Doing One Thing At A Time

So I've been experimenting the last few days. After reading an article about a man who gave up multi-tasking for one month, I decided that it would probably be a good example to follow. It seems lately my mind is completely chaotic. I can't focus on any one thing for any period of time. While reading an orthography sketch I'm Skyping with a friend, picking at my fingernails, and possibly playing minesweeper. At home I talk on the phone, clean my room, and again, most likely play minesweeper. This is not an effective way to live.
So, the last 3 days I've been trying to do just one thing at a time, or at least strongly suppress my multi-tasking tendencies. Here is what I've discovered: For the most part, I find that I'm happier, because I'm actually able to get things done. By focusing on just one thing, the time actually goes quite a bit faster. I find that I enjoy the things I'm doing more. I actually get more out of a phone conversation when all I'm doing is talking, rather than talking and cleaning my room. I'm also learning that doing one thing at a time requires planning. If I can't do all of these things at the same time, I have to give myself the time to do each of the things individually. I also am more aware of just how out of control this habit has gone. I want to be clear: most of my multi-tasking is not mandatory, its voluntary.
So why has this bad habit become more and more noticeable in my life? My best guess is that I've been using it as an avoidance technique. If I feel like I suck at my job, at least I can suck at it while chatting with a friend. But then if I spend time at work, I need to be productive at home, so when I should just chat to a friend, I then feel obligated to simultaneously cook or clean. And so the cycle continues. I only recently considered that if I actually focused on things, maybe I wouldn't do such a terrible job of them. Revolutionary, I know.
Anyways, just more musings. I think my little experiment has been good for me, and I plan to continue it for a good while. Feel free to ask me how it's going!

On the Peninsula

A Little Lecture

Well I got a little lecture today, a nice and needed one, but a challenge nonetheless. I sat down at chai time next to one of our translators, an older pastor. He's one of the best, always a smile on his face and a real heart for the Lord. Well, he asked me if my Swahili had gotten better or worse since I left language school. I told him quite truthfully that it had gotten worse and he asked why. I responded that I am embarrassed/ashamed to speak Swahili because my Swahili is so bad. He told me that I shouldn't be embarrassed and then told me a story about two little boys, one who was shy/embarrassed. Quite honestly I didn't understand the story (he spoke quietly and in Swahili), but I got the message that being shy is bad. He told me that I would never get anywhere that way, that I needed to be willing to speak and make mistakes, and that if I did, God would bless me.

So I almost cried, but didn't. Language has been such a frustration to me, and I realize now that others have noticed, which then becomes even more embarrassing. He was trying to challenge and encourage me, but you know that feeling when you realize that others see your weakness as clearly as you do?And then I fight the battle of comparison, looking at others and seeing how wonderfully they speak Swahili and start up conversations with strangers. So today I just felt exposed. Then I went back into my office and studied Swahili for an hour to make myself feel better. We'll see how long that lasts.
So please be praying for this my friends. I'm not sure the next steps to take to improve my Swahili, and lately seem to utterly lack the gumption and bravery to do so. Pray for creativity, boldness, and small encouragements.

!!Now, For Your Amusement!!!
A sign from a guest house I stayed at in Nairobi. A little vowel can make a BIG difference

Tidbits

Happy News!
I have a beautiful new nephew named Owen! He is a beautiful kid, and every new picture I see makes me want to find the soonest flight home. Both mother and son are well and adjusting to this new and ever so slightly different life.

Sad News
A couple weeks ago I got news that my grandmother went to be with Jesus, following her husband who left us in March. This has been a difficult time for my family and a hard time for me to be away. Maymay and Papa both knew the Lord and are resting and rejoicing now as they haven't for years. Maymay had Alzheimer's and hadn't been truly with us for many years. I am so glad I was able to spend time with them both at Christmas, and I have no regrets about things left unsaid. Praise the Lord!

Internet Access!
This week I finally got a modem so I'll now have internet at home! And man, have I been blazing through it. I have only had internet at the office up til now, which has been fine except that it has made phone calls exceptionally difficult because of the lack of Skype. I've just been using my cell phone, which has been running up costs, especially with all the family stuff that's been going on. Getting things done up in Musoma can be a real challenge, so I am extraordinarily content to have more internet time and am looking forward to many phone calls with friends in the near future.
A Week of Planning Meetings
This week I have been in Dar es Salaam for branch-wide strategy planning meetings. They seem to have invited all of the big-wigs and new people. It's been a good week, but long meetings and LOTS of meetings, talking, arguments, discussion, strong personalities, and more. I've learned a lot, and even put my two cents in every now and then. Good week. Right now I'm just tired and ready to go back though. The best part has been catching up with friends Crystal, Marie and Jo. And its also been nice getting beef that tastes more like beef than beef flavored gum; something I've really grown to appreciate!

Two New Words

Well I’ve spent a considerable portion of my time here attempting to learn Swahili. Though it is considered an easier language to learn, it is still a new language full of new challenges. Whenever you are learning a local language but also participating in expatriate community life, certain words from the learned language make it into everyday speech, no matter what language you are speaking. I would like to take a moment to introduce two of those words to you, as I am apt to use them in phone conversations and emails.

Karibu! (kah-‘ree-bu) The nearest translation of this word is “welcome” but here it has a much broader usage. For example, when someone knocks at your door, enters your home, car, or office, you say “karibu.” To invite someone to take a seat, you say “karibu kiti” (welcome to the chair). To invite someone over to your home, you say “Karibu kwetu.” When someone says thank you, you answer “karibu.” You can also use it as an affirmative answer to a request. For example, if someone asks if they can borrow something, you can simply answer “karibu.” I love this word and use it with an inordinate amount of frequency.

Pole! (‘po-ley) This means something like “sorry.” Its uses are seemingly endless. When someone trips, you say “pole”. It’s a word of sympathy, whether you just sneezed or a family member just died. If anyone ever says anything bad or sad that has happened, the correct response is “pole.” If I get in someone’s way at the office, I can say “pole.” When someone’s sick or has just returned from a long trip, it’s the same. I have become completely addicted to this word, because it always seems terribly appropriate.

So there’s your Swahili lesson for the day. Karibu!