The Copeland Ramblings/

Nous recherchons une garderie!

Yesterday I had the afternoon to practice a few French expressions.  We are searching for a daycare (which is what the above title says) for Canaan while Debra is doing her tutoring.  We are hoping to get one for a couple of days per weeks so that she can do her lesson and then concentrate on her studies.  So, we grabbed the computer and began searching for nurseries in Québec city.  We found plenty which was encouraging – at least until we began calling.

Normally when we’re out just doing some shopping I try to do it in French, even if I don’t really know what to say.  But during our calls to various nurseries I was hoping to speak to someone in English since finding a good nursery for Canaan is such an important thing.

My conversation went something like this:  I’d say in French, “Hi, do you speak English?”  The invariable answer was, “No, sorry!”  To which I responded, also in French, “Ok, I speak a little French, I’m looking for a daycare for my son, do you have space?”  I’d then try to decipher what was said to me.  The first few calls had waiting lists of 12 – 18 months!  Over 30 calls later and we weren’t having much luck.  We found an ad in craigslist for someone looking for a babysitting job.  We wrote her last night but so far haven’t heard anything.

It was a great opportunity to practice french over the phone, which is SO much harder than in person. If you think of it though, pray for us as we continue our search, it really is crucial that we find someone to look after Canaan so that Debra can put in the time necessary to learn French.

On this day..

• House arrest! - 2006
• More Bugs! - 2006
• Canoeing! - 2005