I embark on another venture into culture shock. This time it's with someone that I love which makes it so much easier. Language issues and cultural discomfort, however, cannot be avoided. I am living in a sort of language immersion program. From morning til night I hear Arabic. You would think I would learn faster than I do. Sigh. I know this process will take time, but I'm not very patient. I feel like I am a baby. I can't talk or do things for myself. I can't express to those around me that I have a functioning brain. I can't express myself at all. It's very frustrating. My fiance's parents, though, have been so patient and kind. Thank God for them. I hope their patience doesn't wear out anytime soon, because it's going to take quite a while for me to conquer this language. Until then I have to rely on my face and actions to convey what I want ot say.
This culture is not mine, and so I don't naturally understand cultural expectations, therefor I am constantly concerned about offending. It's draining to spend the whole day focussing so hard to understand just a little about what's going on around me or to have the right reaction to each situation even when I can't understand the situation.
People here are incredibly warm and gracious though, which makes my own faults easier to deal with. Lord give me grace and wisdom.
2 comments:
darling, you owe me an email :)
no rush, just when you get a chance.
hope all is well, i never got to actually speak with you before you left :(
maybe i'll get liz to get you with her skypie:)
love you so incredibly much, my darling sarah:)
tell john hi for me!
love, the one who soothes your migraines ;)
So glad to hear you blogging again! I hope that all goes well for you, and that the language will one day just "click" for ya. I really miss you, never really got to say goodbye....I hope to see you soon and will pray for you...
Jason
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