results already

I was shocked to find my National Interpreter Certification Exam results in my inbox this morning. They said it'd be 60-90 days, when I finished my test on Oct. 11th, till I heard anything. I like that RID switched to electronic format. There's enough of a disconnect between clicking an attachment link and opening a large mail envelope with shaking hands, that I remained calm. :)

I PASSED!!!!!!!!!! With an NIC Advanced! (There are three levels: Certified, Advanced, and Master).

Yes, friends, I am now a nationally certified ASL Interpreter. :) All glory to God. And much gratitude to all of you who were covering me in prayer that weekend!

"...for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matt. 19:14)

Tonight, I received a phone call from the pastor of my supporting church. He was giving me the heads up that a check was coming towards my Dallas trip expenses. I expressed my gratitude, but he wasn't done. Coming home from a church meeting, He found his five kids (ages 6-10) had scoured their house. They'd gathered up bottles and cans to recycle for cash, raided piggy banks, and brought out unspent birthday money. Together, with excitement and joy, they brought him the $13 and said they wanted it all to go towards my trip. This is the second time these precious kiddos have given so joyfully and sacrificially of their resources towards the work God has called me to... for His kingdom.

Humbling .

The Lord currently has me in an uncomfortably beautiful season of both stretching and pruning. One step to the next, I'm constantly aware of my inadequacy for what He's calling me to. So I praise Him for these dear little friends who, through their obedience to His Spirit's prompting, have deeply challenged me to boldly bring my Heavenly Father all I am and all I have, with child-like trust and confidence that He will take care of the rest. 

Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God. -2 Cor. 3:4-5

For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. -2 Cor. 8:12

autumn thoughts

October. My favorite month in Oregon. The trees morph into a myriad of colors and carpet the ground with crispy leaves. There's something so refreshing, vibrant, and nostalgic about autumn. My thoughts turn to family, harvest, warmth, and home.

I'm enjoying a quiet Saturday, sipping Echinacea tea, catching up on correspondence, and working on some preparatory reading materials. :) My membership finalized on Tuesday. :) The reality of this undertaking is beginning to sink in.

On Thursday, I'm taking off for a last-minute, 9-day trip to Dallas. The purpose is to gain some first-hand perspective of sign language translation in progress, as well as to spend a bit of time working alongside my future boss.

Pray for sustained health (I was recently reminded that being on an airplane this time of year is a great way to catch nasty little germs...), clear and effective communication, His hand on the work being done, and the time spent with future colleagues. 

May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. (2 Thess. 3:5)

roadtripping & the NIC

I'm on my way to Portland this weekend and tomorrow is the big day. I'll be taking my National Interpreter Certification Exam at 1:00 p.m. :) I think I'm ready... So I guess we'll find out! The trip is sweetened by a visit with an SIL-UND classmate en route and staying with precious friends while I'm up there. :)

Thank you for praying for direction and clarity. No decisions have been made yet, so keep them coming. Love to you all.