Prayer Update

It’s been a busy & blessed summer!

Here’s what I’ve been up to.

Dissertation Writing:

I’ve been working diligently on my dissertation “Choctaw Tribal School Instructional Aides’ Perceptions of Preparedness for Implementing Choctaw Language Materials in Elementary Classrooms.” I’m reading books about Native American and Choctaw history, language revitalization, and early childhood language learning pedagogy. In addition, I am analyzing data gathered during trips to Choctaw language classes during the spring semester.

My hope is that my dissertation will provide insight for the Tribal Language Program staff as they continue to write and develop the Choctaw language curriculum and teacher training.

I am continuing my partnership with the Choctaw Tribal Language Program. I’m helping in any way that I can with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of different programs for the Choctaw Language Instructors.

Mission Team Visit:

In July a mission team from Otterbein UB Church in Greencastle, PA visited Choctaw, MS to serve with Corinth Baptist Church in the Tucker Community. Corinth Baptist Church has asked for help preparing the building site for their new church building.

The team, in partnership with Hope Indian Baptist Church hosted a concert called Rockin’ the Rez. Holding a concert has been a dream of Leonard’s for many years. Groups from Pennsylvania and Mississippi performed. Pastor Reinhart from the Mennonite Church shared a short message and Chief Anderson shared an opening prayer.

Upcoming Events:

Fall 2015 semester - I hope to defend my dissertation and graduate from Jackson State University in December 2015. Please pray that God will give me supernatural wisdom and insight as I analyze data. Please pray for my dissertation committee.

I am guiding students in one eight-week online class for JSU – EDCI 220 Teaching and Learning Styles for Young Children

October 2015 – SIL North America’s retreat in Bellingham, Washington.

Would you like to be part of my ministry team?

Please send tax deductible donations to:

Wycliffe Bible Translators, Inc.

PO Box 628200 • Orlando, FL 32862

*Enclose a note that says “Gift for the ministry of Abigail Farmer. Account #285943”

Call 1-800-WYCLIFFE

What I've been up to!

I'm in my third year of study at Jackson State University! The classes I’ve taken this year have
been especially challenging. I am grateful for the support and encouragement of my Dissertation
Chair, Dr. Latiker and mentor Dr. Kincaid. My dissertation proposal was accepted in November!
The working title of my research is: Choctaw Tribal School Instructional Aides’ Perceptions of Preparedness for Implementing Choctaw Language Materials in Elementary Classrooms.

My new job title / role with CBTC is Education & Literacy Specialist. Part of the mission statement
of CBTC is encouraging language maintenance and revitalization efforts, especially for young Choctaw Speakers.

Beginning over the summer I’ve been working with the Choctaw Tribal Language Program. My
tasks allow me to use my education and language development training. I am assisting the language
program staff by aligning the Choctaw language curriculum and Choctaw language learning
standards. I am also assisting with Choctaw Language Instructor Certification Course sessions.
My dissertation research, interview Choctaw language instructors, will provide insight for future
language teacher training so Choctaw children will have an excellent language experience.

Back at it...

It's been almost 18 months since I've written anything for this blog. I have a lot going on and I can appreciate how effective it is for sharing information with loved ones.

Today I am grateful that I had an opportunity to meet the new Choctaw Bible Translation Committee office manager, Ms. Millie! She has a great deal of experience and is a welcome part of the team.

I am working this week with the Choctaw Tribal Language Program. I am revising existing Choctaw literacy lesson plans for De. Having files available electronically will make it easier to distribute and share them in the future!

The purpose of this blog is to share news and thoughts with friends, family, and prayer partners.

Thanks for reading!

On the home front, here are two ridiculously cute photos of my dog, Duncan and cat, Kitty Nuggets.