That's at least what they said on Modern Family, and maybe even before then. Is Jay right, do tough things rally make you stronger? If yes, my kids are going to build some strength these next ten weeks. Kelly was worried about what the other girls would be wearing the first day of school. No need to worry, No girls, no Americans, no english speakers. Just a class full of seven other boys, beside Josh, all very old seeming, and compared to my my toe head, all very, very dark. From Nigeria, Brazil, Portugal, Macedonia, and a few other places I didn't even recognize. They have sports - P.E., twice a week, Kelly is most worried how this will work. The teachers don't hardly speak any English with the kids, and I have no idea how they are suppose to do what they are asking. I am in school with them until Kelly feels more comfortable. (maybe the whole ten weeks.) I just want to grab them and get them out of there. It seems so hard and, as parent's often do, I just want to protect them from anything too difficult. The kids have 6 weeks of class, each day from 8:20 - 11:50. Then three weeks Fall Break, then four more weeks of language class. After this we will be in our permanent place so they will just walk across the street to go to the neighborhood school. This will be much easier in many ways especially because it won't be a two leg, thirty minute bus ride.
I'm not feeling sorry for myself, (maybe a little) but think of me as your are out to lunch, playing tennis, walking along Cottonwood Creek, and I will think of you as my two kids and I are sitting in a classroom with no air conditioning and a large, sweaty Heir Zimmerman trying to teach a bunch of immigrants German.
Wow that does sound very grim :( but I think you're right! Once all of you get through this, everything else--especially school-- will be so much easier in comparison and you'll be so grateful for that. We miss you! I still love reading all your blog posts and seeing the amazing pictures of the sights you get to see day after day so I won't feel TOO sorry for you. :)
ReplyDeleteOk I just read about the school and Herr Zimmerman! I just used Google Translate and Zimmerman means "carpenter" or literally "one room." The hardest (and worst) thing I probably ever did was after studying German at BYU for 2 semesters, I decided to live in the German House Spring Term before I left on my dream-of-a-lifetime study abroad experience to Austria that summer. It was extremely difficult as we were not allowed to speak any English in the house and I was living with a bunch of strangers--most of whom seemed to speak German a lot better than I did! My roommate and I used to stay up late at night--whispering in English--about how afraid we were of the German grad. student in charge of us and the rules in the house!
ReplyDeleteWhen I went to Austria, everybody thought I was such a great German speaker. I wasn't, I just wasn't afraid to say something versus saying nothing. It was *definitely* a growing experience for me but it truly helped prepare me for six months in a foreign country where many people did not speak any English! I can honestly say I learned more than the people who did not put time into learning the language.
I know it won't make it any easier, but I think it may be a small sample of what a foreign missionary must go through when he/she knows they have to learn/speak the language for 2 years.
I wish you all the best of luck in the world and our prayers are with you! I have to say I feel jealous of the scenery and beauties of the world although the language barriers can be great!
Andrea
You are so cute Dru. I love reading your blog. If it makes you feel any better, Butler Middle School doesn't have air conditioning and the temperature has been in the upper 90's. The kids are DYING!!!! Canyon's District sent out a message that the students could stay home from school (excused absence) the rest of the week if it was too hot for them.
ReplyDeleteTell Kelly she isn't missing out on much.
I also wanted to tell you that my Grandparents, Mom and Uncle were sealed in the Bern temple. My Mom has fond memories of Bern Switzerland. She told me to tell you HELLO and to enjoy every moment.
Hang in there. You have so many friends and loved ones cheering you on!!! Love you!!