Açai

As each day gets a little busier than the day before, it becomes increasingly difficult to get to the computer to post updates and reply to emails. I'm sorry if takes me longer to respond now, than it did when we first arrived. I wanted to say a special "hello" to all the children, parents, and teachers at Harding Academy Early childhood. I miss you all SO much! Thank you for your emails. I have been trying to look at the photo gallery to keep up with what all my tiny "grown-ups" are doing :) I heard that the spring program was a hit, and I can't wait to see the DVD!

One thing that we, as a team, have all noticed is that we speak very slowly to each other when we come out of reading sessions-haha. We are so used to speaking very slowly, and using simple words and gestures that we do it to each other, and even type using simple words. It's funny to try to carry on a normal conversation with another English speaker at this point. We noticed that Randy, Kathy, and Danny were all having trouble remembering certain English words when we got here, and now we know why!

I feel like I should say more about my reading sessions, but I'm not sure what all would be interesting to hear. They are all very different from each other. Some people want to get in and out without speaking any more English than they have to. Others want to stay and talk all day long! It's really funny to see the difference. It's wonderful to watch people open up and build confidence in their conversation skills. It is becoming easier to communicate, and spend more meaningful time with each of them.

I knew I was forgetting a reader when I named all of them in a previous post. Julianna is the one who scratched her eye, and never came to a session. I have not heard from her, so please pray. Luciano brought me an Italian Bible to borrow! It was very exciting to be able to open it up and realize that I can read and understand more than I thought I would be able to. He and I were talking about the Prodigal Son in our session today. We got to talking about families and how important they are, and he mentioned that I must have a very special family. I had to agree with him!! As a matter of fact, here they are! I took this picture of the computer screen when I was talking with them on Skype! If you look very carefully, you can see me in the bottom left corner.

Today, some of the guys who work at the School of the Bible wanted to learn some slang English words. I taught them "ya'll" because it comes in so handy. Then they asked me how to say something is "really good" so I taught them how to say "That rocks!" and "That rocks my socks!" hahahaha. William told them not to ever say that to anyone. He is no fun.

Oh, and I also wanted to let all those Mona Vie fans know that Açai is everywhere here! And for really cheap! I ate a whole bowl of mushed up Açai with bananas and granola on top. It was pretty much the best thing I have ever tasted. I wish I had taken a picture of it to post on here, but I am sure I will get another chance. For those of you who don't know, Açai is a berry-like fruit found only in the Brazilian rainforest.

Tonight, we are going to the Wednesday night worship service and then "home" for dinner. Kathy's mother emailed me directions on how to make icecream using soy milk and bananas that I will have to try. Thanks again, Ms. Charlene! Then I'm sure we will play a few rounds of Pente before going to bed. It's hard to believe that we are already half way through our 3rd week here!! But I won't think about that right now. I'm just going to keep enjoying every moment!