28 November 2011

conversations with young one

The questions and conversations about religion continue, always with a mixing of the languages because she rarely hears these things in English and her mind doesn't translate quite the way you might expect.

The sign of the cross and holy trinity were the latest topic, one that still leaves her confused.

"Mom, I don't understand this three in one thing. Is it il nome-- il pardre, il figlio, and lo spirito santo...all in one amen? (Is it the name -- the father, the son, and the holy spirit...all in one amen?)"

Judging that her understanding is unclear simply from the awkward wording of her question, I attempt to answer, "I, well, it's..." Have you explained the holy trinity to a seven year old lately?

She impatiently interrupts.

"I mean is it like soup? You put the broccoli, the mushrooms, and the salad in it, and then it becomes one thing. That's it. It's like soup.  Il padre, il figlio, and lo spirito santo all make amen, one thing. Do you want me to tell you the story of San Valentino? He ate a lot because he was rich. Rich people wore red clothes."

Without waiting for response from me, she eagerly continued with the story of the wealthy San Valentino.

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As an educator, it pleases me to see her making connections and comparisons and drawing conclusions.

As a parent, I need to teach that girl how to make a soup! The odd thing is that she chooses minestra at school a few times a week. I can assure you that it never has "salad" (lettuce) in it.


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Have a great weekend!

2 comments:

  1. I don't think I'll ever see broccoli soup the same way again! :)

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  2. Her recipe might be weird, but that metaphor was really insightful. Wow!

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