My little friends

As I have said before, there are many geckos in my house. I see them scurrying around every so often. They are always high up because as Nancy says they're avoiding the cats and dog! While this might seem creepy to live with mice-sized creatures that can scale walls, I infinitely prefer their guardian angel-like presence to the other options. They are keeping the monstrous, and possibly poisonous, insects at bay! I can deal with the geckos. In fact, I am very thankful to the geckos. Not only do they protect, but they also serve as a reminder for me. God works in our lives in ways that are behind the scenes. We might snatch glimpses of His work, but rarely do we realize how much He does for us (like the gecko). I am thankful these little guys can remind me how present my God really is!

“It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

My Ministry...?

I haven't written in a while because I haven't known what to say. I'm sure many of your are curious about the intricate aspects of my ministry and how it is developing. Me too. From my point of view, I see my daily life, but I can't see how God is working. I have no doubt He is doing amazing things right under my nose.

From what I can see, I have two ministries.

My primary ministry is the obvious reason I was called here: to interpret. It isn't what I expected, so it has taken me a LOOOONG time to adjust (longer than I would have given myself grace for). I have had to jump into middle school interpreting headfirst. For those of you who don't know classroom interpreting, each grade level has its own distinct challenges. And I was expecting kindergarten...Yep, that's a big difference! It has taken awhile for me to gain Sulmi's trust, figure out her personality and signing style, then to match that with the interpretation, all the while interpreting content I haven't thought of in 10 years (am I really that old??). On top of that, the classroom discourse, content, and language (at times) are all new for me. At times, I feel so inept because there is SO much I don't know. How can I be a relay-er of information when I don't even understand what is being said?? What gives me hope is God's promise that He uses my weaknesses to magnify His glory. I'm glad someone is benefiting from all my mistakes!!

My second ministry is to build relationship with anyone and everyone I meet. God will determine the depth of the connection. I need to be available (which is hard to do!). Some people need to hear a kind word. Others are hungry for the gospel. I have to be ready to shine the light of Christ in my every word and action. I was only given 10 months to make an impact on Belize. In that amount of time, I cannot revolutionize the country. However, I can make a difference in one person's life, maybe more. I'll make myself available and let the Holy Spirit do the rest. "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."~ 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

So really my ministry is no different than yours. God is using my weaknesses and strengths and relationships. I am just living it out in a different country. I encourage you to be brave and do the same! Live out your mission where God has called you to be. I am excited to hear how God is using your influence as well!

“Go back?" he thought. "No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!" So up he got, and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him and one hand feeling the wall, and his heart all of a patter and a pitter.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit