Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Spanish As A Second Language

So a week ago I gave my first lesson in Spanish in Relief Society. It freaked me out let me tell you! I'm still not comfortable with the language even after all this time. I understand it very well but I have an awful time trying to respond. When someone asks me a question, I answer in English. It's frustrating for me because I feel I should be more fluent by now. The words just stick in my head though and refuse to come out of my mouth which is a real switch from how I am in English since almost everything I think comes out my mouth! Anyway, I prepared the lesson in English and then Ever helped me translate it. I have to say that it actually went pretty good though I can't take any credit for that; it was because of all the prayer that went into it beforehand and because of the patience and help of the hermanas in RS. Most of them are in the same boat I am and are trying to master English. We kind of just teach each other and use a lot of 'spanglish!'

We're excited that Ezra will grow up having the best (I hope) of both cultures. We're already teaching him some Spanish and it gives my mom an opportunity to practice hers again! We're not sure how old Ezra will be when we head back to an English-speaking ward but I'm sure he'll have some memorable experiences during the time we're attending the Spanish Branch. Ever and I joke that he'll learn Spanish and English from us and then serve a mission in Tokyo or something! A half Mexican-half white boy speaking Japanese! Ha!

We're really enjoying being in the Spanish Branch and having Ever serve in the Presidency gives us a lot of wonderful opportunities. I love being able to see him baptize and confirm some of our new members! The Branch is growing pretty quickly, we have baptisms about twice a month right now! The Church is true no matter where you live or what language you hear the Gospel in and that's just one of the many things I love about it! It's continually a strength to our testimonies!

6 comments:

http://alberico.net said...

Now call me crazy, but wouldn't it be easier for everyone to just speak English?

Your boy's getting big... can't wait to see him again and Ezra also!
:)

http://alberico.net said...

OK Lori was confused by my comment, so i will clarify... I wasn't trying to be mean, I was trying to be a little amusing or even a bit sarcastic... so I apologize if I offended anyone (including my wife)... I applaud you for trying to speak another language... I am just lazy and would rather things be easy I guess... I hope that clarifies things (for Lori)...

But I will not take back what I said about your baby... he's an adorable little boy!

Also we would like to see you three sometime soon, so I guess that means either you come our way or we (including myself) should come your way!

Tiffany J said...

I envy the fact that you can understand/speak Spanish! I just couldn't do it and I wish I could! It would make things so much easier especially here in CALI!

brooklyn said...

I'm so jealous.

Chelsea said...

That's really cool that you attend a spanish branch. And that Ezra will get to learn it too as he grows up. My hubby served a mission in Chile, and he wishes he could use his spanish a lot more!

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