Orientation DONE!

Today was my final day of orientation, and despite the fact that it stretched on for six hours, it was a great last day. I don't think there could have been a better way to prove to me that I've made some fantastic friends than how the teachers reacted to my obvious lack of proficiency in Spanish (for now!) this morning. Unlike the other workshops, Berta conducted today's first session in Spanish. Luckily, there was a handbook to accompany her presentation, so I could read along. Still, I wasn't left on my own. Every 2 or 3 minutes it seemed, one of my colleagues would lean over and ask whether I was able to follow along and if I needed anything explained. Of course, none of them had to take the time to do that; we were all visibly tired from the week's training, and they had plenty of other things to worry about. But, they took the time to ask. Sitting there, I realized I was flanked by friends.

And to triple my happiness, Berta asked some of the other teachers to read certain parts of the handbook aloud, and I just remember being in awe of how smooth their native tongue sounded. Between their rolling r's and patient accents on particular letters, I eagerly lost myself in listening.