Language adventures in Vladivostok
My name is Catia, I am 20 years old, from Switzerland, currently studying at the School of Ministry and Leadership Development in Vancouver (CA). I came to Vladivostok 2 weeks ago for a 7 week outreach...
I smiled at the little girl who tells me excited about something in Russian while we were waiting for someone. Finally I told her that I don’t understand what she’s saying. She turned her back to me, watching the street. With the little Russian I knew I asked her her name. She turned around, I think she was a bit confused but told me her name. She offered me some of her Sprite and I sad "No, thanks." Later, she asked again and I took a sip before I gave the can back to her. She smiled, I smiled. Then the woman we were waiting for came back. The girl offered me her sister's Coke. I took it. The girl said something which I interpreted as "You can finish it. My sister had enough." I still tried to give it back, in case I didn’t understand right. But she didn’t take it. So I kept it and finished it. "Fkgustna (Tasty)?", she asked. I knew that word! I was so excited to say "Da (Yes)". It is not easy to communicate with people who don’t speak the same language as we do. But it is possible and kids are really good in it. I’m surprised how people still try to communicate with me even though I don’t speak their language. They are very sweet and don’t judge me for not speaking Russian but thanking me for coming all the way to their city and to work here for the kingdom of God.
