Initial Language study

I have been studying Kinyarwanda for about six weeks now. The woman who is helping me is Joyce, a woman from the Friends church who speaks great English and has great language abilities in general. I meet with her on my own every now and then, but meet in a group with other learners most of the time. The people in the group are Molly (who is also with EFM, teaching missionary children) and a couple from our neighborhood, Krystan and Ruth, who are with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).
We use various methods for learning, like comprehension projects that involve drawing sketches and doing actions, labeling items around the room, practicing conversation, paper lessons that involve reading and writing, and projects to help us memorize monologues or dialogues. Our brains hurt and are tired sometimes, but we have fun as well. Krystan always manages to make Joyce laugh with his silly drawings. We also like to play Phase 10 (a card game) to practice our colors and numbers.

Though I can’t say very much yet, I feel like I am learning a lot and can comprehend more each day. The other day, in the church service, I realized I understood more than I ever have! So, my message to you from a limited vocabulary is jya kwisoko (go to the market), kata ibitunguru (chop up the onions), and umunsi mwiza (have a good day)!

God is faithful

This is an interesting time. I have flashes of joy, contentment, and happiness here. Other times I’m stressed, overwhelmed, and downhearted. I know that many of you could say the same in your current situations. The fact that most of what I experience in a day is new and foreign stresses and tires me out. It’s the beginning of what’s labeled culture shock, culture stress, or culture fatigue. I felt exhausted last night and was anticipating getting up really early in the morning. It was not a good feeling. I prayed, admitting my inability and weakness, asking for His help, and Brad prayed for me too. I praise God, because this morning He gave me help, energy, and joy that could not have come from my circumstances! Absolutely could not. So, I have this day as an obvious reminder that, “the Lord is the source of all my righteousness and strength” (Isaiah 45:24). I am weak, so weak, and that’s why I know that it’s only the Lord who is giving me strength.