I'm doing a graphical interface to test different path finding algorithms.

Here is just a small test "algorithm" that I'm using to build up the
graphical methods I need. It starts from the start point and just moves
straight to the right until it reaches the end of the area (int[][]
squares).
I want to separate the path finding algorithms from counting different stuff
and drawing the graphics and that is why examineSquare() method is being
used.

Part of code from "path finder" :
.....
while (contents != FINISH)
{
   if (x < maxX)
       contents = examineSquare(x+1,y); // problems are with method used
here
   else
   {
       noRoute();
       break;
   }
}
//route found
.....

Here is the examineSquare() method that causes problems:

private synchronized int examineSquare(int newX, int newY)
{

   // Do some stuff with counters and manipulate the other
   // variables that canvas uses with paint()

   myCanvas.repaint();

   // then I want the program to take a little break
   try { wait ( theLenghtofDelay[speed] ); }
   catch (Exception e) { System.out.println(e.toString()); }

   x = newX;
   y = newY;

   return squares[x][y];
}

For some reason the program never executes the paint() method. Why?
Screen gets repainted only after the while loop has ended.

Same repaint() is used in many different parts of my program without
problems.