prova

Mark likes to take Samuel out for a walk when I'm cooking dinner. On one of his walks, he met a young girl from our neighborhood. She quickly gave him the run down of where everyone lives and what goes on around our bairro.

One day, she came by our house when Mark and Samuel were out for their walk. I went out to tell her Mark would be back soon and that I was learning Portuguese, so I probably couldn't say much. That's when my prova began! It was a fun little test. She started quizzing me about the objects around my home, what I was doing, where I lived, where I was from...all sorts of questions. I was feeling really good about my answers. She was understanding what I was saying, and I was too!

However, when Mark got home, I learned I had missed a very important question. Apparently, I said I didn't know who Mark's wife was! Mark spent a few minutes explaining that I am his wife and that no other women live with him. Haha...oops! I still don't know how I managed to not understand what she was asking. But, it's a good story to laugh about now.

demais

The first time I saw this written in Brazil, I laughed so hard. I said, "D+?! Isn't that a really bad grade? That's not much of a compliment at all!"

Mark explained to me that it was "demais" abbreviated. The chocolate is actually saying something like, "you're the best" or "you're awesome."

So, if you get a D+ chocolate bar from me someday, don't be offended!

I think learning abbreviations and idioms is probably one of the hardest parts of learning a language, right? I mean, can you imagine the looks you'd get if you said, "It's raining cats and dogs out there," to someone who didn't know English?

starting school

Well, I've officially begun language school! I'm starting off slowly - only 3.5 hours a week for now. Once Samuel is bigger, I'll try to go more often. It has been nice to have formal interaction with Portuguese, rather than studying through an app on my phone or trying to glean random words I hear on the street, in the market, at church, etc. I'm learning some new verbs and introductory conversation vocabulary. One of my homework assignments for the week is to interview someone who only speaks Portuguese. I have to find out their name, occupation, any nicknames...and whatever else I want to know how to find out. Wish me luck! I think the Brazilians have gotten used to my lack of speech... they might be afraid to answer me! 

language barrier

It was (IS) a lot more difficult than I thought it would be to not know how to speak the language. I wish I could put words to how--embarrassing, frustrating, sad, overwhelming--it is to not be able to use your voice! However, I can sympathize with my 11 month old son who cries as he tries to communicate his needs to me and my husband. Sometimes, I wish I could just do that too, buddy!

Having studied French in high school (and I guess being married to a Brazilian??), I understand a lot more than I can say. I generally understand the gist of the conversation. But trying to respond is a totally different thing! I'm thankful (and nervous!) that I will begin language class soon. It's going to be helpful (and humbling).

Isn't it incredible that God created us with the desire to communicate? to fellowship? to be in relationship with one another? And He communicates with us - through His Word. I'm so thankful that our God is a God who speaks. He created language (and created by language - He spoke and everything happened!) and gave us His Word so that we could know Him. I have to remind myself of this as I'm miles away and a whole different language away from "home." I have the privilege of learning a new language to introduce others to my Savior.

it does not mean what you think it means

While opening my package of Brazilian Oreos (negresco), I noticed the wrapper said, "puxe" at the pull-tab.  

Puxe means "pull." Empurre means "push."

guards you from a shower

chove muito aqui.
eu tenho um guarda-chuva.
(it rains a lot here.
i have an umbrella.)