I love learning new languages. (ok, I’ve barely learned 2 in my 21 years on earth) I grew up speaking English, and started learning Spanish about 6 years ago, and have since become conversational at best in it. I’ve also dabbled in French and German over the years. One day I hope to expand my linguistic palette (if that’s the right term) even further.
I was excited today while reading in Genesis (part of B90X, check it out) I read about the people of Babel. “And the LORD said, ‘Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.’”
Nada est unmöglich (“nothing is impossible” in Spanish, French, and German). Imagine the all of the good that we could accomplish that isn’t being done now because we lack the ability to communicate with others. We could be building school in Kenya, hospitals in orphanages in Peru, churches in China. I love learning new languages to be able to expand the sphere of people with whom I communicate. Over a billion people speak one of the two languages I know as their fist or second language, but that’s only a fifth of the people on earth.
I ask that God will allow me to use my foreign language abilities for Him. As of right now I can already see how He is allowing me to do that. There is a growing Hispanic community in Charleston, and I’ve been able to be attend the Spanish services at my church there when I’m home. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to sponsor a child in Peru, and have been able to write letters to him in his native language. I’m hoping to go on a mission trip to a Spanish speaking country in the next year. The possibilities are numerous for the use of this gift.
Here’s my challenge to yall. Learn another language. It may be difficult at first, but it will pay off in the end. If we can possess the ability to communicate with all the people of earth, in God’s own words, nothing will be impossible.
My sister is super passionate about Spanish and my cousins are missionaries in Mexico. I am growing to love Latin America.
Speaking of writing letters, while my Spanish is quite limited, I wrote a letter to my Compassion kid (Juan!!!) in Guatemala. Talk about a motivator!
no matter how man languages I learn Spanish will be my first love. Compassion is a great program, thanks for getting involved.
I def. need to do this. Rather I need a refresher of sorts. I learned Spanish for school and just need to brush off the dust.
in my opinion, where we live Spanish is the best choice to learn for your second language. but, I'm not going to knock on any other, like I said, I'm not stopping with just two!
Great blog! I too love the languages.
I'm focusing on Spanish and French right now, but I've also studied German and Italian.
Language is more than a tool for communication, its a gift from God that allows us to push the limits of our self expression. I hope to be able to serve him with my language skills too. As we continue our studies and expand our learning, God will also give us more opportunities to serve him with that knowledge.