OHHH. A very significant change was made to my placement.
Because of my experience with special needs individuals and my expressed interest in physiotherapy, I've been relocated a school and residence for people with physical and mental disabilities. It is very interesting because it is quite different from the camp I worked at in summers past. There are much less resources and in the class from 8 to noon; there's one teacher for the 10 kids of a vast variety of intellectual and mobility levels. There are some other permanent staff for the rest of the day, but there is so much cleaning, feeding, and transporting wheelchairs that little is done for interacting and inspiring the kids. (Not to put down the place because it does very very well for the resources it has.)
The language barrier is significant. My Spanish is improving ever so slightly, but not fast enough it seems. It's very frustrating. In a way, you don't NEED to know a language for communication, and I've connected with many of the kids by gestures, smiles, and 2-word sentences. But when it comes to more than just having fun, it's really tough. I can't connect with those of higher learning abilities. It's discouraging and I just feel so stupid for not being able to just get the language.
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Dear Imelda,
ReplyDeleteGood to hear about your new placement. Do you need any resource? I can mail that to you, just be specific on what your need for your students.
I understand your language frustration, I encounter that at work and that is one main thing I have prayed for you. As your said, facial expression & body language can finish much of the requirement, rely on it and you can improve gradually down the road.
Dad
thanks daddy!! i think it's just a matter of being patient and keeping on working at it. as for resources, it might be easier to find in downtown because it would be in spanish
ReplyDeleteHey, you can't just "get" the language; that's crazy talk! It takes time and (your) patience to work at it. And it's only been a week -- soon enough, you'll be able to pick up on more words and have a better understanding of the language. The best way to learn the language is to be immersed it in :) Take things one step at a time and you'll be fine!
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you. Be a shining light to all those you meet in Honduras :))
-shermann
Dear Imelda, I am so very proud of you and what you have accomplished and experienced in Honduras after reading your journals...it is a beautiful journal that touched my heart deeply! We all have encountered the similar language frustrations in our daliy life at work; but don't let that stop you! Keep the spirit up and the good work, i'm pray for you as well as for all your kids!
ReplyDeletewith love, Angela :)