Language School (September-December 2008, April-May 2009)
Jake has taken small amounts of Spanish in both high school and college and has also learned some Spanish while in Croc the past two summers. But he is still very far from conversational. After talking with some of the fulltime staff who went to Croc with limited Spanish abilities, Jake decided to attend the Universidad Internacional in Cuernavaca (just south of Mexico city). Two of the staff have attended this school and speak highly of it. They recommend taking two, three month periods at the school with a period of time back at Croc in-between. They feel a person learns Spanish differently at each place and that the optimal way to learn is in switching off between the two.
While in Cuernavaca, Jake will be living with a Mexican family that does not speak English. He will most likely attend Spanish classes from 8:00am to 5:30pm every weekday. Class sizes are very small and he will also have one on one time with instructors.
In Croc
The rest of his time will be spent in Croc. Here Jake’s responsibilities have not been totally fleshed out because, until he returns from language school in May 2009, he will not be in Croc for a significant, continuous portion of time. At that time more specific responsibilities will be formulated to fit the needs Jake feels suited to aid. But through conversations with the fulltime staff and with Kurt Rietema (who now lives in the Kansas City area, but is in charge of Mexico operations) there are already three areas he plans to serve in:
First, Jake has formed close relationships with many of the families he built houses for in previous summers. Several of these do not currently attend a church. God-willing, Jake will be able to provide some spiritual support to them through love, praying w
ith them, encouraging them to read the bible, and inviting them to the Christian communities that are forming in Croc such as the house church that is lead by both YouthFront staff and local Mexicans.
Second, he has formed close relationships with a boy in Croc named Victor, his three younger brothers (Jose, Carlos, and Eric), and their mother Paz. A few months ago Victor’s dad left the family and the boys are in need of positive male role models. Jake hopes to continue his friendship with the boys and encourage them to take hold of their potential in Christ.
Finally, Jake has been asked by the fulltime staff to lead a weekly spiritual development time with the staff. This important to both their individual growth and the unity of the staff. They have had experience last summer with Jake’s abilities in this area and are eager to have him continue to use these gifts with them.
