Backpack Mack

My first day of school, that is something I haven’t said in 10 years! 

One major goal for this trip was to work on personal growth and development, and this included signing up for a Spanish immersion program. In the past I’ve had several attempts at learning Spanish including a failed Duolingo streak, audio lessons in the car, and even a semester at San Francisco City College. Unfortunately due to lack of practice, I never really felt like it stuck. To combat these typical pitfalls, the program I selected in Guatemala (Maximo Nivel) included intensive lessons as well as a homestay program with a host family. 

I was filled with nerves, excitement and apprehension as I entered my orientation. There I received information about my host family and took my placement exam (which resulted in level “basico”). I received my class schedule and then flagged down a tuk tuk as transport to my new home, unsure about what I was walking into. 

When I arrived, I messaged the number provided and was greeted by Pedro who showed me around but spoke about as much English as I did Spanish. After setting down my bags he told me he was heading to church and asked if I would like to join. As a recovered Catholic I was caught a little off guard, although considering that it was Sunday in a very religious country I shouldn’t have been. But, I thought “when in Rome” and agreed. At mass I was introduced to the rest of the family, my host mom Alida, their son Pedrito, two abuelas and one abuelo. 

The church was decorated much more vibrantly than those in the United States. The ceilings were high and vaulted with gold sashes leading up to the alter which was adorned with life sized statues of Jesus and Mary. The side vestibules contained additional models of religious scenes. Luckily I had some context for the format of the mass because I understood few words beyond “el padre” and “spirito santo”. But it was clearly an important part of life for my host family and little sacrifice on my end. 

After church we returned home for dinner. My host family is very sweet and they try (maybe more than they should) to speak some broken English and ensure I have everything I need. In addition to Alida, Pedro, Pedrito and the abuelitos I also learned that I would share the home with two other girls in the program. 

The next day I started my lessons. I walked about 25 minutes to the campus and entered my assigned classroom. Although group sizes are promised to be small, I lucked out with only one other student in my class. During our 4 hour lesson we cruised through what would have been several weeks of topics in a Spanish 101 class. My instructor Alicia spoke Spanish about 95% of the time and only broke for English when one of us looked extremely confused. By the end of the lesson my little brain felt like I was about to burst! 

As I struggle to express the simplest of concepts in Spanish my appreciation and awe grows even more for those who are bilingual. This will be a hard few weeks but I know I am going to look back and laugh at how much I’ve learned and how far I’ve come. I continue to remind myself to check my ego, and that it is ok to feel dumb right now. As adults it is so easy to emotionally close off and quit things that make you feel uncomfortable or out of your element. I continue to keep that feeling at bay and struggle through the early stages of learning because I know with each failed attempt I am a little closer to getting it right the next time.