Some words here and there, a few phrases, and basic questions are as far as I can get with my Spanish speaking skills. Other than that, I have no idea what anybody is saying out here in Chile. Not being able to speak the language is probably one of the biggest adjustments here on our first month, but although there is a language barrier, this doesn’t stop God from showing His love and His presence to my team and I.
So it’s been about a week now since we arrived in Chile and we have been extremely blessed with all the love we’ve been receiving from God and everyone around us so far!
Our amazing hosts, Pastor Juan and Elvira, make us feel right at home with their hospitality – the sweetest couple we’ve ever met. Their two children, relatives, and church family have been nothing but a blessing to us. Big hugs and besos (kisses) every morning and night, Chilean home cooked meals that are muy delicioso, and even though we barely understand each other most of the time, we somehow can communicate and share plenty of laughs and smiles at the dinner table. God is just so good that He got to bless us with the sweetest, most humble, pure-hearted family here in Chile this month!
For ministry work, we get to teach English at nearby schools and I was assigned as an Assistant English Teacher at Escuela España, assisting 3rd-6th graders. The children are wonderful, extremely warmhearted and friendly, and they’re just so curious to learn more about the new faces they see. Although the only questions they know how to ask in English are what’s your name, how old are you, and where are you from… they’re such a blessing on being able to put a smile on our face and even help us with our Spanish! Yes, we may be answering the same questions over and over from 900 students, but we end up communicating through body gestures and google translate, which ends up being an amazing time! I’m not gonna lie, being with kids all day is alot of hard work but they show me God’s love anyway through their big smiles and joyful spirits. Oh and by the way, what a sweet cherry on top to be able to enjoy the phenomenal view of the snowy mountains of The Andes right outside of our classrooms! How amazing is that?!
At our Pastor’s church, we also had the opportunity to lead a bible study. Yes, the church members only spoke Spanish, but with God’s presence, we were able to fellowship, learn deeper about God, and study the Word together. One member (Fernando), who is now a good friend of ours, was able to translate for the whole group and he even said this is the most interaction they’ve ever had during bible study! It just shows how much God can still move and show up despite of the language barrier. This is just a blessing in itself on how I’m seeing God move!
So far… these “no habla español” moments have been nothing, but a simple reminder of God’s love, God’s presence, and power. Despite the differences in language and culture, He uses the very thing you struggle with (in this case, our Spanish!) and use it for His glory! It is through our difficulty where He shows up and shows off His love and presence to us! He always has ways of surprising us doesn’t He!
