We are having the time of our lives with the children here. The language barrier always adds a little bit of spice to our time, too. Imagine trying to teach the rules of a game only using the words “yes”, “no”, “here”, “good”, and “ball” all while moving around like an idiot, thinking that hand gestures will fix everything. не разбирам (Ne Razbiram), “I do not understand”, has become a very common phrase for us as we try to communicate. We have learned that speaking slower and louder does not help someone understand us, but some of the kids are still struggling with that one.
The kids have caught on and use the phrase just as much as we do now; it is usually followed by more Bulgarian, to which we give the same response.
Three weeks into our work here, our relationships with the kids should be getting deeper. We are learning the stories of their lives and the hardships they face, but as far as getting to know each other, we are pretty much stuck. We have found ways to get around the language barrier, such as using Google Translate to ask questions like “What is your favorite color?” and “Do you have any brothers or sisters?” but because we have been raised in a very comfortable, American lifestyle, there are things we will just never understand.
The Gypsy community is the single most oppressed people group in the world. No one wants them and to quote some of Daniel and Preston’s students: “They are ruining our country”. These people could be such a strong force if they would just band together in support of one another, but we continue to hear stories and even see instances where these people turn on each other in an effort to better themselves.
Human life is valued very differently here, as we are seeing that the sole reason premarital sex is looked down upon is the high price placed on a young girl’s virginity. Daughters are sold for the price of a cow to any man willing to pay the price, and these “men” can be as young as 10 years old. It is very normal for a girl to drop out of school to be sold and the girls pride themselves on their ability to bring their family money. It is mind-blowing.
The other two girls and I have spent many hours and late nights trying to understand the social norms here and why they are so different. I have found that these differences are my main struggle in being here this summer. It is hard to admit that I will never understand.
-Vera
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