Ok, so another worry...I couldn't get in touch with Tim and automatically started thinking something was wrong. Of course he just left his phone at home, but why would I have assumed that? Duh...
Anyway, we had a really cool experience this morning talking with a large group of Spanish speaking people. We were only allowed to communicate in Spanish...it was insane. I know now how much it must suck to be in a place where no one speaks your language. Which was the point of this whole thing, but it has also made me realize the importance of at least trying to communicate with everyone. They were so nice and helpful even though we were all making mistakes left and right. They were just so appreciative of our efforts and courage to try and talk to them. I hung out with an 18 year old girl from Mexico today after the workshop. She told me so many stories that make me feel bad for taking so many things for granted. I attempt to teach my kids at school about culture all the time, but I don't think I can call it "culture" as much anymore, because it's just a tiny piece of it through music. It's so difficult to really understand what it's like unless you have conversations with different people. And the people today loved sharing...I guess everyone wants to be in America and do American things, but Americans sometimes just think they are better than everyone else and don't take the time to actually learn about others. It's just hateful really, considering the fact that we all want what is best for our families and to have a good life, and really that is what they want too...yet we get pissed off about them being here in "our" country. I realize it isn't everyone by any means, just seems like it sometimes. Growing up in Fieldale definitely didn't teach me about the things that I have learned this week, that's for sure. It probably taught me the opposite, but I'm grateful to have had this experience. I think it'd be good for everyone to go to a place where they don't speak your language and be forced to survive, I bet then Americans would be way more interested and open to learning about the culture and language. What most don't realize, and honestly what I didn't really realize until now, is that is exactly what these Spanish speaking people feel like.
Pretty cool...
I have tons of new stuff to do with chorus. I'm excited and feel so much better about having them sing in different languages now :) Yay!
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