A Bit About Me
linguistics has always been an interest for me. when i was a kiddo, i used to always create code languages and new alphabets. it was my dream to come up with a complete language that i could use to speak with my family and friends. i also constructed elaborate histories, designed flags, and imagined cultures. i still have pages of vocabulary lists and sentences in whatever new languages i had devised.
fast forward a few years to high school.
i began studying spanish, and i was absolutely amazed at the infrastructure of this new language. ever since, i have tried to pick of bits and pieces of languages whenever i encounter them. i also became fascinated with the nuances of the english language, how semantics and syntax could create such variance of meaning. i reveled in writing assignments and in thinking of the many ways to word a sentence. i looked into some opportunities to serve the Lord with linguistics, as i felt God might be leading me in this direction.
fast forward a few years to college.
while working in the university writing center at dbu, i chose to get a degree in english. this further enriched my understanding of english linguistics and peaked my interest in other languages. as i worked with international students at breaking down basic grammatical concepts at work, i came to understand more about foreign languages as well as my own. i learned about how to communicate grammar to esl students and how to understand it myself. i definitely felt that God was calling me to use my passion for language for His glory.
fast forward to now.
i just finished my first semester at southwestern. i took a greek class this semester... the one most students dread and struggle though... and i LOVED it. notice the all caps there. every class i was enraptured by the structure of this language and the world of meaning it unlocked when looking at scripture. so then i met a representative of pinoneer Bible translators, who informed me about the organization and about the trip this summer. i met with some people, and after seeing all the possibilities, i could not contain my excitement. this trip will give me the opportunity to jump in and experience what Bible translation is like. i will get to spend some time soaking in the culture and language of this region. i have long term goals in mind, and this trip will help me jumpstart this new adventure that God is calling me to, hopefully providing clarification and understanding. i love to know details. although God does not always give me a detailed plan... in fact, i don't know that He ever does... this trip will give me a few more details and help me prepare as i begin my linguistics studies at gial in the fall of 2011. so everything seemed to be coming together perfectly... the timing, the nature of the trip, the preparation i have.... everything except...
finances.
oh, that dreaded word. yet, i have come to realize God's wisdom in not making this easy. first, it strengthens my relationship with the Lord. i must fully depend on Him for this, not my own resources. He will provide for whatever he wills. secondly, it sets me straight in my opinion of myself. it humbles me and leaves me broken, for nothing i do can be done by my means. thirdly, it strengthens my relationships with others. now, you see, you get the chance to be a part of what God is doing in my life and ministry. i am not an isolated minister; rather, i am a part of a delightful community, and your support goes further than finances. your prayers, encouragement, and care mean so much to me and spur me on to serve others the same way you serve me. my goal is to build long term connections with my community in Christ, follow Jesus with all my heart, and ultimately, to see His name glorifed among ALL the nations. :)
fast forward a few years to high school.
i began studying spanish, and i was absolutely amazed at the infrastructure of this new language. ever since, i have tried to pick of bits and pieces of languages whenever i encounter them. i also became fascinated with the nuances of the english language, how semantics and syntax could create such variance of meaning. i reveled in writing assignments and in thinking of the many ways to word a sentence. i looked into some opportunities to serve the Lord with linguistics, as i felt God might be leading me in this direction.
fast forward a few years to college.
while working in the university writing center at dbu, i chose to get a degree in english. this further enriched my understanding of english linguistics and peaked my interest in other languages. as i worked with international students at breaking down basic grammatical concepts at work, i came to understand more about foreign languages as well as my own. i learned about how to communicate grammar to esl students and how to understand it myself. i definitely felt that God was calling me to use my passion for language for His glory.
fast forward to now.
i just finished my first semester at southwestern. i took a greek class this semester... the one most students dread and struggle though... and i LOVED it. notice the all caps there. every class i was enraptured by the structure of this language and the world of meaning it unlocked when looking at scripture. so then i met a representative of pinoneer Bible translators, who informed me about the organization and about the trip this summer. i met with some people, and after seeing all the possibilities, i could not contain my excitement. this trip will give me the opportunity to jump in and experience what Bible translation is like. i will get to spend some time soaking in the culture and language of this region. i have long term goals in mind, and this trip will help me jumpstart this new adventure that God is calling me to, hopefully providing clarification and understanding. i love to know details. although God does not always give me a detailed plan... in fact, i don't know that He ever does... this trip will give me a few more details and help me prepare as i begin my linguistics studies at gial in the fall of 2011. so everything seemed to be coming together perfectly... the timing, the nature of the trip, the preparation i have.... everything except...
finances.
oh, that dreaded word. yet, i have come to realize God's wisdom in not making this easy. first, it strengthens my relationship with the Lord. i must fully depend on Him for this, not my own resources. He will provide for whatever he wills. secondly, it sets me straight in my opinion of myself. it humbles me and leaves me broken, for nothing i do can be done by my means. thirdly, it strengthens my relationships with others. now, you see, you get the chance to be a part of what God is doing in my life and ministry. i am not an isolated minister; rather, i am a part of a delightful community, and your support goes further than finances. your prayers, encouragement, and care mean so much to me and spur me on to serve others the same way you serve me. my goal is to build long term connections with my community in Christ, follow Jesus with all my heart, and ultimately, to see His name glorifed among ALL the nations. :)
