Small Victories at the Bread Store

I stopped at the bread store on the way home from my French lesson yesterday. My request for one baguette was met with a shake of the head from the man behind the counter, and a string of French that I could not understand. I think he was saying they were out of baguettes, and was pointing out my other options—but I’m not positive. Feeling a little helpless, I used my broken French to say, “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.” He asked (in French) if I speak English (yes), and then asked his co-workers if they speak English (nope). I still really wanted to buy some bread, so I pointed to something that looked fairly basic, called “Saint Thomas,” and was asked “un ou deux?” (“One or two?”) Despite all the confusion, I came away with these two delicious loaves for less than a dollar, and was even complimented on my French (LOL—thanks for being nice to the clueless American).

Even though my trip to the bread store didn’t go exactly as planned, I still see it as a success in some ways. It was a chance to practice my French, interact with the locals, and make a purchase, all on my own.

Living in a new culture (or in any big transition), I think it is so important to celebrate the small victories, because honestly, sometimes they are all you can really cling to.

Here are a couple other small victories I have experienced in the last week:

Walking from the house to the clinic (and back), without anyone telling me which way to go, and even without street signs (yes, I am now living “where the streets have no name”). It’s not a particularly far or difficult walk, but given my bad sense of direction, this is definitely an accomplishment.

The map that Stephanie drew me of the walk between the house and the clinic :)

Being able to greet people, and express basic information (my name, how I am doing, where I am going…) in French.

Sometimes I get frustrated by the little things that I am not able to do here. But I am also trying to thank God for everything that goes right, no matter how small.