Saturday October 9, 2010
As would be expected, when in an unfamiliar country, you are
going to run into language barriers, and will be exposed to many different ways
of doing things. My time in Honduras so far has proven this to be very true.
For all who know me, you would expect things would happen to me that just don’t
usually happen to other people. If you answered with that, then you’re correct.
Here it goes . . .
First, the language barrier has obviously posed as a speed
bump. However, practice does make perfect after all. The best way to catch on
to a language is definitely listening to people speak it, through interaction,
and unfortunately making yourself look like a fool a time or two. The people we
have been in community with the past few days have been so patient and
understanding of us amidst our lack of understanding. You should try telling a
rambunctious little boy not to jump out of a tree above your head into your
hammock with you. They are eager to learn as well though, so it is a mutual
learning process. Having taken Spanish numerous times throughout high school
and college, is now making me feel ashamed for never thinking I “needed” to
know it. Well, now I am seeing how selfish and close-minded that was of me. I
am now determined to teach myself as much as possible within our first three
months, which are all Spanish-speaking countries.
Getting things done is also a learning process. Washing
clothes is an easy task, right? How about when you are the water switch?
Never assume you can hear the cycle change from the room next door, because you
will have a flood an inch deep which overtakes the entire house. We do have
clean floors now though. Next, if you ever have the urge to cook plantains,
make sure to buy them black, or you will end up with bruised hands from beating
them. I have no advice for buying groceries for 35 people yet though, because
it stresses me out. However, I can tell you to never touch the showerheads in
Central America, because they will shock you. Yes, the electrical wires, which
fry the water, will leave your fingers a little numb for a short while. I am
also determined to master the art of cooking homemade rice and beans, which are
about the only two things I just can’t make well, and that is an issue here.
It’s amazing what you can make crunchy beans and rice mash into though.
What have I learned from all of this? Well, a lot so far
actually. Patience, humility, the importance of community, to be understanding,
and love for all God’s children. This love for His children has connected me in
a strong way to the Kingdom and leaves me yearning to create equality in the
eyes of all. We are all worthy of His love, and I want to break the walls Satan
puts up to keep us from doing so. I have been more aware of my personal
attitude, and how I treat the people around me, which right now are my 5
teammates and the 7 members of Team Arrow. I truly am trying to put them first,
to consider them above myself, and to have a positive attitude in the midst of
all circumstances. I can’t do this without the nature of our loving God though.