The BEST and WORST parts about learning a new language ...

So, about that whole language barrier thing ...

The Good

• Knowing your child will speak two languages more or less fluently ... without paying private school tuition ... basically a parent's dream.
• Realizing that most people never take (or get) this opportunity to learn another language, mostly because, like us, they wish it happened automatically and not from years of hard work.
• When you look back and see how far you've come.
• Learning so much MORE about the Bible and God's character, because you literally dissect every word in Portuguese to figure out the English meaning. "Oh cool, I didn't realize that verse actually said that ... it sounds so different in Portuguese than English ... oh I never noticed that little word, it totally changes my perspective!"
• Learning about a totally different culture, and gaining new insights about the culture from the words they use.
• The humility ... in a good way. It's actually really hard to be proud when a four year-old has a better vocabulary than you.
• All the opportunities that come to teach English in a country that doesn't speak English!

The Bad

• Struggling to share what's on your heart and mind.
• Actually having to think before saying things.
• Not knowing the exact words to say.
• Brain ... hurts ... so much ... right ... now. (Said every week after church ...)
• Only understanding 10-90% of a conversation, instead of 100%.
• The fear that sometimes comes when you know you have to talk with a stranger, or talk on the phone, or explain something totally abstract.
• Having a harder time making friends.

The Ugly

• Knowing your child basically doesn't even need to try to learn another language ... where as you have to try every single day.
• When you use the wrong word, or wrong sound, and the word takes on a totally different (or offensive, or embarrassing) meaning. Read: cocô--poo, côco--coconut.
• Actually, the ugly things are very few ... THANKFULLY!

Why did I post this? Why here, why now? Lately, I've felt a little discouraged. I've felt a little discouraged making friends. I've felt a little discouraged missing home and church services in English. But I've also felt discouraged because Angola needs missionaries. Needs doctors, teachers, nurses, mechanics, people with a heart for discipleship ... but you know what people all say immediately when I mention this? "Ahh, but I'd have to learn another language!" Yes, but it's worth it! It's tough ... but it's totally worth it!

Anyway ... things to think about and pray about. Até a proxima vez! (Until next time!)