Two Successes

Because at times, I feel frustrated by circumstance, I have to count my small successes. I would like to share my two favorite successes from last week, which coincidentally happened over the weekend (yes! I “work” weekends too!).

On Saturday, I went to an English class in my technology center with the intention of observing, but I knew better… In a way, I connect with those students, because I am also learning a foreign language, and I’m extremely conscious about my word choice and pronunciation, just as they are. The teacher asked them to introduce themselves in English, and one by one, they shyly told me their names and where they were from, etc. After introductions, the teacher began the class, reviewing basic grammatical structures for an upcoming exam. With each concept, he called me to the front to explain it. So I spent the afternoon as a teacher. It was interesting because I was trying to explain the concept in Spanish and then English of course, but I realized in the process how difficult English is to learn! There were some concepts that have no translation in Spanish, so that was rather difficult to explain. However, overall, I enjoyed teaching, which is a good thing, because that’s my main role here. I am a teacher.

On Sunday, the coordinator of my technology committee invited me to a community leaders’ meeting, which was hosted by the “Junta de Vecinos” (kind of like a neighborhood watch council, but for the entire pueblo). When I first arrived, I humbly sat in the back, but to my surprise, the president of the Junta asked me to sit at the front table next to the mayor, the chief of police, and other important town leaders. So there I was, facing an audience of at least 50 active community members, and they were all looking at me with curiosity. Everyone at the table gave an impassioned speech about banding together and improving certain aspects of the community, and finally the Junta president motioned to me and asked if I want to say a few words. My old self might have declined, but by merit of being in this foreign land, I’ve learned that I have to try everything, even public speaking! So I stood up and began addressing everyone in Spanish! I could hear my voice echoing throughout the room, and amazingly, all the words came to me. I had a stumble here and there, but I was able to communicate what I wanted. After the meeting, I sought out certain leaders who had inspired me with their speeches, but then I found there were several people waiting to talk to me as well!