Finished Week Three in the DR

You may have seen that last week things were not going well with my Spanish classes. And I really struggled to know if that was me wanting to give up or was there some legitimate concerns. After speaking with some folks and some of you emailing your thoughts, I decided to do a sit-out of the class. Yep, just decided to stop going. The teach was adding more and more people in the class; packed in like sardines by now. Hot, cramped; lessons going way over my head. Not my style of learning. Not to mention the other concerns I already had. Make a long story short the teacher calls me that same afternoon I skipped and wanted to speak with me. Like being called into the principle's office.

I did go to see her and let her know my concerns. She says (as all Dominican's do); no problem. We will create a "special" class just for you. (I got over being called "special" long ago; even though the "special" students in my high school were, shall we say, less than A students). And so now I'm being tutored privately for 2 hours each morning. So far so good. Only 2 days in to it, but they have clarified a lot of cloudiness about what I'd already learned. And I picked up what I think were more foundational things that will help reinforce my learning.

And of course, my concern was, what is this going to cost me???!!! Private lessons didn't sound cheap. But, she says (if I understood her broken English correctly), no additional cost. We'll see. And frankly if I learn what I hope to, I have no problem paying more. Like a pay as I learn type of thing.

And I also signed up for Rosetta Stone on-line Spanish. So far, I've really enjoyed that. It's also full immersion (no English instruction), so it seems to match well with what I'm doing here.

For those that encouraged me based on my "I'm hitting a wall" blog, thanks. Muchas gracias.

Deep thoughts for the end of week three? Not really. Just good stuff. Peaceful stuff. Being where I think I'm supposed to be at this point in my life. After 5 years of questioning when was I to move on (5 years after having seen Haiti and third world conditions for the first time and wondering when was it my time to jump in full time), I know the time is now. It's a good "knowing".

Frankly I didn't even really truly "know" when I got on the plane to come. I guess it was a faith thing. Hoping (Godly) I was following as best I knew how and listening to God as best I knew how. Since I'm not one that's receives the audible "message from God". Sure wished I did some times.

Yesterday, Marsil asked me, Norm, if you could have three wishes from a genie, what would they be. That was a real struggle to answer. Because the truth is that I've had so many of my "wishes" come true. Yes, there are things I think I want, but getting them may preclude other blessings God's got planned. So, I had to tell him, I honestly didn't know what to ask for. I have goals. Spiritual goals; physical goals; stuff I want. I'm totally human. But, I've also had a lot of financial blessings and now that a lot of those are in my past, I honestly honestly feel relieved. Like this huge burden of wanting, and keeping up, and impressing, and all that junk has been lifted, at least for this season. If some of those friends of my past could see me know, I don't think they'd recognize me, not to mention understand me. And frankly I don't, but so far I love this life as it is.

And for those who are praying for Paul, it's getting better. Much better. The restrictions I placed on him were a complete shock to his system (and mine) to begin with. But, do you know that now, even though there still are restrictions at times, it's not this huge long explanation of why, and how, and when; and no more of him stomping off to his room to pout. He has become more accepting of them when they come, and they are coming less often. I think just maybe he's understanding more of why they come. And, he still gives me lots of hugs. And plops down on beside me when I'm watching TV every night. And loves to wrestle 'cause he's an "elite warrior and they never give up!" (a quote that will sure be forever burned in my brain) And grabs my hand to hold it for a few seconds or so, or grabs my arms to wrap them around his neck, and then goes on about his being a boy. God please please watch over Paul.