We each left our Spanish evaluations with a great deal of anxiety and disappointment, knowing we had made mistakes and realizing we speak a lot better when we are not horribly nervous. But we were apparently too hard on ourselves (those who know us well are not surprised).
We recently received the results of our evaluations, and both of us are now testing at a higher level than where we each tested last time. In fact, we are extremely encouraged to hear that we are progressing very well. In addition, we received excellent feedback regarding what areas we should focus on in order to continue progressing over the next several weeks. Our leaders here are very good at seeing where the "holes" are in our language learning, and then helping us know how to tackle those weak areas.
There are basically ten levels in our language rating system: Basic warm-up, basic-mid, basic-high, progressing-low, progressing-mid, progressing-high, capable-low, capable-mid, capable-high and superior. Because we do not plan on ministering long-term in Spanish, we only have to reach capable-mid level before we can move on to a tribal language. About three months ago, Aaron tested at about basic-mid (having come with ZERO Spanish, he had to build slowly). Last week he tested at progressing-low! That is huge growth. I tested at about progressing-low last time, and this time when I tested, she was hesitant to be specific regarding what level I am in, but she said I am beginning to move out of progressing. I assume that means I am somewhere around progressing high. Yippee!
Praise the Lord with us! We are so excited!
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