Babbling Along...

At times I feel like I am peaking my head out from under and/or around the rubble of the Tower of Babel.  Let me explain what I mean by this.  The school is made up by 18 students, 8 teachers, and one Polish Father Ed.  There is a director who leads speaking English and Swahili.  Which is his second and third language.  There are eight teachers who are teaching in their third language English teaching of the content of their second language Swahili to us the students.  We are made up of students here who are learning their third language Swahili from their second language English.  And there is me and my four American friends.  And we think we have problems understanding!  All of this brings quite an eclectic group of people together in one tiny living space!

The people of Genesis once again in their disobedience attempted to build a temple tower so high that it reached the heavens.  People falling guilty again of going their own way instead of worshipping God as He instructed.  Of course God interrupted this project by taking away a common language throughout the world.  When they could not communicate with one another, they packed their bags, and isolated themselves with those they could understand.

In my two story cement building of thirty or so I can relate to the desire to pack your bags and return to those that speak your lingo!  Don't get me wrong I love my friends and I find the variations of cultures plus language fascinating.  But, there are days when I feel very isolated and lonely. (Probably didn't help being sick.)  People still feeling punishment given so long ago.  The interesting thing is that despite our differences there are a few things that only this group of 30 people with our packed bags can understand.  We celebrate together when language barriers do not seem so high above our heads!  We know what it is like to be so far away from home and our first language.  We share frustration of not having our freedom right now.  It can be frustrating passing along the simple thought depending on the tongue, culture, or listener doesn't seem worth the work to try to have a result of understanding.  Isolating yes indeed!!!

When I packed my bags to come to Tanzania little did I know the emotions that some of the barriers would bring.  However, I stand firm knowing that God has called me here.  Even though it is difficult and I have a lot to learn.  There are tribes who have been isolated for so many years in bondage and isolation.  People who need to know the Lord and children who need to grow up free of some of these curses of old.  I learn from the people of the Old Testament.  That I am a sinner saved by Grace.  Thankful for the New Testament!!  I will worship God in the way I have been instructed by the word.  I will bow in humble adoration to the God who reached down and provided His Spirit which guides my steps.  I will shake off the rubble and learn this language to help share light to this isolated part of the world.  Believe me there is nothing that I can do here by my own accord.

By His strength not my own.  

Points of Prayer

• For  my ears to listen and my eyes to meditate on His word to continually fill this heart that at times gets lonely for people of my native tongue.
• Grant me the wisdom to think in both English and Swahili
• Health and safety for me and my 17 brave friends who packed bags to come to a land that is not our own to make a difference for a God who desires to unify only through Him.   

Just a thought~  What do you think our common language in Heaven will be like?

Just in case it is Swahili we should get back to 

Swahili Words with Wendy! 

rafiki ~ friend 

mtoto/ watoto ~ child

shule ~ school

kanisa ~ church

leo ~ day