Mbote!

I have dabbled in languages since I was a young girl. I learned a little German one summer, went through a tiny bit of Spanish, took New Testament Greek in Bible college, tried to discover the basics of Latin, figured out a few Swedish phrases, and studied French for seven years in school. But I had never even heard of Lingala.

Until now.



Each morning, we try a new phrase. It rolls around on our tongues, awkwardly, comically. We attach the phrases to ideas, to situations - but our minds still want to be so literal, to match up the strange-sounding words with words we know. Little by little, now and then, when we're out or when we're at home, we repeat them to each other.

And then I try to imagine - what's it like to be suddenly in a new country, with an all-new language, and a desperate need to communicate?

Our little guy will need to learn English, and we will find creative and supportive ways to help him do that. But maybe welcoming him with some words in his native language will be another way of saying, "We want you. We have waited for you. We love you!"

So to our son, an ocean away and a time zone five hours ahead - know that your new family prays for you and longs for you.

Nalingi yo. I love you...

Our first phrases in lingala came from this website: http://pascal.grouselle.pagesperso-orange.fr/lecon-0101.htm Of course, the website is all in French, but that just makes it more fun.