Tag: language learning

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Crossing Cultures Memoir

New patterns

During our second month in Pakistan, our family of three traveled north to Murree. For a month of intensive language learning and cross-cultural adjustment. 

We stayed in one of several flats (apartments) that made up an old house on the side of the mountain. 

And began learning new patterns for living.

Language study. Shopping for groceries. Cooking with new ingredients. Boiling our drinking water. Washing clothes and hanging them on the line.

Breathing fresh mountain air eased the adjustments. New friends helped us find our way. 

Murree. 1992.
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Crossing Cultures Making Disciples Memoir

“Let the little children…”

During those first years in Karachi, I struggled to find a place of morning quiet. With the Lord. 

We were navigating the muddle of culture shock and power breakdowns. Learning a language with completely new sounds and an unfamiliar alphabet. 

Trying to establish a rhythm for preparing clean water to drink. For getting food on the table. Daily.

And figuring out how to parent our children. I gave birth to our first child at the age of 33. And soon experienced what I now refer to as “mother shock.”  

Murree, Pakistan. 1993.
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Crossing Cultures Memoir

Keeping a sense of humor

I took it for granted growing up. A sense of humor was encouraged and nurtured in our home.

Laughter has refreshed my heart often in the years since. And humor helps me endure. Persevere.  Through the mundane. And when the going gets tough.

Laughter in the Laff household.
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