Nowadays

It used to be that when I picked Eva up from school, she would be anxiously watching the gate for my arrival. Not so today. She had her back to the gate, was conversing eagerly in Spanish to her neighbor, and obviously having a great time. What an encouragement to this mommy's heart!

Eva has come such a long way in her language abilities, and learning the language has allowed her to blossom in her friendships and interaction with those around her. On our recent trip to Santiago, we visited our former church there and it was thrilling to watch her run off and play with the little girls who had tried so hard - but unsuccessfully - to talk to her just six months before. Even if she didn't understand what they were saying, she now knew enough Spanish to announce "No entiendo!" ("I don't understand!") or to simply ask "Que significa eso?" ("What does that mean?")

"¿Niños, quieres jugar con la lana ahora? ¡Pero no tiras! ¿Entiendes? No tiras." Those are the words I am listening to now as I type. Eva has created a labyrinth of purple yarn in the back patio and is inviting Owen and his friend to play in it - but according to her rules, of course! It is so rewarding to hear her speak, and even with little grammatical errors here and there she now does so with confidence. I am so thankful. :)