Does anyone speak English???

I went to the latest remodeled mall yesterday, Stary Browar, with my friend Doreen. After scouring the place and enjoying a cup of coffee, we decided to end our trip with a stop in to the grocery store Alma. Alma is our version of, let's say, Dierbergs or Tom Thumb (depending on where you live). They stock exotic items like brown sugar, cheddar cheese and 10 types of espresso. I first headed to the coffee aisle where I was searching out Boater's flavored coffee. Alma is the only place in Poznan that carries chocolate-cherry coffee along with a few other specialty flavors. To my delight, it was located beautifully on the top shelf and I snatched it up as if someone was going to steal it. I turned to my friend and said, "Don't look at the price, it is expensive!". To which she responded, "Hey, don't worry about me, I am a coffee lover too!"

We headed through the store, to the bread, yogurts and cheeses. I began a search for some hamburger, planning to make spaghetti for dinner when I heard several of the store employees saying something about English. I figured they must have heard Doreen and I talking and were commenting on us speaking English, as so many times people do. As I continued to shop, I realized they were not talking about us but rather trying to find someone who spoke English. I waited to see if anyone who actually worked there did, and when no one stepped up, I approached the lady organizing the meats and told her that I spoke English and Polish and could help if I was needed.

With a big smile on her face, she turns to let everyone know that they have found their native speaker and directs me toward a woman trying to buy cookies. I looked at the woman and, strangely, I recognized her! I had met her at an International Ladies Club meeting a few months ago and she recognized me also. She explained she wanted to buy 20 boxes of cookies and didn't know if she should take them directly from the shelf or get them from storage. I conveyed her message, translated back for her what she was to do, and then her and I exchanged friendly small talk. Mission accomplished!

Now, I want to share a secret with all of you. I was crushed a few days ago when someone, a Pole who we really don't know well, bluntly shared his feelings about my Polish and described me as WORSE than my husband! For Americans, learning this horribly difficult language, it is a real blow when someone makes a statement like that. I, of course, took it to heart and my dear husband had to remind me that he has hardly heard me speak any Polish and has heard Michael translate at baseball practice. (Although, it is hard not to think my husband might be a bit biased, you know?) He reminded me of all the times I have been complimented on my Polish and told me to not let it bother me.

I was honestly trying to rid those words from my mind (YOU ARE WORSE! YOU ARE WORSE!) when God reminded my through this experience in the store that "hey, I can speak Polish and can even help others out if I' m needed". I was reminded that God blessed us with the opportunity to study for two years and the ability to speak one of the hardest languages in the world. No, I do not speak Polish perfectly and probably never will but I must never minimize what God has given me and how He blesses!