Two weeks of Bangla language class is over. I’m reminded that learning Bangla will be a long and arduous process. It’ll take years to get where I want to be.
However, there’s no doubt that one word, one conjugation and one sentence at a time, I’ll eventually make some sense of Bangla and find a way to communicate with my neighbors in K-town. And this continual struggle will actually create an opportunity to learn from my neighbors in a way that communicates their value and also my desire to learn from them.
I'll be able to say to my neighbors, "I need your help. You have something I value. You have a skill that's valuable. You are valuable."
This will be a way to affirm them as talented people who are made in God’s image. Even before I have the perfect words, my hope is that my learning posture will communicate part of what my words will clarify later on. This aspect of learning in humility is foundational to what I'll be doing in K-town. Language ability is a goal, but the process of learning opens doors for creative ways to project value onto my neighbors who are often devalued.
My weakness may truly prove to be a strength that God will use for his purposes.
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Hey nice blog!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering why these people would feel undervalued. I understand the affects of poverty to the psyche, but I guess I want to know specifically how K-Town people feel devalued. Maybe that's something you can answer in a couple of years when you get to know them. I am just curious...!
Good luck on the language learning! It'll be fun the more you get!
Like the post man. Definitely reminds me of my II Corinthians 12:9-10
ReplyDeletehave I ever told you that my parents were first missionaries in Dhaka from when I was 2-5? I was actually fluent in Bangli until I came back to the US. All I remember now is tata. Hope all is well and keep on chugging along!
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