A few years ago my family hosted a young girl named Katja. She was only fourteen when she first came to visit us from Latvia and barely spoke a word of English. I remember there were times when we would try to talk with her, and she would just keep saying yes. The conversations usually went something like this "Katja, what would you like to eat?" "Yes." "Katja, do you understand?" "Yes." "Do you want a sandwich or pasta?" "Yes." At the time it was very frustrating, because it was hard to communicate. But now as I look back I find it comical.
I realize now how Katja must have felt. Here in Spain I tend to say "Si" a lot when talking to my senora. If she says something to me and I don't completely understand I just say "Si". I know Katja must have felt a little frustrated when she didn't understand, but I remember she also took everything in stride. She would just laugh when she did or said something wrong, and while I am here in Spain I want to do the same. I know I am going to mess up and have many confusing conversation with my senora. But I know that it is just part of the experience here, and like Katja, by the end of my trip I want to look back and laugh at the mistakes I made.
 |
| Me & Katja during her second visit |
No comments:
Post a Comment