About 6 weeks ago, I didn't think this day would ever come . . . . . but, as we well know, time marches on! It's our final day of classes at Instituto de Lengua Espanola. In grammar today we will go over our homework (yes, we had an assignment last night) like we've done every other day in class. In conversation, the class will practice our musical contribution to the graduation ceremony: "El Arca de Noe" with an awesome introduction by Sarah Henderson. The song and crazy actions will be over in just over 2 minutes, thus completing our responsibilities at ILE. There will be a multitude of pictures taken, I'm sure.
Today's reflections are much like those of yesterday, except they are centered on my ILE family:
Sarah, from Virginia, announced yesterday that she finally realized that Costa Rican senior citizens ride free on city buses. She is the most senior in our class of 5. She and I have studied together several times and her Mama Tica is a beautician who has been busy cutting students' hair (including Stephen's.) Sarah told the story of Noah's Ark for the final conversation test so we asked her to introduce the song today. As she mentioned yesterday, studying the Bible in another language causes us to "dig into each word." The rainbow is not only a visual way for us to remember God's promise, but in Genesis 9:15, God says "I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you." Thank you for your insight, Sarah, it will remind me to spend time in the "Spanish" Word where study is difficult, but rich and rewarding.
Debbie, from Saskatewan, Canada, is the speaker to emulate in our class. She admitted several weeks ago that she has been listening to Spanish music and Spanish radio/TV for more than 8 years. The words roll right off her tongue while mine, on the other hand, emerge one syllable at a time. She and her husband, Robert, are learning Spanish because they are opening a new orphanage in San Felipe, Mexico. Their story is much like ours--both are retired and they are excited about this new journey. We've shared stories and pictures of grandbabies, and she has been counting down the days (1 more) until she sees and hugs Madison and Carter.
Michael, from Lake Geneva, Washington, is a pastor and father of 2 (Caleb and Hannah.) He and his family are living in Costa Rica for a year. He and his wife, Kerri, have taken the challenge of learning Spanish seriously. Both of them teach at Liberty Christian Academy in Moravia, Costa Rica. Kerry is a 1st grade teacher (I think I'm correct) and Michael is the Bible teacher. They are serving this year in Costa Rica so they will be prepared to work with the growing Latino community in Lake Geneva. The rest of us who live with Costa Rican families can't even image how he has been able to combine family time, teaching time and studying time into each 24-hour day.
Ginny Beth, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, is almost 21 years old. When I look at her, I wonder if I could have let Daniel and Jon live in a foreign country when they were her age. She and her friend, Cameron, came together. I have to admit that I have been a bit jealous of Ginny Beth's command of Spanish grammar . . . . it is irrefutable evidence that it's easier to learn at a young age. I also admit that it is humbling to realize that she and Cameron are sensitive to God's leading at such a young age. They are preparing themselves for the future! With some regret, I ask myself when did I "really" start telling God that I would do whatever he wanted me to do! I will tell you that my 20's were a distant memory when it happened. Ginny Beth and her friends from various classes have seen much of this beautiful country--I've seen the pictures on Facebook!
We've formed a class of five--laughing together, crying together (well, almost) and encouraging each other TOGETHER. Tomorrow we will go our separate ways, but I will take memories of each of these special people with me when I go back to El Salvador. I can't wait to see and hear how the Kingdom advances because of your commitment to our Savior. Thanks for the memories!
No comments:
Post a Comment