Adjusting the course

Now we're into the swing of things! All the language resource people that we needed came to us just in time. Last week I had three sessions with a speaker of Punjabi. It was quite overwhelming at first, but now it's getting pretty interesting. I'm not so excited about the class where I have to learn the language, but I'm in LOVE with the class where I get to collect words and analyze the grammar! We use SIL programs to help us figure out the details. I'm so glad that I've found my little niche!

For the last six or nine months, I've been really questioning if God really is calling me to ministry (i.e. with Wycliffe). I never really felt specifically called, but I thought that it might be a good fit. Well, I've come to realize that God has gifted me with analytical skills but not personable skills. I love figuring out grammar details from data, but I cringe when I think of having to walk alongside people while being their counselor/discipler/teacher. I know - this sounds awful. But think about it: we all know people who are exceptional with people. These are the people we are happy to spend time with; we want to be in their circle of friends. But we also know others who are great behind-the-scenes kinds of people, but if we were to put them in a position of leadership/guidance, it just wouldn't work out right. What am I trying to say? I'm trying to say that missions needs people who are great with people, especially if their role is to live in a remote village and become the one spiritual leader in the area. I am just not this person.

So, over the summer I searched for other opportunities where I can learn more and apply my skills for the benefit of a community. One of them really stuck out to me: University of Alaska Fairbanks! They have a great Masters of Applied Linguistics program with a focus on language documentation and description. They work at documenting the endangered indigenous languages of Alaska so that programs can be started to teach their children their group's language. I love this because I can use my skills (document & analyze data) so that others can use their skills (work with communities to begin programs) so that together we can benefit the community.

Just the other day I mailed my documents to finish up my application to UAF! I probably won't hear back for quite a while, but I'm praying that God will direct me to the right place and at the right time. One thing you can pray for is that I will find the right professor to be my last reference for my application. I'm going to do some thinking and praying about that today so that I can ask the person this week. Please pray for wisdom and timing and that the prof would already be prepared. Pray that the prof would remember me and be able to give me a good reference.

So, I'm adjusting the course. I still have the same basic goal in mind (to help people by using my skills), but I think I've found a place where I can work toward the goal a bit better. I've created a link to UAF on the left hand side of the page so you can check it out if you're interested.