Today I must have repeated each of the commadments 1-7 about 20 times each, or more. With four classes all learning the ten commandments, I literally sound like a broken record. I have them repeat after me "primer mandamiento" ... "primer mandamiento"... "Amaras a Dios sobre todas las cosas" ... "Amaras a Dios sobre todas las cosas" and do this about 5 times for each commandment. Normal voice, whisper, loud voice, high voice etc... You'd think the kids would get bored, but they actually don't. I have noticed that they are SO much more easily entertained than US children. Probably this is because they really don't have very many toys and don't know very many games.
At the end of five repetitions, a lot of kids can say the commandment to you, but more than a few can't. This used to annoy me a GREAT deal...(why can't you just get it?!?! After five times of saying it out loud??) but really I've gotten over it. These kids really aren't accustomed to paying attention, to disciplining the mind. Many of their parents would be incapable of helping them to study, or not at home enough to have time. I guess I've received the grace of greater patience here :-) Hopefully these kids also get to receive a grace - the light of the Truth enlightening the darkness in their lives.
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2 comments:
The good news is, you'll never forget them again. The bad news is, you'll always have to do your examination of conscience in Spanish. :)
I'm really enjoying your insights on life down there. It's really good to have a little additional perspective.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights of your Catechism classes in Banica. I'm learning a lot... I used to get impatient too, when I advise people over and over.. and over.. and they don't seem to "get it". But I realized I don't have any right to give up on them, because Jesus Christ never gives up on us.. And sooner than later, with God's help and our patience, they "get it"!
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