Miscellaneous Missionary

It rained almost every day last week. When I say it rained, I don't mean like Nebraska rain like when it dumps and blows for half an hour and the sun comes out. I mean like it rained all day. I think that the rain is good, though. It has been dry. There have been several forest fires.

Enough about the weather. They say that it takes about a month to be able to really hear the different sounds of a foreign language. I think "they" must be right. I am now finally able to hear different words and even recognize several. All of the grammar and phonics study done up to this point has been great, but the other aspects of the language have been lacking. However, I am beginning to realize how big a task it is to learn a language. I can already give you charts on conjugations and noun classifications. I can tell you some unique gramatical features. I can even read most signs and even large portions of text. I have a long way to go though, in that every thing I read, I still have to stop and translate into English. Every thing I say, I have to stop and re-compose in Portuguese. The final goal is to move to the point that translation is not necessary, because I actually think in the appropriate language.

Finally, a word about why. Why should I learn Portuguese? It may be that I harbor a deep desire to know every language. It may be that I am jumping at the opportunity to live in Europe. It may be that I am umping at the opportunity to travel. All of these sure make the process much more easy, but the real reason is that Mozambique is a needy country in Afirca, and I believe that God would have me spend time ministering there to people in their own language. This requires the time to actually learn their language. Thus, language learning has a role to play in ministry itself.

Please pray that my visa will continue to move forward. Please pray that I will learn quickly and well. Please pray for the Mozambique field as it continues to grow, with several families moving into tribal areas this year.