Pat WW CP 8

I called the EBLO organization that I found in the paper first thing in the morning explaining my situation and my time constraints. They said I could come over today! I was there in about an hour. The place reminded me of the literacy program in Tallahassee. The program is housed in an old library building. I met the director, Elizabeth Galuardi and the first thing she asked me was if I spoke Spanish. “I do not,” was my reply. She said that was all right, as they desperately needed volunteers for all sorts of things. (Great. I’m in!). So, I filled out the paperwork, federal and state. She didn’t need my CV, since I was a volunteer. But she did need (wait for it…wait for it) my fingerprints. Ah, Life in the Big City.

I started that afternoon as a teacher’s aide in a program called “Even Start Family Literacy.” It’s a program, I learned from its brochure that offers a number of educational and cultural activities for the entire family. “Mi Segunda Casa” was the program that afternoon. About 20 women attended, each with a child in tow. We all went to the playground! It was actually a good opportunity to talk! I spoke to two of the women: Lupe and Melissa, both from Mexico. Their English was halting but understandable. Although the teacher of the class encouraged them to speak in English, they seemed to want to chat with each other in Spanish. I did my best.

Tomorrow morning I will help in the English language class and hopefully start a conversation.