I haven't written in a few days, we've been so busy! Our conference started Monday, but we all ate dinner together on Sunday night. It's so overwhelming to speak a different language than everyone else; now we know how the international campers at YUGA camp feel. It's a great experience, but it's exhausting. We have two great translators, though, and we can communicate a little with gestures and the few words of Spanish we know. I wish I had taken Spanish in school! But, because it's difficult to communicate with each other, I think our bonds are stronger because we put a greater effort into communicating. Like last night, Sara and I talked to two Columbian youth, Jhon and Andres, through Google Translator. I am so amazed by what the youth here say and do. At first, everyone was laughing and being crazy and having fun, but then the conference started and we saw how intelligent and insightful they really are. They have a real sense of duty and responsibility to the world and their communities.
I don't know who is reading this, but I'd like to take this opportunity to thank El Salvador, their Plan office, and their youth. This is truly an experience that can not be replicated, and I am so grateful to be a part of it.
Allie,
ReplyDeleteQué experiencia maravillosa. Tu volverás probablemente capaz de hablar español. Deseen a sus nuevos amigos el mejor de tu familia. Somos buenos aquí, pero nos haces tu mucha falta.
Papá
Allie,
ReplyDeleteYour post was listed at 3:28am! If it's true, it must be so stimulating to be at the conference!
Maybe you can take Espanol in college.
This conference is really emphasizing the far reaching effects of the Plan organization staff and members. I'd like to especially thank Kate Ezzes, whose dedication, professionalism, knowledge, and steady demeanor have been so impressive since Allie's connection to Plan. And John Murphy, who is using technology to make connections between Plan members and observers easier and stronger.
My wish is for the connections made and work begun at this conference to continue and deepen after it is over!! Kudos to all!
Jan Peterson Rothstein
hey its jeff. i hope your having fun in el salvador. it sounds really great and exciting. see you when you get back. bye
ReplyDeleteHappy you are highlighting the potential that youths have, and as more and more adults become aware of it, it is our hope that they will be harnessing and incorporating it in development work to make it more child and youth relevant as well as more inclusive and 'holistic.' Plan is contributing to make this happen.
ReplyDeleteChristopher Mfornyam