Casa Latina, a terrific local organization we are glad to help support, has offered Spanish and English Language classes for two years now. The format is interesting - for the first hour, those learning English are in one room, and those learning Spanish are in another. For the second hour, English and Spanish learners converse together. I found myself practicing with Silvestro from Quiche, Guatemala. We are only two days apart in age, and Silvestro’s work life and mine have both been spent in building, although at opposite ends of the ladder of opportunity. Silvestro speaks a couple of native languages, but he’s here to learn English. Although Silvestro won’t say it, my Spanish is muy feo.

For the moment, we share the common struggle with each others’ foreign language - at once humbling and funny.

By the way, Casa Latina’s Auction is October 18.