For as long as I could remember, I have had this goal/dream/coolness-in-my-head. I have ALWAYS wanted to move to a country where I didn’t know the language and be forced to adapt. I love languages.
During my time in Ukraine in 2006 and 2007, I began to understand the gist of what was going on around me. I didn’t speak any Ukrainian before I went, but I picked up some important words and phrases to help make my time there easier. In Ukraine, not only was there the language barrier, but there was also a ‘handicap’ of sorts. I worked at a camp for deaf Ukrainian children. Here is an example of any conversation in Ukrainian:
Me: Hey, what’s for lunch today?
English-speaking translator– translates into Ukrainian.
Ukrainian translator who signs — translates into Russian sign language to the child.
Child– answers Ukrainian translator who signs.
Ukrainian signer translates to Ukrainian.
Answer for original question is translated into English for me to know that we will be having some kind of fried meat (“What kind of meat is this? I don’t know, maybe pork.”), mashed potatoes and the best coleslaw that I have ever had. Now to some people, this would be an extremely frustrating way to have a conversation. I, however, love this interaction.
On January 16, 2010 my dream comes true. I will be moving to a country where I have no knowledge of the language. I can basically order a beer and extra cheese. I will be living with a family in Antigua that I have never met before, for four weeks. I get to go to a school that is specifically designed to teach me to survive in this environment. I couldn’t be more excited. I have always been a survivor and love people. I truly relish every minute that I get to hear the story of someone’s life… especially in a place that is so different from everything that I know. I am blessed.
I’ve never been one that loves a specific Bible verse… so this is a first for me. I looked this up after seeing it on a football game.
John 16:33–“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
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