English is a Powerful Gift

June 1, 2015June 1, 2015 / Kelly Day / 3 Comments

The more I travel and work internationally, the more I realize what an outrageous blessing it is be a native English speaker. It is a gift, a powerful gift, that I do not take for granted. This incredible highly pursued and valuable skill is one that I inherited naturally because I had the fortune to grow up in an English speaking household and in an English speaking country. This incredible advantage feels very much as if I have a secret key/open door through which I can easily and confidently communicate to the entire world. I understand the profoundness of this advantage and I am thankful for it every day.

Last week I attended the 5th Annual Nordic academic conference on Subject Teacher Education. This was a conference that brought together University researchers, professors and doctoral students from Universities in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark. The purpose was to exchange ideas and promote the development of Nordic education. The language that was used for this Nordic conference was English. All of the lectures, Keynote speeches, PowerPoints, printed programs, signs and directions were all in English Most of the discussions at the dinner table were in English. There were over 250 different lectures and presentations and all were given in English. Yet, I was one of only a handful in attendance who’s native language was actually English.

And I was suddenly reminded what an extreme gift and blessing it is to be a native English Speaker. I could listen to the presentations easily. I could process the presented information comfortably and rapidly. I did not have the added challenge of many of my peers who had to translate the technical papers and jargon in their heads while also trying to also learn and process the new information. When I sat down to a dinner table full of a combination of Swedes, Finns and Danes I knew that the language of choice would be English.

At times I felt guilty that the entire conference was being led in a language in which I was one of only a handful in attendance could claim as their mother tongue. This I am learning, however, is the way of the world. English is becoming the instrument of global communication. It is especially how European nations communicate to and with each other.

This was not the first time I had been made aware of English’s global presence in the world. I have been to over 30 countries and I have never had any major difficulties finding directions, advice or even friendly conversation in English. I have yet to visit a country where I could not find someone who understood at least a little English. Some parts of China were a little less fluent than others, but I would usually be able to find someone (usually a teen) who could easily answer my questions and help me get back on the right path.

When I was traveling from hostel to hostel in New Zealand, there were times when I found myself listening to random conversations between international travelers. These groups would included random variations of German, French, Italian and Dutch students and their vehicle of communication was English. At first I had assumed everyone was politely talking English because I was in the mix. However I began to notice that even when the native English speaker was not part of the conversation ( Instead she was rudely eavesdropping) the medium of communication was still English. Everywhere you go (Even Cambodia!) information in English is readily available. If you ask you can usually find an English version of any map, menu or information packet.

My experiences demonstrate to me that English isn’t going anywhere. It is going to be the way in which nations communicate with each other in the future. Most researchers want their publications to be in English. Most international companies conduct their business in English, and most international social events and gatherings are conducted in English. I watched Euro Vision for the first time this year and most of this event was broadcast in English and most of the songs lyrics were English as well. It can’t be escaped. It is becoming the language of the world and it is being categorized as “Powerful Knowledge”.

At the conference a few of the keynote speakers alluded to the fact that in Education we must give our students the education skill set that empowers them. As educators our primary focus should not be mere facts or even arbitrary skills. Instead we should be selectively teaching Powerful Knowledge Skills that empower students to be leaders and innovators in the world. English was included in that powerful knowledge skill set.

I feel a little conceited writing all of this as a native English speaker. It sounds arrogant and elitist of me. It sounds as if I think my language is the best language. I DON’T! English is a dumb language with silly rules! It makes no sense and is not even very pretty- especially when compared to Latin based languages. If it was based on beauty or logical structure I think Spanish would win!

It is not that I think English is a better language than any other. There is however, no denying that being fluent in English is a Powerful Skill. It opens doors and possibilities than many languages of the world simply cannot. Students around the globe want to know and must know how to communicate in English in order to be able to compete globally and advance themselves in their careers.

This isn’t new information to Europe. Most of the world has known English is important to learn for a long time. I just wanted to express my understanding of how truly blessed I am to have grown up speaking and knowing this language. I want every native speaker of English to recognize how fortunate they are to be able to communicate freely and openly with people from around the globe. That is a gift my friends, an amazing incredible powerful gift and we take it for granted.

I also want to thank all of my wonderful friends around the world who have graciously spoken English to me. I understand this is not always the easiest for you. I see all of the hard work and effort you are making to be my friend and communicate with me. I appreciate your efforts and willingness to speak with me more than you could ever know. I am always amazed and impressed by your ability to be so articulate, gracious, funny and warm in a language that is not your own. I am so incredibly blessed and thankful for having you in my life! You all are incredible and talented and I look up to you in so many ways! I am impressed and humbled by your skill and I love you all!

That time I visited 30 countries before I turned 30 years old.

May 24, 2015 / Kelly Day / 13 Comments

About six years ago I decided I would visit 30 countries before I was 30 years old. This obsessive goal of mine that ended up defining and directing my early twenties originally had more modest origins. When I was 17 and relatively untraveled, I wanted to visit 15 countries before I died. I dared not ask for more than this. Traveling to 15 countries seemed about as likely as traveling to the moon to a 17-year-old girl from rural Indiana.

However during a college back-packing trip to Europe I officially caught the travel bug. And this expensive disease is not easily satiated. Like a race where the finish line keeps getting moved further and further away, the more I traveled the more I wanted to travel. I realized I hadn’t even begun to scratch the surface of all of the humanity, the history and the natural beauty God had placed on this amazing planet.

So as my experiences expanded and I matured into a veteran traveler my goal simultaneously grew and changed as well. Therefore at the age of 22 and with 10 countries under my belt, the humble goal of 15 countries in my lifetime suddenly became 30 countries before I was 30.

And so I had 8 years to visit 20 countries. This may not seem like such an outstanding accomplishment to those living in Europe where international travel is common, cheap, fast and as easy as jumping on a train or taking a short flight. But to a girl from Indiana, where a large majority of the population has never owned a passport or been outside of North America, this rare aspiration seemed like my own personal mountain.

It was ready and waiting for me to climb, but its fulfillment required careful planning, strategic decisions, personal sacrifice, good money management, reliance on God and His faithfulness and the ability to recognize and seek out opportunity.

Today, through the grace of God, I accomplished this goal of mine. This morning I took a train from Stockholm to Copenhagen and when we crossed the bridge into Denmark I silently smiled to myself. I allowed myself to relish quietly in my personal triumph and say a quick prayer of gratitude for all God had done to get me to this point. I know that I could not and would not have had any of these experiences without Him and His provision. And I celebrated- I was in country number 30. I had reached my personal summit and I had officially met my goal! And with two years to spare!

As I think back on all of my experiences in 30 different countries I am amazed at what God has done in my life. I can’t believe all of the outstanding ways God has blessed me. I can’t describe all of the incredible places I have visited, people I have met and opportunities that have presented themselves. I can’t express the gratitude that fills my heart as I look back on the past 30 countries and all of the life-changing-experiences, friendships and lessons they have given me. I am truly blessed and truly amazed at the ways God has worked in my life and how he has provided me such amazing opportunities to see his perfect and beautiful creation. I have had more than a life-times worth of experiences and I do not deserve such amazing grace, love and blessings. However, that is what makes my God so fantastic! He gives them to me anyway!

So…with a grateful heart full of joy and thanksgiving I realize I have reached my goal. I have visited 30 countries! Now, the real question is…. What is going to be my next mountain?

Good Friday- Understanding Christs’ Humility

April 3, 2015April 3, 2015 / Kelly Day / 7 Comments

I have visited many cathedrals and grand churches in many countries around the world. And no matter the location I am always in awe of their grandeur and decadence. I usually end up rendered speechless by their overwhelming size and opulence. And while I always appreciate the aesthetic beauty and the sheer accomplishment of creating something so grand and monumental (especially considering most of these churches were built before the existence of modern machinery), I also typically feel a little uneasy. It seemed so strange to me to think that the church in those time periods would build something so grand, so expensive and so elaborately coated with gold while there were people starving in the nearby villages and cities. It never set well with me.

It didn’t seem like the churches back then really understood the point of Christianity. As someone who grew up as a non-denominational Christian I have often had a hard time understanding these grand traditional views of religion that is based on hierarchy of man and full of man-made traditions. It always seemed so formal and distant and not at all consistent with the Jesus that I knew who fought against a deeds based/ self glorifying concept of righteousness. I often wonder what he would think of these palatial cathedrals. The Jesus I know didn’t grow up in a palace surrounded by gold. He was born in a stable. He was real and probably dirty and smelly in comparison with current social norms. His hands were most likely rough and callused by years of hard work as a carpenter. He lived a life of true humility and loved everyone without judgment. He, who was fully man and fully God, was the only one worthy of glory and honor and yet he received none.

I was thinking all of these things as I entered into St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg Russia. I was instantly struck (and I say struck because it hit me like a two by four to the stomach) by the beauty of the church. I stepped inside and I couldn’t move or breath for a moment. I know I talk often about being overwhelmed by beauty, but this time I literally was. I just stood there in the entryway with my mouth open not really able to take in the grandeur and extreme beauty and over the top decadence that was displayed on every inch of this magnificent cathedral. It hit me more than any other cathedral I had visited before. And I began to wonder that if I feel this in awe of this place, how overwhelmed will I be of Heaven. That is when it hit me…..I understood something about cathedrals that I had never understood before and for the first time I had an emotionally spiritual moment in one of these grand churches. The below video captures what I was thinking and feeling.

After that video I went into the holy prayer room. There I truly communed with God in prayer and worship. I thanked him for all he did for me. I thanked him for choosing an ugly humiliating death on a cross instead of the life of decadence he deserved. I thanked him for loving a sinner such as myself and allowing me, even with all of my imperfections, to glorify him with my life. Then I just sat in reverent worship of Him and His perfect and beautiful plan for the salvation of man.

When I left the prayer room it was amazing to me to see how just being in the very presence of God through prayer and worship transformed my perspective of the church. The building that had before seemed so striking seemed dull and insignificant in comparison to the glory of God. I suddenly saw it for what it was…a beautiful building that will one day waste away. However, God’s glory is eternal and the only thing worth our adoration and praise. And one day when I have been cloaked in the complete righteousness of Jesus, I will be able to enter into His very perfect and indescribable presence and behold Him in all of His glory, not because of what I have done, but because of Christ had done for me. And in that place, because of the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice on a cross, I will be able to abide and dwell in God’s presence and worship Him forever and ever. That is worth my worship and honor and praise….not a building made of stone.

Phuket Thailand

June 23, 2013June 25, 2013 / Kelly Day / 1 Comment

Welcome to SouthEast Asia! Even though I spent the first leg of my Asian adventure in Singapore I don’t think I experienced true Asian culture until I landed in the Phuket airport. Imigration was fast and easy, but once we stepped outside, I realized that I was truley in Asia. In Singapore order ruled and English was the primary language of everyone. In Thailand things were different. It was quite refreshing to be in a country where English skills were limited. It strenthened my methods of comunication and also helped me develop patience and understanding. Even though there were comunication barriers, it did not take long to see the hospitable spirit of the Thai people. We reached our resourt and were greeted with real flower Leis that smelled wonderful. The resort was gorgeous and as we checked in we were given cold towles and fresh juice. The complex was absoluetly lovely and the pool was amazing. It was monsoon season so the resort was not very full and we were able to get a room for very cheap.

Because of the weather, the beach on this West Side of Thailand was very rough and unpredictable and the waves were rough. Therefore we decided to take our umbrella and go explore the city. We were very glad we did not stay in the party center of Patong Beach. Instead we stayed in the quiter and less touristy Karon Beach. As we walked around we wondered upon a night market. We later found out that this happens only once a week. We were so blessed to have chosen this night to explore. This place was very interesting. It gave us a new insight into the culture of Phuket island. We saw booths where you could get a fish pedicure. That is where little tiny fish eat away all of the dead skin on your feet. We also ran across a Bug Buffett. We declined both of these experiences and moved on to find a massage place where we both got 90 minute massages for about 12 US dollars. They were wonderful, however the Thai standard of modesty when it comes to massages is quite different than I’m use to. It was quite the experience.

After our massages we went to a local restaurant to get some authentic Thai Food. I got Pad Thai and my friend Teresa got Masaman Curie. This started a tradition and we would compare these dishes throughout the rest of SE Asia. The waiters asked us where we were from and we said USA. They were very surprised. They said that they had never had an American eat there before. At first we found this hard to believe seeing how Phuket was such a tourist destination. Yet, the more we thought about it the more we realized that Teresa and I had not ran into another American in Southeast Asia. Not even in Singapore. However, determined to show off their true Thai hospitality the crew did a great job of cooking us up some traditional food and it was great. Just before we were about to leave, it started to rain again. The cook from the restaurant came out and tried to give us her personal umbrella. I was truly touched. We refused, but that she would give one of her few possessions to an entitled stranger tourist is beyond normal understanding of generosity. And my heart was touched.

The next day we rose early to start an adventure. We woke up early to go cave canoeing. According to others, it had been raining fairly heavily the past week. I didn’t mind. It had been nice to sit in the open air hotel lobby and read while listening to the rain and feeling the cool breeze, but I prayed that it would be nice for our canoeing trip. When we woke up that morning, the weather didn’t look good. A van picked us up to take us to the other side of the island to start our adventure. The rain poured and I started to get more and more worried that we had wasted our money. Yet I prayed that God would change my heart and my thinking. I thought instead how lucky is it that it is raining right now while we are in a van traveling to the canoes, and perhaps it is God’s will for the rain to happen now instead of later. I knew right then that God was going to take care of us and if we had faith in Him he would work it out rain or shine. I knew it was going to be a great day and I started to praise him in my heart! It was an interesting ride to the location. We passed under a fallen telephone poll, oh- don’t worry the tangled mass of unorganized electrical wire that is quite common in the towns of Thailand held the poll up high enough for our van to drive under. Then we drove past a mud slide. It was a great way to start our little adventure.

Instead of worrying, I thanked God for His protection and timing. Perhaps if we had come a few minutes later we wouldn’t have been able to get through. Through prayer my heart had changed from one of worry to one of praise and God honored that. When we got to our Canoes it was the best weather the island had seen all week. I had faith that it would work out and God provided, just like He always does. The canoeing adventure was incredible. It was absolutely perfect. It rained a couple of times at the end, but by that time we were hot and the rain was welcome. It even added another element of adventure to the experience. It was quite fun and the whole day was perfect. And the next morning it was even sunny enough to lay out by the pool. God really provided! It is amazing how powerful a heart of praise can be!