I now somewhat officially know what my schedule will be like at Nazareth. And even though I really have no reason to be because my task at hand is certainly not an easy one, I find myself feeling quite relieved and much less stressed. Just knowing that there is a plan and sort of having an idea of what to expect each day makes a world of a difference. Up until this point I have been just showing up and wondering what I should be doing and in general feeling really awkward and out of place, which I suppose, does make some sense. So this is a good thing. However it brings me to my next challenge: if anyone has any ideas for teaching music, dance, and theater to special needs Spanish-speaking kids of all ages and abilities with basically no materials or anything to work off of, I'm open for suggestions! One thing I know for sure is that these kids are incredible and I am thrilled that I am going to get to know and work with every one of them.
Today was a very tiring day. For the first time I stayed for part of the afternoon session which is only the deaf classes, since I will be working with them as well. So basically I struggled (and I do mean struggled!) the whole day to communicate in two different languages, neither of which is mine. Even though I went home feeling exhausted, I also felt accomplished. I do believe that I'm learning more each day and more and more people are trying to communicate with me, which helps a lot. Last week I went and sat in the park for a little while and a man came and sat next to me and I somewhat carried on a conversation with him for a solid 10 minutes. He even told me that my Spanish was good! Needless to say it was an exciting event for me.
In other exciting news, I'm learning how to cook Honduran-style! Jess showed me how to make pupusas the other night (weird cheese called quesilla inside greasy delicious handmade corn tortillas) and they came out so good. And tonight we made baleadas which are flour torts with beans, queso, and mantequilla. Also very good.
The MOST exciting news is that my mom is coming tomorrow! :) She will be here for the next two weeks with a big group from church. She's going to love it I'm sure, and I'm so excited to show her around and get to hang out with her a little.
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Hi Stephanie,
Your Dad sent an email telling us about your blog. I imagine that you experienced a bit of culture shock. In Judiasm what you are doing is called a "mitzvah" a blessing... You will carry this memory with you for the rest of your life I am sure. The work may be hard and challenging at times, but, the rewards cannot be measured in money. What is the value of a smile? The improved confidence of a child. As master card says "Priceless!" Wishing you all the best. I will check your blog every so often.
Paul Levasseur
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