changes!

Change, who likes that? I don't even like to carry change in my pocket! And though going through a change takes work and patience, in the end hopefully we're better for it.

For any of my co-workers reading this, have no fear, this isn't about our changes. This note is about my personal changes :)

So just to give everyone an idea of what I am specifically doing in my work these days, these 'changes' are taking place and reflect my daily and weekly work.
-now that my language work is complete and my vacation time is behind me, I am committing to intensive ministry at least 5 days a week. 3 of those days will be work in Mekhe, the town I live in. And 2 of those days will be out in villages visiting people and sharing with them.

-I'm going to start being more intentional about sharing a bible story, truth, or working in teachable moments in my visits. So that's going to be a prayer request for me throughout each day, that I can comfortably work those moments in to each day.

-my biggest problem in all that I do is motivation. I'm just not motivated to learn stories, especially working on my own, and especially in a foreign language. This is a change I'm still working on, and will take any advice others have. But I'm starting to think that I should change my study schedule. I'm much more alert in the evenings, and could learn stories by practicing reading the stories with my guard until I'm comfortable doing it on my own. I have been doing this on some nights when I read my Wolof New Testament, sharing with him what I read and talking about what it means-even getting clarity for a word I don't know.

-and also the weather is changing! it's been COLD! ok, so not as cold as the states, but I'm wearing long sleeves throughout much of the day. It's been in the low 80's for highs, and down to 60 at nights. I guess I've been living in 110 degree heat too long.

-and after 2 weeks with my parents, I am changing back to having a house to myself. Now that I'm about used to having company and the fun we've had together, it will be back to normal routine for me.

So with these changes in mind, please lift up motivation for me to study, and motivation for me take these 5 days of ministry to share with others. The months are ticking off, and I want to be a steady worker for the time I have here, so I can feel like I am making a difference in the lives of my friends. Thanks for your prayers and for the accountability!