A fairly discouraging setback came Thursday when I realized that I have not been hearing many of the Cherokee sounds as accurately as I’d have wished. Much of what I wrote is good, but key sounds and tones were not being recorded accurately, which would cripple my future analysis if unchecked. I found I needed several hours immediately to improve my hearing, and more later to review data we’ve already collected. As a result, I’ve spent much of this weekend simply listening to Cherokee words and focusing on the more difficult parts.
However, this revelation turned out to be a blessing in disguise! The timing was ideal – coming before a three-day weekend (on our schedule) which allowed for maximum study. We are still early enough in our process to prevent a majority of potential consequences. And realizing this while still in Oklahoma – while somewhat painful – means avoiding greater problems later during the write-up process.
But most importantly, this situation is helping me appreciate how difficult it will be to learn an isolated people group’s language. I see more clearly the reasons why it takes so much time to get everything right. I’m excited that I have the privilege of sharpening my weaker points here in Oklahoma, so I’ll be a more effective tool for the Lord in the Mexican mission field!
Growth is usually a difficult and somewhat painful process, but it’s awesome to see firsthand that God is the one stretching me for His purposes. He’s encouraged and upheld me, and I’m so glad He is willing to teach me even when the lessons are hard. Taking the Gospel to new places will require more and better work than any other task could justify; yet every moment is worth it… because God’s desire is that all men be reconciled to Himself through Jesus. I could never ask for a better cause.
Praise God! He is good and His timing is perfect.
Missed you all at Alexa & Dustin’s wedding, which was also a blessing.
We love you.