Speaking and Friends

Learning a language is like eating something new. I find these strange words in my mouth and I am not sure how they taste. Some of it is smooth and sweet on my lips, others are harder to swallow. My mind isn’t sure what to do with some of the rough edges as I try to chew on it…thinking through every bite. Yet when I do eat some of this new cuisine I find that it fills me with confidence and independence. True some of the things others try to feed me fall out of their mouth and never reach me; like watching food fall out of someone’s mouth. Sorry, I don’t have any idea what you are talking about…at all, but if you would like to keep repeating it to me that is up to you. (knowing they might not understand my English if I said this to them).

In the complexities of learning a language and not being able to communicate I have found that we do find a way to be heard with each other. If it is pulling out money so I know how much they are asking, waving your hand or arms to indicate going forward (it is rude to point with one finger)…thank the good Lord for non-verbal. Well I am off to eat more alphabet soup so I can try using these strange new words when I meet with people. Part of what keeps me going in all of this is the hope of knowing that I do know sentences, can ask simple questions, and express myself…just slowly :)

Also last week I had a friend here! She was passing through on her way to a conference and we were able to meet up for lunch! It was very random but so great to see her. I was worried it might make me more homesick but I found it very encouraging and great to be able to see her and spend a few short hours together. Here is a picture of us at the restaurant.