"Chubby Bunny"

     We are four weeks deep into our final trimester of language school. Our hearts are preparing to say goodbye to close friends and dear teachers in just a few weeks. We are also ready to see many cherished friends and family in the States when we visit in December. And finally, our hearts are bursting at the seams to arrive in Mexico and begin our journey in ministry as a family.   

      As for right now, the idea of treading water comes to mind, but at least we are above the water. Each trimester has presented its own difficulties and successes. We can now do more than just ask “where is the bathroom?” in Spanish. The best analogy that I can think of is Chubby Bunny:

     Several years ago, as a youth, I was introduced to the game Chubby Bunny. In the game each person takes a marshmallow and puts it inside of their mouth. To be able to continue, the person must say, “Chubby Bunny”.  Each round requires you to put another marshmallow in your mouth. The first few rounds are fairly easy, but as the game progresses it gets harder and harder to say the words because your mouth becomes fuller and fuller. For the past nine months, this has been how it has felt to learn how to speak Spanish. There are other similarities to “Chubby Bunny” and language learning. Frist of all, you have to be willing to laugh at yourself. No matter how foolish it may feel to try and speak, it is important to try. Next, you have to accept that others are going to laugh at you. This is not meant to be rude or uncaring, in most cases, it is just funny. In addition, you should realize ahead of time that things might get a little messy. Finally, you have to encourage others. There are times when you just can’t take anymore and you spit out the marshmallows, but this is not the end. That time is when it is meant to encourage others to continue to try. All along in the back of your mind, you realize that it was so much fun, you are ready to do it again.

Blessed beyond the curse,
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