Here's another thing that I'm struggling with a bit. Talking with the locals. It is brutal to try and have a conversation with them. You have no family in common or people that you both know from other churches (do you realize how connected the Can Ref church really is?), you have a different culture which also means different priorities and I'm having to do this in a different language! There are times when I've been having a "conversation" with a local and then some of her friends will come up and they'll start talking Papuan or something and I'll feel just like you do in grade 8 when you're trying to get to know a new group of people and you feel like an outsider and they don't make any effort to draw you in. We are really trying to get to know the people at church better, but they aren't making an effort from their end so it makes it really hard. I did manage to have two fairly long conversations with one of the men at church - we talked about computers... I know that finding a common interest is good, but doing that can be brutal too. The man owns a computer shop and was working on upgrading our desktop computer so finding a common ground with him wasn't rocket science.... But the women are another story! Any advice from the experienced is welcomed with open arms...
Just a goofy pic of Marc with his Cat in the Hat hat from preschool...
3 comments:
I'm sorry to hear that conversing with the locals isn't going all that well .......but it's even more too bad that it's not going better with the church members. I'm sorry I don't have any advice to give you - but I hope and will pray that it gets better for you over time.
It makes it hard when you are trying and others are not...but continue to make the effort and do as you are called to do as one called by God...pray that you may bear the fruit of the Spirit in you daily life and keep on giving. The Bible says you reap what you sow and even though it may not happen right away it will come in time. Have patience...it is all new and different and much adjustment has to be made by all and that takes time. Do not be discouraged and know that you are in our prayers that God may uphold you at all times. In some cultures it takes time for others to trust and open up and maybe this is one such culture. Be strong and of good courage and hold fast. All good things come in due time.
Hope this helps even just a little.
Otherwise I love Marc's hat!!!
Love u all
Mary
i do believe it will take time,time,and more time.Its impossible to build a relationship in a short period of time and they also know that you are temporary.Look at it from their point of view and try to understand why they are treating you as such and if that fails try a diplomatic approach in asking them directly(or indirectly).Sometimes we as people don't even know we are doing something like that.Remember when you were in the valley.were you ALWAYS considerate of others who were new or different?something to think about whether right or wrong.we have been enjoying reading your adventure.Quite something!!May God continue to be with you.You all have learned a lot in the past while and apparently He would like you to learn more for His glory!:)
Post a Comment