What good is it?

My youngest daughter, Erica, was recently invited by the non-profit organization, First Hand Aide, to accompany them to Cuba. Because she is totally bilingual, she was a tremendous asset to the group. She was called upon to translate between doctors, lawyers, dignitaries and just plain ole' good folk. She even got a chance to dance a little merengue and salsa with a well known retired Cuban baseball player, Pedro Medina.

I know people go on mission trips, business trips or vacations all the time without knowing the language of their destination country. I have, too. But it is so much more enjoyable and enriching when you can interact with the culture you're visiting or living in. Without knowing Spanish, Erica could have traveled with First Hand Aide to help deliver the medical supplies that the hospitals so desperately need, enjoyed the local food, and gotten in some sight-seeing. But with the knowledge of Spanish, Erica was able to hear the heart of the people she met, able to feel the pulse of what's happening in that part of the world, as well as impart her blessings to lovely people she came in contact with.

What good is it? What good is knowing a 2nd or 3rd language? I don't know; what good is knowing a first language?! What good is knowing Math, Chemistry, Art, Biology, Computer technology, Auto mechanics, etc., etc., etc.? I am so thankful for our time living in Venezuela. I am so thankful that we decided to enroll our children in Venezuelan schools. I am so thankful that all 3 of our children view themselves as world citizens. And I'm very thankful that 4 of the 5 people in our immediate family are gainfully employed full time, in part because we are bilingual. Doesn't that seem like a good thing?
Sheryl René

P.S. (Actually, child #3 is also employed part-time, using her bilingual skills; she's a full-time college student, where she also uses her bilingual skills.)