Beyond My Comfort Zone . . .

My team is currently reading a book on teamwork, and the recent chapter describes my life of today perfectly:

To help people reach their potential and maximize their effectiveness, stretch them out of the comfort zones, but never out of their gift zones . . . motivating people out of their comfort zones leads to fulfillment.

The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork John C. Maxwell

There are aspects of my life here that are self-motivational. I study Fulfulde on my own. I report my hours to my team director. I meet occasionally with a larger inter-denominational Fulani team. However, the studying, creativity, motivation - largely is my own. Though the above quote was written to leaders in how to motivate their teams. I see in some ways how I myself have to do this in my language study. Learning Fulfulde is within my gift zone and learning this will lead to fulfillment - the ultimate reason why I am here - to share with my Fulani friends (in their own heart language) the love of God. However, to reach my potential and maximize my effectiveness I need to practice the language.

Thus today, I stretched myself beyond and (way, way) outside my comfort zone!

Today, I walked down the street to a group of four huts where live a group of Fulani people (or so I was told - I was hoping that they had not moved!). The goal being to walk into a complete group of strangers, greet them in their language - and pray that they would accept me in to sit and listen and practice my Fulfulde!! Yup - complete strangers! Who speak another language, of which I only know small small (African expression for: a little)! All on my own! No previous team contact. Deep breath . . . I can do this.

So off I headed, wondering if it was even culturally acceptable to walk into a concession (home) of people I do not know. As I approached their area, I noticed that the wall of the courtyard was wide open - at least I would not be walking through a closed door or gate. I walked slowly past the opening and noticed women scattered throughout the yard. I greeted them in the generic Nigerien salutation 'Fofo'. This would at least cover me if they were not Fulani. The closest lady responded and I ventured another greeting this time in Fulfulde to which she responded in Fulfulde. I then ventured a few steps into the yard to ask if she spoke Fulfulde. She answered affirmatively.

By this time, I have the attention of everyone in the yard - all women and children: about 10 people! They have all stopped working, walking, playing to watch the white woman. I continue to greet the first lady; however, though she is responding to me, she has switched to Zarma!! I am hesitant to continue, but decide that she is at the very least understanding me. I mention that I am learning Fulfulde and they motion for me to come in and sit down.

For the next 10 minutes or so, I stutter a few questions and they continue speaking amongst themselves. Though, aside from a few words directed at me, the women continue speaking in Zarma and ask if I am studying Zarma or Hausa as well. After this time, I am beginning to wonder if perhaps the Fulani had moved and I now had met a Zarma family! Yet, after explaining why I was studying Fulfulde - to work with the Fulani - and that my team worked towards Makalondi (a village South of Niamy), the ladies began speaking in Fulfulde. Perhaps they were cautious admitting they were Fulani until they understood why I was there (likely as, or more, nervous than was I)!

For the next hour, I sat and spoke a few words and mostly listened to them chatter amongst themselves, capturing a few words here and there. I believe that I said: "I don't understand" more times in this hour than all times combined since I started studying Fulfulde!!

After some time, I decided that I should head back home and allow the ladies to return to their work. Despite my indicated that they should not stop working, they all gathered around where I was sitting to 'entertain' me. I indicated that I was going home and they all walked me to the gate to say goodbye. They asked if I was coming back tomorrow and indicated that I was welcome any day that I wanted to come!

I have found my Fulani friends!