Today, when I wasn’t preparing bilingual powerpoint slides for my classes in November, I was in chapel, meetings, or other gatherings where Swedish was spoken. I sat and listened, trying to understand. I didn’t feel like I did very well today getting the jest of several conversations.
For the afternoon fika, we sat in the lobby and pulled chairs around. I listened.
Perhaps it is good that I have become a listener, but it frustrating to trying so hard to listen and not understand or laugh when everyone else is.
So, I’m trying to push ahead with more Swedish this evening.
Onward,
Beth
Polé, which means I can totally empathize with you as I have been and am in your shoes. It’s Swahili and still comes to mind in situations like these as the perfect word and thought. Polé, polé.
Just keep at it, my friend. Does reading the local newspaper help at all? Usually it’s simple language for the common folk. That’s how David Fleeger taught himself Kiswahili. And we’re praying for the gift of ‘tongues’ for you to go together with your study!!!!!