A Lesson in Central Park

Today, as I was sitting in central park with a classmate filling out a worksheet for our class, a group of three young boys walked up to us. Close behind them was a middle-aged woman, who was hustling them over to us. As she approached us, she asked us if we spoke English. We told her yes and in her broken English, she began explaining that these boys are currently learning English and they need a fluent english speaker to practice it with. We happily agreed to converse with them so they could practice their English. They were so nervous when she prompted them, each of them shyly smiling, barely looking up and hiding their faces behind their friends. I began to ask them questions in English and the first brave boy responded with his well spoken and thought out English phrases. In my broken and nearly indiscernible spanish, I told them that I too, needed to practice my spanish. We conversed for about 10 minutes or so, giving and taking from what each other had to offer of their language. It was beautiful.

            I’m horrible at Spanish. I took 2 years of it in high school and most of it went right over my head. Ever since I stepped foot in Guatemala, I have felt so lost and confused because I don’t know how to speak the language. Many of my classmates on the trip are either fluent or very good at Spanish. It’s been intimidating and I’ve found myself feeling insecure and incompetent in my inability to keep up. But today, I felt like there was a two way street with these boys and I. No longer was I the only one struggling to understand. For the first time, I had something to give and to teach and to share. And in their nervous yet brave presence, they still had something to give, teach and share with me. 

           

There is something really important about this exchange. We all have something to give each other. And we all have something to receive from each other, too. That statement includes every single person on this earth, no matter who you are or where you come from. 

Loving this country and the way its humbling me already. Thanks for your prayers and support.

                                    View from my balcony, shortly after a 4.6 earthquake!