It is amazing how things that would be no big deal in the
States have the potential to be moments of panic here in a different
country. Yesterday, I went shopping at
PriceSmart, which is the Nicaraguan equivalent of Sam’s Club or Costco. It really does look exactly like it’s counterpart
in the States, complete with the food area where you can buy pizza or a hot
dog. Being in this environment, you
could even forget you are in a different country. I was feeling pretty good about my shopping
trip (in large part due to the fact that I actually
found it, which means I made it through 2 of Managua’s crazy rotundas!), but
when I got up to the checkout line, I realized that I had lost my membership
card somewhere in the store as I was shopping.
Suddenly, it became VERY apparent
to me that I was in a different country.
How was I going to explain this to the check-out person with my limited
Spanish? I thought about all the words I would need to know to navigate the
problem, proceeded to panic and very seriously considered abandoning my cart
and just walking out of the store. In a
wonderful and blessed turn of events, I ran into another missionary that I knew
and was able to use her card to check out with my groceries, although I did
make myself go to the front desk and ask what to do (it wasn’t until later that
I remembered that Andrew and I had just learned the word for “to turn in,” as
in “did someone turn in my card? Oh well.
Next time.) As I reflect on this situation, I realize that I am very accustomed
to feeling competent and self-reliant. Being
in situations where I feel helpless in a rare thing for me, and let me tell
you, it is humbling! I know that God is
using these experiences to challenge me and to grow me into a person who puts
my faith not in myself, but it Him, and I am thankful.
Please continue to pray for our family as we attempt
to better our Spanish so that we can more fully take part in the world around
us.
Oh Ruth! We're spoiled to read these stories on the resolved end, but I can only imagine what's happening in your spirit while you're in the middle of it(though you're letting us in on that too)! Thanks for testifying to God's provision in ways that we all experience but don't often name unless we're in an unfamiliar context like you are. Love you! (Rachel K)
ReplyDeleteI so so so much relate to you about how humbling it is to be here in Nica. When you're accustomed to "taking charge" or being independent, it can be a struggle to rely on others for information, strength, help and encouragement. I have always struggled with this, and it's so nice to know, because of your transparency, that I am not alone with the new found challenge. Great post, Ruth! And I had a great time at lunch with you and Celia!!!
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