Hey everyone! It's Rayna. My husband gave me an advice to share how adapting to Brazil has been for me.
Well let's begin! As you know I don't speak Portuguese and have never been to Brazil before coming with my husband. It's not always easy for me, but I'm trying. I have been here for about 3 months now and haven't fully learned Portuguese. Ivan's family and friends have taken the time to speak English to me, but there are still those moments where your in a room and everyone around you is speaking a language you don't know. I don't know about you but Portuguese is not an easy language to learn.
My battle through out this time is not being able to walk around the city on my own or even have a solid conversation with everyone. It's hard and I felt that there have been times where I've put this face on like it doesn't bother me. In all reality it does. You don't want everyone to translate for you or speak English because you do. I've been ministering in a ministry that embraces people's culture and language yet when coming to a place where you really have to walk it out... It's hard.
In this time though I have learned to make the best of it. I have embraced what I can and is still learning Portuguese. It's not as easy to learn another language while also aging, but it's worth a try. A friend of minds gave me great advice. He said, "When you really want to learn the language speak to them in Portuguese even tho their speaking in English to you. Surround yourself with people who can't speak English, so it forces you to try." Easier said then done, but it's the challenge I'm willing to take.
My husband has been a great support. If your in this situation or your husband/wife is, the best advice is to understand that supporting each other through this time makes everything easier. It's hard for the person and simiply just communicating with them or being open with things around really helps. The greatest tho is to help them to learn your language before or even now. Oh and for those in my shoes... be willing to change or it will be hard and be willing to learn from your spouse and/or people around you.
I have amazing friends and family here and love that they always make me feel welcome. SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN BRAZIL. Love you guys and thank you for embracing me in your lives and in your culture.
