It is a huge temptation for me to take this whole language learning experience into my own prideful hands and try to do it in my own strength. I can study as much as is possible (with two young children!) and do my best on tests and in the classroom, but not be doing it in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord in my own heart and attitudes. We have learned close to 1,000 vocabulary words, over 100 verbs, and 4 verb tenses in the past six weeks. That is a LOT! I was convicted recently that I have been doing precisely this: studying, attending class, taking the tests, and either being disappointed in my failures or prideful in my (small) achievements with the language, but never considering the role God has in my studies. Yes, I know He has shown His gracious hand in our family and children as we have adjusted to life here. He has reminded me that He is the one who has a great plan for the people of Chad. But I forgot that He is God even over this little detail of us learning French. Please pray for both of us that as we strive to learn French well, we will humbly remember that it is God who gives us the mind and understanding for learning. We want to remember during our studies to ask God to help us and give us His strength to persevere. We want His blessing as we give our best efforts to learn. Without His grace, we would not be where we are today in our French studies.
