Gotta Start Somewhere Day 1

I am really hoping this will be my only post in English along this "viaje" I am beginning. I hope to spend a few moments each day to write something about what I learned and continue to grow in my knowledge of Spanish and connecting it to my life and what is relevant to me. I hope to grow in my fluency to speak conversationally with my neighbors and friends that speak Spanish and to hopefully get to the point where I can effectively work or do ministry in Hispanic counties one day. So with that in mind. I hope to do 7 things during this time. 1.) Brain soak. I want to listen to Spanish as much as possible. I will probably start with kids shows or radio programs just so I have a source of natural audio I can use. I will tell my neighbors to only speak Spanish with me as a greater motivator. 2.) I will try to ask people in Spanish what things mean using body language so I can connect meanings to a gesture or a visual rather than an English word as much as possible. 3.) I will practice mixing words that I am learning in different ways throughout the day. 4.) I will focus on core language, making flash cards that I can review on a regular basis and try to work into conversations. 5.) Get a language parent, find someone I know that can help me learn on a regular basis, probably one of my friends in the neighborhood. 6.) Try to observe peoples mouths as they speak either in person or on TV and imitate them. 7.) Use mental images as much as possible to directly connect images to Spanish words. I hope to use this as my own Spanish journal where people can provide feedback and help me in any way they feel led. Gracis, y Buenas Noches!