July/August Newsletter

We have finished our latest newsletter. Enjoy!

July/August Ellis Newsletter.

Update

OK, I promised way back at the beginning that I would update the blog about once a year.  Lately, that has been a very ambitious goal with the craziness going on in our lives!  I wanted to share some INCREDIBLE work God has been doing in our lives over the last couple of months.

In June we had a goal to have our monthly support at 50% by the end of the month.  On the morning of June 30th, our support was at 42%.  By that evening, we were at 52%!  Right now, we are at 61%!  God continues to bring new partners to join us!


When we reached our 50% monthly support, we were given the go-ahead to register for the Intercultural Communication Course that we need to complete.  We leave for Waxhaw, North Carolina on August 3rd.  This will be a time of intense preparation for us. 

We've started packing for our first shipment to PNG.  That is a HUGE task.  Imagine going through your home and deciding what you can live without for the next 3-4 months, but that is important enough to be shipped 8,000 miles away to be there, hopefully, when you get there.  Not an easy task.  Add to that the challenge of buying enough clothes (including underwear, socks, shoes), linens, and anything "special" you may need for the next 4 years, especially with two growing kids.  We have our bonus room sorted into sections.  We have four major sections- Garage Sale/Donate, Ship to PNG, POC (or the stuff that we need to pack and take on the airplane with us), and Storage Unit.  It is really organized chaos right now.  I'm going room by room through the house and making decisions.  Some things are pretty obvious.  Like the kids' school stuff for this year, we know it will need to go on the plane with us.  Somethings are more difficult.  What pictures do I want to pack and take to put up?  I can't take all of our pictures because of mold & mildew issues in PNG.  The ones I don't take will go into storage.  Yes, our house is slowly transforming. 

That's pretty much everything in a nutshell.  Maybe I'll get more time to write later.  I do get these great blogs in my head as I'm dozing off to sleep at night.  Unfortunately I haven't learned to type while sleeping. 

Thank you for continuing to pray for us! 

We wanted to share a brief update, a challenge, and an exciting story about the importance of IT workers in Bible Translation. 

Update

• We have had a very busy month with VBS, work, finishing school, and now visiting with family in Florida.  Tara and the kids are enjoying some time in Florida with her family. 
• Tim’s work permit application has been sent to Papua New Guinea!  We cannot begin applying for our visas until his work permit is approved.
• We at 35% of our monthly support.  In order to reach our goal of 50% by the end of June, we need an additional $730 in monthly support. 

Challenge

• We are looking for advocates.  What are advocates?  Advocates are people that will share with their friends/co-workers/family, etc about us and the need for Bible Translation.  They might host a home meeting and invite their friends over, so we can share with them.  An advocate could arrange for us to speak at his/her church or small group or put us in contact with a pastor, missions minister, or teacher.  Could you help?  Please email us back and let us know how you can be an advocate.  Tara is in Florida until Thursday the 24^th and can schedule a time to share or meet with you to discuss about being an advocate.
• Will you commit to pray once a week for us?  Would you choose one day a week to commit to pray for the work and needs of Bible translation, the people of Papua New Guinea, and for our family?  Let us know what day you will be praying for us.  We want to pray for you on that day.
• Has God laid on your hear to be part of His Great Commission by sending us to Papua New Guinea?  If so, please click here and complete the online form. 

Why is computer work an important part of Bible Translation? 

Board a plane in Dallas, Texas. Travel for four days on 15 flights far into Southeast Asia. Now climb into a truck and journey up into lush green mountains on a deeply rutted, often muddy road. Hike over slippery landslides if necessary. Eventually you’ll come to a little village nestled into a mountain valley, where the local language is Yawa, but where the people have traditionally worshipped in the national language.

Sefnat

 

As you walk through the village, stop and talk to church leaders. Ask if anyone preaches from the Yawa Scripture portions published over the last 20 years. “Elder Sefnat does all the time,” they’ll say. Sefnat will show you two small worn books protected by brown paper covers—Yawa translations of John’s writings, Acts, and nine epistles. Tucked into the pages are little slips of paper with dated sermon notes, references to Scripture passages in those two little books, and unpublished verses that mother tongue translator Andowa has handwritten for him.

Grandpa Bertasar

Stop by a thatched-roof home and ask if anyone there reads from the Scriptures in Yawa. Everyone will point to a bearded old man called Grandfather Bertasar. “He read to us this morning,” they’ll say. “He told us how to apply it to our lives, too.”

Walk on and you’ll come to the village church. Take a deep breath because you’re about to encounter an amazing scene!  In this very remote village, where there is neither electricity nor phone service, translator Andowa sits at a laptop computer. A dozen people cluster closely around him, listening as he reads aloud a Bible passage in Yawa. The volunteer reviewers enthusiastically discuss it, looking for ways to improve awkward or unclear sentences. When they‘re satisfied with the way it sounds, Andowa revises it on his computer. Then, since his specially-designed software has a send/receive function, he logs onto the internet and “syncs” his draft.

Andowa learns to use satellite equipment

Halfway around the world in Arlington, Texas, Wycliffe translator Linda Jones will get up tomorrow morning, sync up her computer, and read the draft that Andowa has revised. She’ll check to make sure the meaning hasn’t been altered and send back suggestions for the next round of discussion.

 This is how the final revisions are being made to the Yawa New Testament. It’s all possible because a new geostationary satellite began circling the equator in early 2009. Just two weeks after it went into service, IT specialists from Wycliffe’s Seed Company brought a computer and a small satellite device to the village, showed Andowa how to connect to the satellite, and taught him to use OurWord—the special software for mother tongue translators created by Wycliffe member John Wimbish.

Andowa & friend going to the church

Andowa and Linda have been working together long-distance for 17 years now, ever since Linda and her husband, Larry, had to move away so Larry could take on various leadership roles in Bible translation. Scripture drafts went back and forth by mail and in hand-carried packets. Linda and Larry made trips to the village. Andowa made trips out of the village. Always God helped them find a way forward, but they thought they had reached the end of the road when it came to the final revision process. “We did not see how we could finish the final revisions without greater community involvement,” says Linda. “It just looked impossible. I could not go there for any length of time, and they could not come here.” And then came the satellite—and IT specialists who knew how to take advantage of the satellite! 

 There have, of course, been a few maintenance problems with the equipment and satellite connection, but IT personnel have repaired most of them remotely. Only once did a faulty part have to be hand-carried to the city and back. That led to two and a half months without communication, but eventually the connection was repaired and revisions moved forward!

Soon the final draft of the New Testament will be sent to the printers, and the Yawa people will begin preparing for the dedication, set for June 2011. Elder Sefnat, Grandfather Bertasar, and translator Andowa are waiting. Dozens of reviewers and their relatives are waiting. The Scriptures are reaching yet another group of people, isolated, but not forgotten by the God who loves them all. He has conquered space and distance.

Honestly, I’m not sure what Tim is more excited about- using his existing IT skills to support Bible Translation or acquiring all the new skills and technology to support Bible Translation.  I do know that God has worked to hone his IT and trouble-shooting skills the last 11 years to be used for His glory.  It is exciting to see how  God is going to work to bring Wycliffe to its goal of having a translation project begun in each of the nearly 2,000 remaining languages by 2025.  WE (including you!) are going to get to be a part.  We look forward to sharing our first New Testament dedication with you!  Thank you for partnering with us!

Family

So, this blog post started out being just an update on what is going on in the life of the Ellis family.  It turned into a reflection of family. 

The cousins after our night swim.

Right now I'm sitting on the couch at my mom and dad's house in Florida enjoying the quiet.  I don't get that very much, which might explain the lack of postings...either that or the brain overload.  Anyway, Andrew, Bekah, and I are down in Florida for a couple of weeks visiting with my family and friends.  Originally it was only going to be a week, but we managed to work it out so we could attend our family reunion last weekend.  It was so much fun.  I have to say the best part was seeing my kids getting to know cousins they didn't know.  Every day we are asked when we are going to see them again.  They have not had the advantage I had growing up seeing my cousins on a regular (even if it was just annually) basis.  Even after all of these years, we still love each other and remember the fun we used to have.  I'm disappointed we haven't made it more of a priority over the years to attend with the kids.  I always used to think "maybe next year".  Well, this year I knew I wouldn't be saying "maybe next year" since it would be at least 4 more years.  Now Andrew is asking if Kansas is next to Georgia, so he can visit his cousins.  (Apparently all the geography and mapping lessons didn't exactly stick...)  I LOVE it! 

We celebrated Father's Day before we left for Florida.

I've really approached this summer and even this school year with a different focus.  Too many times I have said "no" to various activities because I didn't want to spend the money or it would throw a kink into my schedule.  This year I've been determined to say "yes" more if it involves making lasting memories with those we love.  The biggest memory maker of all is still to come, and the kids are totally oblivious.  I, on the other hand, am bursting at the seams and counting down the days!  On Monday, my parents are taking us to Disney!!!  OK, so I've been to Disney more times that I care to count, BUT my kids have never been.  I remember hearing Mrs. Barbara tell us in a Mom's Bible Study to keep the special things special- don't let them become ordinary.  I remember going to Disney as a child with my parents for the first time.  I was about Bekah's age.  It was so incredible.  I still remember begging my dad to go on Space Mountain with me.  At least this time, I have two little ones that will. Granted I will need to make sure that Bekah wears her tennis shoes that give her that little bit of height.  I'm so excited about sharing this experience with my parents and the kids.  There is only one thing that would make it out of this world- Daddy (aka Tim).  I'm praying he'll get the chance to come with us on Monday.  It would mean taking off of work, but I so want him to be part of the memories.  I want our kids to remember begging their dad to go on the rides and him saying "no".  I want them to have memories with all of us there.  Of course I don't know what would be the biggest thrill to them- having Daddy here for the weekend or Disney.  It would definitely be a toss up! 

The older cousin throwing the younger ones in the pool.

I guess tonight I'm reflecting on family because I know that our family dynamics are changing.  They are nothing like how I grew up- grandparents down the street and related to half the town.  We live about 2 hours away from our closest relatives Tim's aunt & uncle, who we see about once every 3 years.  The kids have never known what it is to have grandparents able to come to each and every event they are in.  Living in a transition city like Atlanta means many of our friends are in the same boat.  Little did we know that our move almost 11 years ago would ultimately prepare us for a family dynamic we never imagined in Papua New Guinea.  No one will ever replace our earthly family.  But, I'm so grateful for the people God places in our lives to be our surrogate family and to be the surrogate family our earthly families (both our parents & our kids) need.  I would be foolish and very naive to believe that our decision to follow God's call only affects the four of us.  It affects so many around us.  I wish they didn't have to feel the pain of a loss.  I know it will be much harder for them because they must carry on with their daily routines while we experience new adventures and have a surrogate family awaiting our arrival.  I thank God for the people He has given to encourage our family, especially my mom.  If you are one of those- THANK YOU!!!!  You are a partner with us and God is using you in ways that you will never imagine.  Thank you for being willing to step up, so we can follow God's call. 

Bekah jumping into the pool and her brother is right behind her jumping to make sure she is ok.  

 

OK, enough sentimental stuff.  I must decide what we can do tomorrow to keep my kids from killing each other while Nini is at work.  Yeah, we still have work to do on the whole family thing with the two of them!

The Challenge

I shared with our prayer partners last week that we have been issued a challenge.  We need to have 50% of our monthly support by the end of June.  OK, this usually accompanied by questions and maybe some confusion.  I'm going to attempt to clear this up, or at least make it as clear as mud.  =) 

How do you decide your monthly support needs?
We have a budget that Wycliffe gave us based upon our needs and the cost of living in Papua New Guinea.  It is the amount that we need to cover our expenses while living in Papua New Guinea.  Costs for the kids' education, insurance, housing, food (yes even enough for our growing boy), medical care (well typical, so as long as Andrew doesn't break anything major...), taxes (social security, medicare), even costs for our return flight home for furlough are all included in this amount. 

Doesn't Wycliffe give you a paycheck?
Yes, as employees of Wycliffe, we get a paycheck.  That paycheck is based upon the gifts of the people that partner with us.  We get paid from the money that is sent in on our behalf to Wycliffe. 

Why do you need monthly support?  Isn't this just a mission trip?
In the past Tim has gone on mission trips to various countries.  Those times we just needed a one time contribution to get him there and home. His job here in the State provided income and vacation time that he used. This is not just a trip, but a new life for us.  We will be living and working in Papua New Guinea.  His job here in the States will not continue to pay him because he will no longer be employed by them.

Why 50%?
Before we can register or attend our Intercultural Communications Course (ICC) in North Carolina in August, we must be at 50% of our regular support.  This course is only offered twice a year- August & January.  If we are unable to attend in August, we will not be able to leave in January for Papua New Guinea because we'll have to attend ICC in January.  We have to complete this month-long course before going to Papua New Guinea.

How much until you reach 50%? 
We need $800/month to be at 50%.  We are currently at 34%. 

When do you need to be at 100%?  
We need to be at 100% by the beginning of December to be released to leave for Papua New Guinea in January.  Until we reach 100%, we cannot leave for Papua New Guinea.  Our first assignment will be to complete the Pacific Orientation Course (POC).  This is the 15 week course that will prepare us for about anything we will encounter.  It is only offered in January and August, so if we are unable to have our support at 100%, we will have to wait until August 2012 to do the training. 

Can I give a special or one-time gift?
YES!  We still have to raise the money for our plane tickets, training, travel, and moving expenses to get us to Papua New Guinea.  We are estimating those costs at $25,000-$30,000. Airfare alone is about $6,000 for the 4 of us to get to PNG- without extra luggage or costs associated with layovers.  That's just the beginning.  We've received about half of the $13,000 at this time.  

Do I have to start giving today?
We understand some people need to finish other commitments or want to begin giving when we actually leave for Papua New Guinea.  That is fine!  All we need to know now is what God is leading you to give monthly (or quarterly, annually, etc) and when you plan on beginning to start giving.  This way we can update our records.

How can I give or pledge to give?
We make it simple.  Click on our Invitation to Partnership (ITP)  and complete the form under "Click to Pray or Give".  This will give you options of how to give and send us a notification of your commitment.  It is really easy.  You can choose to do EFT, mail in a check, or even send it monthly through your online banking.

Right now I can't give financially, what can I do?

• The MOST important thing we need is PRAYER!  Please pray that God will enable us to meet this challenge.  Pray for the ones He has touched to give financially.  
• We need advocates-people willing to share on our behalf, or host a home meeting, or invite us to share with a small group or church.  Email us through our ITP  if you'd like to be added to our prayer list or advocate on our behalf.  
• We need encouragers.  Things get tough and stressful and sometimes just an email letting us know that you are thinking about us and praying for us means more than you'll ever know!  If God lays us on your heart, please lift us up in prayer.  
• Share your prayer concerns with us.  We consider it an honor and privilege to partner with you in prayer.  Please email us on how we can pray for you.  God has shown us that when we focus on the needs of others and lift them up, He blesses us tremendously.  It is a reminder that He is on the throne and is sovereign.  

I'm sure there are more questions that I haven't answered.  Please feel free to ask.  Post a comment, and I'll try to respond! 

The Blessings Continue

That's our Jeep with the boxes and packages on top.  This is what Tim found when he walked out to our car Sunday morning after we finished speaking.  Those packages are a gift from God.  They are boxes and packing material we need to begin the next step in our adventure- packing away our stuff to ship to PNG.  We have no idea who blessed us, but we pray that God blesses them immensely! It pretty much made our day to find this.  My big job this summer is to get everything packed to be shipped.  It makes it a lot easier when you have the material you need!  THANK YOU!!!!

Now, who wants to have a packing party at my house...after VBS????

By the way, we have started a wishlist on Amazon of items that we need to get.  That is where these items came from.  You can check it out at http://amzn.com/w/4O8X567G797E.  We are adding items several times a week. 

May/June Newsletter

We've just posted our May/June Newsletter.  Click here to go and read it.  If you would like to be added to our email or mailing list, please send us an email through the "Partner With Us" link. 

Busyness and Margin

OK, so I haven't been too busy lately updating everyone on the blog.  Every time I would get this great idea, life would happen and before I knew it, another day had begun.  I apologize.  I keep thinking, well, once I get "A" done, then I'll have time.  It hasn't happened.

Right now I'm reading a book about putting margin in your life.  What is margin?  Well, that is what I'm struggling with right now.  Think of a document and all of that space around it.  That is margin.  Well, how do I get margin in my life, especially as we prepare for Papua New Guinea, and try to do all that we can while we are here?  First, I have to say "no" to the good things.  There is nothing wrong with them, but they are not where God needs us to be.  We have to only say "yes" to those things that will glorify God.  Sounds so easy, but it is so not easy.  I am still learning how to truly listen to my husband when it comes to activities.  Shhh, don't tell him my secret, but he really does have a clue about what is expected and what I can handle.  God is also showing me that just because I could do it in the past does NOT mean I can or should do it now.  I forget how much I need to do. 

God is the One that created margin- a day of rest.  If God needed a day of rest, then how much more do I?  Between serving, speaking, and kids activities, that day of rest seems very elusive.  I'm trying to make a cognitive decision to have at least a time of rest.  This week Tim & I made an agreement that when the kids went to bed, we would not continue to do our work in different rooms, but we would spend the time together.  It's been an extremely relaxing end to some very crazy, busy days. 

As summer approaches, I usually look forward to lazy days at the pool and just enjoying a slower pace.  This summer will be different as I try to cram as much in for the kids as possible in the two months that we have.  In addition to packing and preparing for our Intercultural Communication Class that is the month of August in North Carolina.  Pray that we remember to add margin and rest to our lives.  I pray each of you can find some white space in your lives!

$17.63

What is $17.63 to you?  For some it is just a little bit of change.  For some it may mean the chance to go to pick up a couple of pizzas for dinner.  This week, this $17.63 was a gift from God for us! We have been experiencing some discouragement, frustration, and lots of stress.  Tim's truck had died for the second time in two days.  It was very frustrating because I (Tara) knew that it would mean another day without a car and of course possibly additional car repair bills. As I took the kids to class while having my own private pity party, I was presented with a gift.  It didn't look like much, but it contained a gift I will not soon forget.  It was two simple styrofoam bowls stapled together with a slit cut in the top.  It had a few remaining decorative macaroni left on it and had "We Give Cheerfully" glued on the side.  Inside contained a treasure.  It had $17.63.  It was from a young girl- a child in Kindergarten who had been saving her money to give to us as we prepare for Papua New Guinea.  This time $17.63 represented all the savings of a little girl.  It was just the boost and encouragement we needed.  Yet, again, God reminded us that He is well aware of what is going on in our lives.  He will provide- not just monetary, but encouragement- ALL that we need!  

We are very thankful for that sweet reminder.  Sometimes we get caught up in our own problems and circumstances that we neglect what is truly important- our relationship with Jesus Christ.  We don't come to Him "in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, [and] present your requests." (Phil 4:6). 

 

The money given to us on Wednesday will contribute to the continuation of the translation of the Bible in Papua New Guinea.  I pray God will multiply her gift to even further Bible translation in Papua New Guinea.  This is one child who is already learning at a young age about giving sacrificially to God! 

What difference can you make today?

Bekah's Insights

We were doing our devotion this morning and somehow ended up on the topic of Jesus returning and what it means for those of us that are Christians.  It will be no fight, it will be a complete victory for Jesus!  WOOHOO!  Bekah said she had this picture in her mind of a stairway that led to heaven.  The first step was out of reach, but there was Jesus lifting us up to put us on that first step.  Then we climbed up to heaven. 

Wow- from the mouth of a 6-year-old!  We talked about how as sinners we cannot get to God.  It is only through Jesus that we are able to be with God.  He is the only One that can place us on that first step.  I was just in awe at how God was speaking through my little girl.  Listen to the kids.  They will say stuff that will blow you away!

Lessons from Laundry

Last night I began my least favorite chore of all- laundry.  I try to do it as little as possible, which means that usually there isn't just a mountain of laundry to be accomplished but an entire mountain range.  As any good Type A personality does, I sort my laundry into about 10 different piles that are not only done by color but also clothing type and whether or not they have to be hung up after they dry.  OK, so it is no wonder that Tim doesn't want to help sort laundry.  I have my own system!  Anyway, I just bought a new package of white socks.  They have yet to be blemished by our wonderful Georgia clay and my floors that aren't clean 24/7.  So pretty and white.  I threw in another pair of socks into the basket that I thought were still pretty white.  Boy did they look dingy compared to those new pretty white pair.  I never realized how dingy they really were.  Now, you can imagine how bad the ones that my kids have that anyone with half an eye can tell aren't white anymore! 

This got me to thinking.  I look at me and think "I'm pretty clean.  I certainly am not 'dirty and dingy' like that person."  Therein lies my problem.  I'm comparing myself to another person, not to the One that is truly "clean"- Jesus Christ.  I compare myself to the Holy One, and it is quickly and painfully obvious that I am "sin-infected, sin-contaminated. (My) best efforts are grease-stained rags." (Isaiah 64:6, The Message).  Wow, so even my best efforts are worse than the dingy, clay stained socks of my kids.  That is very humbling!  Praise the Lord that he promised "'Come now, let’s settle this,' says the Lord. 'Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.'"  No amount of bleach can make my kids socks white, again.  Praise God that He makes me white and clean and pure through His Son Jesus Christ!  I guess you could Jesus is the ultimate bleach- he doesn't even weaken the fabric when He cleans but makes it stronger!

Confession Time

Can I let you in on a little secret?  I know this is going to be a shock to the one or two of you out there that actually reads my blog posts.  Ready?  Here goes- I don't know it all and can get a bit apprehensive about what is going to happen at times.  There, I said it.  The stereotypical missionary may know it all (at least regarding the Bible) and have no apprehension (aka worry) about what is going to happen, when, and how, etc, but fortunately, I don't think those stereotypical missionaries exist.  Yep, God takes regular people to be His missionaries.  OK, that is not how I would do it, but I just confessed that I don't know it all.  I just like to think I know it all.

This morning I was reading my Bible and everything I read God was teaching me and reinforcing the lessons I needed TODAY!  I've started going through the One Year Bible and have finally made it to January 8th.  This Bible is set up where you read a passage from the OT, a passage from the NT, and a portion of Psalms and Proverbs every day.  The jury is still out as to whether I like that format or not.  In the past I've gone straight through starting in Genesis.  I've even used a chronological Bible, but not the different passages.  This morning I read about how God's faithfulness to Abraham saved Lot and his family from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.  Then I continued to read how Lot's daughters got him drunk, so they could get pregnant by him.  The two babies that were conceived and born were the ancestors of two of the enemies of Israel.  And people think the Bible is boring!  Anyway, it got me to thinking about my kids.  What type of influence is our culture having on them?  Is there more I should be doing to protect them and surround them with Godly influences?  So this starts to add to the stress and apprehension that I've already been dealing with these last few weeks.  Then I start reading the section from the New Testament. It was the famous passage from Matthew 6 about not worrying.  I really loved how the NLT puts the passage:

"So don't worry about these things, saying, `What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?'These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."  Matthew 6:31-33

So, where is my focus, what is dominating my thoughts? That was my question this morning.  Too often my thoughts are dominated by earthly concerns- How will my kids transition to living overseas? Am I sheltering them too much? too little? Is homeschooling the right thing for them?  What do I do when someone in our extended family is sick, and I can't do anything to help? Are we going to raise all of our support? Where are we going to get the money to get us and our supplies to PNG? Is there more I should be doing? Am I really qualified to be a missionary? You get the point.  Did you notice lots of "I" in those concerns?  When I begin to focus on me, my focus is not on God and the worry begins to dominate.  Today, I give these concerns to God and seek Him above all else.  He is going to provide EVERYTHING we need- food, clothing, shelter, wisdom, peace, love, strength, etc.  I remind myself "...the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult and only a few ever find it."  (Matthew 7:14).  Oh, but the reward is LIFE and not just any life but a "real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of"!  (John 10:10, The Message)  

One Year

She wasn't too sure about this cake!

Today we spent the day with some of our best friends, Janel & Matt.  Well, I guess they are more like family, but there is no technical family connection in the genealogy.  We were celebrating the first birthday of their precious daughter, Sayde.  As I was getting dressed this morning, I was thinking about where we were a year ago.  A year ago as my best friend was heading to give birth to her third child, Tim & I were in a conference in Waxhaw, North Carolina.  Just as this sweet baby girl was brought into the world helpless and totally dependent on everyone around her, we, too, were entering into a new world that was foreign but left us feeling helpless and totally dependent on our Father to guide us. 

That conference was the Check-IT-Out Conference hosted by Wycliffe. Very few people knew what we were doing that weekend. Those that did know were praying for God to show us clearly what we were to do.  We were looking into the possibility of using Tim's IT skills in the mission field.  We weren't sure how, when, where, or what, but we knew God said to go, so we went.  I sat in these meetings that were really geared toward those with an IT background with not a clue as to what they were talking about.  All I knew was that there were over 2,000 languages in the world that still needed a Bible in their language.  These people groups had no way of reading or completely understanding the Bible.  I remember thinking, "Wow, you'd think all languages would have a Bible by now."  I was amazed at how Wycliffe was using the God given talent and intellect of these gifted men and women to greatly increase the translation process through the use of computers.  I was amazed at how the linguist would use shoeboxes of index cards to translate words and sounds as they learned them.  As a mom with kids, I'm wondering how many times those boxes were dumped out or had something spilled on them or colored on or....well, you get my point.  Now they have a program called Shoebox that enables them to translate without all the index cards to store their words they have learned.  Where it used to take 30 years or so to complete a New Testament translation, it now takes 12-15 years. All because of the technology God has provided.

What a difference a year makes! A year later, we are now in full preparation to join the translation work in Papua New Guinea with Wycliffe.  We've completed our initial training and begun forming our partnership team.  We hope to be in Papua New Guinea in less than a year from now.   Just as our kids learn so much in that first year of life, we, too, have learned tremendous amounts about ourselves and about our continued dependence on our Heavenly Father.  Although as kids get older, they tend to become less dependent (hopefully) on their parents, this is where the analogy ends.  Today, we are even more dependent upon our Heavenly Father.  Only He knows what our future holds, and it is an exciting journey to behold! 

Disclaimer:  Please do not ask me (Tara) any technical computer questions from Check-IT-Out.  Not only was my mind several hundred miles away thinking about Janel as she was trying to give birth to Sadye, but the conference certainly wasn't in my mother tongue!  I don't think it was in English, at least not good ole' Southern English! 

Home Sweet Home

Most people think of Florida has a tourist destination and fun spot.  We think of Florida as home.  It is where we grew up.  It is where our family is, well at least most of Tara's family.  It is always nice to go back home.  After being gone for 10-15 years, home doesn't feel like home anymore.  This trip home has been spent doing some reminiscing.   Last week we drove past the home that Tim & I first knew as a married couple.  It hasn't changed that much, but it wasn't the same place.  We also drove past the place Tim spent his childhood.  The neighborhood and home aren't the same! Yesterday my mom & I drove past the house I grew up in.  It looks nothing like the home I knew as a child.  We drove past the home where my mom grew up.  It is where my grandparents lived until God called them home.  It is now an office for one of the Strawberry Farmers.  Things have changed- A LOT!

The kids make the backseat "home!"

This has gotten me thinking about what really makes up a home.  We've all heard the old saying "Home is where the heart is."  What does that mean?  Clearly, home isn't a particular place that is permanent for a lifetime.  I don't call the house I grew up in "home".  At one time I did, but not now. As we've been traveling meeting with different people and visiting the last week and a half, we've used the phrase "Time to go home."  But, we weren't really going home because home is in Atlanta.  We are still here at my parents' house in Florida.  It's not our home.  So, what is home?  I have some theories, and my favorite right now is "home is where you are most comfortable to be you".  I think back to the time when Tim & I first moved to Atlanta.  We left our home in Orlando and moved into a cramped extended stay hotel while waiting for our house to be completed.  It wasn't an ideal home, but it was where we could go to escape everything, except for maybe each other.  Last week, we stayed at a couple of different hotels.  They were a brief "home" because we were able to just relax and be ourselves. 

Celebrating Nini's birthday at her home.

After being gone for over a week, I miss home.  I miss the routine and normalcy that is associated with home.  I can see how God is working on my attitude and heart.  This type A personality is learning to be more flexible with schedules and people around.  I'm learning to find my own place for home, no matter where I am.  Yes, I think home is where you are free to be you.  Even if that isn't correct, that is what I need to cling to through the next chapter of our lives.  If not, I will always be longing for "home".  I think about the Israelite people as they left Egypt after 430 years of captivity.  Home had become a miserable place of slavery and hard work.  Yet, when they were free and in the desert, they complained and longed to be "home".  God had a plan to deliver His people from the Egyptians and to show Himself as God.  The Israelites chose to complain.  God still provided a path through the Red Sea.  As we begin our transition from the home we've known for 10+ years to the new home in Papua New Guinea, we must remember that God knows exactly what is going on.  He is to be glorified.  He doesn't promise comfort.  My attitude and my reaction to all the changes is what will determine how I view the change of home.  It will also make an incredible difference to my family, as well. 

Although I still don't have a great definition of home, I do know that one day my home will never change.  The day I am with my Heavenly Father is the day I will be forever home.  In the meantime, I'll follow His leading to bring as many people Home as will come.  Will you join me?

January Newsletter

I have just posted our January/February Newsletter.  For those on our mailing or emailing list, I will be getting those out later today.  The mailed copies will go out by Friday.  For our Florida friends and family, check out the section on our travel to your area.   We look forward to getting together with many of you!

Thankfulness

Have you had one of those days where your kids drive you absolutely crazy?  They complain about everything. They are not content with what they have.  They have a serious case of the "I WANT".  Well, that was my day yesterday.  We took the kids on a field trip to the Mayfield Dairy.  Andrew didn't want the size of ice cream I was going to buy, he wanted the great big one.  He wanted half of the stuff in the gift shop.  And that was just the beginning. Then we went to the mall.  OK, so I'm sure you can figure out that was probably not the best decision on my part.  By the time we got home and they had to clean out the car, they were fighting and arguing.  The straw that broke the camels back was when at dinner Bekah commented "these noodles are cold."  I took a deep breath and went into the Mommy lecture of why they should be grateful.  No, I didn't talk about the starving kids in Africa.  I told them about some of the kids right here in our neighborhood.  We explained that some of the kids in their own class at church doesn't always get breakfast in the morning or food whenever they want it.  I think it might have pricked their hearts a little.  Tim & I decided that they would go upstairs to bed immediately after dinner.  They had to take some paper and pencil and sit in their bed to write down what they were thankful for.  I really don't do this enough with my kids, but I got such a blessing out of reading their lists when I went to tuck them in.  Here is what they said.  (I had edited for spelling but not grammar) 

Bekah said- "What I am thankful for- I'm thankful for my room and my toys and the main thing -the main thing is God and Jesus and the earth."  On the back of her paper she drew a picture of God "using my imagination of what God looks like."  On the front she drew a picture of the earth with Papua New Guinea. 

Andrew's list- God, dogs, friends, family, church, bed, blankets, home, toys, my animals, books, being a missionary, mom, dad, Rebekah, earth, Christmas, room, hats, places, me, food, legos, army, clothes, snow, outside, Mr. Fox, logs, cars, work, money, sun, light, dark, birthdays, knives, ots, pans, songs, ship, wood, milk, drink, Jesus, homeschool, Lego Ninjago, star wars, cross, football, Navy, tv, movies, Awana

As I read through their lists and talked with each of them, I felt refreshed as a mom.  Their hearts were sincere.  Why am I sharing this?  I'm not bragging because I certainly have many mess ups as a mom, but I'm sharing to encourage all of you.  It is hard and tough.  Our society screams at our kids that they need to have everything.  It isn't easy.  I'm still finding the balance between being a "no" mom and a "yes" mom.  I pray they will have the same attitude as Paul- content in every circumstance.

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 

Philippians 4:11-12 (NLT)

Actions Have Consequences

 God has some exciting adventures in store for us as a family and as individuals.  We are growing individually and together as a family as we prepare for PNG.  Sometimes in all the excitement and stress, we forget about the challenges that our kids our facing, too.

I just had a heart-breaking conversation with our son.  These last couple of weeks have been very rough at our house- attitudes and anger and just overall frustration with the kids.  We've had some good times, don't get me wrong, but we've had some more than usual tough times.  After a very rough ending to our school day, Andrew ended up being "sentenced" to the finishing his school work in his room and spending the rest of the afternoon cleaning it.  He was none to happy about having to stay there the rest of the afternoon.  After he calmed down, he came downstairs to get his stuff, and we sat down to talk for a few minutes.  I wanted to try to get to the heart of the matter.  I didn't just want to correct the behavior, but I want a better understanding of his heart.  I've been reading through the book Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds to begin to prepare us for the transitions our kids will be experiencing.  One thing that really struck me as I read it was that many times the kids are not given the "ok" to be sad about leaving all they know. We don't even give ourselves permission to grieve over the losses because we are doing this move for God, and it is where He wants us.  We aren't sad because we are going but because we are leaving.  We'll experience very similar emotions and feelings when we come back to the States.

I know Andrew is really struggling because some of the things that have been the norm for us are no longer guaranteed.  We aren't doing co-op classes or even additional extracurricular activities because of our current schedule.  Andrew thrives on the expected and the routine, and I know change is not easy for him.  We sat down and talked.  He is sad about leaving his friends and homeschool group and all that he has known.  This has to be one of the hardest parts about leaving.  It really broke my heart because of the struggle he is going through to go with mom and dad on a mission God has called us on.  Don't misunderstand, he is very excited about the new adventure, but he is also terribly sad over the loss of friends and the unexpectedness of the unknown.  Please pray for us to be able to help him get through the transition of the next year or so.  Pray for our sweet, tenderhearted boy.  Pray we will have wisdom on dealing with the behavior and showing him appropriate ways to deal with the conflict that is very real and for wisdom in dealing with his heart.

The Difference the Son Makes

Over a week ago, it started to snow.  I woke up last Monday morning to a beautiful winter wonderland.  Then it changed to ice and ended up keeping us confined to the house for a week.  Our house is situated on a hill, complete with a steep driveway.  Not to mention we have lots of tall trees surrounding our house and neighborhood.  Over a week later, we still have snow in our front yard and on parts of our driveway.   This afternoon I really thought it odd as we were driving down our street and most of the snow was gone until you rounded the corner and got the first glimpse of the cul-de-sac.  You see our house and the house on either side of us with pretty much a yard full of snow still.  It seemed so out of place.  I looked out my back window yesterday and could see the same ole' drab look of the brown pine needles covering the ground.  I look out the front and it looks like the winter wonderland.   So, what is the difference?  It's not like we have a snow machine on the front yard or heaters going in the back.  The difference is the sun.  Our house faces North, so the backyard receives the most sun. Of course, that isn't all that much sun since there are lots of trees.  Well, the backyard got the sun, but the front did not. Then the rain came.  Wow, the rain and warmer temperatures helped melt even more of the snow. 

I started to contemplate how the Son makes a difference in our lives.  That would be the Son of God, Jesus Christ.  When He shines in our lives, he reveals what is really there.  I don't like to see what is under all that beautiful snow.  I don't like to see the selfishness, the pride, the sinfulness of my life that is revealed when the Son shines in my heart.  But it is when that snow melts away, the beauty of Spring- the flowers, the green grass, the trees- comes forth.  God wants that facade gone and the true beauty to shine forth.  That true beauty cannot shine through when the ugliness of sin is covering. 

I don't know how or if this will speak to anyone, but it has been on my heart.  I wanted to share it.  Pray that God will shine on the areas of our lives that need to be cleared away.  Pray that through the tears that may need to be shed (like the rain), our lives will be ready for Him to do a great and mighty work in and through.  I want the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in all we do. 

But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

 Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified. 

Galatians 5:22-24 (The Message)

Flexibility is the Name of the Game

Flexibility is not usually the favorite word of a Type A personality.  We like our plans, we like them in advance, and we like everything to go as planned.  We tend to stress when things go off time schedule.  The more they go off schedule, the higher the stress level.  I admit, I'm a bit Type A, just a little- OK, quit laughing,-  maybe more than just a little.  On New Year's Day I sat down and wrote out on my calendar the plans for the month.  I would prefer to write everything in ink, but I am learning that it just makes a mess on my calendar with all the scratch-outs, so I have learned to use pencil.  We had a very busy week planned for this week.  It was to begin with a trip to Mayfield Dairy, speaking to the AWANA club at church, going to see Beauty & the Beast with Bekah, bowling and sleepover party for Andrew, and concluding with dinner with friends.  That is what our calendar said last week.  Then they started talking about a snow event on Sunday night.  OK, so that might just postpone the field trip.  No big deal.  This is Atlanta, these things don't last long.  Little did I know that on Saturday, I would still be at home with just a small path (finally) cleared to walk down the driveway and snow and ice everywhere else. 

The Birthday Boys!

When you have two Type A personalities in the same family, it can make for some interesting dynamics, especially when it is father and daughter, errr, I mean mother and son.  Andrew has always been a schedule child.  He likes to know what is going to happen, when it is going to happen and what to expect.  He is the child that would plan out the theme for his birthdays years in advance.  I got to decide on his birthday theme exactly two times- his first and second birthday.  When you have a January birthday, you have to learn to be a little bit flexible.  We've already experienced the challenge of re-arranging a party due to an ice storm.  This year was full of flexibility.  We planned a combined birthday party with his best buddy.  We were going to go bowling, play lazer tag, eat pizza, and have a sleepover at his buddy's house.  The boys were so excited. None of us ever dreamed that the snow & ice that began Sunday night would still be affecting us on Friday night.  Thursday night we (the other mom & I) made the decision to postpone the bowling and lazer tag.  We changed the sleepover to our house since we couldn't leave our house.  I knew it wouldn't be the ideal situation for Andrew, but he took it ok.  He was disappointed that the events weren't as planned, but the boys still had a great time and got at least 2 or 3 hours sleep.  I want him to learn flexibility.  His Type A personality is part of who he is.  I totally understand that!  (being slightly type A myself...)  What we are both learning is that God's plans are so much better than ours. 

I want both of my kids, especially Andrew, to learn lessons that I'm slowly learning about being flexible and being patient.  "But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind." (Isaiah 40:31, The Message)  I don't like waiting.  I want to know all the plans and details and what to expect.  God gives fresh strength to those that wait.  Are we willing to be flexible and wait on God?  Do we really want to soar like eagles?  God has been so faithful to teach me how to wait on Him, even with the Type A personality.  Waiting entails being flexible. 

Lessons from Ice & Snow

So the number one lesson I have learned this week is that I'm not made to live any further from the equator than I live right now.  I'm a Florida girl, and this snow and ice thing was not something I was ever taught about.  Actually as I was walking around my yard and house, I kept having flashbacks to youth ski trips to Snow Mountain, West Virginia.  That was fun.  I didn't have to worry about getting out, running out of milk, or anything.  I just skied and played and enjoyed life.  Besides, it was only for a few days, and I had borrowed ski clothes.  Things are a bit different living in it. 

We are beginning Day 4 of our adventure with snow and ice here in Atlanta.

OK before all of you who deal with this kind of stuff up North on a regular basis start accusing me (and the rest of the South) as being a wuss, I will admit it!  I AM A COLD WEATHER WUSS!!!  Seriously, I have a new found respect for those that deal with this on a regular basis.  I can't imagine every morning having to dig my car out or having to clear the driveway.  The day after Christmas Tim & I worked for almost an hour clearing off my parent's van and the driveway, so we could go to church.  We got maybe an inch of snow. The kids and I worked for what seemed like hours yesterday to attempt to clear off the driveway.  Didn't work.  You can see the results in the picture- and that is just the top of the driveway!

One thing God has been teaching me through all of this is I'm spoiled.  Not just a little spoiled like I thought, but I am spoiled rotten.  That's not a good thing.  I had to throw some pears out this week that the kids had begged me to buy them.  I thought I could save them.  Cut the spoiled part out, and then the rest is fine.  These were spoiled rotten.  There wasn't enough "good" left in them to try to save.  Now, fortunately I'm not a pear and God isn't me.  (I know, we are all very thankful for that last part!)  God can save even the most rotten!  I knew I was somewhat spoiled.  Preparing to leave all the comforts of life that you've known to go to a country on the other side of the world has opened my eyes a bit.  This week, they were open even further.  I had convinced myself that I'd be ok without a Chick-fil-A or grocery store or any other convenience I needed or wanted for that matter right around the corner.  Seriously within 5 miles of my house, I have more restaurants, grocery stores, drug stores, and shopping than most people need.  So, we have been at home for 3 whole days (as I type this I realize how crazy it sounds when put into perspective) without the ability to safely go anywhere.  With the exception of coming home for about an hour on Tuesday, Tim has been at work since he left early Monday morning.  I have been a pretty poor sport about it.  I've had my share of pity parties- "I'm stuck here by myself with two kids and no incoming relief and no where to go to get this extra energy out" "We're out of milk, butter, and anything else I need to make what I want to cook" "I sure wish Papa Johns would deliver".  OK, you get the point, I certainly haven't been very thankful for what we did have.  So, I've started looking at things from a thankfulness perspective.  Afterall, when we get to PNG, there is no Papa Johns to bring us pizza.  There is no fast food at Ukarumpa, unless you consider leftovers fast food.  And there is no Target or Belk or Kohls.  It's not even super easy shopping online because not everywhere delivers to Papua New Guinea.  You get the point.

Here is what I'm thankful for during this week:

• My husband's integrity and work ethic.  
• My husband's preparedness.  He knew there was a good chance he'd have to be at work, and we could loose power.  He stocked us up with plenty of firewood and even moved the grill into the garage, so we could cook if needed.
• My kids are used to playing with each other and love to play with each other.  In fact, they've done better when I've just let them play rather than get on the Wii, computer, or watch a movie.
• We did NOT loose power, so we stayed nice and warm.
• The time to get my clothes and toys tagged and ready for the Spring/Summer consignment sale.
• Homeschooling- We didn't miss any school days this week!
• The $3 pair of rain boots I bought myself on Saturday for Papua New Guinea.  They've made great snow boots.
• Our warm clothes.
• Just a taste of what it is to live in this kind of weather.  (As we meet this weekend with our friends who are missionaries in Alaska, I'll have a new appreciation for them!)
• The God of the universe that loves me and cares for me is right here with me, even when I'm spoiled rotten.

 As I pray that this evening Bekah and I will be able to enjoy our girls night outing to see Beauty and the Beast, I'm reminded that no matter what happens, God is in control.  I can sit and be miserable over things I can't control, or I can rest in the loving arms of the One who IS in control.