It occurred to me today at church, that we're doing something way outside the realm of "normal" with hosting Vlad. (Yes, I'm just NOW figuring that out!) Not only out of the norm for us... but out of the norm in general. I've gotten so many different reactions from people upon their hearing about New Horizons and our involvement with them. Many are supportive- unconditionally. Some are supportive- conditionally, and secretly think we're nuts. Others are so dumbfounded by the idea that they're speechless. Then there are those who think we have completely lost our minds, and they're not afraid to say so.
The first question for many (and Rick is included in this category) is some variation of "How are you going to talk to him?" It's a reasonable question; and one I can't answer until Vlad has been here for a while. I'm preparing as best as I can. I have a couple of Russian translators bookmarked on both the laptop and the desktop. I've downloaded translators and dictionary apps for my nook. I'm making flashcards with English on one side and Russian on the other to label EVERYTHING in the house. We're learning some Russian phrases and words. (Thus far, the boys' favorites are ice cream- pronounced something like "mar-oh-jhen-eh" and toilet... which is pronounced... wait for it..... "toilet.")
In the beginning, and maybe through the whole 5 weeks, much will be communicated through facial expressions and gestures... like a game of charades. But I'm sure there will be times (hopefully not too many) where I have to call a translator to unravel things because Vlad and I just aren't on the same page.
Now... how do you say BBQ sauce in Russian??
The first question for many (and Rick is included in this category) is some variation of "How are you going to talk to him?" It's a reasonable question; and one I can't answer until Vlad has been here for a while. I'm preparing as best as I can. I have a couple of Russian translators bookmarked on both the laptop and the desktop. I've downloaded translators and dictionary apps for my nook. I'm making flashcards with English on one side and Russian on the other to label EVERYTHING in the house. We're learning some Russian phrases and words. (Thus far, the boys' favorites are ice cream- pronounced something like "mar-oh-jhen-eh" and toilet... which is pronounced... wait for it..... "toilet.")
In the beginning, and maybe through the whole 5 weeks, much will be communicated through facial expressions and gestures... like a game of charades. But I'm sure there will be times (hopefully not too many) where I have to call a translator to unravel things because Vlad and I just aren't on the same page.
Now... how do you say BBQ sauce in Russian??
Hi Marty! I'm glad that you are doing this blog...it will be fun and interesting to hear about your journey with Vlad in your family. Growing up my family had 7 exchange students so I've had some experience with having someone from another country be thrown in our family. Our first student knew very little English but over time things got better...and like you said, you'll be doing a lot of gesturing, looking up words in the dictionary, etc. I think that this experience is going to be so neat for your family and I can't wait to see how God is going to use you in Vlad's life!
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