Ah, it's hard to believe another week has passed. Well, less like 'passed' and more like 'launched past my head at Mach 4'. But it's been great; the language is coming along famously, we can almost have normal conversations with each other. Normal conversations in Albanian, I mean. Our English conversations are anything but 'normal'. We taught an 'investigator' in only Albanian for the first time the other night, it was of course a disaster, but it was a good learning disaster because we communicated much better after we said the prayer. The food is still good, I'm enjoying all of it (especially the leftover table).
Interesting story: Earlier in the week we went to the computer lab to use a program that helps you learn the language by having you talk into a headset so you can compare your pronunciation with a native speaker and learn more vocabulary and phrases outside of class. Because of the seasonal and H1N1 flus and other various sicknesses, there is a ban on handshaking, (not scrictly enforced; they don't have handshake police that will excommunicate you if they catch you spreading germs or anything, we're just strongly discouraged from contacting each other), and there are hand sanitizer dispensers around the buildings and disinfecting wipes in the computer labs. I took one of said wipes to sterilize my keyboard, mouse and headset, but another wipe came along for the ride. I ripped off the straggler and tried to close the lid, but the lid wouldn't close. I stuffed the half-exposed wipe back in, but my finger got stuck. This was one of those holes with 4 razor-flaps. If I tried to take my finger out it would cut me like a machete cuts a twinkie. This was the first day we decided to only speak Albanian for half an hour. I could only say "Gisht! Obobo!" ("Finger! Oh-no!"). I eventually ran back to the classroom and used a pen to pry the flaps away. I got away with just a small scrape; I think someone upstairs was looking out for my finger. Of course everyone else just laughed at me, but in retrospect, I would have, too.
God bless us, everyone!
This is so cool that you have a blog. You are so funny! I can just see you with your finger stuck. Ha ha
ReplyDeleteLove ya and take care
Elder Weaver! I'm so glad we stumbled on to your blog tonight. We all gathered 'round and laughed our guts out over the finger story, which had perfect relevance for me because I've had the same frightening finger trapping experience myself. Of course, I didn't plea for help in Albanian, but I did whimper a little.
ReplyDeleteWe are so proud of you and love you very much. You are doing such a great thing with your life right now. There's no telling what adventure and life-changing experiences are opening up for you right now. But we are so happy to be along for the ride as we read your letters and send our love.
haha! That's great! Ah, the awkward moments of a missionary will brighten anyone's day.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to do some research and see how many injuries/amputations happen from those 4-pronged wet wipe dispensers. I really hate those things. I would hang out by the leftover table too, Mitch.
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