Language learning

i've been all over the map recently in terms of how i feel about my language acquisition. i know its normal. i know it takes a long time. i know i'm generally doing really well...it just doesn't always feel like it.

last week one of my friends was upset - obviously...and she was looking me in the eye and telling me something...and i had absolutely no idea what she was saying. i could pick up bits and pieces...but i didn't know what was going on. and i felt helpless...and i felt like all the time and money i've spent learning bangla was an utter and total waste...my friend was upset...and i couldn't understand her. i actually said to sheila that night that i felt like all my efforts were worthless.

a few days later i was joking around with my friends at sari bari. we were just laughing and joking...and having a good time...and i thought, "wow, i really get this language...i mean, i'm doing pretty well" - there i was shooting the breeze in another language.

and then tonight, we celebrated 2 of our co-workers - Gita and Upendra. They have both been working for Sari Bari for 5 years. They (along with Sarah) are the co-directors of Sari Bari. they are amazing folks - a part of the family that i've been woven into here. most of our conversation was in Bangla. They each received a San Damiano cross - its a symbol that WMF staff receive as a part of their service. I have mine - its a very dear symbol to me. i wear it when i'm tired, or discouraged. when i miss home. when the days have been long and overwhelming - you'll often see that silver chain around my neck - and the cross tucked in my shirt.

After they opened it - Sarah told a bit of the significance - about St. Francis, and why its a symbol for WMF...in Bangla. and i understood it. and i sat around that table - with the family i have received here...and we spoke in Bangla...and we laughed and smiled (and we very, very good Bengali food)...and it was beautiful.