My New Friends

These are my new friends. The young lady’s name is La, and the young man’s name is Khamla. I just finished my 4th tutoring session with them. And it has been so fun. They are so appreciative of me taking time to teach them English. And I am so appreciative of them taking time to teach me Lao. Tonight I learned head, ear, hand, and feet. Of course, I learn much more in language school but it’s just too fun to learn from them.

Studying their language definitely gives me sympathy for them while they learn my language. Quite frankly, Lao is much easier than English. I cannot imagine how complex my language must seem. I’ve only been studying Lao for 2 1/2 weeks. I can already read any word I want. That just wouldn’t happen in this amount of time for an English learner.

Khamla keeps me entertained. The other day I introduced him to Bethany. He pointed to her and said, “My wife is very beautiful.” I knew what he meant. So I just said, “I think my wife is beautiful too.” Last night, he pointed to his head and said, “I have a stomach ache.” It took me several seconds to figure out what he meant. Tonight we were going over the names of things in a hotel room. I pointed to a pillow. He said, “Towel,....ugh, no.......soap.” It took all I had not to laugh. Although we laugh at each other’s pronunciation all the time.

I think I can do this. I think I can actually relate to the people around me. I had my doubts for sure. But it has been so easy to enjoy the company of my new found friends. I can’t wait to meet more.