One week left of classes and graduation from the Spanish Language Institute is just around the corner (Friday, August 14). We received back our final exams and we did well, Praise the Lord! Becky especially ranked especially high in her oral exam, and received a higher qualification that I did!!
But what is especially exciting about this for me is that the story really begins when Becky and I were engaged. She was particularly self-conscious about her ability to learn a second language, and didn't think she could. One day, she could hold it in any longer and blurted out, "You'd be better off with someone else, I'll never be able to learn Spanish, I could never be a missionary's wife." She assumed because I already "knew" Spanish at the time, that I wouldn't have to go to language school. I remember assuring her to trust in God, and that He would help her.
As she began to her studies at the language institute she felt as though her worst fears were becoming a reality. The academic director discovered through a pattern of her tests, that she was dyslexic. Which made conjugating verbs and knowing where to put pronouns nearly impossible. She was then put in a lower level grammar class. But she didn't give up. God put some great teachers in her that didn't give up on her and pushed her as well, saying "!Si se puede!" (Yes you can!). She found a way that helped her learn, talking and practicing with friends and neighbors and always finding a way to reinforce things orally. She went from barely passing grammar tests in basic concepts, to receiving A's and even a 100% in the more complex mood of the language, the subjunctive! Does he call the equipped, or equip the called? Isn't just like God to take something that looks impossible by human standards and turn it around for His glory?
Oh God, great is your faithfulness!
Another affirmation that Becky is not a missionary's wife nor called to be one, but a missionary, now equipped to share the saving gospel of Jesus in Spanish.
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (II Corinthians 12:9)."
