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...
As of now, I have four projects on my plate, some editing and some story-writing. I have just finished editing two articles to be submitted for publication in a newspaper to raise funds through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) program for Wycliffe.
I do think that I have the best job in the world. Reading and writing stories about the amazing things that God is doing all over the world. Can it get any better?
Do pray that I may be sensitive to God's voice, and allow Him to speak to me even through the stories that I am editing or writing.
Feel free to leave comments here!
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.
