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| Donna, Juan and Kim |
I was up at 5 and at work by 5:30 Sunday morning. It was Juan's first day of work. Juan recently married Kim's friend and was hired to work in our kitchen. (Kim is the daughter of dear friends, and my direct boss.) Juan's from the Dominican Republic, and we weren't sure how fluent he is in English, so Kim asked me to come in to translate, if necessary. It was definitely worth getting up early to be a participant.
Juan speaks some English and he's working hard to learn more. While I was able to converse with him in Spanish, he actually requested that we speak as much English as possible to help him learn. I happily obliged, but told him if he didn't understand or had questions, we could lapse into Spanish at will. I also confided in him that I'd enjoy speaking Spanish with him to improve my skills.
He's enthusiastic about his new job, and has requested days with double shifts. Kim is pretty darn excited about his willingness to work, as well as how hard he works when he's clocked in. We can see already that he's going to be a dream employee.
When I got home, Handsome asked me if I'm ready to work at the United Nations as an interpreter now. I told him I'll pass, but gosh! I sure had fun. I've been asked to come back on Wednesday for a few hours in the event I'm again needed to translate. I'll be there!
It's going to be a busy week. My doctor's appointment on Tuesday; work on Wednesday; and then work again on Saturday to fill in for a cashier who handed in her resignation. I'll know more about my regular schedule once I have an idea of a new surgery date. I'm just going to keep it simple for now. My legs are thanking me for the consideration, I know.
How wonderful!
ReplyDeleteMarilyn
Hi Marilyn:
DeleteI can't tell you how encouraging it is to have a new person who really wants to work. I know he's going to show up. He couldn't wait to take over every task as soon as he learned it. Yay!!
xoxo
Donna
Those smiling faces say a lot! I'm sure Juan appreciates your being able to speak Spanish but I can understand him wanting to really work hard on his English. Now to just keep him safe from the orange idiot and his minions.
ReplyDeleteHi MA:
DeleteHe really wants to integrate. He's married to an American, has all his papers, and wants to be an American. That gives him a huge leg up. We really like him, too.
xoxo
Donna
That sounds like it was fun and a real blessing to Juan. It must be lovely to converse in two languages... I'm just happy when they old brain manages to function properly in one.😉 I hope the new "work family" is finally coming together for your boss.
ReplyDeleteHi Lois:
DeleteIt was fun for both of us. I love that I can speak, read and write two languages...one better than the other. lol I understand completely what you mean. There are times I just lock up and look at Handsome as I try to remember a word. Yikes. I agree, dear. She's more than earned a break.
xoxo
Donna
Sherryofcreateology: This is such a happy smiling post. Juan is lucky to have you to help him learn English and you are lucky to be able to switch back and forth in Spanish and English. Your week is interesting and yet not overwhelming. Blessings Dear…
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry:
DeleteYou'll appreciate this...Yesterday, I switched my keyboard to Spanish hoping to make life easier in my online (phone) Spanish app. I didn't realize it converted my entire phone to Spanish! Even my emails! I showed it to Kim. She laughed and said, "Sink or swim, Donna. Sink or swim." Then she just laughed. Come to think of it, so did Juan! lol I got it switched back after searching my apps for about ten minutes.
Happy Week, dear.
xoxo
Donna
That picture is worth a thousand words.
ReplyDeleteJuan is a real gem. Such a great addition to your team.
Shirley
Thank you, Shirley. I think so, too. He really is a gem, and so enthusiastic. I'm hoping that lasts a long time. I hope you have a great week.
Deletexoxo
Donna