Last time we went to
Central America,
I came home
determined to learn
some Spanish.
I learned a few phrases,
but not enough
to make a difference.
This time while we were there,
I made a cheat sheet
of words and phrases
I needed to use often.
I taped it on the wall
behind me --
our patients thought
it was pretty funny
watching me
try to communicate!
But it made such
a difference
to be able to say
even a few things
that would help
them get through
a tough experience.
I watched many people
communicate
on all levels.
There were some
who were fluent in Spanish --
and they immediately
connected with the people.
There were those who
had some Spanish,
but had to work at it.
And there were a special few
who knew how to
communicate with their hearts.
One person with that special gift
is Cindy.
It didn't matter to her
that she couldn't speak
Spanish.
She has the gift of
reaching out
and touching people
without words.
She was able to
offer comfort,
shed tears,
and connect
heart to heart
with some very special people.
I learned a lot
from watching her.
I hope I can
open my heart
and not be afraid
if I don't have the words.
But just in case,
in preparation for next time,
I am going to learn some Spanish!
.
