Good morning, I am writing this blog for my Co-Liberian moms and dads. I was reading a quote in a book and shared it with my daughter, Dora. It is from the 1700's by Charles Wesley. It's English but it takes a moment to digest it, sometimes like when reading the King James Version. I told Dora,"if I was transported back into that time period, can you imagine trying to communicate with the people of that time period. They speak English, I speak English what's the big deal. Can you imagine sitting in a class room trying to learn from an instructor that uses that type of English? How about interacting with the people of that time?"
She had wide eyes as I asked her. In her mind, she may be thinking, "actually I do know, I did it two years ago".
It was an AH-HA moment as I realized that for my liberian kids it was kind of the same thing. They were transported into a different culture, and since Liberia is about 20 years behind the times, a different time period. While I was speaking English, many times the words were clear, but the implications were confusing. This could cause frustration on both ends. Even now, both of my kids speak with a lot less dialect. However, the meanings of my words sometimes cause them to pause and consider. I must confess I have taken that as unwillingness to cooperate, disrespect or just indifference towards me. I may have been wrong in many cases. Perhaps they were pausing to try and figure out what the heck I was talking about and they were just tired of asking me to say it again. Africans (specifically Liberians) I have noticed carry a burden of pride around. They have used this as a coping mechanism for so long they don't realize the weight they are lugging. So, couple that with misunderstanding and you have a recipe for anger and resentment.
The good news is, the longer they are here, the more this language becomes their own. I wish I had been more compassionate to the challenge they were facing with communication. Below is the quote,you may recognize it from our praise music. But, written in this style, it sounds beautiful, but doesn't communicate with us as effectively as our modern day words do.
And can it be that I should Gain
An interest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing Love! Haw can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Blessings as you navigate the waters of rearing children, no matter where they come from...Becky
