Living in the US there are some things I have always taken for granted.
- Having toilet paper in all bathrooms.
- Not having to remember to bring toilet paper wherever you go.
- Getting a nice big glass of cold water when you are hot.
- Taking a shower in the middle of the day, and not sweating while you dry.
- Air-conditioning.
- Being able to communicate easily with the people around you.
Since arriving in El Salvador two weeks ago I have had to adjust. My day no longer goes at my pace, my body is never at a comfortable temperature (except at 5:30 am or after the daily afternoon storm) and the lack of toilet paper is my reality. All of these things have been adjustments I have had to work through. The hardest of all is the communication.
In the US I take for granted how easy it is to ask someone when we are leaving or never having to ask a person to repeat what they said because I didn’t understand. In El Salvador I probably say “No comprendo. Repete por favor?” at least 10 times a day. The hardest is the kids. They are so excited to talk to us, running up to us each day at the school; talking a mile a minute and all I can say is “No comprendo. Repete por favor?” Sometimes I will say it 2-3 times to the same kid before I can see the light in their eyes start to dim. At this point they may give a small smile or just walk away. I cannot help but to feel awful. Hear I am, the giant white American with the mission to impact lives, watching a child walk away without their voice being heard.
What kind of teacher does that make me?
My job is to give each child a voice and help them learn to use it. To teach them how to speak their mind and express whatever their heart desires. The kids are trying so hard. I can see it on their faces as they attempt to speak slower or explain their thoughts in a different way and yet I don’t understand. I am trying to understand everything around me but some days make me feel as if I will never get the language.
So to all the kids that I am unable to understand I am sorry. From the deepest part of my heart I’m sorry I don’t understand you. I am relying on the Lord to be my communicator to help me share my heart with the people. He is the path to comprehension, He knows the best way to help each of us meet halfway. God is so good. He brings together people who need each other.
Today I got to talk to one of the boys at the school we are working at. He is in his last year of high school and has dreams of attending the university to teach English. All he wanted was to talk in order to practice. It was so interesting to hear him talk about his second language skills. He said, “I don’t know much English, but I practice with you?” This is exactly the same way that I start my conversations with Spanish speakers! He knew so much English, he was well on his way to being proficient.
No one has to be proficient to communicate, He was able to understand my broken Spanish and I was able to understand his broken English. God met us halfway and gave us the gift of a great conversation. He provided, we didn’t need anything other than God. God has been the key to life in El Salvador it has been a blessing to see how God works in the people within our community. They radiate with love and joy and they never forget to bless you as they leave. We don’t need to speak Spanish in church to understand, imagine the National Championship for college basketball, that is the energy during each service. The prayers constantly bring tears to my eyes; do I understand? No. Does it matter? No. Now think of the National championship game and imagine the coach that is the only way to compare the preaching. Sweat poring down their faces, eyes lit with fire and their hearts full of passion. There is more energy in one church service than I have ever felt.
So maybe communication takes place as energy?
God is truly alive in El Salvador.
