I have reached two weeks of studying French. Surprisingly, I’ve learned quite a large amount of verbs and vocabulary, allowing me to get what I want across to most people. The only problem is the large gap which exists between knowing the words and being able to understand them when others talk.

The first week living here proved to be quite fun, laughing at my many failed attempts to communicate, meeting new people and places, experiencing a new culture. Anyone can thrive in this setting for some time, but once the glory of the new experiences diminish, one is left in a new place where communicating is difficult.

Living in a household of seven people is difficult in and of itself. Often stealing time to myself becomes a struggle around so many and sharing a room with Guillaume.  No matter how much I slept or hid away from people, after a little more than a week I was continually exhausted.

Last night Christine and I attended a bible study downtown. Ironically, most of the people spoke English, many being American missionaries. However, that night I primarily heard French. Throughout dinner a few words of English were spoken, allowing me to practice comprehending the French the rest of the evening.  The study took place in French taught by Henry, an American missionary who has lived in France for forty five years.  After thirty minutes, I couldn’t muster the energy to continue listening, attempting to understand the quickly spoken words.

The study lasted around an hour with another thirty minutes of prayer following. When we finished, everyone began talking with one another about, well I haven’t a clue what.  However, Henry turned to me and said, “Exhausted isn’t it?” I respond ” What is?”.  ”Trying to follow in French, translating what you can in your head. It takes a lot out of you. I know it did for me for the first few months I was here.”

Amazingly enough this never hit me until then. The mental energy necessary in attempting to understand another language is immense.  Looking back I find times when I mentally tuned everyone out because of my exhaustion from trying to understand. At night I often watch a tv show or two in English because I need to listen to something without the mental effort to comprehend.

Before realizing this, I found myself longing to be back in Denver with my friends, only to converse with other with minimal effort. Now I understand why.