Through the Seasons

Introvert vs Extrovert

I’m sure you can guess but if you don’t already know it, I’m an introvert and Jonathan is an extrovert.  Jonathan will talk to anyone and not just greet them but talk to them for as long as they’re willing.  I may say hello but that’s usually the end of it and I pass by many strangers throughout my day who I never acknowledge.  I’m not sure Jonathan has ever met a stranger.  I’ve never really thought much of our differences in this area until our trip to Dar. 

I was so excited that we’d be using our Swahili in real life situations.  The practice is very beneficial.  So who do you think benefited most from our activities there?  Hmph.  Jonathan, by far. 

First of all, there’s the extrovert thing.  During every taxi ride there was hardly a quiet moment.  He would chat and chat and chat.  We ended up using the same taxi driver the whole time we were there.  (And since they were such good friends – yeah right – the driver wanted us to help him get to America.  Sigh.)  He made friends with our bus driver and talked to the couple next to us on the bus.  Chatty, chatty, chatty. 

Second of all, Jonathan takes care of me extensively in all situations.  He arranged our taxi rides and got us where we needed to go.  He arranged my doctor appointments, talked to the receptionists, and paid the bill.  He got our movie tickets and took charge while we were shopping.  And as usual, I did speak…when it was necessary.  I spoke with the nurses during the process of my appointment.  I greeted the taxi driver and spoke to him a little bit.  And at the movies I got our popcorn while he was getting our tickets.  The only conversing I did outside of that was to say ‘thank you’ a lot.  It’s not like I’m a pampered brat or anything though.  At the doctor and in the taxi (the majority of the time) I was quite ill…something about the heat and the movement.  I threw up in many cars over our the weekend.  So there was a real reason for him to take charge and take care of me…and I’m so grateful to have a husband that is so thoughtful and involved. 

And I guess there is a third reason he has gotten so much practice.  He has confidence and doesn’t worry about making mistakes.  This is probably my weakest point.  There were many times he would ask me “what does this Swahili word mean” or “what is the Swahili word for this English word” and I would know them.  So it’s in my head.  It just doesn’t come out of my mouth much, so when I am in a situation to speak it, my nerves get the best of me and I really stumble over what I’m trying to say.  If they could only read my mind it would go much better.   

So, my goal, I guess, should be to gain confidence.  I’m not sure how to go about doing that but it really will help because one day Jonathan will be working while I shop, take the baby to the doctor, and all the other things that go along with life.  And I know in my heart I can do this.  It’s just a matter of actually doing it.  Feel the fear and do it anyway, right?

As I close this post I can hear Jonathan outside the banda…chatting and joking around with the staff…in Swahili…  He’s so good.