A List

by sharethewell

Arrival has come and gone. We are settled and unpacked. We’ve gotten cell phones, sim cards and an Internet connection (albeit slow and sometimes untrustworthy). Here’s a list of some things that have happened in the first week and a half or so.

  • Everyone says learning language is really hard and not knowing the language can be one of the most discouraging things. I knew that, but kind of thought that they must not be working at it very hard. Well… I’ve realized that language learning is going to be really hard. Surprised? Ha, I was.
  • We have great neighbors who have treated us to one feast already. The communal feel of this culture is very different from the private lives we are used to. Simply walking down the street, my teammate and I were invited into 3 homes to drink tea and (attempt to) talk.
  • There is a women’s sports club about 2 blocks away from our house. It’s walled in so no one can see the women running around. We went to check it out and they play soccer, basketball, handball (soccer but you use your hands) and volleyball. They say we’re welcome anytime to join them for practice or recreation. We are very excited about this and hope it will be one way to make friends.
  • The English Center is wonderful. Our supervisors are wonderful. We’ve heard that the students are wonderful and I’m excited to begin teaching next month.
  • We have some different neighbors who want English lessons and will come over to get help with their homework. Last time, we were busy cooking for a picnic, but it didn’t stop them. Eventually, we were all laughing and mixing and they were telling us how to make cookies while pinching our cheeks and hugging on us. They also make us do their youngest sister’s homework to help us with the language.
  • All the language students and teachers at the English Center went on a big picnic yesterday – complete with a 3-hour bus ride full of dancing (but not for us ladies), good food, games, stories and new friendships.

Our first days have been full. Grateful for the good things that have come with them and the fresh eyes we see with during this first season. I know that won’t last forever. But for now, I’ll take it.

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