It is humiliating to realize that one is ethnocentric. Today a men’s group sang at church and I was surprised at how very good they were. Why was I surprised? Did I think Indonesians couldn’t sing? I should have known better than that because the singing in church is always good. The instrumentalists are good and they all play by ear. I hope I learned a lesson.
The men’s group (choir really) will represent East Kalimantan in a competition in Samarinda sometime in the near future. Today they sang a sampling of their repertoire. They sang three songs and the last one was in English – “He is Jehovah”. They did pretty well with the English.
During church I take notes from the Indonesian Bible I use. At home I either ask other MAF team members to help me with unknown words or I compare the passage with my English Bible. It is very frustrating not to be able to speak the language. I have learned a few words but not enough to communicate with ease. I communicate through gestures and blank looks. Won’t it be great to understand and be understood by all language groups in heaven? Now that will be the gift of tongues!!!
That is neat that you got to hear good music. Something about harmony is really enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI'm right proud of you for even trying to learn another language! Most short termers don't even try - at least that was my experience. But I do know that people love it when you try even a few words in their language - makes them feel like they are important enough for you to spend time learning how they say things. It's a good connection! Keep up the good work - and keep up the good blogs! Hugs, Mary Jo
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