Thursday, May 7, 2009

Found in Translation


You've heard the expression lost in translation. I'm about to share a story with you that represents something found in translation.

Yesterday we received word from one of our sponsor children through Compassion International. When I read the letter I was deeply moved. I must admit I'm not sure of the language the letter was originally written in; Haitian, French or Creole. But it's the translation I plan to tell you about today.

These lines jumped out at me, "She would like to ask you some little questions," and then, "She asks God to throw his blessing upon you and asks you to take that verse as a souvenir."

Do you see it? The impact, the endearing impact of the translation! As I thought about this, sifting it through my mind, I realized that this could just be the way our sponsor child's words were translated, but then it hit me. Even if it is just a translation, something is found in it.

She must be imagining her questions for us as little, when to me they are enormous. The mere fact she is demonstrating curiosity and interest in others in her current living situation is beyond encouraging for me.

Then, my favorite...her asking God to throw his blessing upon us! I think of a woman making a bed watching the quilt fall over the bed, checking to make sure it covers the whole bed. I think of how before I leave the house I "throw" on some perfume, which leads me to think of how we are to be fragrant offerings for the Lord. I love the idea of God throwing his blessing on me.

Finally, she wrote a verse that she asked we keep as as souvenir. Why do we buy souvenirs? To remember something special to us, a time shared we don't want to forget. By her writing that verse she struck a cord in me and now I will forever remember her letter and that verse!

If you'd like to learn more about Compassion International, check out they're blog.


**Katie got the most correct answers on my impromptu quiz the other day. Please visit her blog. I've loved getting to know her through blogging. She's a dedicated writer and mom.


11 comments:

  1. This is absolutely precious, Wendy. I pray God does THROW a blessing onto you.

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  2. I love the way a certain truth comes through in the translation that makes the words all the more special.

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  3. How cool! I just love the way that you interpreted each of her phrases! Beautiful! I'd never thought of keeping God's word like a souvenir, but it should be that precious to us!

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  4. Simply beautiful. I have a dear friend from South Africa and I adore her phrases :)

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  5. What beautiful thoughts! Thank you for sharing, they brightened my day!

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  6. Thanks for the shout out Wendy! I love your thoughts on your sponsored child's letter. It is so humbling to form relationships with these kids, isn't it?

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  7. Julie, Thanks for the prayer.

    Luisa, You've been such a steadfast support. Thank you!

    Joanne, all the more special...yes.

    Jody, sometimes I'm blown away by just how living and active it is.

    Tess, I'd love you to write about those phrases sometime.

    Windsong, it is cool to know I brightened your day.

    Katie, You deserve a shout out! I agree with the humbling part.

    You ladies are fantastic!
    ~ Wendy

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  8. It's funny...I can almost throw a ball and hit Compassion International from my house, but I've never known anyone who's sponsored a child...thanks for sharing your thoughts on the experience...it will give me some things to think, pray about.

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  9. Nice blog you have here. I'll be back!

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  10. That is the most touching thing I have read in a long time.
    Dropped by from SITS.

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