After the internship, I spent one more week at Wycliffe to attend a week-long linguistics course. TOTAL It Up! stands for Taste Of Translation And Linguistics. We had to learn a foreign language from a native speaker who does not speak English except for the first day. At the end of the week, we had to put up a skit in that language. My group (four of us) learned Thai, and this is the outcome of one-week of language learning:
So, as I was sourcing for stories for my supervisor, I came upon this story.
It was freaky, because I felt like I could almost superimpose myself on the story and make it mine.
I am not sure if I have shared about EnterMission with you all. But anyway, EnterMission is Wycliffe's weekly chapel service. On Wednesday mornings from 9 to 10am in the morning, the entire office shuts down and everyone (or most people) gather together for a time of worship and sharing. Usually Wycliffe missionaries who have served abroad will share their testimonies. Today's EnterMission was run entirely by the Orlando Summer Interns. We did everything from door-greeting to worship-leading to sharing.
Kurt was the one in charge of organizing and putting together everything for this EnterMission. I was a door greeter and a mic runner for the guest introduction time. After worship, they also showed the video that we made, A Day in the Life of An Intern. Then for sharing, we each went up and shared for two minutes about what we've learned from through our OSI experience and also to appreciate those who have helped us along the way.
It was a good time for reflecting on our two and a half months here, and to realise just how many relationships we've built along the way. And also to understand that so many people have worked to make it possible for the 12 of us to be here this summer.
As Karen Snyder, Wycliffe's internship coordinator, closed with a word of prayer, some emotions were stirred up within the room.
Proofreading A Thousand Trails started off as a pretty mundane task. Imagine reading the personal journal of a person whom you don't even know... But as I read along, I was drawn into Uncle Cam's (term of endearment for William Cameron Townsend, founder of Wycliffe) life stories. I was vicariously living his adventures through the book.
His story did not present itself to be very appealing at first. It seemed to be the typical missionary story that involves natives, jungles, and insects. But as he reveals more of his feelings and emotions in his journals and in his letters home, it struck me that this is not just a fictional adventure. It's the experience of one man who strives to live out God's will for his life. And that's not easy.
I wonder how many times I've read stories like Uncle Cam's, seeking to be awed and inspired by someone else's story. Then I close the book and put it down with a feeling of wonder and amazement.
Yet I've never stepped into the story myself. I was contented to be a reader, but not a character. Because it's too risky and uncertain to be a character in a book that's not written by me. But as Uncle Cam's story shows, God's an amazing storyteller. His stories are perfect. It also has a "happily-ever-after ending" (in God's definition, of course). And sometimes, our God also has quite a sense of humour, as shown in the following excerpt from A Thousand Trails:
"I am just the happiest fellow on earth. My love for Elvira grows greater every day, and hers for me. I didn't know I was capable of such great love... With a special romantic flair, William Cameron Townsend proposed to Elvira Malmstrom on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1919. Unknown to Cam at the time, only a few days earlier, Elvira had received a letter of proposal from his good friend Robbie. But three days later Elvira made her choice and wrote Cam's parents."
No worries. Things worked out for Uncle Cam and Elvira, and they were happily married on the following July 9.
I know that I can have a perfect story for my life as well, if only I am willing to be a character in the story that God is writing.
FISH stands for "Florida International Students Hospitality."
As part of the Faith and Culture that I've been leading, all the interns have been attending the weekly FISH events. We went for tennis lesson, pottery painting, movie night, and this past Saturday, we joined them for a game night.
It was a really nice experience talking and interacting with people from different cultures. We had some very good conversations with the people that we meet there, and through our interaction with them, showed them the love of Christ.
This past Saturday was our last FISH event, as most of us will be leaving the following weekend. In the the past month, we have built some relationships with the folks at FISH, and it's hard not knowing when we'll see each other again. It's the first of many more goodbyes to come.
But one thing's for sure: we have definitely sowed a seed in their hearts, and now we're leaving it up to God to nurture and grow that seed.
I have been working on proofreading a book all summer, A Thousand Trails: Personal Journal of William Cameron Townsend.
William Cameron Townsend is the founder of Wycliffe Bible Translators (No, Wycliffe is not founded by John Wycliffe). In this book, he chronicles his journey of serving in Central America with the Cakchiquel Indians, for whom he eventually translated the Bible.
Isn't it nice that my job is just to sit and read? Here's an excerpt from the book:
So, one of my works have been published on Wycliffe's Youth page. It's just a short write-up to inform young people of the various ways to get involved with the work that Wycliffe is doing. It can be found here.
Currently I am working on a project that promotes Wycliffe's ministry at a church event. It's a themed activity, where people arrive at a training camp to be 'trained' to serve on the field. There are different stations with various assignments for them to complete. I am in charge of writing all the printed pieces for the event.
It's a pretty fun project and I am enjoying working on it. I have met with Dustin Moody, the person in charge of the project for a few times, and the pieces are all almost ready to go through the editing process.
Just a little update about what I'm doing at work.
Besides the little write-ups and edits, I've also written some bigger pieces, like the Solomon Islands Second Wave project report and the Table 71 article for the Last Languages Campaign newsletter. They have not been published yet, because the graphic designers are still working on the newsletter.
Over the last month, I was also helping to find and re-write the anecdotes that will be used in Wycliffe's calendar for next year. While those little stories that accompany every month of the year may seem very short, you will be surprised how much work actually goes into putting them together. Having worked on the calendar project, I will never take for granted of any piece of text, however small they may be.
One project that is almost finalised is the blog article about Katie Zartman's mission trip to Senegal. Katie is the senior designer in my department. She went to Senegal in may to conduct a design workshop for the Saafi people, so that they can publish their own literacy materials. The final version of the text has been internally approved, and now it's waiting on field approval.
It's surprising how tedious the editing process is. When I've written a piece of work, I submit it to my supervisor for edit. After getting her feedback, I submit it to the senior editor for his edits. Sometimes, the final product becomes so radically different from the original work.
It's amazing how much work goes into the publication of one article. Everyone in the department seems to have a hand in it.
That was the question that missionaries, Peter and Sue Westrum, gave us after they'd shared their story with us last Tuesday during Close Call.
They served with Wycliffe in Indonesia for 26 years, translating the New Testament into the Berik language.
During the period of time that they were away from home and from all that they were familiar with, they'd missed out on a lot of precious moments with their family. There was no family member to celebrate the birth of their first son with them. No first-birthday party. They could not even make it home for Peter's father's funeral.
Was it all worth it?
To them, it was.
As Sue said, the good life is when you are in the centre of God's will for your life. In the eyes of the world, it may not be the kind of life that one would aspire to. But the most important thing is that, it's the kind of life that God aspires you to.
The result of giving up their lives to God?
A Berik translation of the New Testament, and an entire people group who can now read the Word of God in their own language.
The impact of Bible translation has never been as real and personal to me as when Jamie quoted Matthew 24:14-
It has been a rather eventful, which explains the lack of activity on my blog.
On Monday, we went to work as usual, and then we stayed back after work to help with hosting the 190 students from Campus Outreach who came to visit the Discovery Center and to be exposed to the work of Bible translation. It was really nice to be with a group of young people who are so full of energy, and to see their reactions as they were alerted to the need for Bible translation work. I bet I was just like that during my first week here at Wycliffe. Anyway, it was an energetic night as their enthusiasm rubbed off on us.
We got home at about 11.30pm on Monday night. Needless to say, we spent the rest of the week recuperating from our fatigue.
Yesterday, I attended Wycliffe's Ladies Lunch. It was a needed break from the routine that I was falling into. Appropriately, the theme of the luncheon was REST. It was really encouraging and refreshing to hear the speaker, Wendy (she works in my department), share about our need for rest. It hit me right on the head when she said that we don't always have to do everything, and we don't always have to do everything right now. It's so easy for me to be a workaholic and to force myself to being the best in everything.
I really appreciate hearing from Wendy who works in my department. She is such a humble person. Yesterday, she led our department's devotion as well, and one thing that she shared is something that I needed to hear: "We never arrive spiritually because faith is a journey."
So often, I feel that I have become so focused on the final destination that I have let the rest of the journey pass me by, without taking any notice of anything. Yet, the learning experience is just as important as the destination, if not more. And that I something that I desperately need to learn. This whole experience at Wycliffe has been a learning experience, the journey. I have not arrived at the destination yet, and I may never. But the most important thing right now is my learning process.
What do I need for my journey? Humility.
The road ahead may be rough and bumpy. I may find myself traversing on muddy terrain. I may even be tired out by the journey. But every stretch of the road counts, and every inch of the journey offers a lesson that I can learn.
That was the theme of today's sharing during Entermission (Wycliffe's weekly Wednesday morning chapel). The speaker was sharing about how he was reminded that we see, not only with our eyes, but with our ears, nose, and skin. And sometimes, we also need to look beyond what our physical eyes see. When I do not understand the things that I see, maybe I need to look beyond the immediate present to see the bigger picture that God is painting.
This past weekend was the July 4 weekend. We went to Lake Eola on Sunday and stayed all evening to watch fireworks at night. It was a really long day, and I am glad that we got Monday off. We went grocery shopping on Monday, and just spent the rest of the day chilling out at home and watched a movie.
Yesterday night was Close Call (dinner and worship). It was also our last activity with the OSI staff around, because from today onwards, the interns will be taking over the leadership entirely. Each of us is assigned to a particular leadership role within the group and we will be running the show from now on.
I have been assigned to take over the Faith and Culture class, which I am very excited about. I have thoroughly enjoyed the class and have also enjoyed doing the fieldwork. I can also relate better to the material used in the class as I have had intercultural experience. I have always been somewhat apprehensive about sharing my faith. Not that I am ashame of it, but I do not really know how to start the conversation without being too pushy. But in this class, I have learned to play a more passive role by asking questions that stir people's thoughts, and let God do the work of convincing them.
I am excited to see all that God will do as we begin the second half of our internship here.
Remember how I said that my job is to read and write stories about all the amazing things that God is doing all over the world? Well, yeah, that's true, but that's not just it. The other part of my job is also to write and edit pieces that are less interesting, like someone else's speeches and sign-up forms.
But, regardless of whether I am writing the next bestseller or a one-line caption for a picture, there is still something to be learned in every project that is assigned to me. So, I am thankful for the learning opportunities that have been thrown my way. From the most mundane piece of writing to the most amazing story, I have learned so much that needs to be learned about the editorial world.
As I have not done any formal editing work before, everything seemed so foreign to me the first week I started work. I am not used to changing things that others have written, and I am not used to having my things altered by someone else either. I am also training to have an eye for detail: to take note of the littlest punctuation, to think and rethink the meaning of every word that's used.
Sometimes, I do need to get out of my comfort zone to get the work done, especially when I cannot write with my own style and my own voice. I have to learn to write in the voice of Wycliffe. Then, I have to submit my work to be critiqued and edited a thousand and one times.
This is really a humbling experience, but it has also reminded me that this is not just about me. Instead, it is about the bigger picture that God is painting. I have been here for almost a month now, and everyday I feel like God is putting me in His training camp for humility.
I can't wait to see the end product of this training. But before I get there, I know that I have to be malleable, so that I can be shaped by the potter into whatever shape He has in mind for me.
It is no coincidence that I am where I am today. I know that God has brought me here for a reason. I have travelled half the world to attend college in Virginia, and all the way down the east coast to spend a summer with Wycliffe. I may not know exactly where the Lord is leading me, but I know for sure that He is preparing me for something bigger than myself--something beyond my wildest imaginations.
Wycliffe hosted a week-long event, Wycliffe Connection, here last week. The purpose of this event is to assist Wycliffe staff who have served abroad to transition back into life here in the States. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet a family who served for many years in Malaysia. They initially served in Sabah, and later moved to Penang.
As I was chatting with them over lunch, I found out so much about the need in Malaysia that I had never known before. The need for translated Scripture in East Malaysia and the need among the Orang Asli (indigenous people groups) are just so overwhelming. I also found out from the Ethnologue that there are 137 living languages in Malaysia.
At this moment, I paused, and thought to myself, 137 languages? I thought there are only 5. Suddenly, the place that I grew up in and that which I call home suddenly seems so foreign to me. Living in the comfort of my bubble in KL has rendered me oblivious to the needs of those around me. And I am sure that I am not alone in this.
I know God has brought me here for a reason, and He is equipping me for something bigger than myself. But it's indeed baffling to realise that the Lord has to take me all the way here to realise the need at home.
To all of you who have made it possible for me to serve with Wycliffe this summer, either through prayers or financial support, the president of Wycliffe USA, Bob Creson, would like to say a big "Thank You!"
We went to Bob's house for dinner on Wednesday, and he has expressed his gratefulness for the support that you have given to the work that Wycliffe is doing to fulfill the Great Commission. Thank you for your partnership with Wycliffe and your willingness to be used by the Lord. I could have spent my summer in a thousand and one other places, but instead, I am here in Orlando, serving with Wycliffe. I know that the Lord, by his sovereign power, has ordained it. But He has also made it possible through your prayers and your financial support.
So, once again, thank you!
In the midst of all the hustle and bustle, I thought I'd take some time to enjoy some treats here in Orlando.
1. The beautiful sunset that takes my breath away.
2. A family of sand hill crane (papa, mama, and baby sand hill crane) that is often seen wandering around Wycliffe's campus.
3. Floridian thunder storms.
4. Vultures that come frequently to knock on our windows.
5. The brightly shining imperfect full moon.
Wish I have pictures for you all, but unfortunately, I am not much of a picture taker. So, feel free to paint these pictures for yourselves using your imagination.
Two weeks of OSI gone, eight more to go! I cannot believe how quickly time flies by at times. I have finished up one work week: edited two articles and wrote one. Yet, reflecting on these two weeks, I realise that there is so much that the Lord is trying to teach me, not just through work, but also through interacting with other people.
We joked that this feels very much like a reality TV show. Twelve random people thrown together to try to survive in the wild land of Orlando. Well, maybe not so wild, like Survivor. Yet the wildest element of a reality TV show is not the setting of the show, but the people that are involved. I have indeed learned much about interacting with other people, and trying to live together.
On a different note, the girls got a treat on Friday night, as the guys invited us over to their place for a dinner. They cooked, served, and cleaned up. Then we stayed for a movie. Yesterday evening, we also went to the guys' house for a Bible study, and then stayed after that for a game of Catch Phrase. It was really nice to chill out after a stressful work week. Okay, it was not really that stressful. It just took a while for me to learn the language of Wycliffe.
I also got to interview a lady for my Faith and Culture class. She has some pretty interesting views on morality and the origins of our values. Pray that the Lord will give me wisdom during our conversation.
PS: I have updated my mailing address here in Orlando under the "contact" tab on the top of this page. If you want to contact me by snail mail (which I love to get), please mail it to that address. Remember to put "Attn: Karen Snyder".
I started my first day of work in the Integrated Marketing Communications department of Wycliffe USA on Monday, June 14. My first day was a little dense with an overload of information. Trying to wrap my mind around the procedure of submitting edited articles and the process involved in accessing the project list online wears my teeny-weeny little brain out. But aside from that, I did get a desk and my own laptop for business use. Oh, did I say that I have a very cool office with dim spotlights, a colourful whiteboard, two huge plasma screens on the front wall, and a cool smart board? Just the right mood for creativity to thrive, that is, if I can stay awake under the dim spotlight...
In my quick summary of the orientation week, I have missed out some of the most important events, and also some of the most amazing events of the week: Delegate Conference 2010, Jesus Film Tour, and Scripture Celebration.
Delegate Conference is held once in every three years, and I was blessed and privileged to have the opportunity to be a part of this event. Delegate Conference brings together all of Wycliffe USA's members and also those who serve with Wycliffe's partners all over the world. These delegates brought with them not only their experience with cross-cultural missions work, but also amazing stories of how God is doing wonderful things all over the world.
On Friday, we were invited to attend the conference's afternoon session with Dr. Tony Evans. It was a very inspiring message as Dr. Evans shared and encouraged the delegates by reminding them that they are not only impacting an individual, but through that individual with whom they come into contact, they are also indirectly impacting the family, and subsequently the entire society. That was very encouraging and refreshing indeed, knowing that while we can only see what is directly ahead of us, God is working out marvelous things through our words and actions for His glory and His kingdom. All that is needed is our willingness to say "Yes!" to Him.
That same afternoon, we walked over to the headquarters of Campus Crusade for Christ International right next door for the Jesus Film Tour. During the tour, we were told about the process of how the Jesus Film is dubbed into different languages, and yet the characters all look like they are speaking those various languages. We were also shown video clips of how this movie is used all over the world to change lives, as Jesus speaks to the various crowds in their heart language. Literally. Looking at the impact that the movie made on the people makes me wonder how I have become to apathetic and indifferent to the amazing story of God becoming man to save the world. I need to look at the Gospel with fresh eyes and a fresh heart, and await to be overwhelmed by God all over again.
Friday evening, the interns hosted an ice-cream social for the delegates. It was a fun time when we just played games and have ice-cream and hang around to chat. I also met some people who are currently serving in Malaysia.
On Saturday morning, we were invited to be a part of the Scripture Celebration to celebrate and give thanks for almost 130 new translations of the Bible. I feel very honoured and privileged to be given the wonderful opportunity to be a part of this joyous occasion. But the most amazing part of the celebration is when the delegates were taking the new translations of the Bible and putting them on stage as part of the dedication. They literally danced their way up to the stage, and the joy that radiates from them is so authentic. It is a joy that comes only from the Lord, a joy that sets their feet into dancing. It was like a taste of Heaven!
Anyway, I am excited to continue to witness the hand of the Lord doing marvelous things through Wycliffe and in and through me this summer. Well, that's all for now. I will be back with more update when work week starts. Do leave a comment here!
So, I have finally managed to get Internet access and update this blog! I was going to make it a point to blog everyday, but unfortunately not having Internet access at the place that we stay does not allow me to do that.
But anyway, first week of OSI was intense, but it was also a blast. I arrived at Orlando, Florida last Sunday (June 6) at around 10pm. Tracy Tooley from Wycliffe picked me up from the airport and took me to our home for the next two and a half months. Our house is luxurious! (Well, for a college student, that is). I have the smallest room in the house, but that is fine because I have a room to myself, which is something that I have not had in awhile.
Orientation week kicked off with a day-long Explore Wycliffe session with Trevor and Patrick from the headquarters of Wycliffe International in Texas. We got to know in a little bit more about the ministry that Wycliffe is doing and explore the entire process of Bible translation work. And I thought that all you need to translate the Bible is pen, paper (or computer), and a dictionary... Well, apparently not!
The next day, we went over the rules and guidelines of the internship and we had some ice-breakers to get everyone warmed up. We really got warmed up, as we were running and leaping by the lake on Wycliffe's campus under the hot Floridian summer sun. But I felt like we really got to know each other better through the activities. Our task for the night is to go grocery shopping with our housemates and make dinner together. I must say that that is by far the hardest task ever. But, we made it!
On Wednesday, we went out on a scavenger hunt around Orlando so that we can familiarise ourselves with the area. It was really nice not having to do intense physical activity, but instead to drive around in a car. I know that I am truly a city girl through and through. Anyway, the good news: my team won the scavenger hunt! After that, we went for lunch at Durian Durian, a Thai restaurant owned by a Malaysian. No, they do not serve durian, very much to my disappointment.
On Thursday, we were taken to Universal Studio's Islands of Adventure and we spent more than 12 hours there. For once, I actually went on all the available rides in the theme park. And I thought I wasn't going to survive the first roller coaster ride... It was fun, and most of all, I am glad we got to spend some time together before we all start working in different departments. Pictures are available on my Facebook page for your viewing pleasure.
On Friday, Gary Petersen from Wycliffe took all of us interns on a tour of the offices. I got to see the wonderful Integrated Marketing Communications Department in which I will be working for the summer. I must say that it is the coolest department in the entire organisation. Dark with yellow spotlights, cool colourful blackboards and smart boards. Pictures coming soon!
One thing that I am definitely learning after this first week is to live with people. The 12 of us interns are placed in such close proximity that interaction is inevitable, and with that comes conflicts too. We are not only living under one roof, but we are also sharing our lives and our finances. This is definitely going to be a challenge. Do pray that I may be teachable and that I may be loving towards the people around me.
Well, here's a summary of my first week of OSI! I will be starting actual office work coming Monday. Do remember me in your prayers. Oh, and do leave comments here or questions, if you have any. You will hear from me soon!
I'm all set to leave for Orlando tomorrow afternoon! Well, besides the packing part... I'm getting there though.
My God provides! And in amazing ways too!
I have finally managed to raise all the support that I need for the internship. It is so amazing to see God's hands at work providing for my needs, when I am caught up in my doubts wondering if I will ever have all that I need. Indeed my God is truly more than enough for me! Looking back, I am put to shame to think that I have ever doubted His faithfulness and His provision.
I have also gotten in contact with my mentor for the summer, Elizabeth Wilson. We have only met in an email and on Facebook, but I do look forward to meeting her in person. She is serving in India right now, and I hope she has a good time there and a safe trip back.
Counting down: one month and three days to the start of OSI!
Just a quick update. Almost everything is set for my trip to Orlando. Being the planner that I am, it sure feels good to know that things are under control and are set in place.
I got my air ticket for June 6. Will arrive in Orlando the same day, and the internship officially begins the next day, June 7. I have also found a place to stay between the end of this semester till then. The Camaratas have graciously opened up their house to me. Thank God for their kind hospitality.
Wycliffe has also sent me the 2nd information packet. My official job title is Editorial Writer for the Integrated Marketing Communications Department. Sure sounds sophisticated. I hope I am up to the job. But I am excited for the learning opportunity along the way. After all, that's what I'm there for! I have also 'met' my supervisor-to-be, Amy Boss Milward, on Facebook. Look forward to meeting her in person in about a month and a half.
Financially, I am about $500 to the goal. Praise the Lord for His wonderful provision!
Stay tuned for more updates.
One of my biggest concern when I decided to participate in Wycliffe's Orlando Summer Internship was the financial aspect. I was looking for a paid summer job, so that I can sustain myself throughout the summer, and also hopefully earn enough to pay for college. But clearly, the Lord has other things in mind for me. So here I am, committing myself to an internship, that is not only unpaid, but for which I also have to raise my own funds. Yet, little did I know about the blessings that God has in store for me.
I began this journey carrying on my shoulders the financial burden that I myself have attached to this internship. Partnership development, a.k.a. fund-raising... it sounds neither fun nor interesting. However, along the way, I have come to realise that I have been setting my eyes on the wrong object all this while. I looked ahead and saw $3,500 looming in the distance, but I did not realise that at the same time, I have been treading on the path of God's grace.
The Lord has promised that if I cast all my cares upon Him, He will sustain me (Psalm 55:22). How silly of me to have doubted the provision of the One who has created the Heavens and the earth! The rewarding and exciting part of this partnership development is not to have money pouring in from sponsors, but to learn to put my trust in the Lord God, and seeing Him multiply the 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread to feed my malnourished faith.
Welcome aboard to join me in my adventures as I take part in what Wycliffe Bible Translators is doing to reach the world for Christ. I am very thrilled to be blessed with this wonderful opportunity to serve the Lord in a ministry for which I have a deep passion. I look forward to being amazed by what God can do in me and through me as I learn to surrender my will to His.
You can be a part of this life-changing experience by becoming my prayer partner. Nothing is possible apart from prayer. So, you can be sure that your prayer does make a whole lot of difference. On the right column of this page, there is a list of my prayer requests. Please remember me in your daily prayers. I humbly ask you to take a moment, even right now, to say a prayer for me. Thank you for taking time to pray for me.
Also, visit this journal, Treasure in Jars of Clay, to stay updated about my progress as I prepare for the internship and as I serve with Wycliffe in Orlando, Florida.
Thank you for dropping by. Stay tuned for more updates!
