The Reality of the Situation....

....is that it is hard to adjust to living in a new country. I have to admit I have experienced some culture shock the last few weeks and understand in a whole new way just what culture shock is! Someone once told me I might hate hearing the language after a few weeks....well, I don't hate it, and it took almost 2 months, but I think I understand what she was saying. It is hard work to listen to a language not your own and then to know you can not speak it well enough to have a meaningful conversation with anyone. I have felt isolated in some ways and have no sense of community yet. (I say yet because I still have hope!). Back home I could walk through a mall and speak at will with anyone. I could share a thought or share a laugh about nothing in particular with a complete stranger and still have the comraderie of sharing something in common - a language. Here I don't have that commonality. I don't have that comraderie. I don't have that community. And I have been somewhat depressed over it.....I can't tell you how many times I have wanted to say a word to someone on the square, but know that even though I might manage a phrase or two, it can go no deeper. When someone speaks to me how I wish I knew what they were saying - it is heart breaking to see their smiling faces fade when I tell them "Anglisky" and then watch them walk away. Oh how heartbreaking.... And I would really like to know what the Pastor is saying in church too. I'm sure he has much to enlighten me about, but I don't understand him.....
Ok - now that you know that its been rough, let me also tell you the flip side. It gets better. I work hard at making my intentions clear - especially with the store clerks - and they work just as hard back. I have had people stop to listen to this strange tongue trying to explain my need to someone and pretty soon, they are joining in the game of charade! It is fun to watch it all unfold and when we have finally come to a complete understanding of the need, smiles and laughs are exchanged between us all! I love that part! As for church, there isn't much I can do about that right now. So I will go....and I will sing.....and I will bring my Bible and read the scriptures I know he is talking about and God will teach me. (And I also get the great benefit of podcasts of NH sermons every week!).
So there you have it. Culture shock is alive and well and it's living inside of me. But I am over the worst of it now and have learned a great deal through it. What you ask? That God really is an ever present Help. That He truly comforts those who are in need of comfort. That He provides His people to hug you and talk with you just when you need it most. That He is always attentive to my prayers and answers them even before I can pray them. That He pours out His Peace in great abundance in times of turmoil......now that's alot to learn in such a short time, don't you think?
To all who have prayed for my dad's health, I thank you. His recent heart attack has taken a toll on him so he is flying to Vancouver today to be near his doctors and so my sisters can help him regain his strength. I appreciate your continued prayers for him and for me! :o)
God Bless you all.
Mary