Judy Enns, a nurse from BC, is currently working with FH Guatemala. Here is an excerpt from her latest update.
In this last week, I have learned that you essentially become a child again when you get transplanted into a different culture and language. For example, I had to re-learn how to wash my hands because a sink here is really rather different. And my Spanish is at an elementary school level, so communication takes a lot of energy, concentration and patience. Thankfully, everyone has been very patient and I am beginning to catch the gist of most conversations, as long as not too many people are talking at once.
I am living with a couple in a house right across the street from the FH (Food for the Hungry) office, which means I don't get lost coming to work! There are also 2 sisters (ages 5 and 12) who are at the house often and help me learn Spanish and are really very sweet.
This week I have been heading out to various communities in the Nebaj area. This is one of my favourite things, especially when it's just me and one other person from the office as it gives me a great opportunity to speak and listen to Spanish, get to know someone here, and also see different places. It had been a long time since I had been on a motorcycle, so it was also lots of fun to go to Villa Hortencia 2 (for those of you who know it) on a moto. The road really isn't very good and we fell twice coming back up it, but other than a very neat bruise and some scrapes on my legs, we came out uninjured and with a good story.
Thank you for your prayers! I need them and value them greatly. It does get discouraging when you can't say what you want to say. But there have also been some great times and laughter and I'm hoping my Spanish rapidly improves.
