One More Up Close and Personal

Angenin (I can’t spell in Turkish very well): He speaks a little English. We had several dictionary moments over coffee. Even tried a conversation on political matters. That was a real hand gesturing moment. He makes wonderful Yuftkas. Kind of like a large Turkish burrito with grilled, shaved meat and all the fixings. He also lets me create my own concoctions, like using the cheese and Yuftka bread wrap, and making a Turkish quesadilla. Or he makes me a Yuftka bread wrap, and I bring my own peanut butter and honey to fill it with.

I try my German pronunciation on his customers. I listen for the ones who speak more slowly, then I advance and ask the leading question “English?” Then I pull out my German conversation handbook, and start with the “How are you”, and “My name is Judith. What is your name?” and if all goes well, I go to the next stage of questions, like “Where are you from”, and “How long have you been here?”

I get so excited when they understand me, and even more so when I understand them. Now I just have to try to repeat my success without the cheat sheet.

Anetta: (the one on the left) She takes me through 2 hour walks in the vineyard, she comes for dinner, she’s the first person I run to see when I go church, She talks to me in English, corrects my German, when I make too much dinner for one, she comes and helps me eat it. She’s a kindergarten teacher. This last year she has been taking a break from teaching, and has been working several part-time jobs, which gives her a little more variety and a little less chaos.

Anetta has a warm and loving heart. She has taken me just as I am and been a good friend to me. When I am lonely, she is always there to share an evening meal and conversation with. If I am having a bad day, I don’t have to pretend with her.