Language

A missionary from France said that it takes:

• 2 1/2 years to get the basics of the language
• 3 or 4 years before people stop commenting on your language proficiency and start commenting on the content of your sermons (those French!)
• 6 or 7 years to understand the church and culture enough to be able to successfully argue your case for changing the ways things are done - and perhaps longer to have it understood as you intended
• 10 years to master the language

He also mentioned something about patience.