It is a little after 5PM this Sunday in Alicante, España and we just finished eating an amazing traditional Spanish meal of seafood paella along with caviar, endives, mussels, strawberries and flan. Buenísimo! But today was a very special dinner because today was the day that my real parents met my host family! I think everyone, including myself, was a little nervous! But all went well! My host mom and sister speak only a little English and my real parents - nada español. Feli (my host mom) did so much to prepare a wonderful meal. Bless her heart. Seriously, she did so much. The house was spotless and the table was set so beautifully and of course the food was amazing. Feli makes the best paella - it's famous. And Feli is an amazing cook although she will never admit to it.
The initial meeting was comical. It was kinda chaotic - with Spanish and English and hugs and kisses and laughter... Oh and the first sentences of thanks and hospitality and love. It was amazing. At one point in the beginning, Feli told me to hush up and let her try out her English which was so cute! It was so fun to watch my parents try all the Spanish food etc. For me, it was wonderful to have all these wonderful people that I love so much in one place - even through the language barrier. It was also a lot of work! Madre mia! My first true translation experience. I think I survived it pretty well. It was never quiet or silent which kinda surprised me because I thought there would be awkward pauses etc. Pues no. There was constant chatter and laughter and misunderstandings, of course. Ultimately, I could not have asked for a better first meeting and dinner. I am so blessed.
I don't think I can express how much I love my host family. They are amazing. It's hard to even fathom leaving them in the middle of May after this semester is over. I don't know what I am going to do. Ahhh just thinking about it makes me sad! So I just won't think about it! Haha.
Anyways I am ready for a nap after all that translating! Hasta luego!
Un beso,
Sarah
How fun to share both families with each other! Can't wait to hear more! Tell your Mom that Mike named his baby Elijah (Eli) Todd Shinn He was born at 1:17pm today (March 25). He was 7 lbs. 1 oz. and 20.5 inches long. Give your Mom a hug for me! Until I hear more...
ReplyDeleteMary