Sprachschule

"Wir sind zu Sprachschule heute gegangen."

"We went to Language school today."

I am very happy, humbled, shocked, and excited to tell you that I put that entire sentence together on my own!!!

For a little while, I have been worried about my progress in language learning...it just didn't seem to be coming together. I had bits and pieces of vocabulary muddled up in my brain, but I didn't know how to use them. I continued with Rosetta Stone, our tutor in the office helped as much as she could, and I just kept trying to be patient with my little ol brain. Well, we began our University level classes yesterday, and there is much to tell from that short time.

First, the school wasn't sure where to put me. Thad's previous German knowledge placed him into a slightly advanced class. For myself, they said that I might not be able to follow, but that I could start next Monday with an absolute beginner class. The only trouble was that both the school and I agreed that I am not an absolute beginner, so the problem was do I either go to a class where I might be totally lost or go to one where I might be twiddling my thumbs. Another issue was that Thad's class would have been for 3 hours in the afternoon, while mine would have been for 3 hours in the morning. Again, the school and we agreed that would be a little troublesome for 6 weeks straight (car, train, etc...and the fact that we wouldn't be able to work together).

After talking with several teachers at the school, the counseled me to consider joining Thad's class but also taking private tutoring to try and catch me up a bit. So, I did...and I was schocked that I could even understand the teacher (sitting in German church every Sunday while understaning only the hymn numbers has certainly paid off...in more ways than one!). Today I began my private tutoring, and my teacher is not only very good, but also patient (something I was worried about) and understanding of where I stand with the language.

Now, it has only been two days, but I already feel good about the process (everyone is very patient with me right now...pray that will continue!). Thankfully the tutoring only lasts through this week (my brain is incredibly tired after doubling up on my already 'intensive German study' - as the school calls it!). Our class is really small with only 6 people, so we have wonderful opportunity for participation and such.

Well, I realize I have practically written a novel about our first two days, so I will spare you further details for now. Join me in praising God for providing strength, energy (I have been sick since Sunday), understanding, and much more during this time. Only in His hands can I even be joyful through this, and trust me I am walking in amazement! Thank you Lord!