Crossing Cultures in my City...the life of a tutor

It was a Friday afternoon, and I was sitting in the living room of my Nepali friends. Indira was sitting next to me, fiercely concentrating on her spelling homework. Every few minutes she would point to a word, "What means?" I would explain the meaning, and she would be off again, painstakingly scribbling on the lines, erasing, writing again. 

I glanced over to Bimla. As usual she was fully engaged in her work: spelling out each letter, then shouting the full word aloud. Her pronunciation is distinctly Nepali.  She's totally oblivious to my presence. I have to smile - so diligent, she screws up her mouth, pushes her dark hair out of her face and grimaces with all the concentration of a nine-year-old. I ask her if she needs any help with her homework. She looks at me with a look that says, "Of course not. If I needed help I would ask, thank you." 

In between helping my students, I chat with their mom and aunt. I love spending time with them, but so often I just long to be able to tell them how much I appreciate their friendship, their love for me. But I can't. They don't understand me, and I struggle to understand them. I just hope that they can hear my heart even if the language barrier seems very great.

Spelling work completed, I attempted a new method of learning math facts. I pulled my laptop out of my backpack, and all three of the girls were delighted. Bimla scooted closer and started pushing keys, asking "Is laptop?" They were soon racing each other to answer all the addition facts. Success! I relinquished the laptop to Sadi, the oldest student, and all three girls crowded around, pushing, arguing, laughing, smiling. They were having the greatest time. And I was enjoying watching them have so much fun!

All too soon my time was finished and I had to move on. Another afternoon of tutoring. Two hours spent building relationships with my new friends. I can hardly get off the couch without all three of my students hugging me, shouting their goodbyes, clambering for my attention. "Next week, you come back? Yes?" I always assure them that I will come back. They don't know it, but I count the days till I can come back each week!

Relationships. Friendships. Simple things like a smile, sharing a laugh, reading a story, enjoying a cup of their tea ... yaks' milk and everything ... being willing to be lavished with their hospitality when I know they have so little. These 'simple' things build relationships that will affect eternal souls forever. Is it worth it? You tell me.