when i was in spanish class i would always have my dictionary with me. i learned a lot of vocabulary because i would look up every word i didn't know.
i need to practice my spanish, but i'm learning that i'm still trying to translate a lot.
when i try to explain certain things about my work to people i'm sometimes translating to translate to translate to translate something in particular.
and sometimes i'm translating to myself. i'm still trying to connect my cultural, gender and racial background with what i'm doing and who i am. i'm okay saying that there are marked differences in our backgrounds and experiences that influence how we hear messages and how we respond to those around us.
i think growing up and attending a primarily white church and then college didn't really help me try and figure out things as an african american. and there's not much that could help me figure out who i am as a woman.
i feel like i've found my way as a woman...more than before. i'm still on a journey, but i think that there are people who are leading the way well. i think that i'm still finding my way as an african american...especially one who serves in mission. i have some reading i still need to do, but i would love to meet with someone who has wrestled with being a minority in missions.
it's hard to articulate how difficult it can be, but it's something that accompanies me most days. maybe it's my heart for reconciliation and the lament that we're still not there anywhere not just missions.
so i guess we're in the art of translating and sharing stories. i wish there was a dictionary that could translate across all of these lines, maybe there is. who knows how we will do it, but if someone can figure it out, send me your answer.
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