I just finished lunch. We ate potato pancakes and appelsauce. I always thought it was a jewish food but they said it was traditional german. Well maybe it's both. Whatever, it was good. Meals times are nice. We all eat together, usually the grandparents are there too. The grandparents are sweet but they speak little english. But thats good for me and my German.
So maybe you're wondering how my German is going. I feel like I haven't learned much yet but I'm definatly learning. I think maybe I should have them speak more German to me. I still get a praise everytime I use German. I like to think I know more than I do. For example, at the store the clerk asked me if I needed help. I just asked what, thinking that if they repeated it I could understand. But I really don't know much. Thats happened several times. I think I should have the look on my face trademarked (The face of me when someone says something in German). It's kinda funny, but mostly I just look stupid.
I am enjoying getting to know my family. Although the one girl is still away at camp and I haven't met her yet. Last night I was showing them pictures on the computer and showed them facebook and tried to explain it to them. I spend a lot of time with them. Especially Sonja cuz she is usualy the one showing me my work and helping me with it. Then when I do the work (mostly cleaning) next time it will be by myself. I don't really have to much routine work yet except for doing the dishes and watering plants. Then once a week I will clean the house.
I thought I had a room to myself but apparently a zillion mosquitoes had already made it thier home. This morning I counted over 25 bites on my arms, 3 on my head, and at least 10 on my legs which have accumulated since I've been here. While I'm talking about bugs I will mention the slugs here are huge! Like the ones in Oregon (maybe bigger).
I'm sorry my writing isn't the most chronological or coherant. There's a lot more I could write about but I don't. If you want to know about something just ask. I want to put pictures on but it doesn't work. But I will keep trying to figure that out.
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2 comments:
Dear Liz,
I see you HAVE learned at least one German word ;-) (The Dutch equivalent is pronounced "sheet" and spelled the same as we spell it!)
It sounds like you have a good placement and that you are able to communicate well so far. It is easy to let them speak english to you, but you're right, you'll learn faster if they speak German to you. The toughest part of learning a language is expressing feelings and opinions. Those are the times when it seems like only English will work. But you'll surprise yourself soon, I'm sure - you'll start to think in German sometimes.
Best wishes, Liz - I thought about you a lot as this time for me was tough - my first family spoke very little English. Your family sounds great. Thanks for sharing. Take care, and eat some chocolate for me.
Kathy
Elizabeth we love reading your adventures. Keep up the fine work. We miss you lots!
Dad
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