So even though we’ve traveled to many countries this year where English is not really spoken, this is the first time we have four months in a row of the same foreign language, which is, in this case, Spanish.
I did not grow up speaking Spanish, although my ethnicity is Hispanic (which that whole what am I thing is a topic for another time). My mother spoke Spanish but didn’t speak it with us. Growing up in NYC that was totally fine. I just learned the basics in Spanish class during fifth and sixth grade (so you know, colors, numbers, etc.) and I wasn’t interested in anything further.
Then when I was fourteen my parents decided to move us to Puerto Rico and I was thrown headfirst into a school where I did not understand the language. I figured out reading and writing pretty quickly but I barely was able to hold a conversation in Spanish, even after three years.
Fast forward to three years after I had moved back to the States. I get a job as a customer service rep, thinking, oh yeah, I can speak Spanish. Jokes! I learned pretty quickly that I did not know how to speak Spanish and yet I said I was bilingual, so I was obligated to continue. And eventually, it got better.
So one thing I had been excited for about my route was the fact that we were going to spend four months in South America. I basically only ever speak Spanish over the phone, so I was worried it was going to be awkward in person, but it actually wasn’t. And everyone has so much grace with the fact that there’s so much about Spanish that I don’t know. Like when I mess up my tenses (conjugating third person past tense verbs is a struggle!) or saying “la” when I should say “el” (my English speaking mind still doesn’t quite grasp the concept or importance of masculine vs. feminine).
I’ve done a lot of translating for my team since our hosts so far haven’t really spoken any English. I’ve become the spokesperson for my team whenever we go to churches and talk about what we are doing. I’m part of so many conversation, even awkward ones that I really wanted to run away from.
My team is quick to reassure me: you are our team member, not our translator. If it gets to be too much you can just say no and we’ll figure it out. Which I’m really grateful for. Truthfully though, I find it really hard to say no. Why should I withhold something that will make everyone’s life easier just because I’m tired or just don’t feel like it anymore? But I’m trying to practice saying no when I need to.
The first month, translating wasn’t tiring or overwhelming. I welcomed the challenge. The second month, since we were involved with so many different groups of people that we are volunteering with, got a little overwhelming at times. Mostly because of being pulled away from whatever I was doing to start translating.
This past week the challenge has just been how long ministry is and how it is almost all talking. We were going to a school and told a Bible story, gave testimonies, played games, sang, and then repeated it four or five times a day for a new class each time. Thankfully I have my supportive teammates to give me a break when I need one.
So for the most part I would say I really enjoy translating. It’s an interesting challenge because you can’t do it word for word. Somethings you have to translate the feeling behind a statement instead of the statement itself. It really requires thinking outside of the box. I’m always down for challengers, so I’m in my element.
Speaking of challenges, I’m so close to overcoming one particular one, which is fundraising! Only 1,765 left to be fully funded! If you can give or share this with someone who can, the link to do so is here! Thank you!
Jessica
