It is snowing like I’m in the end of the world outside! But I am so hot! I just had what I think is the most embarrassing experience of my mission.
I was in the huge post office they have here (it has the four turn door doors!!!) and there was a long windy line of about 30 people. My companion decided to sit down to wait and about 5 minutes later, in walked 3 United Statesians. They all seemed like they were around my age, like in their mid twenties or so (aroooooound my age). They were all talking in English and I was just curious what a bunch of United Statesians girls were doing in the bottom of Chile in midwinter. So I turned around and said, ''Where are you guys from?''
They kind of were taken aback and then said very slowly, ''The United States.'' with really friendly smiles. Then I said, ''Yeah, but which part do you come from?''
''Oh I'm from Colorado. It's in the west part of the country.''
''Oh that's cool, what are you doing here?''
''We are doing an internship in Santiago for our studies.''
''Oh wow! So do you all know Spanish?!''
''....um haha we are trying.'' Then the other girl said, ''How did you learn English? It's. very. good.'' (very despacito)
I PUT SO MUCH RED!!!!! My face is still flushed with blush color. I can feel it! I was kind of confused when they asked that because I thought they were joking, but then I realized that they were talking super slow and sweet to me as if I was a baby that whole time!
''In the United States.''
''Oh really!!! What were you doing there?''
''I am from California.''
Then they all turned to each other with gringa WIDE OPEN MOUTHS! And then said, ''WHAT?!'' And I was just standing there really awkwardly because I was just so embarrassed. And still was in shock that they didn't think I was from there.
And then I asked them if they were serious because I couldn't believe what I just heard. And they said they really thought I was from here and was just trying to speak to them in English (the people that know a few words always yell it out when they see a gringa like 'Helllooo!'' or ''Hello lady'' and sometimes when we are doing contacts some people like to try out their English with us.) BUT I LOOK SO GRINGA! The girls got embarrassed too. It was so awkward and then they asked me how long I've been in Chile and I told them 5 months. And they said, ''What on earth are you doing that is making you loose a normal accent.''
And then Bam, I explained that I was a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints and (tried to) explain what I am doing as a missionary... And let me just say that was very embarrassing too because I couldn't speak a solid sentence and then I was realizing how weird I was sounding and it was awkward! And I am just so happy I am serving in Spanish and not English! I would be such an awkward missionary.
When I was done sending my letters, the girls were at the other booth trying to act out their words to the Chilean behind the counter. So I walked over and helped them out. I was a lot more comfortable with them speaking in Spanish. AAAAGGGHH!!!! It was so embarrassing. I haven't spoken English in a while, but I've been writing in my journal and stuff! How weird though! HOW WEIRD!
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