I just figured out how to translate our blog into a bunch of different languages. Pretty cool, eh? I had been thinking for some time now that we have friends that we've met here, or in Fresno where English isn't their first language. So...a site translator means that they can read the blog. And also, it takes the pressure off of me, trying to attempt to write in Spanish. Check it out on the sidebar.
Or maybe I should try to write something in Spanish, and then you can translate it into English and see how good?bad? it is. Ja ja! Kind of like our peeler instructions that were clearly translated from Chinese.
"The absolute prohibition against child uses alone, using hour must adult together. Teach to the right operation method in child, in well carefully of foundation , please safety usage".
Seriously, I didn't make that up. Hopefully this site translator will be better!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Mulling
The last few days have been pretty busy. We have managed to spend very little time in our house, just enough time to dump stuff and run out. Finally on Sunday night, Carl had enough and was organizing and cleaning at midnight. Ah, gotta love those melancholies.
Anyways, I have been mulling a few things in my head, between running to church, to school, to another church, to a missions night. I didn't have time to shower, but I had time to think. I guess that's a good thing, right?
On Thursday and Friday, we had workshops here as an MCC team and the speaker was an anthropologist who gave us a very interesting perspective on people groups in Bolivia. He gave us background information on cultures, how community structures are formed within a people group, how they view the family, the spirit world etc.. It will be very helpful as we work with those that come from a different culture than us.
He gave one example of an NGO who came in to a community and helped them start a heifer project. They had (if I remember correctly), given them a loan and a number of cattle to start their barns. It was supposed to be a business that would allow them to generate income. A year later, the NGO came back only to find that the barns were completely empty. When they asked what had happened, the people were happy to say that they had eaten all the cattle. Astonished and shocked, the NGO questioned further. The community said that they were able to call all of their scattered people together into one large gathering, the first in over 100 years. They reconnected and spent time planning for the future. With all those people, they needed to eat, so they butchered all the cattle. They thanked the NGO for all their help in improving their community.
Now the anthropologist pointed out that from the NGO's perspective, the project was a disaster. The community would still be left with no income and no way to further themselves. That is from one cultural perspective. On the other other, from the communities perspective, the project was a huge success. They were able to unite their people group. For them, the monetary potential of the cattle wasn't the point.
Interesting to think about that, eh? I certainly found it thought provoking.
So I'm hoping that with all this new information that we picked up, there will be a continuation of the discussion. I hope that we can continue to examine the differences (and similarities) of the different cultures we encounter. But I think more importantly, my wish would be that we could be more aware of our own culture, our own baggage (which implies negative, but I'm also going to say that it could be positive things as well) that we carry into a new culture.
Someone told me that they never realized a particular cultural quirk of theirs until they entered into another culture. That is a great opportunity to become self-reflective.
If I'm constantly looking inward, that will hopefully make it more likely that I will be looking outwardly as well. I already read Duane Elmer's book, Cross Cultural Connection (read it!!!) and now I'm reading his book Cross Cultural Conflict. An interesting read.
It's all part of the journey, I guess.
Anyways, I have been mulling a few things in my head, between running to church, to school, to another church, to a missions night. I didn't have time to shower, but I had time to think. I guess that's a good thing, right?
On Thursday and Friday, we had workshops here as an MCC team and the speaker was an anthropologist who gave us a very interesting perspective on people groups in Bolivia. He gave us background information on cultures, how community structures are formed within a people group, how they view the family, the spirit world etc.. It will be very helpful as we work with those that come from a different culture than us.
He gave one example of an NGO who came in to a community and helped them start a heifer project. They had (if I remember correctly), given them a loan and a number of cattle to start their barns. It was supposed to be a business that would allow them to generate income. A year later, the NGO came back only to find that the barns were completely empty. When they asked what had happened, the people were happy to say that they had eaten all the cattle. Astonished and shocked, the NGO questioned further. The community said that they were able to call all of their scattered people together into one large gathering, the first in over 100 years. They reconnected and spent time planning for the future. With all those people, they needed to eat, so they butchered all the cattle. They thanked the NGO for all their help in improving their community.
Now the anthropologist pointed out that from the NGO's perspective, the project was a disaster. The community would still be left with no income and no way to further themselves. That is from one cultural perspective. On the other other, from the communities perspective, the project was a huge success. They were able to unite their people group. For them, the monetary potential of the cattle wasn't the point.
Interesting to think about that, eh? I certainly found it thought provoking.
So I'm hoping that with all this new information that we picked up, there will be a continuation of the discussion. I hope that we can continue to examine the differences (and similarities) of the different cultures we encounter. But I think more importantly, my wish would be that we could be more aware of our own culture, our own baggage (which implies negative, but I'm also going to say that it could be positive things as well) that we carry into a new culture.
Someone told me that they never realized a particular cultural quirk of theirs until they entered into another culture. That is a great opportunity to become self-reflective.
If I'm constantly looking inward, that will hopefully make it more likely that I will be looking outwardly as well. I already read Duane Elmer's book, Cross Cultural Connection (read it!!!) and now I'm reading his book Cross Cultural Conflict. An interesting read.
It's all part of the journey, I guess.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Day at the Sand Dunes
It was a bit of a windy day when we went to the outskirts of the city to the sand dunes with Lynn and Laurie and all the kids. Not really the most ideal conditions, but we had a great time.
C-O-V-E-R-E-D in sand, but so worth it.
C-O-V-E-R-E-D in sand, but so worth it.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
They Gave Us Something to Brag About
This past week was the end of first trimester for the kids. It's amazing how quickly the year is flying by. And I must say that it has been great for all three.
Joel got a perfect report card and on the comments, his teacher had added that he is very intelligent and creative. When I went to talk with his prof. Ximena, she was very pleased with him. Sure, he has had some difficulties where he is finished early and then gets himself into trouble, and like most kids in his class, does get the sad face on occasion for not playing nicely with someone. Well, Carl and I had been thinking that to solve the extra time problem we could get him extra work. Maybe an English chapter book that he could sit and read. Instead, his teacher (whom I am certain is a teaching genius) has figured that he loves Math, so she has sat at home and made up a STACK of extra worksheets for him. She made sure to point out that what Joel is doing is above and beyond the grade 1 expectations. Gosh, I was bursting with pride when I walked out.
Off I went to Kezia's teacher who also had wonderful things to say about her. She too got a perfect score and her teacher praised her excellent work and the positive influence she is on her classmates. Sometimes she gets a bit wrapped up in her drawings and doesn't want to move on to the next activity. We all have told Kezia that there is a time and a place for her art, but it's also important to play with the other kids. I'll make sure that if Kezia becomes a famous artist, that she send an original to her teachers!
Prof. Ana said that Kezia is so eager to help her, explaining something to the other kids, passing out materials, or loaning someone something of hers. I'm so glad that her intelligence is also accompanied by a sincere concern for others. That is something that I couldn't be prouder to see in my child.
Asha didn't have parent teacher, but she did come home with a report card and a little exam. I was more than surprised to get that, but it seems her daycare is pretty serious about preparing kids for school. Her report card was a list of about 20 questions that asked things like, "Is she adapting well to school? Is she able to follow instructions? Does she socialize well with the other kids? Does she verbalize her needs? Is she able to colour and use a pencil? Is she able to learn new songs and dances? Can she speak clearly into a microphone?" A microphone? Ha ha!
Asha has done very well. Her teachers say that she is very sociable with the other kids and shares when she is supposed to. She doesn't hit or bite (she saves that for Joel and Kezia!) and that she very verbal and expressive. And whew! she is progressing as expected in her English class!
Each term we will get a report card on their progress. Asha will even get an evaluation from a child psychologist. They are thorough.
I just have to say that I'm so thankful for the opportunity to send the kids to good schools with capable and talented teachers. They have been so understanding and supportive and truly are passionate about their job. It plays an influencial role in our children's success. And of course, we are as proud as can be of Joel's, Kezia's and Asha's accomplishments. They work very hard on their school work and enjoy learning and discovering new things.
Congratulations Joel, Kezia, and Asha on a wonderful term in school. We are so proud of you all. Shall we go for ice cream sundaes to celebrate?
Joel got a perfect report card and on the comments, his teacher had added that he is very intelligent and creative. When I went to talk with his prof. Ximena, she was very pleased with him. Sure, he has had some difficulties where he is finished early and then gets himself into trouble, and like most kids in his class, does get the sad face on occasion for not playing nicely with someone. Well, Carl and I had been thinking that to solve the extra time problem we could get him extra work. Maybe an English chapter book that he could sit and read. Instead, his teacher (whom I am certain is a teaching genius) has figured that he loves Math, so she has sat at home and made up a STACK of extra worksheets for him. She made sure to point out that what Joel is doing is above and beyond the grade 1 expectations. Gosh, I was bursting with pride when I walked out.
Off I went to Kezia's teacher who also had wonderful things to say about her. She too got a perfect score and her teacher praised her excellent work and the positive influence she is on her classmates. Sometimes she gets a bit wrapped up in her drawings and doesn't want to move on to the next activity. We all have told Kezia that there is a time and a place for her art, but it's also important to play with the other kids. I'll make sure that if Kezia becomes a famous artist, that she send an original to her teachers!
Prof. Ana said that Kezia is so eager to help her, explaining something to the other kids, passing out materials, or loaning someone something of hers. I'm so glad that her intelligence is also accompanied by a sincere concern for others. That is something that I couldn't be prouder to see in my child.
Asha didn't have parent teacher, but she did come home with a report card and a little exam. I was more than surprised to get that, but it seems her daycare is pretty serious about preparing kids for school. Her report card was a list of about 20 questions that asked things like, "Is she adapting well to school? Is she able to follow instructions? Does she socialize well with the other kids? Does she verbalize her needs? Is she able to colour and use a pencil? Is she able to learn new songs and dances? Can she speak clearly into a microphone?" A microphone? Ha ha!
Asha has done very well. Her teachers say that she is very sociable with the other kids and shares when she is supposed to. She doesn't hit or bite (she saves that for Joel and Kezia!) and that she very verbal and expressive. And whew! she is progressing as expected in her English class!
Each term we will get a report card on their progress. Asha will even get an evaluation from a child psychologist. They are thorough.
I just have to say that I'm so thankful for the opportunity to send the kids to good schools with capable and talented teachers. They have been so understanding and supportive and truly are passionate about their job. It plays an influencial role in our children's success. And of course, we are as proud as can be of Joel's, Kezia's and Asha's accomplishments. They work very hard on their school work and enjoy learning and discovering new things.
Congratulations Joel, Kezia, and Asha on a wonderful term in school. We are so proud of you all. Shall we go for ice cream sundaes to celebrate?
Friday, May 7, 2010
It's Another Year
On Sunday was my birthday. It was a celebratory day, but also a working day. For the last 2 weeks, we've been orienting a new family to MCC, and so the days have been packed with activities and arrangements.
On Saturday, we had friends over for supper, and Carl made a delicious meal and decided to make birthday cake too! It was fun to have more people around the table to celebrate.
We got up and had breakfast on Sunday morning, the kids gave me their presents (always there is a lipgloss and nail polish theme, which I always am thrilled with!) and then we did a session with the new family before church.
I was playing piano in church, and as the congregation was singing, I was thinking to myself, "This is what I'd want to be doing on my birthday". It was awesome.
After church, as we were packing up, our friend Ramiro started to play the birthday song on the guitar while a number of people started to sing. The whole church joined in, and I felt so special.
We went out for lunch with the new MCC family and their host family, to introduce them and then accompanied them to their new "home" for the month. We stayed and visited until mid-afternoon and figured it was time to go home and rest.
We had a nap and then sat on the yard drinking terrere with a bunch of other MCCers. Then it was time to go for supper. Carl had planned to take us all out to this Brazilian BBQ place, kind of like what we had when we were in Brazil. I WAS SO EXCITED!!! Hans said it was the best place he'd been to, ever. My mouth was watering.....
We drove up at 7:30 and it was closed. My heart sank, but just a little bit. So we figured we drive back home, call a taxi and head downtown where there was another Brazilian restaurant.
We get there, we couldn't quite find it so we called a friend. He clarified the directions and when we found the place, we saw it was closed. Carl was getting pretty disappointed.
Then we took another taxi to a familiar restaurant and had a lovely supper. It just wasn't Brazilian, but that's okay. Mother's Day is on the 27th and the 28th is our anniversary. We have at least two more opportunities.
Thanks Carl and Joel and Kezia and Asha (and how many others....) that made my day special.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Huh?
Who's been playing with the camera?
Any guesses? 'Cause not one of the little critters is telling.....
Any guesses? 'Cause not one of the little critters is telling.....
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