Despite the many opportunities to do mission trips around the world that God has blessed me with, I don't think I have ever truly understood the word immersion until now.
I have had many cross-cultural friends not only at college but just in general, because California is such a diverse place. And, I always thought I had a pretty good understanding of and appreciation for how hard they must work to do their studies in a foreign language. It was not until last week that I fully comprehended what it must have felt like for some of them who weren't as fluent in English to interact with the rest of us and continue learning in a foreign language! It is disconcerting being the only one here who is not able to understand or communicate at all with those around me. I’ve never had any trouble with traveling or getting accustomed to another culture, so I didn’t expect how difficult it would be to do it all alone. In fact, the reason I wanted to study linguistics/etymology and learn as many languages as possible was so that I could avoid this exact situation. It’s funny how God puts us in that one situation that gets us so entirely out of our bubble that we have no choice but to rely on him.
Well, not only am I out of my element travel-wise, but also now I am completely out of my element job-wise. It seems like God is really testing my trust. I am grateful because I know it will only strengthen my faith, but it is hard to let go of literally all control. Being in this position of teacher, one that I never imagined I would be in (at least not without more training), I know that if I survive these next two years it will not be because of me but because of Him. That is the only reason why I know I am supposed to be here. God called me to this little town in the Czech Republic to illustrate His greatness through my weakness and incapability. I know it seems like I’m putting myself down a lot but even Paul says, “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Cor. 12:10).
Anyway, it has been a bit lonely being the only American at my school and having to transition alone. So, even though I know I am never alone because God is with me, it was still good to find a couple church communities, even a missionary family, here in Pardubice! I have finally settled in (got wifi!) and learned how to do life here and now, with God's help, I will learn how to be a teacher!
So, pray for me, as I start this new job, that I will get as much done as I can, but when the time comes that I will be able to let God will take over because he has so much more to do with my students than I could ever do. Also, pray for my students. On the outside this country is beautiful, but just below the surface there is a ton of spiritual warfare going on here that I am only just beginning to feel and understand.
(By the way, the picture above is of a field that I pass by on my way home from town. It reminded me of a scene from Pride and Prejudice so I just had to take a picture.)