finding a kiswahili voice

Off and on since primary school I've taken French. Despite perhaps 7 years of formal instruction in the language, when I go to Paris I am so hesitant to speak.  I dread le subjonctif, and false cognates seem to lurk around every corner. I lie awake envisioning the shame of attempting a conversation, only to have the frustrated local respond in English. Yet after 3 scant days of Swahili class, I navigated a successful trip to the market in Kiswahili. Yes, it's a baby step. Yes, I sounded like a mzungu with a mouth full of marbles. Yes I gave a number of sheepish shrugs, but I did not feel judged. Perhaps it's the immersive instruction, or more welcoming culture, or my maturation as a student, but the small success left me wanting to learn more.  Not to avoid judgement, but to have a more authentic interaction, and I'm thrilled to have 5 more weeks to get to that place.