The idea for adult classes was born when I was talking to a lot of the mothers at the recent Vacation Bible School and they were super eager about the idea. I believe the word spread across town much quicker that I could have imagined. These are the first adult classes that they've had in their community so the enthusiasm has been overwhelming! We opened the classes up for Colegio students (7th grade and above) and adults. John opened up the night with a prayer in spanish for all of our new students and many of them joined in with lots of 'amens'. I was sooo proud of him! It was funny...last night we split our group into Basic english (Jamie) and Intermediate english (John), so we were in 2 different rooms. John came in and said a prayer for my group (since I'm not quite ready to lead a prayer in spanish) and then he said a very similar prayer for his class afterwards. His class thought it was funny because they could hear him in my classroom and his prayer was pretty much the same... I guess it's hard to be extra creative when it's not your native language! Que Lindo!
We had the group write down last week why they wanted to be in class and why they thought it was important to learn. Here are some of their responses:
1) Porque quiero tener mas comunicacion con personas extranjeros y por mi trabajo (because I wanted to be able to communicate with strangers and for my job)
2) Quiero aprender a comunicarme contigo en ingles y con otros personas y tambien porque es muy importante saberlo en esta zona porque hay mucho turismo (I want to learn to communicate with you and other people because it is very important to know in this tourist region)
3) Para poder relacionarme con personas que hablan Ingles en la iglesia a la que voy (In order to make relationships with people that speak english in the church that I go to)
4) Porque conseguir trabajo (so I can find work
After reading so many of the responses, one of the main reasons they want to learn English is to find work in order to provide for their families. A friend of mine from GE (Mr. Ken H.), gave me a book before I left. It is called 'When Helping Hurts'. The book is primarily about how Christians are helping poor people abroad (and at home) in positive ways and maybe not so positive ways. It is a very interesting read and probably deserves a whole post to explain (in the future). However, the book does explain that by helping the poor meet very basic needs like helping/empowering a person to find a job through their own labor so they can provide for their family (food, clothing, shelter, etc) is a critical step for one's self-esteem and the ability for them to recognize the gifts God has given each person.
Last night was so encouraging! We are over our max size for the classes (21 personas)...AND it was raining. In Costa Rica, ticos treat rain like Southerners treat snow. When it rains, ticos just stay inside and you can usually expect low attendance, if any. This group has touched my heart and I hope to continue to share God's love with them!!!
Yesterday morning when I went back to El Llanito to teach the kindergarteners, I was greeted with nine precious kids running to greet me and giving me lots of hugs. It's either me or the M&M's (that Staci so wisely taught me to bring). Here are some of the kids eating their lunch prepared by Isabella (it took us a few tries to get everyone looking in the same direction).
Also, on my drive to El Llanito yesterday morning there was a little traffic jam! And yes, I am driving a stick shift and taking a picture at the same time...but we were at a dead stop!
Scott and Staci, if you are reading this...thank you so much for taking us under your wing and introducing us to the sweet village of El Llanito. We are so happy to be a small part of helping the foundation you have laid grow!
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