Español Solo (2)

We had noble intentions, but we came up with some really good excuses not to have our Spanish only weekend. Two weekends ago we decided to postpone and instead invited our Finnish friend from language school to hang out with us for the weekend. It was a great time, but there was not much Spanish practice. Last weekend we had a team going-away party for a couple that is heading back to the US for a year. Once again, lots of English practice, not much Spanish.

So this weekend it is time for our Spanish only weekend. And this time there is no way to postpone it. The members of the church that we have been attending here invited us on a church retreat at a camp about two hours away. So Friday at six we will load up in the car and head out for a true Spanish only weekend, and we won't be returning until Sunday evening. Two of the members of the church speak English fluently, but they, along with everyone else, are only going to communicate with us in Spanish. I am sure that some of our conversations are going to look more like a game of charades than anything else, but we anticipate that this weekend will be a great opportunity to learn.

During the retreat we are going to be studying the book of Ephesians. I look forward to God using our time of study to show us something new in His Word as well. How amazing that it does not matter the language; God's Word transcends all cultural differences. God can do incredible things.

update!

hello everyone,

my mother in law reported to me that she had some friends who she knew were praying for us last weekend and we are so thankful! We did, however, have to put off our weekend for another week:( We have a friend from Finland who lives here- she is 20 and completely alone. So, when she heard we were going to the beach last weekend ( as we always do) she asked to come along and we were so happy to have her with us, but we didn't want to force our weekend crazy on her. I am sad that we didn't get to have our spanish weekend, BUT I had a great time talking with Rebecca and it was an opportunity to sow some seeds so we took it. We are so grateful that people care about us and what we are doing and that they take the time to lift us up. Your prayers for last weekend were not wasted! We are just getting one more week of school in and we will try again. 

Thanks so much for your support!

KB

Espanol solo!

Ian and I are going to have a "Spanish Only" weekend. We are about 8 weeks into our language training and we have a lot of information and a good vocabulary we just need practice...in a safe environment:) So, we have decided that this Saturday and Sunday until after church we will only speak to each other in Spanish. It has the potential to be a very quiet day! Just kidding.... 

We are going to need to use some English with the children but we are going to spring this on them too and see how they handle it when we only respond in Spanish.  I have mixed feelings about this but I think that it will be super helpful in the long run. Keep us in your thoughts over the next few days as we try to beef up our vocab and get mentally prepared. Especially lift us up over the weekend. Our ability to speak and communicate effectively is the biggest thing we need to be able to start really meeting people and building relationships.

Hasta Luego!

Hi everyone,

Nothing big to report-just checking in! Ian and I are still plugging away at Language school. I think we are making good progress, but I am looking forward to being able to actually say something. I am working with our Nanny, Barbara, on speaking and she is a great helper. She wants to practice her English so it is a good trade. We are still going to the beach a few times a week...or 3 or 4 times:) We just love it and the children LOVE playing in the sand. We hear lots of Spanish and are beginning to understand more and more.

The girls are still doing great. Bianca is going to be taking swimming lessons in July and we are joining the club where she will be taking. That will be a good opportunity to meet people and for the children to have others to play with. Today I think we are going to the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art. It should be interesting. I will be sure to post pics on my next extry. 

Thanks for your love an support,

KB