November 01, 2017

Smiles overcome any language barriers



We have the coolest job in the world. I know being a missionary doesnt seem like a job, ok I get it. 
It is still what we do here. And we love what we do so it is a plus in our lives. 
I love my children very much and they are such great examples to us.  They are simple thinkers. They see other children, they smile and then,  they start playing. Wherever they are, and I mean anywhere in the world - yes we travel to 3 continents every year- they go and make friends no matter if they speak the same language or not. But it most of the time started with a smile.
 Here in Malawi it can be tricky sometimes, people can be friendly but very curious.  And it's the African children that will come to them and they can get very touchy  with their hair...but every time it will take minutes  for them to make friends..

Malawi is an English speaking country but English is not their primary language, just travel outside of city center or the capital,
and people will not speak English especially the ladies and young children. 

 I have tried and failed to learn the languages in Southern Africa (yes they are many of them) and everyone I mean, everyone tries to force their languages on us.
So I gave up pretty much for now. We still know some of the basics tho so at least... 

I am always amazed at how you can read people by their expressions (and I am sure they can read mine).

Sincerity is so simple, and you can do it anywhere, even if you do not know a word of a foreign language. Just take the time to look at someone and be interested.

When you are with people you know or don't know, smile and try to enjoy their company.

The more I travel, the more I am convinced that we are all alike. We all want the same things: security, good health, to love and to be loved. The only differences are our beliefs, cultures and habits. This is such a simple thing when you travel around the block or around the world.

Smile - Everyone likes to be around happy people. Smiles are universal (and you don't even need teeth LOL). They show warmth and invoke a good feeling among people of all backgrounds. I find it amazing how simple it is to automatically like someone at first impression when the first thing you see is his or her smile. It is just a very comforting feeling, and the simple expression just puts people at ease.

At least in Africa it is and I would say for most places around the world.

Basically, eyes and a smile are a window into someone's personality. You can tell so much about a person with some basic human traits. 

That's what we do here, we are people persons, we sit down, smile (most of the time), shake hands (a lot of them), spend time with them, give them a track, a verse and by doing that we show them the Love of God for them personally. 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up.”

Matthew 28:40 - As you did to the least of my brothers you did to me.
Best Friends: Two Pastor's Daughters: Pr Victor/Pr Albert

Leadership Seminar with Leaders from Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Malawi: Going through Pr Schaller's Booklet: Choosing to Lead



Pray for the Conference in South Africa as 10 from the Church in Malawi travel there.

 Pray for Comfort for Pr. Ray Kosioleck and the GG Carlisle, PA Church as Pr. Ray's wife Brenda went home to be with the Lord.




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