guatemala: speaking

I can’t begin to describe how patient our team leaders and the locals were with our command (or lack thereof) of their native language. Whether we were helping Blanca with her hygiene lessons, talking with the locals over lunch time and at the end of the day, or shouting along with the kids on the soccer field, what a pleasure it was to be immersed in a foreign culture.

A few bits of advice I can offer in getting acquainted with – and understanding – another language. Step one: look. A LOT can be said simply through body gestures and facial expressions, and by paying close attention to how someone is speaking to you, it’s often much easier to infer words that you don’t understand. Step two: listen! “Even a fool is though wise if he keeps silent,” said Solomon, and if you’re struggling with a language, why not become avid listener? By paying close attention to the aforementioned body language cues – and returning them with a few of your own (nods, smiles, concern, surprise, laughter, etc.) – you can almost always get away with making it look as though you know more than you know. Just be careful not to overdo it, especially if you happen to have team leaders who’ve picked up on your charade, and find great humor in seeing you agree to or laugh about something that is very likely poking fun at yourself.

Lastly, and most importantly in my opinion: be willing to make mistakes. You will anyway, so why not take them in stride and feel comfortable laughing at yourself? Throughout our entire trip, I was always encouraged by the locals whenever I tried to speak Spanish, and all of them were genuinely willing to help during the many times when I didn’t know the right word or verb conjugation.

All in all, a wonderful time, a wonderful language, and a truly wonderful people that shared it with our team.

until next time,

may God hold you in the hollow of His hand

josh & mark

the lifecycle team