Language is Work

When I first came to Ghana in 2005, after a 10 day orientation, I was sent to a language school to learn Twi. Twi is widely spoken in the southern parts of Ghana. I learned some of it. I came back to the city and started working in the office. That took away my zeal for becoming fluent and, to be honest, I wasn't disciplined to keep with it. So, now forward 11 years and I get to learn another language, Dagbani. There is no language school. It needs to be self directed and there will be no other "work" at this point than to build relationships and learn Dagbani.Damary and I have found someone to meet and teach us for an hour or so in the mornings and then in the afternoons we walk around and practice what we have learned. We try to learn things that people will ask like, where are you from?, are you married?, Where is your house?, and all the greetings. Wait, stop a second...I should have wrote greetings before all the other questions because greetings here are soooooo very very important. How is your family? How did you sleep last night? How is home? How is your health? How was your journey? How is work? How is it? AHHHHH!!! While Damary and I were going a bit crazy trying to learn even more greetings as the days go by, and getting frustrated we tried to remember in each of our cultures how many ways there are to say "hello, how are you?". And we also have lots of ways, just think about it. We do.It gets to be a bit frustrating "just" learning language. I say "just" because it sometimes doesn't seem like work. I think of a missionary and think I should be teaching at a school, or building churches or telling people about Jesus, or helping the poor--whatever the thinking is, it is usually not walking around talking like a baby. With a new language to learn it you have to use it. And you may only be able to say short sentences that make people laugh when you say it. It is quite humbling!Sometimes I forget to be faithful in persevering in this because it doesn't seem like traditional "work". But it is work. Work even on day 2 was like-- I CAN'T GET THESE SOUNDS!! If I want to learn, it is self directed and it is up to me to go out and practice. People work 8 hours a day, an honest days work, so I think...8 hours of language???? I know the benefits will be great but right now I am sounding like a 4 year old child and it is hard to see the finish line.I know God has given me all I need to do this. He has made me adequate in every circumstance. It is my drive and discipline that needs to kick in. I met some great ladies this week. Of course, I cannot understand them but I can sit next to them and observe. Listen to people talking, or working or selling. Listen to the rhythm of the language and the ups and downs as they pronounce words.I have been in bed every night before 9pm. My brain is so tired. BUT I am not discouraged. I am not cranky. And I am not without hope. ......... it is only week one after all!!! AHHH!!!I just know this is my work for now. And it needs to be done. I am the one who can make it great and laugh or suffer, complain, and quit. In my quiet times with God He has really been strengthening me in His Word and He upholds me. It is a daily battle to give in to what I want but it is a miracle to see Him putting in His wants in me (Psalm 37.4). His delight is mine! Wooo Hooooo!Last word, and then I'm done. The other day after I was out practicing and couldn't say the words right and even felt too shy to keep asking people to listen to me and I was a bit down. I got into a yellow-yellow to get to town and go home. When I got off I saw a meat kebab seller. Why not? and so I bought 2 and the man said in Dagbani, "What is your name?" and I understood immediately what he said and was able to respond back with my new Dagbani name which means God is great. (Woon zoo ee ah) And the most gi-normous smile came on his face and mine! I understood that! He understood that! WOW, God. is. really. great!!!