There have been many times overseas where I’ve missed the mark when it comes to communication. Here are 3 short stories to give you an idea of what I mean…
Pineapple Por Favor
Chili Pizza is located just behind out flat in Uzhhorod, Ukraine. Our host took us the very first night and to my surprise, they had my favorite, Hawaiian! (Only in Ukraine, they put corn along with the ham and pineapple.)
Last week, our team went back for dinner. Knowing that they served Hawaiian pizza, I used the Google Translate App to order extra pineapple. We anxiously awaited the tasty hot pie. Our server came to the table and presented us with a large pizza topped with tomatoes, ham and corn. No pineapple in sight. I should have known it was too good to be true.
Chili Pizza, you got me good this time.
Kid-N-Play?
Getting off the train from Budapest we helped out a family of 3. While waiting in line for customs, I noticed the thirteen-year-old daughter moving her feet back and forth in what looked like the 1980s Kid-N-Play dance move. A classic!
I decided to join in the fun and even tried teaching her the rest of the dance where you interlock ankles with each other and spin around in a circle. After the third try knocking my ankle to hers, I soon realized that she wasn’t interested. That’s when her mom jumped in to share but they were on their way to the national fencing championship in Ukraine.
What I think she was really trying to say was, “Stop kicking my daughter in the ankle, she’s practicing her fencing moves.”
Oops!!!
Lazaro
I met Lazaro, a kind-eyed elderly gentleman on the train in Hungary. Sitting across from him, I’ve never wanted to understand a language more. Moments from putting in headphones to relax on our 5th train in 2 days, something in me knew I was supposed to say hello. I mustered everything I could, smiled and let out a small giggle as I struggled to ask him his name, where he was from and tell him I liked his scarf. The language barrier made it difficult to communicate. I felt defeated and began to tear up. I so desperately wanted to know his story. We sat in silence for the remainder of the ride. I quietly prayed for Lazaro, his journey and family if he even has one.
Feeling frustrated, the Lord gently reminded that His love is shown through our actions, through our eyes, through our smiles, through our interactions with one another.
Lazaro may not have heard the Gospel that day, but he certainly saw it and I’ve got a feeling he left with a little love from the Father.
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So whether it’s attempting to order my favorite pizza, dancing with a complete stranger, or making small talk with a man on the train, I’m still going to try my very best to communicate with each person the Lord places in my path.
What are some of your favorite miscommunications?
