Terremoto (earthquake) and the terror of starting over (just kidding)

So I survived the earthquake. It was not a huge deal for me at the time, probably since I was so sleep deprived to truly realize the catastrophe of the situation at that point. Apparently it was one of the strongest earthquakes reported worldwide, but thankfully did not cause as much damage as in other places. The Epicenter was 3 hours south, so Santiago was hit hard. I was in Santiago, staying with my friend Laura, in a part of Santiago called Las Condes. This is one of the nicer areas in Santiago, meaning the Chileans with money live here, so much of the architechure is built to code and built to withstand earthquakes. At the time it happened, we were actually in a disco dancing, so it took a minute to realize the floor was actually moving. Laura and I were quickly pulled by the two guys we went with to a stronger structural part of the building. Walking straight was impossible, we were just trying to keep our balance. We waited for it to pass, and then ran out with everyone else. It was a mad rush, with people trying to find cars, friends, taxis, etc. Thank goodness our friend drove so we had no problems leaving. We went to check his parent´s apartment since it was on the 16th or 17th floor. People living there were pretty shaken up since many things had shifted, and on the higher floors the movement was greater so most things fell. His refrigerator was even on the floor.
From there we were taken to another friend`s house. Her parents welcomed us and we had tea in the dark and went to various beds to sleep. Several people came to meet there. (At this point I had not slept more than 7 hours in about 35+ hours)

The next few days were interesting to say the least. The day after the earthquake stores were closed as well as the metro and buses were not running. Most of everything seemed to go on as normal, people out in the street walking around and driving. But since big grocery stores were closed, we had to wait in line for two hours in a corner grocery. Met a few nice people though! Since Laura´s bf apartment was in one of the buildings as well that had some cracks and damage, he didnt stay there. So the three of us slept in Laura´s bed. so so cozy....

I had to still buy a bus ticket, but I didnt want to venture into downtown on Sunday since things were prob still chaotic, so I waited until Monday. But of course I still needed a cell phone and to let my school know I would be late. Very stressful two days. On Monday Laura was called off work since they had to check the building, so we went to get everything I needed. I left on a bus that day at 4. Arrived in Vallenar at 2 am. Had to wake up at 6 to get ready for my first day. Had to go to the head office to find out my schedule. Im gonna spare the details, but Ill just say it was a mess!

I now have a position at two schools. Last week I visited both (one I worked at before) and had time to plan out my curriculum. No I was not provided books or a real curriculum. I used other teachers´ examples, but Im going it alone! There is another English teacher at both schools, but only one can speak to me in English (this is surprisingly normal). I started classes on Monday, and its been stressful. I had the full class to myself, sometimes assistants were there, but they seldom helped. There are about 40 kids in each class, and they dont understand English, so Im having to translate everything right now, and Im not bilingual! Having all the first graders standing up and hanging on me to check their every step, yelling "tia!," and asking about the bathroom almost drove me crazy! Maintaining control is hard right now, but Im working on ideas to get everything more organized. Right now it all seems to be trial and error.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Ill need it. :)