a lot can change.

A little over a year ago (September 2006) I was in Orlando going through 2 weeks of training and orientation to the organization. Along with about 40 other trainees, I was a part of "Training Camp #29" (TC 29).

This past weekend 7 of us who are in the Dallas area got together for a little TC 29 Reunion.

A lot can happen in a year. Sitting in the room and catching up with these friends reminded me of that. We didn't even get to talk about ALL the things that have gone on in our lives in the past year, but even with just bits and pieces you realize so much can take place in just a year...

• one woman is now teaching ESL to international students at the local university
• two guys are preparing to complete schooling to do language work
• two of the people in our group met (at TC), got engaged, got married and are now settled into a new home and new jobs
• one couple is expecting the birth of their first child

When I think about going "away" for a year I sometimes find that I do get sad and even jealous.

Things are going to happen in the lives of my friends and family ... and I won't be "here" (wherever "here" is :) ) to experience it like everyone else. In a way it sometimes seems like deep down inside I'm shocked that people's lives would go on without me around to be witness to it! (HAHAHAH!!! -- pathetic, I know.) I'm sad that I won't get be with friends as they move into their new houses, have babies, get married, celebrate birthdays, go through hard times... and all the little day-to-day stuff that happens that brings color into our lives.

BUT... I'm thankful for things like cell phones, web cams, Facebook, Skype, and all the things that help to make the miles seem less far apart.

I'm realizing that my time in Dallas is quickly running out. The other night I was having a hard time going to sleep wondering ... "How productive have I been during my time here?"

How do I "measure" my productivity when my basic goals for this time in Dallas included getting more orientation to the world of Bible translation, going through some training, spending time with family and building relationships?

I'm a task-oriented person. I like checking off boxes on my to-do list. I'm going to leave Dallas with a few identifiable "tasks" completed... but, I do know that my time here has been so rich with experiences and I've been incredibly blessed through people.

I guess I'm learning new ways of defining "productivity" or "success" and learning that sometimes the most valuable things really are "immeasurable."

The past couple of days have helped me recognize this.

During my time here I've met with different people who are involved in various aspects in the work of helping others have access to God's Word in their heart language. It's been amazing seeing all the ways that people are involved in this! And, I've been absolutely inspired seeing the passion people have for God, His Word and for the people they've had the opportunity to work alongside.

Yesterday I met with someone and we talked about the ways that STORIES are used in helping people learn the truths of God's Word. Today I met with another colleague and we talked about the ways that language communities are learning how to USE the translated Scriptures in their personal lives, families, churches and communities.

How do I measure the value of time spent with people like this? It has been a great privilege to meet with so many here in Dallas who have had part in work all around the world. It's been great for me to learn from them.

And... I just love hearing the ways God allows us to take part in this work! I love meeting people who are excited about the things they get to do. It energizes me. It reminds me of how grateful I am to participate also.

So... my time in Dallas... immeasurably rich :)

3 years ago today, my nephew was born!

Happy Birthday, Xander!!!

I have to keep reminding myself of that.

I am at times sooo eager to be in the Philippines and to be doing the job that waits for me there. At times I think I'm a little too eager.

The last few nights I have had a hard time falling asleep. It's likely because of busy days and caffeine. During my sleepless hours I've been thinking a lot about what it's going to be like.

• What will my apartment be like?
• Where will I go to church?
• Will I be able to make some good friends there?
• Will I ever be able to understand and speak Tagalog when I'm over there?
• How long will it be before I see my stateside family?
• How will I handle traveling through the city?
• Will I go through culture shock?
• How bad will it be???
• Will I enjoy my job?
• Will I really be successful in my new role?
• Will I like living in the Philippines?

I wonder what life in Manila will be like and start to feel like... "God, can't I just be there living these questions out already??!!"

And then I have to remind myself that I have to "rest in the sovereignty of God." I heard that phrase last week from one of Wycliffe International's leaders and it seemed to reflect well my current desire. I want to rest in His sovereignty.

There are things that God is doing right now, right where I am today ... to prepare me for what's next. He's allowing me to have time to spend with family. He's providing opportunities for me to share about this ministry. He's developing a strong team to partner with me in ministry. He's giving me this time during which I could be soaking in His Word and be in prayer (oh, that I really would take advantage of this time in this regard!)

I need to recognize that this season in my life is a gift. In so many ways it is a time of true preparation for what's next. And I'm learning that this time isn't just about being a stepping stone. This time in itself is valuable. This time in itself is a time to draw closer to God and hopefully look more like Jesus.

I need to not be toooo anxious and eager for what's next that I miss out on what I can be experiencing and learning now.

I AM excited about being in Manila. Just learning to wait with patience and filled with contentment and joy for the present.

This past May I had the opportunity to visit my future work place. In Ortigas Center in Pasig City, Philippines -- a desk awaits my arrival.

when I get to tell people about Bible translation.

During yesterday's worship service at some of family's church here in Dallas, I had the opportunity to share about the work of Bible translation. I really do love when I get to do this!

Ok, I'm not always excited about it during the days leading up to it. As a matter of fact, I dread it. I prepare, prepare, prepare and worry, worry, worry. But...

I love when I get to share about this ministry.
I love when I see and hear the responses of people hearing about this work for the first time.
I love knowing that I get to be a part of others learning about the need of thousands of language communities around the world who are still waiting for God's Word in their language.

I really enjoyed sharing at the church yesterday. It was so encouraging speaking with some of the people afterwards!! My prayer is that whenever I have the chance to share with a group of people, that God would use whatever I say (no matter how mumbly or incoherent it may be!!) to His glory in their lives. So... praying that.

It was a blessing to me to have had the opportunity to share in the service and also to spend time with their youth Sunday School for the last couple of weeks. I've been in "training mode" for most of the last couple of months and it can sometimes feel a bit tiring. Sharing what God has been doing in my life and around the world was sooo energizing for me -- a reminder to me of why I'm doing all of this.

I hope that I have more opportunities to share with churches before I leave the country.

AND... I hope that I never tire... never lose the excitement to share about the ways God is working around the world and to share His heart for people to have His Word in their heart language.

FALL.

Today in Dallas it was a beautiful day.
The sun was shining, there was a nice cool breeze.
It was cool enough that driving home I finally opened up the sun roof and "rolled" down the windows while I listened to some old Dave Matthews Band.
It FELT like fall.

I missed the four seasons when I moved to Florida. In Florida it felt like there was the HOT season and the not-as-hot season. Perhaps living in Florida was good preparation for life in Manila.

Don't get me wrong... there are a lot of things I'm looking forward to experiencing in Manila, but it doesn't mean that there won't be things I'll miss when I leave.

Fall will just be one of the many... :)

Two big disappointments from this weekend.
1. David Crowder Band is on tour and is at the House of Blues here in Dallas tonight. I am not.
2. My cousin's little girl's birthday party is this weekend. My brother, sister-in-law and nephew will be there (as well as my cousins and aunt from Dallas!)... I will not.

Oh well. Can't be everywhere all the time, right? :)

Things I've enjoyed being while in Dallas...

1 - the beautiful flowers on the sides of the road - which I've been told is the legacy left by Lady Bird Johnson (I feel very ignorant about TX history here)









2 - spending time with my cousins here! I get to live with my cousin, Lani and her husband, Jeff which is really great for me. AND, I got to spend time with some more of my TX cousins almost all weekend last weekend. Including going to my one cousin's school fundraiser and going to the Texas State Fair!!

Rachel and the big prize Fred won her.

Eric and Fred -- and the crazy ride they rode!

Eric rode this one -- he's the brave one.









3 - State Fair Food! The "state fair food" really is a category on its own.
Jeff and Lani taking a bite out of the apple (a candied one...)








We tried "Deep fried Oreos." Oh yummy!








...and "Deep fried Banana Pudding"








...and "Texas-styled Nachos"!








And, it wouldn't be a fair without Cotton Candy!!








4 - the Cowboys game last weekend! It was soo much fun!









My wonderful hosts while I'm in Texas!

5 - Sprinkles Cupcakes! My cousin, Rachel and her boyfriend, Fred, bought cupcakes from Sprinkles for us. Yummy! We need to go and try the Red Velvet ones.

6 -Having a Panera nearby. Coming to you from... Panera :)

is amazing.

Yesterday, right after I posted, I went to a staff meeting at the office. One of the women shared a devotional written by Jill Carattini, "Boxes and Prophets." She talks about our tendencies to "put God in a box" without even knowing it. She says, "God is in a box and remains therein until the lines are challenged." So, where are lines needing to be challenged in my life? Where am I limiting the absolute GREATNESS of God to do what HE can do?

Oh.. I do that in so many ways!
"There's no way I'm going to Manila in January..." "I will be single forever..." "How will my friend ever come to really know Jesus..."
Boxes, boxes, everywhere!

So, I was reminded shortly after I wrote yesterday's post that GOD IS GOD. Know that.

THEN... when my cousin (in-law) came home he brought up the mail and had in his hand a package... FOR ME!!! Wouldn't it be like God that on a day of discouragement, He would have a care-package from a sweet friend arrive from Orlando!

The box was full of fun things that make my friend happy. And it so it made me happy!

Among the tons of stuff in the box... a pack of markers, a BIG bag of DARK CHOCOLATE, PEANUT M&Ms and a journal with this quote...

"Anna came to the ball prepared. She was beautiful in a striking gown that shimmered like starlight. She spent hours getting herself ready -- her hair, her dress, her heart. As they reached the dance floor, Anna expresses her fear of dancing with the King before the eyes of others. 'We wouldn't want to end up in a heap.' she says. His answer to her questioning heart? 'I am King. I will lead.'

"Jesus is extending his hand to you. He is inviting you to dance with Him. He asks, 'May I have this dance...every day of your life?' His gaze is fixed on you. He is captivated by your beauty. He is smiling. He cares nothing of the opinion of others. He is standing. He will lead. He waits for your response."

"My lover spoke and said to me, Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me." Song of Solomon 2:10

Oh, how I want to dance! My gaze fixed on Him. Captivated by His beauty. Smiling. Caring nothing of the opinion of others. Following His lead. Responding to Him.

Dance, Dance, Dance!

I need more patience.
I need more trust.

I'm hoping to be able to leave for the Philippines sometime in January 2008.
In order to do that I have to have pretty much 100% of the financial commitments to cover my monthly expenses. ... and to have seen those commitments come in consistently for a couple of months (you know, to make sure that they're really commitments).

It's now October and God has provided 64% of my monthly financial needs in commitments from churches and ministry partners. It's been exciting and in so many ways, UNEXPECTED, the ways that God has provided!

Some days I'm incredibly excited and encouraged. Other days I think... when's it going to happen. Will I really get to go in January? If not in January, when will it be?

Today, I'm feeling all of it. Encouraged because I know God is the one who has provided through all these amazing people. But also just wondering how long it will actually take me. AND... will I really be okay if I have to WAIT?

I'm not always good at waiting.