Dear Solomon,
I just moved to Munich, "where everyone speaks English", except they don't. My husband is pretty fluent but he works all day. Getting groceries is nearly impossible. I can't ask where things are or what they are and the labels are all in German, and rightly so! This is Germany! I only know how much to pay if I can see the red numbers on the cash register. There's no one bagging my groceries and I'm always holding up the line and getting glared at. Also, I bring our 3 small kids with me to the store and people generally stare at me for that. I just feel like I don't belong here and like I do almost everything wrong. I really want to be happy here. But I'm not. And you know what happens when mama ain't happy. Please help!
Sincerely,
Tearful Mom
Dear Tearful Mom,
I'm glad you wrote to me instead of just deciding it's hopeless. I'm sorry you feel like an outcast and I don't want you to feel that way. I want you to feel loved and accepted because you are in Christ! It sounds like you've forgotten that so I thought I'd remind you.
Now, in regards to your current situation, an exercise in thankfulness will certainly take away your language barrier blues. A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Think about what you're thankful for regarding being in Germany with your family. Be specific. Write things down if you want to encourage yourself to have a good attitude. Since your focus was on the mundane task of grocery shopping, list some things that you're thankful for regarding the mundane, regarding the daily grind. Then tell your kids what you're thankful for. When mama's giving thanks, everybody gives thanks! Especially if mama's thanks is enthusiastic and accompanied by tickles and/or silly voices and/or crazy dancing. (My dad, David, knew some pretty crazy dances!)
Sincerely
Solomon, the wise king
