Before moving overseas, I read newsletters of cross cultural workers and thought something along the lines of, Well, that’s interesting. Now that I live overseas, I realize newsletters are filled with code words. Or rather, ordinary words that take on a bit of ‘extra’ when used in the context of living overseas.
For example: It’s been a year of transitions and adjustments. Is actually a neat and tidy way of saying: I’ve spent the last 12 months living out of a suitcase and making a ton of mistakes everywhere I go.
Ahh, now we understand what’s actually going on.
There are many, many more. In the interest of moving past the that’s interesting thoughts that may accompany newsletter reading, this post is devoted to decoding a few of our common words and phrases.
Code: Visa
application process
Meaning: We’ve quit our jobs, given away our belongings, raised support, and
are ready to go, but if this paperwork is denied all our plans are totally stuffed.
Code: Health issues
Meaning: This mainly means diarrhea.
Code: Prayerfully
consider partnering with us.
Meaning: We really need people pray for us and donate money every month and are
pretty sure if you just asked Jesus, he’d tell you to do it.
Note: No? It’s just me then.
Code: Rainy season
Meaning: Thank God for relief from raging tropical heat, but now there is mud
everywhere and my laundry won’t dry.
Code: Graduating
language school
Meaning: HALLELUJAH WE’VE BEEN SET FREE!!!
Note: For some of us, language school is also known as “Language She’ol”. Yes,
as in the dark and lonely realm of the dead.
Code: It’s been a difficult term
Meaning: We are so completely stressed out and yelling at each other all the time and quite frankly surprised to still be here.
Note: Respond to this newsletter and ask how you can help.
Code: Tired
Meaning: Utter exhaustion
Note: Gift this person a vacation.
Code: Multi-cultural
team
Meaning: We’re all from different countries and the Dutch are rude, the Germans
are inflexible, the Americans are too sensitive, and the Australians are very,
well… Australian. Plus, it’s hard to tell jokes everyone understands.
Code: Thank you for
praying!!!
Meaning: Don’t forget us. We might die if you don’t pray.
Note: Ok, I exaggerated…or did I?
Code: We could not be here without you.
Meaning: We could not be here without you.
Note: Maybe it sounds a bit cheesy, but it’s totally the truth. So is this…
Thank you. You have no idea how much your faithful encouragement and support means to us. We thank God for you.
