It's raining thoroughly now. All the chickens have found shelter in various places. This kind of rain keeps everyone indoors. A lazy mood has taken over. The only thing that seems to remedy this dreary day is a nice hot cup of tea, the soothing serenades of Simon and Garfunkel, and Tito occasionally sitting in my lap. I actually like days like this here--where nature forces everyone to take it easy, not that life here is always on the go. So there's not much more to do now other than read and do some blogging.
Life here this week has been a lot less exhausting than the previous week. Last week we started our first campaign of 2011. During the week of campaign we all camped out at Km 8. Daily living there is a lot more primitive than 38, even though they are closer to Pucallpa. The water runs once a day. So buckets must be filled for showers and dish washing. And you always hope that the water runs before you go to clinic so you can have a full water bottle for the day. The days were quite busy, we saw on average 200 patients a day in the medical and dental clinic. Then in the evenings we'd pack up and head to the tent to have VBS and evangelistic meetings.
I love singing with the kids at Km 6. None of them had known the songs prior to our coming. It filled my heart to hear the kids singing or shouting with such enthusiasm. They especially loved the Creation song, which is a new one that I've learned here. The song talks about various animals and how all of them are God's creation. Each animal has it's own hand motions. The kids absolutely love this song and ask to sing it 3 or 4 times each night. One of my favorites is "I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Down in My Heart." Of course we sing it in Spanish. The kids get so excited to shout, "En mi corazon," (in my heart) each time. I wish I always had that much enthusiasm. I think this last week helped me to understand why Jesus told the people that to enter heaven we must become like little children.
Also this week Yerbas Buenas decided that they wanted to have an all-night prayer meeting. Yerbas Buenas isn't my home church here, but I decided to join Hanna. I also thought this would be a good time to have my own prayer session with God. It definitely wasn't what I was expecting however.
We arrived to the church members singing hymns. It was only 10:30 and people were already yawning, including myself. In fact I was already tired before arriving at the Church. I was doubtful that I would make it the whole night. After a few more songs, one of the members stood to give a little message. Then we were told that we would have some time to pray individually. We each found our little corners. I pulled out my prayer journal, Bible, and reference guide that Brittany Gimbel had sent me. I was ready to put in a good hour. However, after about 3 minutes of praying, the church members were finished with their prayers. They started chatting amongst each other, some were chuckling-probably talking about how they were going to make it through the entire night. At that point I realized that this was not going to be what I had expected. They had only prayed for 3 minutes and were done, how in the world were they going to go through a whole night of prayer?
The night ended up being more of an all-night hymn sing with a few devotional thoughts thrown in and some prayer sessions. I dozed off a couple of times from exhaustion. I did end up having some really good prayer time with God. But I was frustrated with myself. I've stayed up all night in the past doing laser-tag parties or movie nights and didn't have too much of a problem making it through the night. But now, that I was supposed to be having a prayer time with God, I had a hard time keeping my eyes open. I think I felt a little of what the disciples went through when Jesus asked them to stay up and pray with him. They had all the best intentions of having an all-night prayer session. But weakness took over.
I'm glad I went. Although I think I'd rather have an all day prayer session than an all-nighter. My mind is clearer during daylight hours. During our all-nighter I did come across some scripture verses pertaining to prayer that I enjoyed. I'll share them now.
Principles on Prayer (from Mark Finley's book)
"The purpose of prayer is to lead us into oneness with the mind of God and deepest fellowship with Him."
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me. Revelation 3:20
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19
Friday, January 21, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Back in Peru
My feet are sticking to the floor of the internet cafe as I write. I hear the lady counting out a customer´s change in Spanish. My fingers are trying to remember the differences between this keyboard and an American one. I´m back in Peru.
I enjoyed being at home for a couple weeks. Ok, well,¨enjoyed¨ would honestly be an understatement. It was awesome to be able to see my family and a few friends. Maybe I went a little crazy on American restaurants and Mom´s homecooking, or maybe not. I don´t think I´ve ever loved Taco Bell as much as I did for those last two weeks.
This week I´ve been trying to decide if going home for a bit was a good thing. I don´t regret seeing my family at all, but I wonder if I should have just stayed down here and had my family just come visit. It´s definitely been a little harder being back here just because I was reminded of what I don´t have down here. But this week I´ve also been reminded of what I don´t have back home.
I love the simplicity of life here in Peru. The loving people. I love that when I´m here, I´m here. I don´t have to worry about school, paying for gas, my future. I only have time to focus on what´s happening each day, each moment. And maybe that´s how I should have been living my life all along. Isn´t that what the Bible says? ¨Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.¨ I forget about that verse all too often.
I just keep reminding myself, I´m only here for three and a half more months. It´s just a tiny percentage of my life. I need to make the most of the short time I have here. So, here it goes, on to more adventures.
I enjoyed being at home for a couple weeks. Ok, well,¨enjoyed¨ would honestly be an understatement. It was awesome to be able to see my family and a few friends. Maybe I went a little crazy on American restaurants and Mom´s homecooking, or maybe not. I don´t think I´ve ever loved Taco Bell as much as I did for those last two weeks.
This week I´ve been trying to decide if going home for a bit was a good thing. I don´t regret seeing my family at all, but I wonder if I should have just stayed down here and had my family just come visit. It´s definitely been a little harder being back here just because I was reminded of what I don´t have down here. But this week I´ve also been reminded of what I don´t have back home.
I love the simplicity of life here in Peru. The loving people. I love that when I´m here, I´m here. I don´t have to worry about school, paying for gas, my future. I only have time to focus on what´s happening each day, each moment. And maybe that´s how I should have been living my life all along. Isn´t that what the Bible says? ¨Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.¨ I forget about that verse all too often.
I just keep reminding myself, I´m only here for three and a half more months. It´s just a tiny percentage of my life. I need to make the most of the short time I have here. So, here it goes, on to more adventures.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Lots of Time in Starbucks
December 21, 2010
I’m currently on a train to Machu Picchu with my family. I’m really glad to have them here with me after not seeing them for the past 4 months. Although after seeing them I feel as though I only left home just yesterday. So, what’s been happening so far? Well, my vacation started on Wednesday. I got up bright and early to finis packing (4:00 am). It was still chilly from the rain we had the day before. I put my last minute things in my over-sized backpack, and then the Doc was read to head out to pick up Chris and Caleb at Km 8.
We went through security, which was almost a joke; we didn’t take off our shoes and I took in a full Nalgene without a fuss. Our flight was beautiful as we traveled over the Andes. The morning sun was peeking over the ridges and revealing the villages that dotted the landscape. We “oohed” and “ahhed” as we admired the breathtaking scenery.
I was going to be visiting Chris Cloze in Lima. His office had kindly arranged a taxi to pick me up. The guys decided they wanted to go by the Inca market and to some last minute shopping for family and friends. Due to some heavy traffic from the airport we only had thirty minutes to shop before the boys had to be back for their flight. We speed shopped. I had fun helping Caleb haggle; although I’m pretty sure we still got ripped off. Before we knew it the thirty minutes were up and Chris and Caleb had to get back to the airport. I said my goodbyes and waved them off as the taxi took them back.
I went up to Chris’s office to wait until he returned from his appointment. I greeted Ruth, his really cool secretary. I like her; she’s nice, funny, and likes to sing at work, which provides for good entertainment. Unfortunately, she is leaving. Ruth greeted me and said they had been worried. Apparently, it took longer than usual to get to the Union office from the airport. I told her there had been a lot of traffic. We made small talk as I used Chris’s computer.
The rest of my day went like this:
• Went to Starbucks and skyped with Molly and my family
• Met Chris and his brother Alex for lunch at the Adventist school.
• Hung out in Chris’s office.
• Checked into my hostel.
• Skyped with Aimee.
• Went to Wong
• Went to English class with Chris.
• Before that, checked on show times for Narnia with Alex.
• Went to Won to buy supper/snacks for the movie.
• Stood outside the theater eating some of our food and debating whether or not they would let us bring in our food.
• Decided to sneak in our food.
• Got our food into the theater.
• Watched Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn reader in 3D while freezing my feet off.
• Went back to my hostel.
• Took my first hot shower since being in Lima
• Felt quite independent staying in a hostel in Lima by myself.
The next day in Lima was pretty uneventful. I mostly hung out in Chris’s office and Starbucks, and Wong. It was nice to just relax without having to dodge flies or swat cockroaches.
The Christmas traffic on the way back to the airport that evening was horrendous, but luckily I wasn’t in a hurry since my family wouldn’t be getting in until 12:00 AM.
I sat in Starbucks waiting, waiting, anticipating, sleeping a little, and then waiting some more. Finally, I heard their flight announced over the intercom. I went down to join the hoard of people awaiting their family members and friends. As I waited I wondered whom all these people were waiting for. Family they hadn’t seen in days, weeks, years? Friends visiting from various countries? Potential employees? I wanted to know each of their stories. But mostly I wanted to see my own family. I stood in the mob fidgeting, smelling some bad breath, being pushed, nudged, and ignored for nearly an hour until finally I saw my family coming through the sliding doors. I ran and pushed my way through the crowd to hug my mom, dad, and brother. It was a sweet reunion.
I’m currently on a train to Machu Picchu with my family. I’m really glad to have them here with me after not seeing them for the past 4 months. Although after seeing them I feel as though I only left home just yesterday. So, what’s been happening so far? Well, my vacation started on Wednesday. I got up bright and early to finis packing (4:00 am). It was still chilly from the rain we had the day before. I put my last minute things in my over-sized backpack, and then the Doc was read to head out to pick up Chris and Caleb at Km 8.
We went through security, which was almost a joke; we didn’t take off our shoes and I took in a full Nalgene without a fuss. Our flight was beautiful as we traveled over the Andes. The morning sun was peeking over the ridges and revealing the villages that dotted the landscape. We “oohed” and “ahhed” as we admired the breathtaking scenery.
I was going to be visiting Chris Cloze in Lima. His office had kindly arranged a taxi to pick me up. The guys decided they wanted to go by the Inca market and to some last minute shopping for family and friends. Due to some heavy traffic from the airport we only had thirty minutes to shop before the boys had to be back for their flight. We speed shopped. I had fun helping Caleb haggle; although I’m pretty sure we still got ripped off. Before we knew it the thirty minutes were up and Chris and Caleb had to get back to the airport. I said my goodbyes and waved them off as the taxi took them back.
I went up to Chris’s office to wait until he returned from his appointment. I greeted Ruth, his really cool secretary. I like her; she’s nice, funny, and likes to sing at work, which provides for good entertainment. Unfortunately, she is leaving. Ruth greeted me and said they had been worried. Apparently, it took longer than usual to get to the Union office from the airport. I told her there had been a lot of traffic. We made small talk as I used Chris’s computer.
The rest of my day went like this:
• Went to Starbucks and skyped with Molly and my family
• Met Chris and his brother Alex for lunch at the Adventist school.
• Hung out in Chris’s office.
• Checked into my hostel.
• Skyped with Aimee.
• Went to Wong
• Went to English class with Chris.
• Before that, checked on show times for Narnia with Alex.
• Went to Won to buy supper/snacks for the movie.
• Stood outside the theater eating some of our food and debating whether or not they would let us bring in our food.
• Decided to sneak in our food.
• Got our food into the theater.
• Watched Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn reader in 3D while freezing my feet off.
• Went back to my hostel.
• Took my first hot shower since being in Lima
• Felt quite independent staying in a hostel in Lima by myself.
The next day in Lima was pretty uneventful. I mostly hung out in Chris’s office and Starbucks, and Wong. It was nice to just relax without having to dodge flies or swat cockroaches.
The Christmas traffic on the way back to the airport that evening was horrendous, but luckily I wasn’t in a hurry since my family wouldn’t be getting in until 12:00 AM.
I sat in Starbucks waiting, waiting, anticipating, sleeping a little, and then waiting some more. Finally, I heard their flight announced over the intercom. I went down to join the hoard of people awaiting their family members and friends. As I waited I wondered whom all these people were waiting for. Family they hadn’t seen in days, weeks, years? Friends visiting from various countries? Potential employees? I wanted to know each of their stories. But mostly I wanted to see my own family. I stood in the mob fidgeting, smelling some bad breath, being pushed, nudged, and ignored for nearly an hour until finally I saw my family coming through the sliding doors. I ran and pushed my way through the crowd to hug my mom, dad, and brother. It was a sweet reunion.
Living Life in First Gear
December 14, 2010
We’ve started Pathfinders here; it’s called Conquistadores in Peru. I feel like Pathfinders and Conquistadors don’t quite have the same meaning. “Come kids, come be Conquistadors. You know, the guys who came over from Spain to conquer your land and slaughter your people, and tear down your beautiful Incan temples to replace them with their catholic cathedrals? Yeah, let’s emulate them!” Ok, so yeah, we’re Conquistadors for Jesus, but I just feel like they could have come up with a better name.
Moving on. So this Sunday, the last Sunday of Pathfinders before Christmas break, Caleb, Rebecca, and I went out to pick up the kids. This particular morning we had to take the combi because the Doctor was using the truck.
Now, let me just say that the combi is not the ideal vehicle. First of all, the door doesn’t close correctly, it closes, but it takes some super human strength to shut it. We had break issues; as in you better start slowing down about ½ a Km before you actually want to stop (thankfully that is fixed now). When you drive down a dirt road, the dirt flies in through every crack and crevice. And the cover for some sort of battery is broken, so every so often it sparks. Also, it’s almost impossible to find the gear and you really have to crank the steering wheel to turn. You have to be a pro to drive this thing; thankfully Doctor Mathews has perfected the art of driving the combi. Despite all of its issues, the combi does provide us with extra transportation and cargo space. So I really shouldn’t complain.
Needless to say, Caleb was not too thrilled to be driving the combi. But it was all we had. So we hopped in the van and made our way to Campo Verde to pick up our first group of kids. The trip to Campo Verde was pretty uneventful, just a lot of driving up and down streets in search of Conquistadores. After successfully finding them we made or way to the second pit stop: Yerbas Buenas.
The road to Yerbas (sounds like a good movie or book title) is supering bumpy because of the rain washouts. We bumped along, swerving to avoid the big potholes, all the way to pick up…………one kid. Just one. No one else showed up. But hey, one is better than none. On our way back down the road we saw an old lady and a kid from one of my classes walking down the road, so we stopped to pick them up. Then kept going (I know, riveting writing). We were almost to the end of the dirt road when we saw two of my kids from Los Pinos school. We stopped and yelled out the window, “Quieres ir?” They happily agreed and Caleb went to shift the gear. Then it happened.
“Oh no,” Caleb yelled.
“What?” I asked with a little panic.
I turned my head to see Caleb holding up the gear shifter in his right hand, detached from the ground. We both screamed. Then started laughing from the ridiculousness of the situation.
“What are we going to do?”
“Well, we’re in first gear still, so I should be able to make it.”
And so we did. We still had one more stop to make in Santa Elvita which was about 2 Km from where we were at the moment. The drive was painfully slow. We laughed the whole way. I think we all could have jogged faster.
Finally, we got all the kids to 38. The rest of the morning was spent teaching the kids how to set up and take down a tent. They raced to see who could do it the fastest. We also taught them how to tie four different kinds of knots. The kids had fun, I had fun, it was a good morning. Luckily, when it was time to go we had the truck to take the kids back.
We’ve started Pathfinders here; it’s called Conquistadores in Peru. I feel like Pathfinders and Conquistadors don’t quite have the same meaning. “Come kids, come be Conquistadors. You know, the guys who came over from Spain to conquer your land and slaughter your people, and tear down your beautiful Incan temples to replace them with their catholic cathedrals? Yeah, let’s emulate them!” Ok, so yeah, we’re Conquistadors for Jesus, but I just feel like they could have come up with a better name.
Moving on. So this Sunday, the last Sunday of Pathfinders before Christmas break, Caleb, Rebecca, and I went out to pick up the kids. This particular morning we had to take the combi because the Doctor was using the truck.
Now, let me just say that the combi is not the ideal vehicle. First of all, the door doesn’t close correctly, it closes, but it takes some super human strength to shut it. We had break issues; as in you better start slowing down about ½ a Km before you actually want to stop (thankfully that is fixed now). When you drive down a dirt road, the dirt flies in through every crack and crevice. And the cover for some sort of battery is broken, so every so often it sparks. Also, it’s almost impossible to find the gear and you really have to crank the steering wheel to turn. You have to be a pro to drive this thing; thankfully Doctor Mathews has perfected the art of driving the combi. Despite all of its issues, the combi does provide us with extra transportation and cargo space. So I really shouldn’t complain.
Needless to say, Caleb was not too thrilled to be driving the combi. But it was all we had. So we hopped in the van and made our way to Campo Verde to pick up our first group of kids. The trip to Campo Verde was pretty uneventful, just a lot of driving up and down streets in search of Conquistadores. After successfully finding them we made or way to the second pit stop: Yerbas Buenas.
The road to Yerbas (sounds like a good movie or book title) is supering bumpy because of the rain washouts. We bumped along, swerving to avoid the big potholes, all the way to pick up…………one kid. Just one. No one else showed up. But hey, one is better than none. On our way back down the road we saw an old lady and a kid from one of my classes walking down the road, so we stopped to pick them up. Then kept going (I know, riveting writing). We were almost to the end of the dirt road when we saw two of my kids from Los Pinos school. We stopped and yelled out the window, “Quieres ir?” They happily agreed and Caleb went to shift the gear. Then it happened.
“Oh no,” Caleb yelled.
“What?” I asked with a little panic.
I turned my head to see Caleb holding up the gear shifter in his right hand, detached from the ground. We both screamed. Then started laughing from the ridiculousness of the situation.
“What are we going to do?”
“Well, we’re in first gear still, so I should be able to make it.”
And so we did. We still had one more stop to make in Santa Elvita which was about 2 Km from where we were at the moment. The drive was painfully slow. We laughed the whole way. I think we all could have jogged faster.
Finally, we got all the kids to 38. The rest of the morning was spent teaching the kids how to set up and take down a tent. They raced to see who could do it the fastest. We also taught them how to tie four different kinds of knots. The kids had fun, I had fun, it was a good morning. Luckily, when it was time to go we had the truck to take the kids back.
Hot Chocolate and Bleached Beards
December 13, 2010
Two more days until Christmas vacation. Up until now December has been filled with Christmas parties, festive songs, hot chocolate and Panton.
This last Sabbath we had a chocolatada. Pretty much a hot chocolate party. We had Yerbas Buenas and Santa Elvita churches come together at Santa Elvira to have J.A. (Adventist Youth program).
We decorated Hermana Lucia’s house with paper snowflakes and stars. A small tree with Christmas decorations stood at the front of the church. The place looked very festive and whimsical as the breeze made the paper decorations spin wildly from their strings.
We had a quaint Christmas program planned. I started it off with some kids songs on my ukulele, accompanied by one of my students, Jennifer. Our first song was “Your Everlasting Love.” We had everyone participating and jumping around. I loved seeing the adults hopping in line. After the songs it was time for me to tell a Christmas children’s story. I decided to share with them one of my favorite Uncle Arthur’s Christmas stories.
I love that guy, Uncle Arthur. He has provided me with many a children’s story over the years, and this one didn’t fail me. The story I told was about a boy who’s family was very poor and had a sister who was sick. One evening he was invited to a Christmas party. More stuff happened in between, but the main part of the story was that instead of choosing a red fire engine as his gift he chose a baby doll for his sister. Of course all the ignorant children laughed at him and made fun of him for choosing a doll. In the end he gives his sick sister the doll and he ended up getting the red fire engine because the lady who invited him to the party understood his reasoning. The kids seemed to like it. I had fun telling it.
The rest of the program continued with more songs, some really good testimonies, and games. Then it was time for the yummy stuff. Some church members hauled the huge vat of hot chocolate from the fire where it had been warming. Along with that we had three boxes of Panton to hand out to all the members.
Once all of the goodies had been consumed it was time for Papa Noel to make his appearance. Caleb had been growing out his beard as sort of a bet with Jonathan. Daniel (one of the Peruvians) convinced him to bleach it to make him look more like Papa Noel, Santa Claus. He looked a bit ridiculous with his beard an orangey-blond and his hair still black. But it was fun. He came out of the van with a blinking Santa hat, holding a bag full of toys merrily shouting, “Ho, ho ho!”
All the kids rushed him wanting their regalos. The stampede of yelling children must have been a bit overwhelming as they shouted, “Papa Noel, Papa Noel!” I happened to be wearing a red shirt and a black skirt, which matched Caleb’s red shirt and black pants. So I was dubbed, “Mama Noela.” It was fun handing out the toys.
After we passed out toys to the eager children we went around the little town of Santa Elvita giving gifts to the kids that didn’t make it. It was a good night and a very merry navidad.
Two more days until Christmas vacation. Up until now December has been filled with Christmas parties, festive songs, hot chocolate and Panton.
This last Sabbath we had a chocolatada. Pretty much a hot chocolate party. We had Yerbas Buenas and Santa Elvita churches come together at Santa Elvira to have J.A. (Adventist Youth program).
We decorated Hermana Lucia’s house with paper snowflakes and stars. A small tree with Christmas decorations stood at the front of the church. The place looked very festive and whimsical as the breeze made the paper decorations spin wildly from their strings.
We had a quaint Christmas program planned. I started it off with some kids songs on my ukulele, accompanied by one of my students, Jennifer. Our first song was “Your Everlasting Love.” We had everyone participating and jumping around. I loved seeing the adults hopping in line. After the songs it was time for me to tell a Christmas children’s story. I decided to share with them one of my favorite Uncle Arthur’s Christmas stories.
I love that guy, Uncle Arthur. He has provided me with many a children’s story over the years, and this one didn’t fail me. The story I told was about a boy who’s family was very poor and had a sister who was sick. One evening he was invited to a Christmas party. More stuff happened in between, but the main part of the story was that instead of choosing a red fire engine as his gift he chose a baby doll for his sister. Of course all the ignorant children laughed at him and made fun of him for choosing a doll. In the end he gives his sick sister the doll and he ended up getting the red fire engine because the lady who invited him to the party understood his reasoning. The kids seemed to like it. I had fun telling it.
The rest of the program continued with more songs, some really good testimonies, and games. Then it was time for the yummy stuff. Some church members hauled the huge vat of hot chocolate from the fire where it had been warming. Along with that we had three boxes of Panton to hand out to all the members.
Once all of the goodies had been consumed it was time for Papa Noel to make his appearance. Caleb had been growing out his beard as sort of a bet with Jonathan. Daniel (one of the Peruvians) convinced him to bleach it to make him look more like Papa Noel, Santa Claus. He looked a bit ridiculous with his beard an orangey-blond and his hair still black. But it was fun. He came out of the van with a blinking Santa hat, holding a bag full of toys merrily shouting, “Ho, ho ho!”
All the kids rushed him wanting their regalos. The stampede of yelling children must have been a bit overwhelming as they shouted, “Papa Noel, Papa Noel!” I happened to be wearing a red shirt and a black skirt, which matched Caleb’s red shirt and black pants. So I was dubbed, “Mama Noela.” It was fun handing out the toys.
After we passed out toys to the eager children we went around the little town of Santa Elvita giving gifts to the kids that didn’t make it. It was a good night and a very merry navidad.
Sing Sang Sung
December 4, 2010
Adult English class has been interesting this week. After one of my classes a few of the students stayed behind just to chat. Amidst the conversation some of the students informed me that they wanted to learn some songs in English. I told them they could choose which ones they wanted to learn. Among the suggested bands were Simple Plan and Justin Bieber.
This week one of the guys came back with a copy of the lyrics to Simple Plan’s “Perfect.” I’d heard of the band but not the song. I told them that I would teach them how to pronounce the words, but I couldn’t teach them how to sing it.
I don’t know if you have heard this song, but it is pretty dramatic. I feel like I can’t fully “appreciate” this song without sitting in a dark room, having not showered for days, with a hoody and cuts on my wrist. Ok, maybe the cuts on my wrist are a little much, but seriously, it’s ridiculous. Feel free to go listen to the song or look up the lyrics. But I’m warning you; you may be depressed for days.
Anyway, I spent a couple days teaching the students this song. We spent the first day going over how to pronounce the words. The next class period I translated the song for them and then we practiced it with the music that one of my students had on his phone. One guy was really into it; I could tell he had listened to it quite a bit. He even had the nasally tone down. I found it entertaining.
Since it was Christmas time I thought I’d teach them “Jingle Bells” to get into the spirit. In return they taught it to me in Spanish:
Navidad, navidad,
Blanca navidad,
Es un dia de alegria y felicidad, hey (x2)
Apparently, there are variations of this song. Cause I heard it in Pucallpa the other day and it wasn’t quite the same. Either that, or they taught me the wrong song. Anyway, we had some good times.
Adult English class has been interesting this week. After one of my classes a few of the students stayed behind just to chat. Amidst the conversation some of the students informed me that they wanted to learn some songs in English. I told them they could choose which ones they wanted to learn. Among the suggested bands were Simple Plan and Justin Bieber.
This week one of the guys came back with a copy of the lyrics to Simple Plan’s “Perfect.” I’d heard of the band but not the song. I told them that I would teach them how to pronounce the words, but I couldn’t teach them how to sing it.
I don’t know if you have heard this song, but it is pretty dramatic. I feel like I can’t fully “appreciate” this song without sitting in a dark room, having not showered for days, with a hoody and cuts on my wrist. Ok, maybe the cuts on my wrist are a little much, but seriously, it’s ridiculous. Feel free to go listen to the song or look up the lyrics. But I’m warning you; you may be depressed for days.
Anyway, I spent a couple days teaching the students this song. We spent the first day going over how to pronounce the words. The next class period I translated the song for them and then we practiced it with the music that one of my students had on his phone. One guy was really into it; I could tell he had listened to it quite a bit. He even had the nasally tone down. I found it entertaining.
Since it was Christmas time I thought I’d teach them “Jingle Bells” to get into the spirit. In return they taught it to me in Spanish:
Navidad, navidad,
Blanca navidad,
Es un dia de alegria y felicidad, hey (x2)
Apparently, there are variations of this song. Cause I heard it in Pucallpa the other day and it wasn’t quite the same. Either that, or they taught me the wrong song. Anyway, we had some good times.
Here it comes...
Ok, so here it comes, a whole month's worth of blogs. Feel free to ignore all of them. Maybe this year I will be more consistent in my blogging......or maybe not. I won't promise anything.
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