Lost in Translation

Last night I was sitting in the living room waiting for our prayer meeting to start. Abong was in there too and we were clowning around singing some Dinka songs. She has learned a lot of English since she has been here. However, there is still a lot she has to learn. Often before a church service, the leader will say something and the congregation will respond with "Amen." I asked Abong to teach me in Dinka what the leader says. Then I asked her what it meant and she said "God is not dead." I thought that was a little strange, but I thought it was just something they say here and Amen is an appropriate response. Still I thought it was funny so I was shouting "God is not dead" (in English) and Abong would say "Amen." Then, Sabet came in and gave us a strange look so I asked him if that is what that meant. He said no and asked Abong what she was trying to say. Apparently they say "Praise the Living God" and then everyone responds with "Amen." Now that makes sense! Abong had the meaning right, but couldn't express it accurately in English!

Abong is a hoot. She makes me laugh all the time. She was born with a joyful, playful spirit that is refreshing.