I met your wife; he is nice.
‘I met your wife; he is nice.’ No need to panic this is a very common mistake here. In Hungarian, there is only one third-person singular pronoun: ő, this means that often he, she or it get muddled up because one word covers all three in Hungarian. You can imagine how much confusion there can be! Ronald L. Koteskey who writes about culture stress says that communication is much more than it appears on the surface.
Communication.
Learning the meanings of words and rules of grammar are only a small part of being able to communicate effectively. The whole way of thinking, the common knowledge base, and the use of non-verbals are necessary and come only with great familiarity with the culture.
We were asked a good question when we went through our missionary training. ‘What can you not live without?’ We were not allowed to use standard answers such as the God or the Bible. I quickly realised that one of my top ten was the ability to communicate. After hitting depression within the first few months of arrival on the field, I was in shock. I really did not know how to break away from those feelings, however, having a strong network of people who were willing to chat or send a note made the difference between staying on the field or leaving early. Primarily, though, communication became an even higher priority for us as a family.
Good communication helps bridge gaps and build relationships. We were designed to communicate; it is one of our most basic needs. When communication is lacking it brings separation, the feeling of isolation and abandonment. Communication can lay a path to healing and restoration.
While good communication with family is desirable, good communication with God is essential. God provides guidance, satisfaction, strength and life. We simply cannot do it alone!
Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
