Being almost the end of month 3 I thought I would share a gift the Lord has allowed me to use in Central America and how it’s impacted my life as well as others around me. That gift is knowing the Spanish language and being able to bless others with translating. Thanks to my Guatemalan family, I’ve had the privilege of being bilingual and fluent in Spanish. Never would I have imagined the stretch and growth I would see by simple day to day conversations. For this blog post, I have listed a few burning questions you might be curious to know on what a translator does or some of my experiences with it… so here it is!
Q: What exactly does a translator do?
A: I translate conversations that are in Spanish to English or vice versa! I have translated ministry events, random words, prayers, door to door evangelizing, conversations… and more!
Q: What is the easiest way to translate?
A: Short & simple words (FOR SURE)
Q: What has been one of your favorite translating moments?
A: Seeing people’s faces light up as I translated what my squad mates were saying.
Q: What has been the hardest to translate?
A: (paraphrased) Bible verses
Q: How have you seen yourself grow in the Spanish language?
A: I no longer feel incapable of translating! Sure enough, some words are harder than others but, I’ve found a lot of confidence in myself! I also have improved in my (spiritual) Spanish vocabulary and sharing the gospel is so much easier now.
Q: What are some downsides to translating?
A: Always having to think! Sounds silly but sometimes you just want to rest your brain and not have to think so much over a simple sentence or phrase.
Q: Funny translating moment?
A: Out of nature if someone else is translating from Spanish to English I will agree with the statement said in English and turn to the person translating as if I didn’t understand what had been said!
Q: Most intimidating translation?
A: Not exactly “intimidating” but, it was intense and for a right reason- two squad mates and I were leading someone to Christ and having to take over and do that in Spanish was a stretch for me
Q: Thoughts on translating after these 3 months?
A: My perspective has changed. I came with knowledge of Spanish and yet felt not qualified enough to translate. I came with a lot of fear over people having high expectations and I would only disappoint. That all quickly changed when I figured out there was grace and room for error! My mind set changed and I began looking at translating as a BLESSING that I could give to my squad mates, teammates, and most importantly the people around me! I was able to speak life into their hearts and in a language, they understood. I have been able to join in conversations that could have only happened by knowing their native tongue. I’m so grateful for this gift the Lord has given me, and I pray it will continue to impact those around me!
FUNDRAISING UPDATE:
NEED: $1,811 by DEC 30
HAVE: $11,189
** Christmas is in 4 days! Please consider donating a Christmas donation of any amount as a gift! I can’t reach my next deadline of $13,000.00 without each one of you! All donations are tax deductible.
