One of the things we are doing to prepare ourselves for parenthood is learning our children's language. (Should help to make things a little easier at home, don't you think?) Knowing Spanish has been a big advantage so far in my studies, but I will not get by just leaning on my Spanish. Rosetta Stone has been a great fit for us and I've been impressed with the way the lessons are structured to give little bits of language at a time, but in a way that is usable. Being able to form sentences and express thoughts in a new language builds confidence and motivation. I'm having so much fun! However, even when it gets hard or repetitive, or when I get tired, learning Portuguese has been a great way to keep focused on my children and the miracles God keeps working to bring them home to us. This exercise feels like a very concrete and very practical way to get myself ready to be a mom.
The last lesson I did taught family words: mãe, pai, irmao, irmã, te amo, amigo, casa (mom, dad, brother, sister, I love you, friend, house). I also found this list of Portuguese phrases for new adoptive parents, this online Portuguese-English-Portuguese Dictionary.
Very practical indeed.
