The Power of Languages
The Power of Languages came to me when, as a high school student, I participated in a mission trip to Nuevo Progreso, Mexico sponsored by the Bladen/Blue Hill United Methodist Church. My first semester Spanish skills were applied to creating and memorizing a phrase of introduction and an explanation of why I was there. I still remember: “Estoy aquí para construir casas para Mabel.” It worked. One day, I became separated from the work team as we were in downtown Nuevo Progreso. I used my phrase with a nearby vendor who took me to another vendor who led me through the maze of streets to where the workgroup had gathered. In our broken bilingual conversation, I made a human connection and learned more about the incredible impact the program had on the community. That day, even broken language had the power to unite, to inform, and to change perspectives for the better.
Stephanie Call, World Languages Specialist ♦ 402-471-4331 ♦ stephanie.call@nebraska.gov