“I can’t make it here if I can’t talk or understand what is being said to me. I can’t even talk to the parents of my kids’ friends at school. I feel insecure all the time.”
These were my words upon returning to El Salvador after visiting the U.S. following Pete’s shooting. I felt so frustrated. In the States I was able to communicate with no problem, maintain relationships, and go to many levels within conversation. The sting of not speaking Spanish now felt even stronger after Pete lost his voice. When he talks he is not heard clearly so I find myself needing to step it up a bit.