Communication: The imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing or using some other medium. Easy, right? I am not so sure anymore.
Over the last year, my sense of communication has changed drastically. I guess that’s what happens when you move to a new cultural and language environment. At first, you don’t know even basic words. But over time, you regain confidence and experience the joy of understanding what people say, and having them understand what you say. I think the key is patience, both from you and from those around you.

We recently visited the local market with a new friend who has been helping us with our language studies. He wanted to purchase some lamb. I asked if he would mind if I practiced my language by asking the butcher for the lamb. He agreed, so I gathered my words and asked confidently for ar. The butcher stared back at me with a blank look of confusion. I waited a few seconds, then gathered some more courage and repeated my request. The same blank stare. Hearing laughter behind me, I turned and saw our friend exploding with mirth. I glanced at James, but he looked just as puzzled as I felt.

When our friend eventually stopped laughing and could speak again, he said to the butcher that he wanted some arr. Then it struck me: Ar means snake, and arr means lamb. I rolled my eyes to the sky and bit my lip, trying to stifle my own embarrassed giggles. James was trying to keep a straight face, wondering what had set off our friend’s laughter explosion. When I explained it to him, he thought it was pretty funny, too.

I have learned to see spiritual lessons in ordinary events, and this humorous misunderstanding reminded me of the bigger picture. We are all in a great controversy between the snake and the Lamb. God wants to communicate His will for our lives through the Holy Spirit, and the devil continually tempts us to go in other directions. One “r” or two can make a big difference in communication. When we are distracted and busy with our daily lives, we risk missing the crucial connection with our Savior. We need to always be in communication with our Creator, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit.
May God bless you as you continue to seek Him in prayer!

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