Four weeks ago today I landed in country to start my two-year journey. Up until this point I had been busy building a support team, working out logistics to move and spending as much time with family and friends that I could. I did a little bit of language learning while in the states to get me started, but it wasn't until my first week here that I realized how far I have to go!
It didn't really hit me what it was going to be like to not be able to speak and communicate with local people. During my first few weeks here since I couldn't communicate with others and had little idea as to what they were trying to tell me, I was at the disposal of gestures and trusting the locals were understanding what I was asking.
One trip to IKEA really opened my eyes to what it is like to feel so powerless. After only a few days in the country some new teammates and myself were standing in the checkout line right before the store was about to close. In the midst of so many people it was not clear where the line started and ended. Not knowing we were part of the line a few people cut in front of us.
It was in this moment I realized how little I could do when I couldn't speak up for myself. The people cutting in front of me weren't trying to be rude they just didn't realize we were in line nor did they realize we couldn't speak the language to tell them the line was behind us.
It has been a challenge to adapt to a new place and commit the next six months of my life to full time language learning, but for the work I want to do this experience is vital. Being on the other end of the spectrum has opened my eyes to some of the experiences refugees face in the U.S. I'm not dumb nor am I powerless, but I sure feel like it when people won't give me the time of day to try and get my point across. Yet how many times have I just assumed the worst of someone in my home country? How many times have I neglected to take the time needed to gain proper perspective?
The task of learning a new language and adapting to a new culture only to work with people who speak different languages and are from different cultures is daunting. Yet put in a different light this time is also a blessing. It is a chance to understand what it's like to be the newbie, to need help and to feel powerless. My prayer is that these experiences will translate into helping me to do my future work better.
The journey is a humbling one, but I am thankful for the Lord's sovereignty as He uses even our hardest seasons for a purpose we can only see if we are willing to take on new perspective.