Speaking Islander

       We are learning so much as a family about crossing into a new culture.  Levi and I are actually reading a book called Cross Cultural Connections, and it has really helped open our eyes and hearts in a way we never realized was necessary.  One of the first things you learn is it is "different" not wrong.  Often times when you come into a new culture a lot of things can feel wrong.  It seems wrong because it is so different than our own personal world view, but keeping this set of "wrongs" vs. "rights" will never allow you to bridge the gap.  It may seem wrong to just simply throw trash on the ground.  It may seem wrong to burn your trash anywhere convenient to the person who needs to do a "burn pit".  It may seem wrong to not have a set of laws governing the location of wells being dug, or whose property is whom.  It may seem wrong to be continue singing the same verse of a hymn because someone in the pews kept it going for an hour because they are allowing the Spirit of the Lord to lead worship.  But these are not "wrong", it is simply different.
      Zoe has embraced the island way of life.  She has braided her hair, adopted using a "quanty bottle" (small plastic juice that is purchased from Tae Tae's), and of course the most "different" is her island speak.  Zoe and Brody have had the unique opportunity to be a part of the Christian/English School that is run by the islanders here on the Clinic property.  MEI has opened up it's cabins, covered deck, and extra build-on rooms to house the school.  Brody is in 5th grade and Zoe is in 4th grade.  They attend school from 1:30pm-5pm Monday thru Thursday.  They have the full uniform of blue slacks for Brody, a blue pleated skirt for Zoe and white dress shirts.  They both love school and having the chance to make friends.  Zoe has taken to the island kids so much that she is learning to speak islander.  Now people here do speak English, but it is what is considered "pigeon English".  The words are often clipped, some Spanish pronunciation is slid in, and the tones are lower.  Islanders speak low and fast and it slides together beautifully at times to where it seems like it can't be English.  There are different dialects as well across the island that can trip you up, but for the most part if you are listening intently you can catch on.
     Tonight Zoe and I took a walk before dinner along the path and she bubbled on and on about school.  God has gifted her with so much joy and energy!  We walked along and when we hit the path to trek to "Nordt Side" (aka North Side) a little girl joined us.  This is not uncommon.  She was headed home.  I think she is about 6 or 7 years old.  The children often walk a long distance to and from school and sometimes alone, but usually only with one another as there is not an adult that accompanies them.  We started to talk with her, practicing our "island speak" and we talked about Creation.  Zoe and I talked with Vielka (not sure on the spelling) about the creation story and how God made everything.  It flowed so wonderfully and we could tell that the little girl could understand us better when we changed our tones and words to match hers better.  Zoe is a natural island girl and fitting in beautifully.
    We are learning ways to be more open to the differences we encounter.  Smiling, asking questions, not being quick to leave when we visit with people, small measures of hospitality, joining in in whatever someone is doing, and so much more.  In order to give the gospel it is important to establish friendships and connections and this takes time.  We are learning to love Helene and the islanders here.