've been teaching a class at seven in the morning as well as another at six in the evening. I'm enjoying it, much to my surprise, but I've decided to limit my work schedule to the evenings to give me more time to work with La Chureca. I've also got a job with a group of guys and girls my age as a dancer... I can't believe I'm even talking about it. A man drove by as I was walking to the mall, and asked me if I'd be interested in being part of a "high school musical" group. I didn't know what I was getting into, but I said yes. Later, I had pictures taken, along with some other guys, and then yesterday I had a meeting with the whole group to figure out what all was involved. It turns out, I'll be dancing in a live show in which each person represents someone from High School Musical. I start my dancing classes on Monday. I think this could very well be the most embarrassing thing I've ever done, but it will be a good story i guess. I'm actually laughing as I write about it.

So, this week I'm still working morning and evening with the english teaching job, but next week I'll be starting my work with La Chureca Monday through Friday from 8-12 in the mornings, dance classes in the afternoon, and english teaching in the evening... Hopefully I don't die of exhaustion.