Choosing My Words Wisely

Nevena, the boys, and myself are spending this week in northern Germany. We are at a conference center sort of place outside of Plön. It is on a beautiful giant lake. Nevena is attending a summer academy conference for the prestigious Foundation she is with and received her research scholarship from. So while she is doing that, the boys and I play! Andrija has just started reading Harry Potter! He is thrilled by every page he turns! I love his enthusiasm for it. The weather has been okay. Too cold for me to swim in the lake but good enough for the boys. It has been a challenge all along communicating with the boys. Just like you would expect from speaking different languages. But we make it work. It was frustrating on both sides for a while, but we are finally able to understand each other more and more. I am constantly challenged in the way I respond to them and with every interaction we have. Never have I ever had to choose my words so wisely and as simple as possible. It's a good challenge, a great challenge. I enjoy observing their personalities and showing each other how we care despite our limited conversation. It is normally so easy for me to play with children, be able to comfort them, and help them resolve their conflicts. But now, its not easy. So this is all a very new kind of experience. I know this is a process though. The goal that the boys will be able to speak English in a few months is great motivation. It's exciting to be in a this developing process but still pretty tough. It's all worth it because I already love them! They're great boys!