While on the World Race, I have been known so say the follow terms regularly, but with very different meanings than in the US. For the sake of people at home knowing what I’m talking about upon my return, here are some definitions…
African Time
(noun)
This does not mean you are late in African cultures! African Time is simply the way in which African cultures place value on their time. Time is precious to Africans because one never knows if one will see someone the next day. African Time is not the lose of precious personal time and money, it is the opportunity to gain fellowship time with friends, new and old.
ATL
(Noun)
This literal translated to “Ask The Lord”, and it is referring to a time of listening prayer where I ask God a question, and I wait for his answer.
“I’m going to do some ATL and see if I get any direction on what to do this week.”
Cat
(verb)
To stretch out flat on the ground in the sun after spending hours curled up in the back seat of a car.
“I’m going to cat for a bit before we keep driving because my knees are stiff.”
Devnak
(noun… I think)
A word used for literally anything. There are so many uses I cannot even make a sentence for it.
Feedback
(verb)
To give a statement to to someone to encourage them or help them grow, usually in the context of ministry or every day life.
“Everyone focus! We are feedbacking the whole team right now, not talking about dinner!”
1. Encouraging Feedback – a statement given to someone to help guide them to be more like Jesus in their actions and words.
“I want to encourage you to work on your attitude to be more joyful and positive in your interactions with people.”
2. Positive Feedback – a statement confirming and lifting up someone in an effort to help them continue to be like Jesus.
“You are like Christ in your compassion for our hosts, and I encourage you to keep loving them as Christ loved you.”
Introvert
(verb)
To hide oneself away in a quiet corner or room, not talking to anyone and only doing the tasks that are absolutely necessary; usually connected with rest.
“I’ve had too many people around today. I’m going to intercept now.”
Metro face
(noun)
The deadpan, sometimes even mean- looking, facial expression used when one gets on public transportation and is culturally prohibited to talk to anyone. “We are about to get on the tram, so put on your metro face.”
Ministry
(noun)
literally anything.
“This month our ministry was cleaning up a graveyard. Last month, ministry was gardening and painting. A couple months ago, ministry was talking with people on the streets about Jesus. Ministry is never what you think it will be, but it is always worth it.”
Press in
(verb)
the action of reaching deeper into the situation one is in, taking initiative and working to understand what is going on around and through that situation. To understand and work to understand thoughts and circumstances in which one finds oneself.
“I know it’s our last week in this country, but please continue to press in to our ministry.”
Rest
(noun)
The God-given sensation where one feels relaxed and quiet.
“I was able to find a time of rest today, and I’m much more focused now.”
Sleep
(noun)
the state of one’s body when the brain is not working, the breath is heavy, and the eyes are closed.
“Sleep? Hahaha, what is that?! I might have gotten it last week.”
1. Second sleep – similar to Sleep, but it usually takes place in the middle of the day, either after an extremely early morning, or a hard day of work; most people call this a “nap”.
“Ministry was exhausting today! I’m so ready for second sleep!”
Struggle bus
(noun)
the state you are in when you cannot seem to get basic physical functions performing correctly. It usually happens when you are trying to simply pour a drink or take out the trash, or carry something. It also is not an isolated incident, but rather a state that happens after at least three instances in rapid succession.
“Wow, I have tipped over my coffee, burned my toast, and slammed my shin into the cabinet this morning. I am on the struggle bus for real!”
(verb)
to be on the struggle bus.
“I am struggling bussing today.”
Tinies
(noun)
Any small human under the height of about four feet, or under the age of 12.
“Tinies make so much noise for such small humans.”
Tiny Tinies
(Noun)
Any small human under the height of about two and a half feet, and under the age of 5.
“I get to work with the tiny Tinies this week, and I’m pumped about it.”
Thank you for enjoying this list of hilarious (and not) words that I use! I hope it brought some enjoyment, and helps you better understand my thought process when I return.
#GodIsInControl #redefiningdisciple
#THIRD
