Can You Guess Who My Best Teacher Is...

This picture is of little Anička or Ana. It was taken the day after Christmas. Ana is 2 1/2 years old and speaks Czech well for her age. She also attends a class during the week that teaches her English. Sometimes I can make out when she ask her mother or father in her Czech language what is the English word for something. Many times her parents will turn to me and ask Ana wants to know how to say this in English. (they are not always sure) You should of seen me trying to figure out that she wanted to know the word "owl". We had started to play a game where we would make circles around our eyes with our fingers and look at each other. (Yes, I am a big kid at heart-- I love playing with little ones) Anyway, from our game Ana thought of the animal "owl" but only knew it in her Czech language so she asked what was it in English. This gives you an idea of how smart she is.

It took her sometime to get use to me but now we are good friends. She likes coming downstairs to my room and climbing into my chair and not letting me sit in it. I try to speak a little Czech with her to persuade her that the chair is mine. She giggles and waits for me to plead and ask "please" in Czech. She then says, "No" and we do this game for a little while. In many ways, she reminds me of when my nieces and nephews were her age. Ana has even figured out how to tell me when lunch is ready. You see Czechs eat their main meal at lunch. Little Ana calls to me from upstairs, "Co-leen, uses the czech word for lunch which I have learned." I call after her, "Ano" (yes). Then I go upstairs where we pray and lately Ana has even asked that I hold her hand before we pray instead of her mother. That is probably the greatest honor I could receive from her. Then we start our two course meal--first a nice bowl of soup and then the main meal. And if Ana finishes her soup first then she is called the "queen". (even Czech parents have to find ways to motivate their kids to eat :)

For those of you who read my blog I need your help. My little buddy, Ana, is not feeling well and she needs our prayers. Pray specifically that Ana will take the new medication and that it will bring quick relief. If this new medication isn't effective then Ana will have to go to the hospital. I haven't been able to interact with my little friend for a few days--I miss her. My cold has improved and I am much better. I pray Ana will feel better, too.

Thought I would share what is going on at the moment. Take care until next time.
Blessings,
Colleen