What financial difficulties have taught me

I'll be honest - the past few weeks have been very frustrating!  Between taking a trip to make contacts for ministry purposes, an unexpected litter of kittens, and  one of the courses that I counted on being reassigned, things have been tight.  And it's stressful.

But what does the Word say?

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19  

What I know for sure is this:

God takes His Word seriously.  
God keeps His promises.  
God will take care of me.

What I've been thinking about 

Last night, I wrote in my journal: "Dear Lord, Thank-you in advance for the ways that You will take care of me.  Thank-you that You will meet my needs.  Amen."

We can look at difficult circumstances two ways: "Why is this happening to me?" or "What can I learn from this?"  The choice to take the higher ground, so to speak, is dificult and requires maturity - which I don't always have.  It requires humility and a willingness to be teachable.  However, in the end, it is much more rewarding.

What does God want to teach me?  What have I been learning?  

* Self Control and Self Denial

The fact that there aren't funds available for extra things means a lot of self control and self denial.  Self control means foregoing a pair of shoes that I like because I have to pay my utility bill.  Self denial means saying, "No" when I'm tempted to purchase something I want.  It's stressful, but I know it's building character.  

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.  Romans 5:3-5

* What is my response to frustration?

What happens when things don't go my way?  Do I become angry or despondant?  Do I allow my heart to soften?  

I want to respond to difficult circumstances in a way that honors God.

* The importance of following through

Inviting people to join my ministry team is a daunting task, especially since I'm such an introvert!  Reaching out is hard because there's the risk of hearing, "No."  However, there's also the chance that I will hear, "We want to know more!"  

I need the Body of Christ!  Ministry isn't something I can do on my own, and I don't want to do it on my own!  

* Empathy

I am learning empathy for those who are struggling, too.  

Thank-you, Lord!   

Sweet Libby and Cassie

The In-between Place

I’m in a really frustrating place right now.  

You see, when I became a member of Wycliffe, I knew that part of that commitment was living by faith.  I am currently reaching out and requesting partnership from churches and individuals.  This is absolutely necessary because this work requires much prayer and the support of the community of believers.  It is humbling to see how God has moved!

Right now my support level is around 54% and I am continuing to reach out for support.  To be honest, I would much rather be working with GIAL as Distance Education Instructional Designer!  I am needed there!  So, why am I in this “In-between Place”?  

After 12 years, living by faith doesn’t necessarily get easier.  However, I’ve seen examples of God’s faithfulness.  

In the midst of my current situation – the In-between Place – I am reflecting on these verses:

Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.
(Romans 12:12)

The Lord is good to everyone who trusts in him,
So it is best for us to wait in patience—to wait for him to save us—
And it is best to learn this patience in our youth.
(Lamentations 3:25-27)

What are the reasons God has be in the in the In-between Place?

·         

     God has people in mind to join my support team.  

God has taken care of me in the past, and He will take care of me in the future.  He has brought people into my life.  Through them, I’ve been blessed richly!  It’s a privilege to share my journey with the family of God – this truly takes a team.

·    God desires to build my character.

Patience?  Something everyone wants, but the process of getting it is pretty rough! 

During times like this, we can either grow hard out of anger or we can allow our hearts to soften and hear His voice. 

Easy?  Nope.  Ultimately rewarding?  Yes.

 God wants to have a rich and intimate relationship with me!

I want to draw closer to God and hear His voice.  He wants to be close to me, too! Know this gives me peace.

When doors close

I got some bad news today... 

The courses I was assigned to teach online at a state university were assigned to another instructor without my knowledge.  The person responsible for this decision resigned, so I can't even get an explanation.  This is a huge disappointment because of the loss of income and I've been working to develop the courses all summer. It feels like I've been wasting my time.

I know that God will provide - He's never failed to take care of me.  I'm disappointed.  However, I know that not having a course will allow me to focus on my work with Wycliffe Bible Translators and prepare for my role at GIAL.  The preparation and training I did is not wasted because it's added to my online learning knowledge and skills.   

For now - I'm going to take a deep breath and move forward.

Online learning - Communicating Effectively

A benefit of online learning is that instructors have a wide variety of tools to communicate with their students: 
email, message boards, and video chat.

A variety of online tools are available for students and teachers in online learning programs like Blackboard and Canvas.  Email allows teachers and students to communicate through written messages, answering questions or asking for more details.  Message boards are for students to share their thoughts with their classmates and interact with the course content.  Finally, students and teachers can set appointments for video chats ranging from lectures and presentations, to evaluations, and Q & A Sessions. 

Additionally, students can upload their assignments in common formats like Microsoft Word and Power Point.  Outside of the online learning platform, students can link to popular video hosting sites like YouTube to upload video assignments. 

Now, I'm aware that there are challenges to communicating effectively.  Some challenges are: Arranging online meetings can be difficult, especially if people are in very different time zones. Students and teachers both need to have effective communication skills (written especially). Students and teachers both need to respond to communications in a timely manner (time management skills).

The positive thing here is that challenges can be overcome through knowledge and training.  

Location, Location, Location

•       Wycliffe members can continue their education regardless of their location.  Online courses offer flexibility for missionaries on the field, traveling, or on furlough.

A tenant of missionary life is constant mobility.  Individuals and families are constantly on the move.  Within our home countries we travel for visits, speaking engagements, and meetings.  In overseas assignments, there’s constant travel to and from village allocations, to and from conferences, and language school.  Traveling can involve walking on foot, riding in the back of open trucks, or crowded buses. 

Working with an organization like Wycliffe involves studying, training, and continuing education.  Why?  Because work that involves linguistics, anthropology, and education/literacy is highly specialized and constantly evolving.  Research is done, new methods are tested, and new technology is integrated.  

Continuing education, studying, or training can involve studying on the campus of GIAL in Dallas, TX (or another academic setting).  This means dedicating up to two years to exclusive study.  Online learning gives missionaries the option of doing their coursework wherever they are.  Online learning offers flexibility for busy missionaries and their families.

Meeting a need!

   
What difference can online learning make?  

Online learning makes training and education available to men and women serving on the field - wherever they are.  GIAL professors and instructors can provide feedback to students in real time! 

I recently got an email from a member serving on the field:

"I saw...that you'll be working on distance education at GIAL - I think that's awesome!  There are a bunch more courses that I'd like to take to improve my capacity as literacy worker, like discourse analysis to help in facilitating writing culturally appropriate stories  I know you're going to help a lot of other people like me."  

-M.  Literacy worker in Kenya 

I'm excited about my role as Distance Education Instructional Designer!   

Partnership

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. Philippians 1:7

 A major component of commitment to working with an organization like Wycliffe is inviting others to come alongside as part of a team.  

Right now I'm receiving 54% of my monthly support quota.

If you would like more information about supporting my ministry please click here!

New Assignment - Graduate Institute of Applied Lingusitcs

In over ten years of missionary service, I have given my life to minister to those to whom God has sent me. I have been blessed to teach art to missionary kids in Papua New Guinea. For the past seven years, the Lord has planted me in central Mississippi, where I have been working with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Through your partnership you have helped to make a difference in both of these areas.   

Now, I have exciting news to share!   

I’ve been invited to join GIAL (Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics) as Distance Education Instructional Designer.

GIAL exists to provide training and research opportunities leading to degrees in applied linguistics, culture studies, and development of languages. This training is essential for Bible Translators and cross-cultural workers to be effective in their new roles.
The goal of distance education and online courses is to make this training available to those working on their degree requirements from remote locations.

As Distance Education Instructional Designer, my education and experience comes together in a unique way:

* I completed my MA at GIAL in 2010, so I’ve taken many of the classes that will be offered online.
* Seven years of experience working in different roles with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
* Completing challenging coursework and dissertation research with JSU
* I have been teaching 1-2 courses every semester for JSU online as an adjunct instructor.

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

No buy July (so far)

Project 333 is off to a good start. I'm also doing an "unshopping challenge" with Yerdle. All this came together with a low bank balance and high student loans.

I gave myself a little leeway because (1) I live in MS and it's HOT. I change clothes when I get home from work. I also play sports so I have extra workout clothes on hand. (2) I'm starting a new job I'm the Fall and don't know what my job "uniform" will be.

Insight: I impulse buy online. It's amazing how often I get on Amazon and want, want, want. Hmm. 

I need to purchase new underwear eventually since some of mine are losing their integrity.

Books & audio books. I have 1 Audible credit/month and Kindle unlimited. I'm working on the books on my shelf. I know some of them.can go but I'm not ready to let them go. Hmmm. (Food for thought).

I like that everything in my closet matches.  I like having less visual clutter in my room.  I love skipping the mall for mindless wandering. 

And finally: gratitutious photo of Duncan

Minimalism Ideal vs. Reality

I’ve been reading about minimalism, capsule wardrobes, and other experiments with the “less is more” philosophy. Like everything else I skip along and learn a lot along the way.  (Directions? Ha!)  

Minimalism ideal

There are some cool minimalist guides that recommend following some stunningly drastic minimalist measures like (1) donate or sell all your stuff, (2) limit your earthly belongs to what will fit in a shoebox, (3) light your house on fire. Even straightforward guides for sensible capsule wardrobes were giving me anxiety. 

I think that extreme minimalism is an ideal and I applaud the families who have achieved that level of freedom from materialism. Y’all are cool. I’m just not there yet. 

My relationship with stuff

I did some soul searching about my relationship with stuff. When I was in college I had boxes in my (then) boyfriend’s garage, some stuff in corners of my parents’ basement, in the trunk of the car, a pile of stuff for vacation and other stuff for my summer camp job. I felt …scattered.  A friend asked me, “What is it about your stuff that you’re so attached to?”  It wasn’t the “stuff” itself – a sewing machine from the 1970s, flannel sheets and a box of office supplies?  

What bothered me at that point, deep down, was the unsettling feeling of being constantly in transition. I felt like I was missing the security of a constant resident. Instead I felt like pieces of me were pushed into corners, left behind, and divided. Realizing that helped me to examine the deeper emotional sea change. 

Home Sweet Home

I’ve lived in my house since 2013. I love having a house because I can put a nail in the wall and be completely responsible for it. Sure there’s the matter of property tax, replacing that pesky roof, and the ugly kitchen fixtures. But I embrace that because I have one address and to me this is home.

Yeah, I have a house full of stuff. Generous friends and family gave me items for my house and I’ve purchased some things. The things in my kitchen came from my Mom. I have family treasures my Dad generously passed on to me. 

The goal I would like to achieve is a home full of things that are beautiful and useful. 

Project 333 prep

I came across the Project 333 and it just made sense. I plan to start the 33 piece wardrobe in July. You choose 33 clothing items and wear them for 3 months in different combinations. I'll discuss that in more detail in another post.

This is my plan for the next few days :

1. Put a few items of clothing into storage bags or hang them in the guest room closet. Putting 3 blouses in another closet is a lot LESS scary than putting it all in a bag for GoodWill.
2. Donate or discard clothes that don’t fit or look dumb. My sister is the long-suffering recipient of boxes of flotsam. 
3. Sort through the piles of stuff I have around the house. Sort them into categories like “office supplies” and “craft stuff.” 
4. List things I’m not using on Yerdle (If you want to sign-up click here)

  Clearer Thinking

Why am I embracing this chaos in the middle of dissertation writing?  Because having a clearer space around me is actually helping my thinking.  

By removing  extraneous stuff I hope to make my home a peaceful, welcoming place where I can focus on what's important.

Updates to follow! 

Cats are content with a cardboard box.