Parlez vous francais?

I'm learning French. Yeah... I never thought I would say that sentence, but I just said it. Is the world falling apart? Nah, I have just come to accept something...

Last week I went in to talk to Dr. Murdock. During the conversation he mentioned that I should learn French because he needs more French speakers on our research team because most of the members are too old to learn. My initial was reaction occurred internally and was along the lines of "Heck no. There is NO WAY that I am learning ANOTHER language, especially if it is French." Externally I just sort of had a blank stare, and I ended up leaving for class.

Well, the thought of learning French plagued me for the days which followed. Something deep inside me compelled me to pray and think about the idea. Suddenly, I was intrigued by the thought. Could I really learn yet another language? Dr. Murdock is the head of several projects in French West Africa, all of which  involve improving the world's food supply. By learning French, I would be able to assume a more direct role in these projects and be able to experience our work in a more hands on approach. 

The work would involve direct interaction with native farmers and researchers in the western countries. For me at least, the most important element would be the gift of getting to see this unique region of the world that has been plagued by poverty, crime, and starvation. I wish to meet and talk to the people who the research is and will directly benefit. Often research is contained in a laboratory, isolated. I was once involved in systematic, isolated laboratory work, and the work seemed empty. My new position has provided countless opportunities, including the chance to remove this disconnect from my work, a window to truly experience something.

I feel like God has offered me an amazing set of opportunities through my lab position. Learning French has been on my mind a lot lately. God has opened a door for me with this once in a life time chance. And you know what? 

I want to go through that door. I am learning French! I know not what experiences lie ahead of me, but learning the language in itself will be an adventure, which will lead to an even greater adventure down the road. Several days ago I started to teach myself through Rosetta Stone and generated vocabulary lists for review during the day. Wish me luck!

Au revoir.