Apollar Sounds A Lot Like Pollo

Queretaro Language School
Profesora Maria
Profesora Lupita
Gustavo, Mariana and Manuel

Monday morning I woke up uncertain and pretty nervous—I just felt like I was on sensory overload. Everything around me was unfamiliar, but fortunately the Queretaro Language school does a good job at making you feel at home. I walked in and was happy to see others like myself, Spanish novices! A lot of the students I noticed were middle aged, some traveling with their children who are also receiving lessons. I received a quick tour of the “campus”, it’s what I would imagine a Spanish hacienda to be, and the school’s website definitely didn’t do it justice. Before I started classes, Ana, took me to Casa Hogar where I am volunteering for the next two weeks. Lucky for me, she is fluent in English and as an added bonus she is hilarious. I’m telling you, I have never met an An(n)a I didn’t like. Maybe I should name my kids Anna just to ensure they are awesome. Anyways, instead of paying attention to the bus route to Casa Hogar, I was too busy laughing at Ana’s stories. Her English is better than mine, and I am convinced she is American (just kidding).

Once we arrived to Casa Hogar we were greeted by some of the residents who are in their early twenties or so, but cognitively they are much younger. One young lady named Marianna and another fellow Manuel. They are in charge of unlocking the gated door every time somebody comes in or out. I think they were a little confused with my limited Spanish, but Ana took over and we eventually met with Gustavo. I can’t tell you what Gustavo actually does there, I think I missed that part of his speech since I was preoccupied with guapo-ness. Luckily I regained focus and understood most of the tour. I do have to admit I continually heard him say “pollo”, which means chicken in Spanish. But later Ana told me it was “apollar” which means to support...just a tad different.

Casa Hogar is similar to an orphange, but it is considered a respite center for children/young adults with disabilities. Ages range from 6 to 30’s or 40’s. Most of the diagnoses consist of cerebral palsy, but the severity runs the gamet. Some children are bed ridden, non-verbal, others are cognitively appropriate, but physically limited. One unit has residents that are older, can walk independently, but function much like a child rather than an adult. Other illnesses you see there are autism, some children receive dialysis, and there is one boy who is adorable but they say his bones are like crystal—I’m thinking osteogenesis imperfecta. You can only imagine how hard that is to translate into Spanish.

Even though this is a respite center where parents can drop off their children for a break. Most of the children have been abused and abandoned, meaning Casa Hogar has been home for all or most of their lives. The facility has a lot to offer the residents it seems, but at the same time they are limited in staff and support. So many of the children aren’t able to take advantage of the therapy equipment.

After the tour I briefly met with the doctor who asked me, lista para trabajar (are you ready to work). I laughed and said yes, but had no idea what I was agreeing to. I can tell you in the short time I’ve been there I have worked with g-tubes, in and out caths and wound care. Simple tasks for a nurse, but getting direction in Spanish and doing it their way is a whole other blog.

Later on, Ana and I were able to make a trip to DelSol, a department store that carries underwear for silly American girls like me. So I am now with chonies, thank goodness! When we returned to the school all the students gathered in the courtyard and some of the American students shared about the origin and importance of the 4th of July. I won’t lie, after only a few days I was feeling homesick and this didn’t help as I wanted to be with friends and family-this is San Diego’s holiday. Nonetheless, they had hotdogs and if anybody knows me, I NEVER eat hotdogs. But never say never. I obliged and found some comfort in a little piece of home (even if there was salsa on my hotdog).

From 2pm to 630pm I had my marathon class, this is the way it will be all week! The first part is with Maria who is so organized, she is a good complement to my OCD ways. The last two thirds is with Lupita. You just want to put her in your pocket. An older woman, native of Queretaro and just a complete sweetheart. She is so patient, but a total stickler for grammar—I can’t get two words out without being corrected, ha ha. Even though I heart my profesoras, 4 hours is a lot. I know I need it, I just hope I can survive.

Finally, after a long day and just a hot dog I got to return home for cena. I think I surprise Senora Martha by my uncanny ability to eat like a man. I hope she sees it as a compliment to her cooking and isn’t offended.

I’m still a little nervous, but hopeful for what lies ahead. And I’m still trying to answer the question, why am I doing this? I’ll keep you posted as I come up with answers…