In this past week and a half since we last wrote, there are several topics bouncing around in our minds. Where to begin? Perhaps with a tidbit of humor.
So Matt and I ran into one of the English teams on the bus to school one morning, and we noticed there was a newbie amongst the ranks. The newbie was sitting closer to Matt so I asked Matt to introduce us and ask him where he was from. Matt turned to him and said in Spanish, "De donde eres?" The fellow answered "Andres." Matt, confused, repeated the question and again the answer was "Andres." As I was overseeing the interaction, I picked up on the fact this newbie didn't seem to speak much Spanish and was telling Matt his name instead of his location of origin. Thus, I said to Matt "Ask him where he is from in English" - and Matt did just that. He turned around and said, "Where are you from in English?" Hahahahaha. Oh the joys of slips of the tongue.
I also had one of these moments yesterday when at the end of our Spanish class, Matt came to me to see if I had money to pay Alejo for the class. I responded with, "No I only have money in English" which is to say, "I only have American dollars, not cordobas."
Yes, speaking two languages at times can be confusing. And hilarious.
Onto a more pensive tone:
One of those brief - what to some might seem insignificant experiences, yet to others is a moment of joy, insight, and simple pleasure - occurred last week while we were at the kids house where we tutor in the afternoons. Normally we tutor, read, and play games outside around a wooden table underneath a plain tin overhang for shade. But this day was different, in that as soon as we arrived it started to sprinkle and the family said to us, "you'd better come inside or you'll get wet." Sure enough, as soon as we stepped through the door, it started with one of those amazing tropical downpours. If you've never heard rain pounding on a tin roof, imagine the sound of being underneath a train. It's loud! The miraculous part being that this was our very first adventure into their living space, and what a humble yet fulfilling space it was. In this one room, which was partitioned off from what appeared to be 2 other rooms with blankets hanging as doorways were the following things: a bed with a mother and grandmother sleeping on it. A TV and radio stand with the TV on. A refrigerator. A kitchen counter with flatware and other cosas de la cocina. A large class box / grotto with a Virgin Mary, lights, and roses inside. All this atop a dirt floor. Let's not forget the wall decorations of christmas pattern wrapping paper or linoleum, a painting of the Last Supper, and stickers galore.
Also inside this one area (approximately 10 by 15 feet) were 6 kids, and us 2 volunteers sitting around in a circle reading and then playing cards. Oh and last but not least, the random young chicks trotting around and singing their "pio pio pio" song.
Looking out the front door towards the rain, we witnessed large puddles forming within seconds to cover the majority of the dirt yard as now the grandpa sat atop the table we'd normally be tutoring at, underneath the small covering. Additionally, all the colorful clothes strung across lines sat patiently receiving their second wash. And through it all, the 2 adults continued sleeping peacefully. And at the very end, when the rain subsided, another mother came through the door drenched head to toe from attending to the outdoor kitchen, but bearing a huge grin on her face.
It was a warm experience in the way they embraced us into their daily ritual. And amidst what to some might have seemed a chaotic situation or a home lacking in many basic regards, we witnessed an underlying tone of happiness, tranquility, and peace.
Well....... more deep thoughts to come.
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