The 80’s Live On

A while back, my friend Wendy declared that she did not know any other person that had so embraced the return of the 1980’s—her tone implied that this was a problem of some kind. And I quickly admitted that I kind of like the 80’s and I will proudly wear my checkerboard vans for many years to come!

Well, about two weeks ago, I was sitting on the front porch of my home stay earnestly discussing the merits of Michael Jackson, Journey & the Police—in Spanish! I even got into an argument about where Madonna was born (Bay City, Michigan if you didn’t know!) And afterwards, I realized that El Salvador and I have one major thing in common—an appreciation for the decade that brought the world jelly shoes, Cyndi Lauper and Boy George. Of course, in an effort for international relations, I had to actually admit almost all of the 80’s bands that I still love, but my new friend Shane was the only witness and has promised to take my embarrassing music preferences to the grave.

And it was pretty amazing being able to grunt out some sense of meaning in my horrible Spanish. It was a first glimpse of what all of these classes and hours might bring. Thanks for your continued prayers, as I continue to study and will attempt to speak beyond MTV in the coming months.