I have been in Cuernavaca for over 24 hours and my head is spinning. I am feeling overwhelmed. But in way that makes me want to lean in and learn. This is hard, but everyone is so very kind.
I had class this morning for 3 hours - I am the only student in the middle level group right now so lots of learning. Then another educator and I attended a session about private and public education in Mexico. From PreKinder through Higher Ed. Very informative, but all in Spanish so my brain was working overtime...
The woman I am staying with is truly lovely in every sense of the word. She is a phenomenal cook and taught me how to make a basic salsa. I am eating like a queen - started the day with huevos rancheros, tortilla, pineapple and lunch was tacos, guacamole, pureed vegetable soup, and broccoli. Warning* This may turn into a food blog as I love to eat and the food here is so delicious.
The opportunity being an FFT Fellow has afforded me is a gift, but it is a lot. Which reminds in a real way how amazing my students are. It has been more than 20 years since I have had this type of immersion experience with very real culture shock. And I am an adult. Who chose to do this. With no trauma involved. And I am reeling. Not only am I improving my Spanish skills to better serve my students, but my empathy and understanding of their little lives when they first arrive in the USA. This is definitely a one day at a day moment in life...
The photos are a physical representation of the change I am feeling. When I left Chicago it was rainy and cold and dreary from my airplane seat. But we were on the ground and it was familiar and safe. Cuernavaca is beautiful and bright and sunny but it's new and I'm still in the clouds.
No comments:
Post a Comment