Thursday, December 10, 2015

Language School and Guitar lessons and Volcanos

Wanted to give you an idea of what language school has been like!!! 
I had one-on-one instruction with my teacher, Mirza.  Every day i'd sit across the table from her and we'd chat about various things from our days to our families and friends to God to things happening in Guatemala and around the world.  Sometimes we'd chat for about 30 minutes, sometimes 2 hours.  Then I'd usually read some from a book to work on reading and pronunciation.  Then we'd review some grammar.  I'd have to make up some sentences to reflect the new grammar rules, and then do some exercises to practice.  Then she'd assign me some type of homework to do at home that evening.  For the month of November I had classes 4 days a week for 4 hours.  It was an intense month with some days feeling excited about learning, and other days having no interest in being there.  
our day at the zoo - enjoyed going with my teammates and their teachers as well!!!
Across the street from me is also a seminary with a music seminary.  I realized after a month here that they offer some private lessons.  Since I've always wanted to learn to play guitar, I thought I'd give it a shot and started taking lessons once a week.  That means I've also had to practice guitar in the evenings!!!  It's actually been a great combination - language school and guitar!  The guitar reminds me that it's a process and that I have to take things one step at a time.  Although I really want to just start playing all sorts of songs on the guitar, I can't, I have to take it slowly and learn step by step.  The same with language.  It takes time and I have to be patient with the process and allow it to come step by step!!!  

Along with sitting in class learning, we were able to do a few fun things outside of the classroom.  We went to one of the museums, the zoo, have cooked a few times, and watched a few movies.  Plus, I drove my teacher to her bus stop every day, so it did give me some extra time to chat with her on the way . . .and no worries, she continued to correct me all the way to her bus stop =) 
I've had a few exams which included filling in the blanks, writing essays, and an oral exam. 
Yesterday I passed the final level at the school.  I know a few areas that I need to work on besides just generally improving my communication skills!  
I do feel ready to start working in the clinic and put my spanish to the test!!!  
I'm thankful I've had this time in language school, but also excited to be finished!!! 

making tortillas!!!
I continue to be fascinated by the volcanos and absolutely love that I can see 3 of them out my window!!!  Recently I looked out my window in the morning and saw Volcan Fuego with huge ash clouds coming out of it!!!  It continued for the rest of the day and that evening I could see red streaks of lava running down the sides!  For those 2 days the sky was perfectly clear giving me amazing views!  I know that volcanos are dangerous for those close by, but I'm thankful that I can enjoy their power and majesty from a safe distance!!!  My mom and I are planning to climb Volcan Pacaya when she arrives here in December!!! I've climbed this volcano 2 other times, but excited to hike it again!!! We will be taking marshmallows with us to roast at the top because we are certain to encounter some hot lava =)  

Volcan Fuego and the constant cloud of ash

not my photo - but this is what is looked like at night!

such beauty always pointing to our all powerful God and His stunning creation!!!