One challenge I found while living overseas is something as simple as getting a good haircut. My biggest problem has been communication. Five languages and two considered very hard to learn, I lowered my expectations to “good enough.”
In Mexico City, I found no English-speaking barbers. In a small neighborhood shop, I used gestures and got a reasonably good haircut. The elderly man was patient with my limitation and more so after a generous tip. I couldn’t make a reservation, and often had to wait for an opening. It was near a Synagogue and on Friday the shop was filled with boys who had those distinctive locks of hair hanging down on each side.
In Moscow, the barber\beauty shop was inside the Embassy. A lady from our Church was the Manager and told the barbers what I wanted. The “barbers” were beautiful young ladies that gave me the best haircuts, but both smelled of cigarette smoke.
I had high hopes of getting a good haircut in Vienna but was soon disappointed to run into the language barrier again. Nobody spoke English until I found “Franz Beauty Shop and Art Gallery” where the owner fancied himself an artist. Much of his “art” was risqué, but he did speak a little English. I still couldn’t make an appointment.
Our next assignment was in the Marshall Islands, where I was fortunate to find a Filipino barber. He spoke English and I could get a haircut almost any time I wanted. He would have given me an appointment, but the Marshallese people that had money could be very demanding and he didn’t want to make them angry.
Our next stop was Brussels and the language problems returned. I managed to get several good haircuts as a walk-in customer but was embarrassed when they told me to come back later. I understood in one hour, but they meant 1 PM. I gave up on convenience and drove several miles to a small US military post.
I expected language problems when I arrived in Beijing, but was surprised to find a nearby shop, where a few hand gestures got me a great haircut. The only Chinese I have ever spoken to him is “Thanks” and he has only said “OK,” “wait,” and “Merry Christmas” to me. I generously tip him, and he works me in every time I show up.
There is one place where I never have a problem communicating, because there is no language barrier. He knows the thoughts and intent of my heart better than I know myself. I don’t need an appointment and have His full attention anytime I have a need. I won’t have to lower my expectations; in fact I need to raise them “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph 3:20 NKJV). Why? Because GOD loves me! How did I get this blessing? “GOD so loved the world, He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him might not perish” (John 3:16). I believed in Him and now I have everlasting life.
Wayne Lance (2016) – That’s Good News to Share!