"So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father." - John 1:14

Over the past couple of years, one of the things that God has really been growing me in, is my understanding and practice of "interdependence." He has been teaching me that I can't... and am not intended to, do life on my own.

To some, this is an easy truth. To me, it's not. I fight against the strong desire to be independent and show my independence. "I can fiix this...," "I can handle this...," "I'll take care of that..." "No, I don't need help. I can do it.."

On this missionary journey, I feel like I'm being stretched in this area to the utmost degree.

As I think about living in a new culture and community, I know that I'll need to look to others to help me navigate all the cultural nuances and learn the language.

My finances are provided through a network of people and churches who are joining with me in ministry. To live where God has called me and to do the work He's called me to do... I need people to partner with me to do it.

There are things that I've never encountered before and have no idea what I'm supposed to do -- how do I file taxes as a missionary? how do I pack up my "life" to live somewhere else for two years? how do I "talk" on skype? how do I ship a balikbayan box?

So, last night I was looking through a list of people that God has brought into my life. I am humbled. I am grateful. I am awed.

Humbled ... Quite literally I could NOT be doing this work without these people. I NEED them. That people would choose to give sacrificially is hard to understand at times. And I'm not just talking money -- giving time, sharing ideas... so much!

Grateful ... In some ways I feel like I don't feel it enough. I know I don't express it enough. But, I am grateful. On this list are... People who have given me a places to live at different times. People who have fed me. People who have clothed me. People who have prayed for me -- some daily!! People who have been an advocate for me. People who have given financially to the ministry. People who have encouraged me. People who have counseled me. People who have kicked me in the butt to get me moving. People who have pointed things out to me and opened my eyes to different realities and truths. People who have held my hand... and just sat with me. People who have done life with me... and have taught me how to do life iwith them.

Awed ... I am in awe when I look at this list. Some people on this list I have known for a lifetime (literally!) Some people I have known since high school. Some people I've known since college. Some people I've worked with. Some people I've just met in this last year. And some people I've not even had the chance to meet yet! God ties us together in such amazing and unique ways. I am awed at God's power and at His heart to do this. He doesn't want me to do life alone, but to learn absolute dependence on Him... and to be connected to those around me. I am amazed. At His heart... and His heart in others.

The list is a huge expression to me of God's love, care and provision in my life -- His heart for me...and for the nations.

Blest be the tie that binds...

I really do have so much fun when I get to share about the ministry of Bible translation with others. It's such a neat thing to be able to tell stories from around the world. I love seeing and listening to the various reactions people have after hearing about the need people still have for the Bible in their language.

This past weekend I went to Frackville, PA where I got to share the message during their worship service and also give the children's moment. It was so neat to have the chance to share about the ministry with the church there.

AND... it was such an encouraging time for me as well! Before the service even started the people in the church were so welcoming. And following the service I was so encouraged and affirmed by so many.

Sometimes ... during this time of waiting and waiting and waiting ... there are moments when I wonder -- maybe I'm not supposed to go overseas. But I am reminded over and over again that this is where God has led me. And He reminds me, encourages me and gives me confirmation in this decision in so many ways.

God has shown me the ways that He uses His Word to change me, my heart, my life. He has shown me the need people have all around the world to have His Word in a language that speaks to their heart. And... He has shown me the ways that I can be a part of seeing that need met.

God is so gracious -- giving so much, letting me be a part of what He's doing around the world, being so patient and faithful when I am weak in believing, and reminding me over and over again of the things I forget.

I got a card today from a sweet couple I met in Frackville. They encouraged me on Sunday. They encouraged me today. And knowing that they are praying daily for me... will certainly encourage me in days to come.

God is good.

It's been flurrying a bit this past week. I've loved seeing little white flakes falling from the sky. It's so beautiful looking out the window and seeing white on the tips of the tree branches.

I've mostly been enjoying it from inside. I've been sick. In bed. Popping vitamin C. Eating lots of oranges. Trying to get better. I'm not 100% yet.

Would you pray I'd be well tomorrow?
I'm to share about my ministry at a church in Frackville, PA on SUNDAY. I'd like to be physically and mentally ready and excited to share with that church.

One of the things I really do enjoy is the opportunity to share about Bible translation with friends, family, and churches.

This month I have some incredible opportunities to share with others about Bible translation and the work I'll be doing. I am excited to be able to open people's eyes - perhaps for the first time - to the need people still have for God's Word in their heart language.

Would you pray with me for my preparation for these opportunities AND for God's message to be communicated, received and applied for those who hear it? Would you pray that I would seek God's wisdom and heart as I prepare what I will share? Pray that I would remember that God is with me and have His peace, His confidence and His words in each situation.

December 9
Frackville United Methodist Church
• Sunday service message, children's message and youth Sunday school

December 13
CMA Luncheon (I'm attending this -- yay!! and while it's not my primary reason for going, there might be good opportunities to share about the ministry of Bible translation with other attendees).

December 15
Men's Prayer Breakfast (gathering of praying men from churches throughout Bucks County area)
• Sharing an update / message with these men who have been faithful prayer partners.

December 30
Langhorne United Methodist Church
• Sunday Contemporary Service - sharing the message
• 8 am Traditional Service - sharing a brief message
• 10:30 am Traditional Service - sharing a brief message

As these opportunities come in the midst of this busy holiday season, pray that I would be diligent in preparing and serve well these churches.

Pray as well that as I continue to seek ministry partners and opportunities to create awareness for Bible translation, pray that more opportunities might come up for this, and next month.

Often during these times I feel so inadequate to do this job. It's good to remember that it is God who calls, prepares, equips and provides...

Thank you for your prayers, friends...

I have a Facebook account.

I can spend a lot of time on Facebook. Especially when I'm procrastinating.

I was checking out some of the applications that you can connect to online. I found this scrapblog application. The neat thing is... I can share scrapblogs on different websites -- Facebook, MySpacce, Xanga and right here on Blogspot.

But, it doesn't quite look like it's working. No fun!

If you happen to see the scrapblog, these are photos from my cousin's wedding last November.

Now... back to work for me. :)

(PBS is showing the Les Mis anniversary concert. It's great working with Les Mis in the background. I love it!)