Tao is Filipino for People. Culture & Language Aquisition thus far has proven to be a great challenge & a great joy. The challenge of course is connecting with tao in a foriegn culture despite not knowing the local language. As the writers of our Culture/Language Acquistion Manual state, “You cannot truly learn a language or gain insights into a culture without meaningful interaction with the members of the community where you share in their lives.” (p.8) The obvious “IN” for me you might say is being married to a Filipina, & while that certainly has it’s benefits, it still is no guarentee that I myself will ever be excepted by the culture in which we now live. That brings me to my knees & it is there I can begin to take joy in watching God make it happen.
Since our arrival in the Philippines we have plugged in with a local Bible Christian Church, MBCC. We are incredibly grateful for the relationships we are developing there. In the few weeks we have been there we have had opportunity to both encourage and be encouraged in the word, we’ve bowed our heads & prayed together on behalf of a needy nation, we’ve enjoyed meals together and even the joy of fellowship on the badminton court on more than one occasion. Again from our CLA Manual writers, “Successful CLA will grow out of interacting within good relationships, and such positive relationships will in turn enhance and facilitate your CLA process and your ministry.” (p.19) These relationships have indeed enhanced my CLA experience & for that I am incredibly grateful.
