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Bits and Pieces

Being in Costa Rica shows me how little Spanish I know. I often feel like a child learning to walk when I attempt to speak. I step out with new conversation and then one word and I am on my bum, starting over. It can be extremely frustrating to speak because I want to connect to others but my words limit me. My family helps in incredible ways. Vivi continually points to things in the house, or on the table, whose names I learned and makes me repeat them to her. My family continually shows me patience, grace, and kindness, including me as much as they can. Yet every day possesses challenges because basic conversation takes a great deal of effort.
I understand bits and pieces of what I hear, but I miss the quick sayings, specific details, and most jokes. From my perspective, the bits I do pick up make me laugh because I have yet to connect the dots of conversation. For example, on Sunday my family joined another family for late afternoon coffee conversation. The conversation drifted several times and I only understood pieces. I heard discussion about the importance of family meals, the dangers of In vitro fertilization, para-sailing, and stories of Christmas time tamales and childbirth. How they got from family meals to childbirth, I have no idea. With each day, I am more grateful for my family and more aware of how much I have to learn.
Just as the Lord so graciously gives to you, may you extend to others grace, compassion, and patience.
All my love,
Gennavieve

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