We are glad to report that God kept us safe as we drove back and forth between Spokane and Seattle. We have treasured our time with close friends and family, shuttling around to celebrate the birth of Jesus with loved ones in diverse locations. It’s amazing how short a five hour drive seems after three straight days of ten-plus! However, before we move on to the tasks 2013 will bring… there is one small piece of 2012 remaining to be wrapped up!
If you recall the late-October theft of my laptop and its subsequent return, then you likely have wondered what was to become of my Cherokee write-up and the linguistics program which I had been pursuing. I negotiated an extension with the ling department when my laptop was returned, and now that we’re re-established back in Washington, the time has come to wrap up that assignment from where it was previously interrupted.
As you can no doubt imagine, the next week will be very difficult. While I thankfully do not need to start from scratch (praise the Lord!), there is a large element of disconnect between working now and where I was previously. I will be spending the first half of the week reviewing Ling course materials, studying classroom PowerPoint presentations, and examining the work I’ve already done (without changing any of it). Then, hopefully re-inserted into the correct frame of mind, I will be allowed a very short time to wrap up the remaining work. So, as you think of our family over the next week – please pray for us as we wrap up these last vestiges of 2012!
Specific areas to pray over:
- For my preparation in the first half of the week – my hope is for a quick review, good understanding of all the concepts I need, and a complete return to the ‘linguistics mindset’ despite a long break.
- For Amy and the kids while I works extra time, and am generally less available than usual. Please pray that the kids respond well to Amy, and that I can find good quality time to spend with each (even as I will undoubtedly be quickly tired and drained).
- For the ‘actual’ work being done in the second half of the week – pray that God will strengthen me, encourage me, and even grant me an intuitive understanding of Cherokee as I work. While it is not the ultimate goal, I would very much like to pass this project – which is going to be a challenge under the circumstances!
- For our entire family, as – even though we’ve been back for a while – we are still adjusting to a non-mobile lifestyle. Please pray for God to carry us through this time of transition, and help us rest in Him no matter what!