{"id":392,"date":"2020-05-12T09:10:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-12T14:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/tyler-sanford\/?p=392"},"modified":"2020-05-12T09:40:05","modified_gmt":"2020-05-12T14:40:05","slug":"language-study-in-a-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/tyler-sanford\/language-study-in-a-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"Language Study in a Pandemic?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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  It\u2019s amazing how 7 weeks can feel like a lifetime <\/strong>and just a few days<\/strong> both at the same time.  A lot has happened in our new world here and we have seen how God has been gracious in it all.  We are so thankful for your prayers. “We couldn’t be here without you<\/em>” is a true<\/strong> statement and we see that very clearly these days.  
  
   Let’s recap a few of the highlights of our 7 weeks here.  The first 2 weeks were a total self-quarantine where we relied on our new coworkers to bring us everything we needed (they served us very well).  That had its challenging aspects\u2014like sending our grocery lists blindly, without knowing what items are actually available in local stores.  At the same time, it was rather nice to be able to recuperate from jet lag, etc without the pressure of getting out into the community to begin relationship building and language study.  Our restrictions loosened once the formal quarantine finished, but only to about the same level that most of you have been experiencing.  We can go out for groceries now as well as some walks around our new neighborhood (which has been so helpful for Moriah!). 

   Week #3 saw us beginning our official language and culture study.  But just how is that accomplished when you aren’t supposed to closely interact with your new neighbors or anyone that is a native speaker of the language and culture you want to learn? To find out, check out the \u2018Bonus Reading<\/em>\u2019 section \u2193 below. \u2193

   On the family front, we\u2019re adjusting well.  We enjoy getting to work together to learn this language and also appreciate all the extra family time!  Although Moriah is adjusting fine, the transition definitely affected her; that\u2014mixed with teething and new foods\u2014certainly brought its challenges.  She is improving though and learning so many skills (walking, animal sounds, new words, eating vegetables, etc.).  We are so privileged to be her parents. 

   Although life feels a bit like a big parenthesis <\/strong>right now, we\u2019ve been able to establish a routine in this temporary normal and the weeks are zipping by as we stuff our brains with new vocabulary and marvel as Moriah grows before our eyes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n