Learning a new language and new way of life
WILMORE, KY—“Hausin dile”, Kiliguru for “How are you?,” is the greeting that Emily Harris ’04 gives her new neighbors. “It’s amazing how easily you can connect with someone around town just by greeting them the proper way,” she said.
Harris and three other American women (Swahili for ladies from Langal) are serving in the Uluguru Mountains of Tanzania as English teachers for the International Mission Board.
Before heading to Tanzania, Harris majored in applied communications at the College and served as an admissions counselor for three years. Alumni working overseas is not unusual, currently there are Asburians serving and living in 80 countries around the world. Current students are required to complete a cross-cultural experience while at the College, which exposes the student to life outside the United States.
While in Africa, Harris is enjoying the hospitality of the local people and the opportunity to share her faith. She writes, “The first time my team went out, a young shopkeeper named Paulina was so excited to meet us that she insisted on taking us to her home. We visited her a couple more times and eventually shared our testimonies with her. It’s amazing how we would just join a group of people sitting on their porch, and they welcomed us like we were long-time friends.”
The Langali Wanawake have also learned to adjust to life without some of the conveniences of home such as electricity and indoor plumbing. “We have no electricity, which I honestly haven’t noticed much,” Harris said. The team uses kerosene lamps at night. They cook meals and heat water on two small kerosene stoves. They even enjoyed the adventure of preparing a Kuku feast, which involved the slaughtering, defeathering and cooking of their own chicken.
While Harris and her team may not have the comfortable amenities Americans are accustomed to, Harris believes they have something better. “There are seriously no words to describe the breath-taking view God has given us and how He has met our needs,” she said. “Lush, green mountains. Plentiful water supply. Fresh fruits and veggies. We even have a banana tree in our yard!”
The nationals have also found Harris and her group to be amusing. After a misunderstanding in their new language, the Langali Wanawake accidentally bought 30 eggs from a neighbor. The news circulated around the village the next day that the women loved eggs. “We laugh when news of our everyday happenings spreads like wildfire.”
In addition to adjusting to the new
culture, the women spend time in the school, getting to know students by cheering with them at soccer games, visiting their dorms, and spending time with them around the village or sokoni (market). “We are so excited to really begin to build relationships with some young women and hopefully disciple them. Please pray that the Lord will give all four of us at least one young woman each to really pour into.”
April 14, 2008 Update: Harris is happy to report that she is recovering from malaria. She sends these prayer requests:
* English Club - Our team has faced many obstacles teaching English at Langali Secondary School and have yet to settle into a regular weekly schedule. The biggest problem at this point is rainy season. After-school activities are often canceled due to extreme rains and muddy paths. Please pray that we will have the opportunity to teach English regularly over the next six weeks and continue to build relationships with students.
* African Traditional Religion - Over the last couple weeks, we've heard reports from villagers of multiple "disturbances" by wizards. Villagers cut down a beautiful old tree a couple weeks ago because
they thought evil spirits lived in it. Even our students were harassed in their dorms one night by wizards and school was canceled the next day. Pray that the Holy Spirit would transform lives and break the power of witchcraft in Langali.
* Endurance - Continue to pray for our team, that we would be obedient and take advantage of every opportunity we have to show Christ to our friends and neighbors in the village. The language barrier has been a constant discouragement, but we know God isn't limited by our inability to speak Swahili. I want our last few weeks in Langali to be the best yet.
Released: April 11, 2008
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Tagged: cross-cultural, education, communication, alumni and features
