Learning the Language

I’ve been trying my best to learn as much Swahli as I can. I definitely wish that I had been better at trying to learn before I came, but life was pretty crazy before I left and it has been fine to learn here. I knew some basic things and a little about the structure of the language which was helpful. I don’t think anyone expected that I knew anything coming in. Even now when I try to practice what I know people are surprised and ask how I know Swahili. English is pretty widely spoken here. I think because of the English colonization in East Africa, and then of course the influence of the US domination of the world. High school age I think it all taught in English.
It’s kind of fun trying to learn. It’s great because people are really willing to help. People get excited when I say anything in Swahili and appreciate that I try I think. That definitely makes learning worth while. My host family is great about teaching me too. I usually ask what words are 5 or 6 time and sometimes still don’t remember.
I can remember lot of greetings and respond to them. There are so many greetings! You can’t spend too long greeting everyone. I’ve got ‘what is your name?’ and ‘where are you from’ down. I think I understand the verbs I trying to learn some important ones, to go, to wash and to eat. I know a lot of other random words.
Of course what comes with learning the language are always mistakes. Good thing I stick out and people assume that I don’t speak Swahili I guess. It’s embarrassing, but if I can get laughs it’s easier to brush off the mistakes.
I was in the market one of the first days I was here and was in the way of someone moving a table. I meant to apologize as I got out of the way. So, pole means sorry, that’s what I meant to say, but instead I said poa…which means cool. Oops. I realized right away and tried to correct myself but couldn’t remember the right word. I could hear them laughing about it as they passed. Oh well. Also the other day at the church someone gave me a greeting of respect, ‘shikamo.’ This is something you usually say to someone older than you, but I was younger than this guy. He was just trying to be nice and to welcome me. In response you are suppose to say ‘marihaba,’ which gives respect in return. Instead I said ‘nimashiba’ which mean I’m full. They laughed pretty hard but then corrected me so I guess its ok.
I’ll keep trying to learn. I don’t know how far I can get in 3 months but might as well give it what I’ve got. It would be great to be able to talk to someone who doesn’t speak English and have some actual communication…even if it’s not clear and awkward. As this point I can’t get much across.

Please continue to pray for my adjustment to living here. That I can find rest and comfort in the Lord and that the language continues to come along. Also that I will serve in a purposeful way.