This book is pretty significant for two reasons. First of all, it afforded me my first excursion with a Croatian that wasn’t on our team all by myself. It all began with a game night with our neighbors. They suggested Pictionary. It was all in Croatian, but this family speaks English. We thought that is would be a great opportunity to get together and learn more about Croatia.
During Pictionary is when I asked Ena to take me on an adventure to the local knjižnica (library) the following week. We decided to walk because it isn't far away from our street. She was such a great help in getting my library card and showing me the ropes. It isn't free like in the U.S. It costs around 50 Kuna (roughly 10 USD) per year and one kuna for each book that you check out. It was pretty difficult because the library had never had a non-Croatian apply for a card before, especially an American adult that was only going to be taking books from the children's wing. Ena is such a great friend to have. Later we went for coffee, just the two of us. All in all, we spent close to 3 hours together in an errand that could have been finished in 45 minutes. Hopefully we can continue our budding relationship with more Pictionary, trips to the library, and cappuccinos.
Secondly, this book was also a help in starting a new chapter in studying Croatian. Our language-learning has been a bit unconventional, but I seem to be understanding more and more svaki dan (everyday). The goal set by our team-leader is for 30 hours of language-learning activities each week. We are averaging well over that consistently. Each week we meet for Croatian class with our resident tutor, beautiful sister, and close friend, Ivana. On those days, we meet at our home for coffee and class time. Mix that with shopping, conversations with neighbors or shop keepers, watching Croatian TV, listening to Croatian radio, and church services in this new tongue. Now you have yourself a full time, over 30 hours per week language learning regimen.
As of late, God has found a way to work on multiple needs with one task. I have added a new reading hour to my weekly schedule. Ivana and I were talking one day when God delivered this idea of reading with her oldest son Jakov. Jakov is her happy, right brained, oldest of 3 brothers, first grader.
Now, Jakov and I get to meet one afternoon per week. After school, he comes over for a snack and one-on-one reading time. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved. Jakov gets good reading time in. Tim gets a few hours to himself. I get some intensive language training. I get to read aloud with a native Croatian to help with pronunciation. I also get new vocabulary words. Plus, I get to enjoy acting like a kid while reading, drawing, and having plain old fun with my new buddy. This week was a big week, we finished Tri Praščići. In Croatian, the book is called Tri Praščići. It’s a familiar story worldwide. I knew the plot and characters pretty well. The Croatian is the only new part. The most recently version that I read featured three brothers named Florijan, Sebastijan, and Pablo. I realize most people over 10 years old wouldn’t waste their time, but for someone learning a new language it’s a great pick.
Jakov was super proud when we finished this book! Next week we begin Mali Vitez. I think it’s about a little knight or prince. Our goal is to read 5 different books. Once we complete the five, we have decided to make homemade brownies together that he can share with his family. He’s got a big sweet tooth, and brownies are just as delicious in any language!
