08.17.05
Today was a good language day
Some days we do better with our Italian than others. There are times when it seems like we can’t get our mouths to form a complete sentence. But other days we can at least hold our own in a normal conversation.
Today I had to go to the bank because we went to the ATM last night and the machine shorted us €€50. I called my bank in the US and they said it was better for me to start the ball rolling with the bank who owned the ATM. Easy for them to say, I thought! This particular bank was open from 2:45 to 3:45 in the afternoon; the only time I could go since we have class in the morning. I waited in line to talk to a teller, and they pointed me toward a group of cubicles. I found one that had someone in it, and explained the situation as best I could. She was very polite and helped me fill out a “Declaration” stating what happened. About 30 minutes later, we were finished. They another employee came in and explained that it cost too much money for them to wire the money back into my account, and that we should just wait for them to balance the ATM and then have me come pick up the €€50. Plus, just having me come get the money was più semplice - simpler. However, this meant that the process started all over, with a new declaration.
The bank employee made small talk, asked me what I was doing in Perugia, that kind of thing. And I was amazed to hear what came out of my mouth … actual, mostly-understandable Italian!
Finally, almost one hour later, I finished the whole process with a promise that she would call me by Friday, Monday at the latest when they are done counting the cash in the ATM. As I walked out I realized that I used up this employee’s entire afternoon shift!
It remains to be seen if I ever get my €50 back. But I can at least be happy that today was a good Italian day.
Amy M. said,
08.18.05 at 5:00 am
I think that is really cool Brian. You know, it’s times like those that I wonder if God didn’t have bigger purposes in mind. You would probably have not talked to that lady for an hour if your atm hadn’t screwed up. And by sharing what you were doing there, you were able to share a little piece of Jesus. God is so cool.