This is my new adopted Great-Grandma Ingga. The first time I went to the village a year ago January, I took a picture of this lady sitting by the tree on a bamboo bench. I remember trying to greet her, but she did not know any English at all, and I did not know her language at all. It was so frustrating not to be able to speak to her!
This time when we went, she became the one I spent the most time with. The reason is that I finally am learning to speak a language she knows! It was so wonderful to hear her laugh when I said something funny, or to be able to translate the stories she expressed. On Sunday morning I had quite a lengthy conversation with her which drew us both to love each other even more. I was trying to teach her how to say "Laugh" because she wanted to try to say some words in my language. The problem was she only had two teeth, so she could not make the "F" sound. She was so cute when she said "Laps" instead of "Laugh"! 
It was also really special to sing with Great-Grandma Ingga. I taught her "Ho-ho-ho-ho-sanna! Ha-ha-ha-lelujah! He-he-he-he saved me! I've got the joy of the Lord." She really sang great and learned to clap along with me while we praised God together. Later we heard people singing that same song in the kitchen, so I guess word travels fast! She told me she has 10 children (2 died), 80 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. Wow! Now that's leaving a legacy!
3 comments:
What a fun song to teach foreigners! I never thought about that one! She sounds like a dear lady!--I'm so glad you hit it off this time!
By the way, I was the one to leave that last comment! ~Jess
I never think of the "F" sound as having anything to do with the teeth... but it does! Huh. :o)
[Boy, if you're looking for a challenge, just try to do one of those word verifications on a foreign keyboard!]
Post a Comment