Language School

So I just finished my six weeks of language school in Cochabamba. Sadly, I'm no expert in Spanish yet. BUT, I did see some improvement and it was a great review of all of the grammar rules that I learned back in high school. I'm pretty confident that I have all of the information I need to really succeed in the language. All I need now is LOTS of everyday conversation to build up the confidence and fluidity that I lack.

I really enjoyed the language school. There was an amazing team of teachers. Each of us students had 4 one-on-one classes per day with different teachers and then we got a whole new team of teachers every two weeks. Each teacher had a unique style and strength. In addition to language classes, there were lots of other fun activities organized through the school. We had Bolivian folkloric dance classes on Wednesday afternoons and volleyball on Thursday afternoons. I also got to hike one of the nearby peaks (Mt. Tunari) with a group of students, guided by one of the maintenance staff. The language school was a really beautiful and unique community experience.

My favorite part of my experience in language school was the amazing people that I got to meet. There were students from all over the world, many of whom were Catholic Church workers. Though our time together was short, we really got to know each other and enjoy each other. Going out for pizza and beer was our favorite bonding activity. :) Since we got so close so fast, it was really sad to leave. But it was also exciting to be able to send each other off to our new adventures, all across Bolivia and Latin America. I was also so thankful to live with a wonderful host family. They made me feel loved and welcomed and part of the family. They had a daughter pretty close to my age, which was fun. And my favorite memory with them was when we talked about animal noises in our respective languages. We were rolling on the floor laughing! ...who knew animals spoke such different languages around the world?

It's sad to close another chapter, but I am so thankful for my experience at language school. And while I'm really looking forward to getting settled into life in La Paz, it's also a little daunting to think about moving into yet another season of transition. My mind races as I think about all the details to figure out and all of the unknowns in this coming chapter. Everyday is a new lesson in releasing control and trusting that the Lord has good things in this new season. It will probably be a month or two until I am settled into a house and working normal hours with the ministry. But one step at a time, La Paz is becoming my new home, and I am so grateful.

Enjoy some pictures from my time in Cochabamba!

https://plus.google.com/photos/104961006720563856604/albums/5937722150461040993?authkey=CLuO2_XEqOGoMQ