Ballard Family

Dying to self, in the nick of time

2011-12-28T10:34:00.009-05:00

“I was not expecting this while I was alive,” a 97 year-old man said, when he heard someone reading the Bwisi Scriptures. “Now I have learned the true meaning of salvation, and have accepted Jesus as my Savior. I will die in the Lord. They used to tell us that a Christian is someone who attends church all the time, gives gifts, does good works and prays every evening. But now, through these teachings in my language, I understand that God forgives our sins through Christ!”

The photo is not of the man in the story, but he is from Uganda from where the story takes place.

Final day

2011-11-05T17:54:00.009-04:00

After three full days of team meetings, we had an outing on our last day together to Hallstatt and Salzburg in the Austrian alps. Wow, what incredibly beautiful places to visit. One place of note was the home where Mozart grew up.

If you think of it, please pray with me about my trip home. It seems that "have a safe trip" is the usual fair well. Well, I'll do my part, thats for sure. So as you pray for me, how about a prayer for the pilots and ground crew...and luggage handlers:-) I'm looking forward to being home again with my family.

Recognize this pavilian? It was used in "The Sound of Music", which was filmed in Austria.

The home of Mozart

The fog lifts

2011-11-03T08:07:00.006-04:00

The weather here in Linz has been cold, rainy and fogy (despite the forcast which calls for partly cloudy). But the flat where we are having our meetings are on the 12th floor of a high rise appartment building. The heat radiates up through the building, and the folks that live there (where we are meeting) have not had to turn their heat on for the entire two years they have lived here. In fact, the window is open all day and it's quite comfortable. Back to the fog. We have been eagerly anticipating the departure of the fog, which finally happened today, to reveal the Postlingberg church. So we temporarily abandoned our meetings for some picture taking. So, yes, this is the view from the bedroom window. Nice!

From Austria

2011-11-02T08:19:00.008-04:00

On our first day here in Linz Austria, we had a walk-a-bout to get our bearings in the city. On day two we are in spiritual emphasis and team building meetings. This is a beautiful and quaint city with stone streets around every corner...a photographers dream!

Pressing on

2011-09-29T09:53:00.012-04:00

Perhaps the largest part of our ministry here in the States is to raise awareness about what God is doing through Bible translation. And last night we had the opportunity to speak at Rocky Hill Baptist Church, pastored by Henry Cook, Joy's uncle. It is a very friendly church and we enjoyed getting acquainted with folks after the service.

Our theme as we share with people is worship, worship of Christ who called us out of our former life of sin. And worship is the very desired result of Bible translation; lives transformed by the living and active Word of God. A good example of this is the Kimyal people, as featured in our presentation video. John Piper said (slight paraphrase), "Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church, worship is. Missions exists because worship does not."

If you would like to come along side us and invest in the Bibleless peoples of the world, you can become a partner here.

Grampa's turn...

2011-09-08T19:38:00.002-04:00

Moments worth preserving

2011-09-07T09:13:00.002-04:00

Grandma reads a bedtime story!

Princess Class

2011-09-07T08:47:00.005-04:00

Maren started ballet and tap dancing classes, everything a four year old aspiring princess could hope for!

Berea missions trip

2011-08-05T16:44:00.002-04:00

If you are here looking for updates on the Berea Baptist Church missions trip, it was canceled because too few people were able to participate.

On the road again, just can't wait to get...

2011-07-25T17:16:00.002-04:00

This past weekend we spoke to two groups about our ministry with Wycliffe Bible Translators; at a 'coffee' hosted by some friends at our church in Rock Hill, SC, and at Living Vine church in Pineville, NC. The Lord was our focus and we believe He was honored at both events.

Next stop...

Beach bums

2011-07-10T09:15:00.011-04:00

We just got back from a week at the beach with the entire family, 28 of us in all! We broke the previous record of 26 for the size of group that occupied the beach house we rented. "Oh yeah, oh yeah", in good Despicable Me form.

Austin's AR award!

2011-06-08T11:11:00.003-04:00

Austin received an award at school for being an accelerated reader. Way to go buddy, we are so proud of you!

What the hay!

2011-06-03T08:40:00.003-04:00

It's hay cutting time, which is great fun to a 6 and 4 (almost) year old!

Passing on the torch!

2011-05-23T10:17:00.002-04:00

Last Saturday marked the beginning of me (Rodney) passing on to Austin the torch that my dad passed on to me...airshows! Ye haw! It was held at the Lynchburg Regional Airport in Lynchburg VA. I also saw a bit of Joy's alma mater, Liberty University, as we parked on campus and were shuttled to the airport a short distance away.

Click on the photos to see them in Pacasa on the web, or here on Flickr.

Having none of it!

2011-05-18T08:43:00.002-04:00

Sometimes photo shoots just don't go as planned:-)

A book I cannot read

2011-05-17T13:10:00.011-04:00

As a missionary working in Bible translation with a literacy organization like Wycliffe, I understand the need for literature to be made accessible to people in their mother tongue.

I stumbled upon a braille 'Bible' (actually a book of Bible stories for children published by Braille Bibles International) in the basement of a church recently. I'd probably manage to learn to read it if needed, but to my untrained...finger, it seems like such a mess of bumps on a page with little structure, a language totally foreign and set apart from how I presently communicate.

Perhaps this is how people feel when they try to read a Bible in a language other than that which they grew up with.

Are bricks returnable? Didn't work!

2011-05-17T08:40:00.009-04:00

No matter how hard we try, we cannot stop Austin from growing up. He is now 6. Bricks on the head did not work, maybe if we stop feeding him. We celebrated his 6th birthday at the Fun Station in Statesville NC. It was during the week, so with the exception of the employees (two) we had the entire place to ourselves.

Wrapping light

2011-05-16T13:35:00.012-04:00

In my photography these days I am learning to balance ambient light with off camera flash, and I am putting the light through a Lumiquest Softbox III for soft, wrap-around light. With the exception of using the on camera flash for a bit of fill, gone are the days of using a shoe mounted flash as my main light. Why turn a very smart camera into a xerox machine, producing flat harsh light?

Exposing for the wonderful sky would have left the faces dark. But if you expose for the sky and add back about 1/8th power of soft flash, you instantly get a much higher quality of light, not to mention great subject seperation and catch light in the eyes.

A bag of Coke please!

2011-01-28T09:56:00.008-05:00

I came across these photos today and it was a funny memory of when we were waiting for Slone to be born. We took a family stroll, on a hot March day, to the 'Chocolate factory' to not only buy a snack but to also enjoy the air conditioning. Did I mention it was hot, well it was, and on the way home we bought sodas from a street vendor.

When you buy a soda on the streets in the Philippines, they serve it to you in a plastic bag, keeping the bottle for the P5 deposit. And it is served with a complimentary straw with the exact wall thickness of 1 molecule, barely enough to withstand the consumption-duration of one 8oz drink before collapsing upon itself.

Meineke Car Care Bowl- Clemson vs. USF

2011-01-01T08:19:00.010-05:00

Went to the Clemson/USF game yesterday at the Bank of America stadium. USF dominated and pulled out a 31/26 win over SC.

Driving on a NASCAR track...with MY car!

2010-12-31T07:23:00.008-05:00

It's not every day that someone gets to drive on a real NASCAR track. But during Christmas time, Lowes Motor Speedway has a light show in the middle of the speedway where folks can drive around and view it from the comfort of their own car. And the fun part is that you also get to drive around the burm at turn 2 too!

A White Christmas

2010-12-26T08:16:00.004-05:00

Not since '47 has it snowed on Christmas in this area. What fun for our kids who have never seen snow!

Jesus speaks Mbaka

2010-12-19T15:26:00.003-05:00

While reading this week about Jesus' birth I was reminded of these four boys. I was visiting their village in D. R. Congo and these young students read to me in their mother tongue of Mbaka. I later learned that they were reading from the book of Mathew in the Bible, 1.18-21 to be exact.

Let us be mindful and thankful, just like the Mbaka, for verse 21: "And she will bring forth a Son and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Merry Christmas everyone!

Sunset, kids & a moon rise

2010-11-23T16:14:00.004-05:00

Hangin' at the York County Museum

2010-11-23T16:03:00.008-05:00

The great pumkin patch

2010-10-27T08:39:00.005-04:00

While the size of the pumpkins left a little to be desired, we had a great time at The Farmers Daughter farm and pumpkin patch. Although the original homestead is no longer there, the farm has been in the family for 8 generations. We had a great time on the tractor hay ride, picking our, um, miniature pumpkins and talking with the local folks. Unfortunately we had to resort to Walmart for big, carve worthy pumpkins.

The Alexander County Fair...

2010-09-21T05:20:00.012-04:00

...where the fun is and the prices aren't

A change of heart

2010-09-01T09:40:00.006-04:00

For weeks now, we have been preparing Austin for riding the bus to school and he has waited with excited anticipation for his first bus ride. However, once that big rumbling yellow machine squeaked to a stop and the doors opened, he had a 180 degree change of heart and clung to me for dear life.

Setting him in the front seat and stepping back outside, I could see the fear on his face as he screamed for me to come back. Watching the bus drive away I felt like I had just abandoned him on a freight car destined for some distant prison camp.

To our relief the school called and said that he did just fine once the bus drove away.

A mature woman told me later that morning that that was a first step towards breaking away from him as a baby. She's right. She must be a mother.

UPDATE: Austin had no problems on the bus ride home or getting on the next morning.

Austin goes to Kindergarten

2010-08-25T12:49:00.014-04:00

Today we all (yes, all 5 of us!) took Austin for his first day of kindergarten. The energy was high this morning at the Ballard house! I (Joy) have been a little emotional today, being on the verge of tears a few times, but haven't "lost" it so far (there's still time though). I've heard a phrase a few times that speaks to this phase of our lives so well..."the days are long, but the years are short". These days of caring for 3 children five years old and under are tiring, I can't lie. But at the same time, I think, "how in the world did we get to the point that I have a child in school?" People keep telling me to cherish every moment because it passes quickly. I'm beginning to believe them. I pray Rodney and I can always see the "jewels" we're cultivating even when the days are long and hard.

Austin was excited this morning and said, "I can't believe I'm going to school today!" And Maren really, really wanted to stay at school with him, sitting down at the table beside him ready to color. She was a little upset when she had to leave. She will miss her playmate very much.

We're all looking forward to hearing how the first day went!

Open House yesterday...Austin didn't want to attend...and didn't want to leave!

Being shy meeting his teacher for the first time

An excited boy on his first day

Letting Austin lead the way to see if he remembered how to get to his class

Looking for contraband in his backpack already :)

Finding his cubby hole

And this how we left him...oblivious to the fact we were leaving!

A slice of California and a soda please...

2010-08-25T09:14:00.005-04:00

Rodney's parents came for a weeks visit and we were very glad to see them. Of course they really only came to see the kids:-)

Since we've been back...

2010-08-16T17:09:00.000-04:00

Since our return from the Philippines we've laid low for the most part, spending the majority of time with family and friends. It took us several weeks to finish unpacking our 10 pieces of luggage. In fact there are still many things which we just don't know what to do with. They seemed important when we packed them but somehow they lost their importance once we hit US soil.

About two weeks ago Austin fell from his bike and broke his clavicle.

Remember that Seinfeld episode, wearing those glasses at the movie theater?

Slone started eating from a spoon this week.

Our neighbors have a horse, a good opportunity to play with the camera.

Maren making parfaits with cousin Kaitlyn

Thomas the Tank Engine. At 5 years old, it doesn't get any better
than this. You can see his black eye from his bike accident.

Maren discovered doll houses... a shop project for Rodney this next year.

Just a pretty view from our yard.

Lake Norman take two- The Human Lure!!!

2010-08-01T21:34:00.000-04:00

With cousins at Lake Norman

2010-07-25T10:28:00.000-04:00

2:36AM- Jet lagged Maren eating Cheerios

2010-07-15T02:59:00.000-04:00

A bitter sweet farewell to our Bagabag home

2010-07-04T02:35:00.000-04:00

Today we drive away, for the last time, from our Bagabag home of over four years. This house has served us well and we are grateful to have lived here. What do you do with all your belongings??? Have sales! A Korean family (a pastor with a different mission) is setting up a house in Solano and bought nearly all of our things, a blessing for them and us. But good grief, we could not believe all the small items that we have accumulated over four years, and we have to make a decision about all of them.

We've eaten dinner with our good friends the Tiongsons; said goodbye to friends; bought groceries; killed ants/geckos/termites/bats/snakes/rats/roaches etc; swam at a local pool; travel to the village; received care packages and mail; eaten at the new McDonald's in Solano; renewed visas; eaten mangoes/guava/avocado/pineapple; caught monitor lizards...all for the last time.

This transition would be much harder if the center were staying open and we had to leave friends behind to continue on. Many will move to Manila or other areas in the country, others have left the mission as the Lord led them to other areas of ministry. Us? We'll hit North Carolina soil the day before Rodney's 40th birthday, on the 14th. Then begins our time of preparation for our next assignment in Africa.

2010-07-04T02:24:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we visited a local orphanage, donating toys that won't be going back with us to the US. Abigail, who is 6 months young, is a beautiful and healthy girl who was rescued from human trafficking at 8 days old. A word of caution- do not visit an orphanage if you have a soft spot for children, it is very tempting to bring them home.

On a lighter note, Slone has discovered his toe, a rather tasty morsel between meals.

Driving Miss Sherri

2010-06-26T01:31:00.000-04:00

June 25 marked the final time that Bible translator Sherri Brainard was driven from the Bagabag center to her allocation in Karao. Tad Wulliman and I had the privilege of driving Sherri and the last of her belongings (she has been in the process of moving for many months) into her village for the beginning of the last leg in her translation.

Sherri has maintained a house in Bagabag for 28 years, spending months at a time in the village, and returning to Bagabag for fellowship, computer support, supplies and worship among fellow westerners. But as of August 1st, there will be no Wycliffe folks living on the Bagabag center and all have made plans accordingly. Sherri estimates that seven years are required to complete the Karao New Testament.

In the past four years it has been a privilege to provide her with transportation to and from the village, bookcases, a window, a chest of drawers, curtain rods, a kitchen cabinet...the list goes on!

It was an emotional day as I recalled the many times I had been to Karao, all the while knowing this time was my last. As we worked or ate lunch or drove or...I tried one last time to take in the sights, burning them to the hard drive of my mind that I may have lasting memories from this place.

Thank you Sherri for allowing us to be a part of your ministry. I hope that our work will continue to make living in Karao more manageable. We look forward to the day when the people of Karao have the Word of God in their language, and we are humbled to have been allowed to be a small part of it. We'll miss you Sherri.

Have passport, will travel!

2010-06-23T20:13:00.000-04:00

Praise the Lord we got Slone's passport two days ago! Now we apply for the 'Exit Clearance' that allows him to leave the country...19 days and counting!

Closing, transition and moving

2010-06-21T03:08:00.000-04:00

Hello dear partners,

Six months have passed by quickly since we've written you. Here's a look at what is happening with the Ballards:

* Slone Abram Ballard was born March 4, 2010! He is now 3 months old and doing very well. Austin and Maren are enjoying their new playmate and can't wait until he grows up and can play more with them. We are enjoying this precious gift from God.

* Rodney has made several trips out to villages to transport translators and help them with various projects. He also had the privilege of photographing a celebration of one translator's life and work among the Ifugao (see our blog for more on this).

* We are in the throes of closing down the SIL center here; of course we're also closing down our home and our lives for the past 4 years. Why is SIL closing this center? Over a year ago, the SIL administration decided that the number of translations to be completed is small enough that we no longer need a center of this size. While it's a good thing for a missionary to work himself out of a job, this has been an emotional time for so many who have lived much of their lives here working towards the cause of Bible translation. Please pray for all those affected by the closing of this center which has been in this community for over 50 years.

* Rodney has been doing some career testing and has become interested in pursuing photography in missions. What does this mean for us? The Lord is leading us to an African country where Rodney will work in the Communications department, and specifically as a photojournalist. In the meantime, when we leave the Philippines July 13 we will have a short furlough living near Joy's parents again. Rodney will possibly take some photography and writing classes as well during this time in the
States.

We will be in touch as we learn more of what our next steps will be. Of course, we appreciate your prayers for God's guidance!

Love, The Ballard Family

Celebrating Bible Translator Anne West

2010-04-17T08:08:00.000-04:00

Recently I attended Anne West's 'Life and Work'- A time of celebration given in Anne's honor by the Amganad people she served in the Ifugao province of the Philippines. It was also a birthday bash as Anne is 75 years young and pressing on in her translation project. The day held a thanksgiving service...

...prayer, public testimonies, a slide show...

...heaping piles of food, music and traditional song & dance (NO I did not dance!). When it came time to dance, I suddenly found great interest in busying myself with taking more pictures!

The day's MC was Landing, who's father was Anne's first translation assistant. Here is Landing standing next to his father and holding his adopted son.

Landing truly is a standing miracle. Born very premature, his entire body fit in the palm of his fathers hand. Landing remained very small for years to come, in fact at age 11 he weighed a mere 40 pounds. It was determined that he had 'Patent ductus arteriosus' (PDA), a condition where the duct that bypasses blood away from the lungs fails to close shortly after birth, starving the lungs of much needed oxygen.

While in surgery, the surgeon concluded that instead of having PDA, Landing had a hole in his heart and would need open heart surgery.

However, God intervened and the pediatrician talked with Anne, in secret, reassuring her that the initial PDA diagnosis was correct and that if the surgeon knew he was talking to her the surgeon would kill him. The pediatrician found a surgeon who agreed to do the surgery free of charge, at a different hospital.

Once he found the duct and tied it off the cardiac surgeon signaled an "A OK" to Anne who was watching the surgery from the viewing deck. Immediately Landing's arms and legs were moving frantically, receiving for the first time in 11 years the oxygen they needed.

While in recovery, Landing awoke and asked his father, "Dad, why are all those nurses standing around my bed?" As there was not a single nurse in his room the Holy Spirit gave his father the answer saying, "Those are not nurses, they are angels God has sent to take care of you".

Landing is a standing miracle. Long gone are the days when he was referred to as a "squatter", as children with heart problems often squat when they are short of oxygen. Landing is now a full grown man, with zero side effects from his childhood PDA.

Throughout the telling of this story by Anne, a recurring theme was that she continually found herself to be in a place where the only thing she could rely on was God. As I listened it struck me that we so often rely on Him...last, and instead rely on man and his machines. I was once again encouraged to fully trust Him who says "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel and watch over you".

Baby Slone is here!

2010-03-06T16:29:00.001-05:00

Will it be a March baby???

2010-02-27T19:25:00.000-05:00

To keep ourselves occupied while waiting for the baby (almost a week past the due date) I decided I would take Austin on the train. We found (on the map) what appeared to be a Zoological, Botanical garden & Aquarium just a short walk from the train station that we'll exit, being two stations down from where we got on. As is the custom in crowded portions of Manila, we transferred all the contents of our back pockets to the front, wore our backpack on the front, bought our tickets and excitedly boarded the train. Austin enjoyed looking out the window and watching as we hurriedly passed up cars and buses on the road below. At our stop we were able to directly enter a small mall (for the airconditioning, not the shopping) and weave our way through shops towards the exit on the street. After a walk of 10 minutes we reached our destination, only to find that the zoo is now a squatters village. Fortunately there was a nice man at the Jeepney stop who told us of a Wildlife center just up the street, which we quickly found and bought our tickets, P8.00 Adults and P5.00 Children, a total of about 28 cents US.

We saw a Philippine Eagle (the national bird), a macaw, a Brahminy kite, a pea fowl, monkeys, and a VERY large cloud rat (the size of three Chiuaua's). Austin got to swing on a mangrove swamp tree vine too.

It quickly became evident that this place is not frequented by many expatriates as we were stared at more than usual, maybe we should have been in a cage ourselves. All in all it was a great time.

Home away from home...Karao

2010-01-16T03:22:00.000-05:00

Imagine that your work place is three and a half hours from home. This work place, sometimes a home away from home, is a tiny rustic shack tucked away in a valley with steep hills and a white-water river running close by. Outside your dinning room window is a lovely view of lush green rice terraces and the opposing valley wall. But not all is tranquil. Pigs, along with their aroma, live but a stones toss from your front door. The chickens that live under your house are clearly seen through the gaps in your wood planked floor, smooth and glossy from years of waxing with rough coconut husks. The adjoining lean-to which houses your "squatty-potty", is also shared with neighbors. Hot water is available, by heating it on the stove. Electricity, although available, is not terribly reliable and this house must be "down the line" as it only provides you with 211 of the usually supplied 220 volts. How long would it be before you began scouring the classifieds?

This 'home away from home' is going to be 'HOME HOME' to Bible translator Sherri Brainard this coming July after the Bagabag center closes. So Sherri is doing everything she can to get her simple residence ready for full time work/living.

Rodney, with colleague Tad Wulliman and workman Dionicio (Dye-oh-niece-ee-oh) took Sherri out to Karao this month for a very long work day of preparing her village house for future living. We installed two 'kit' bookshelves (made in kit form because they would not make it upstairs fully assembled), one kitchen cabinet, a spice rack, and chest of drawers...along with many other miscellaneous tasks like relocating electrical lights/wiring or shaving wood from her door so it will fully open without binding.

But Sherri's "shack" is merely a means to an end...that end being transformed lives of the Karao people, from having God's word in their language. Please pray for Sherri as she prepares for the next 7+ years, completing 36 years of Bible translation in the Philippines.

Davao Vision Trip

2009-12-12T18:32:00.000-05:00

We just returned from a week-long vision trip to the Island of Mindanao here in the Philippines. As you know the Bagabag center where we work is closing next summer, so we took a trip to Davao City to see if the Lord is leading us to work there at an international school called Faith Academy Mindanao. Please pray with us and the administration as we consider whether the Lord is leading us to work at the school in their maintenance department.

Manila/Banaue "R&R" Oct/Nov 09

2009-11-19T20:56:00.000-05:00

Ingredients: 1 LED frisbee (blue #4), long exposure, rear sync flash

2009-10-20T03:16:00.000-04:00

Karaoke- Yee-haw, pass the chocolate milk!

2009-10-14T19:37:00.000-04:00

Fingers and monitors don't mix

2009-07-25T00:58:00.000-04:00

We caught another monitor lizard the other day. I jokingly warned the Filipinos that they couldn't eat this one. It was about 3 feet long and very fast, with razor sharp claws and alligator strentgh jaws. We had to pry a screw driver in it's mouth, and even then we just barely got the glove back. I had to let it go twice, as the first time it turned 180 degrees and hi-tailed it into the hangar, running right between the pilots legs as he jumped in the air. I caught it again and this time held it on a tree till it got the idea to cling onto the tree itself as I let go.

Fun in the sun in the Philippines

2009-07-21T21:54:00.000-04:00

Here in the Philippines this is the most coverage we saw during Asia's solar eclipse.

Antipolo Bible Dedication

2009-06-18T19:02:00.000-04:00

On Saturday June 13, about 100 of us (most of whom were visitors) left Bagabag for the two-hour drive to the Antipolo Ifugao Bible dedication in Ifugao (eef-oo-gow) province. It was a one-day event with singing, prayer, testimonies, dancing and, of course, eating! The Lord was honored this day.

This is Dick and Lou Hohulin's second translation AND complete Bible; that's right, two translations/two complete Bibles. They are the first in the Philippine branch to complete an entire Bible. The people of Antipolo are very excited to have the WHOLE Word of God in their language.

The kids surrounded Maren ALL day, never growing tired of taking her picture. She did not mind and found things to occupy her time like chasing chickens and filling her shoes with rice.

Rodney's trip to a Bible Dedication

2009-05-18T18:24:00.000-04:00

On the 5th of May I (Rodney) attended my first Bible dedication on the island of Coron here in the Philippines. Translators Ed and Jakie Ruch came in the early 60's, and although Jakie passed away about 7 years ago Ed is now seeing the fruit of their labor in the completion of the Tagbanwa New Testament.

In the Philippines Directors words- "God held off the rain for travel and during the celebration. The day was a testimony to God’s goodness in His transformation of this community over many years, and through the faithful service of Ed & Jackie Ruch and their team."

Training has paid off

2009-05-13T23:39:00.000-04:00

It sure makes a poppa proud to see his child finally learn to ride a bike without training wheels. We credit this partly to Austin riding a scooter which is easier to balance because of it's low center of gravity. He can even start the bike all by himself. He turned 4 three days ago!

In the village

2009-04-03T07:44:00.000-04:00

Rodney just returned from visiting Bible translator Bill Crest in his village allocation. It took about 1.5 days to get there via bus, truck and hiking. The return trip by SIL plane by the way was 1/2 hour. It was a great experience to get close to the people that we are there to serve.

I met Bill's fellow translators, ate in their houses, watched a man collect ant eggs for food, hiked in rice paddies, ate a ton of mountain red rice, drank a lot of coffee, added a 12V truck battery to Bill's solar power electrical system, spoke at a local church and played with Filipino children.

It has been a long time since I have been in the village, and it reminded me of just why we are here. I spent several days with the folks who are waiting for the Scriptures in their language. By our western standards these people have nothing, materially speaking. But they warmly welcomed me and freely shared of what they did have. They were glad to butcher a chicken and share heaps of rice and coffee as they honored me as their special guest. I traded gifts with two of the men: my knife, flashlight and a hat for a hand-made broom and rice paddy hat. I treasure these items as they are a reminder of time spent with these men in their homes.

The trip was energizing, so much so that I put Joy on the plane to go and visit the same village two days later.

I (Joy) was grateful for the chance to make an afternoon visit to the village, Bill and his translation team. I flew in with our good friends Steve & Kelli (Steve is the SIL pilot and did an awesome job landing us safely on the tiny airstrip). It made me appreciate what many of our translators deal with on a daily basis as they live among and work with Filipinos to translate the Bible (only enough electricity for 20 watts*, no indoor plumbing, no stores). It was a great opportunity for these two stay-at-home moms to get a fresh vision for the work our families do here.

*One of the photos shows Bill looking at the new micro hydro-dam which will allow him to have 80 watts of electricity.

Humble Beginnings

2009-03-19T07:54:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I went to the airport to visit a newborn baby girl. Wait…the airport? Construction has been going on at the government airport next to our center for a while, with the workers living on the property. In order for the families not to be separated, temporary shanty-type housing has been set up, where they can live together. The little baby, as yet unnamed, was tiny, but ruddy, perfectly formed and nursing contentedly. Her surroundings made me think that she and baby Jesus had a lot in common – a cardboard floor and walls, dogs and chickens just feet away, flies, and an adoring mother. I was able to give the family some baby clothes, a few blankets and some interlocking foam pieces to make a floor and a soft place for the baby to lie.

My life on the center here as a stay-at-home mom can be very sheltered. I thank God for reminding me how blessed I am and how very little some people have. And yet, He loves each of us equally and lavishly. How best to show that love to this family? That’s what I’m praying.

Bagabag Pond

2009-03-04T23:27:00.000-05:00

We have fun here in Bagabag Philippines. Austin sure seems older than three, jumping from block to block with confidence as Maren looks on with envy. It is hot these days. We had about four hours of spring and then full blown summer.

We're back in the Philippines

2009-01-04T13:40:00.000-05:00

Having flown out late in the evening of Dec. 31, we arrived Manila on January 2, totally missing New Year's day. But we were trying to sleep so no New Year's Day was fine with us.

Our bodies are adjusting to the time difference and we are spending this week going to the doctor and renewing our Philippines driver's licenses which expired during our fulough.

There is a Nestle ice cream factory close to the center that has a restaurant with good food and Austin always likes to go there and play. He actually chooses to play over eating ice cream. As you can see, he is also back to wearing no shoes. And of course he is always fascinated with the airplanes when we travel.

In the Carolinas now

2008-11-09T10:08:00.000-05:00

We are now in North Carolina and living in the parsonage of Joy's father's church (he is the senior pastor). Rodney is currently making a desk for his study. The church/house is in the country and our closest neighbor is about 1/4 mile away. There is a lot of room on the property for the kids to play.

We have really enjoyed being here for the turning of the leaves. One night after a church cookout we got a nice shot of Jupiter, the moon, and Venus with the church steeple in foreground. During the cookout I 'launched' two of my hot air balloons, but for some reason both of them crashed and burned. I was disappointed they didn't fly, but the kids loved seeing them burn, so it was still a good show.

We recently returned from a trip to Alabama to see Rodney's grandmother who just turned 91. She is the last of 8 siblings. This was her first time meeting Maren, so it was a special time for us.

During the Taylorsville Apple Festival we found this old fire truck and took some photos. As I was sitting in the driver's seat I realized the key was in the ignition and I thought, 'I bet this thing really runs'. And sure enough it is a running (but not working) 'engine', and Austin found the horn too.

We return to Calif. on Dec. 16 and fly to the Philippines on the 31st.

We are "home"

2008-06-22T22:52:00.000-04:00

We made it safely to the US and our body clocks are adjusting. Before we left we were able to get Austin a hair cut where he sits in a car and watches "Cars", the movie. I got a hair cut too but the car chair was too small for me.

Austin loves airplanes and was over-the-top fascinated with the jets at the airport. The kids did great on the plane and got more sleep than we did.

Austin loves feeding my mom's tortoise, the biggest 'turtle' he has seen.

We are especially grateful to have been able to celebrate Maren's birthday here with grandparents, on the actual day even.

We are living in a small three bedroom house in the wood-streets in Riverside. It's a nice little house built in 1933-34, with new air conditioning. Thank you for your prayers for our travels and settling in. Folks here have been very generous and provided a care package with food and grocery store gift certificates; what a blessing. We look forward to seeing you on our furlough.

GO!!!

2008-06-16T18:36:00.000-04:00

We are on our way to the airport, leaving Manila 12:45 PM, from there to Taipei and then on to LAX. We have an estimated travel time of 18 hours.

We arrived Taipei safely after a short 2 hour flight. Now comes the marathon flight. I am having quite a time with the Internet service here in the airport since everything is in Mandarin.

Joy and I were not able to get seats together, but perhaps the kids will sleep better if they are apart and Maren can use the bassinet at the bulkhead.

It is nice to be back in the land of clean toilets, paper provided, soap for your hands even. We are not sure what the flip down device is for, but it seems when we left the States they were calling them toilet seats. Yes, that is it, my memory is coming back to me now:-)

The computer itself cannot be accessed so I cannot upload any pics of our trip so far...tomorrow I guess.

Get set...

2008-06-16T02:04:00.000-04:00

We made it safely to Manila. Today we saw the dentist and pediatrician, tomorrow we finish packing and then Wednesday afternoon we fly to LAX.

On your mark...

2008-06-09T06:58:00.000-04:00

By being good stewards of our money, we will save so much by not having to buy tickets for our kids!

Getting ready to leave

2008-06-03T05:02:00.001-04:00

We leave Manila in two weeks and it seems too short a time with all that has to be done before we leave. We are cleaning/repairing our house (getting it ready for renters), working at my regular job, preparing the center for our biennial conference and squeezing in time to catch this monitor lizard.

We chased it around the shop wall for ten minutes before catching it. It is about 15 feet long. Oh wait, I forgot the decimal, 1.5 feet long, a baby. Last year the guards on center caught one over 4 feet long, now that is a big honkin' monitor. The guys tell me they are delicious, but it is endangered so we let it go.

Please pray that we will have wisdom on what we realistically can and cannot accomplish during this time. Although very tired with all that has gone on, we are very excited to come home in time for Maren's first birthday party, with grandparents this time!!!

NY here we come, the USS one that is!

2008-04-08T01:22:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go with a few friends and dive the USS New York. This WWI cruiser was built in 1891 and scuttled in 1941 and now lies on it's port side in 27m of water. The 8" guns are still in position and intact.

She began her life as the USS New York in Dec. of 1891 (launched) and commissioned in '93. In 1911 she was renamed the USS Saratoga and then named again in 1917 (to allow her name to go to a new vessel) the USS Rochester. In 1941 she was scuttled to prevent her capture by the Japanese.

The jelly fish is about the size of a pencil eraser. The lion fish was being a perfect subject and was not terribly bothered by my insistent close up photography. The stingray was about a foot in diameter. The strange bug eyed creature posing next to the gun didn't mind having his photo taken either.

I am always in awe of God's creation when diving. The vibrant colors, different shapes and diversity of animal life...it truly is a different world under the sea.

rodentdiver???

2008-04-04T05:19:00.001-04:00

Where did rodentdiver come from you ask?

While accidentally backpacking during hurricane Floyd in Oct '99 (we uh, uh uhm, didn't know it was coming) 'rodent' was adopted as my trail name on the Appalachian trail in Shenandoah National Park. It came from my Windows 98 spell check that always wanted to replace my name with 'rodent'.

In '00 I became a certified diver in Papua New Guinea, and years later in a caffeine low moment I needed a user name for Skype and put the two together.

I found the pics on Google and did some Photoshoping.

Finally it's gone!!!

2008-03-28T23:07:00.000-04:00

It has been a year in the making, or un-making really. We 'owned' this 1983 Hilux for a little less than a year but were no longer interested in maintaining it. So after a quick search for another owner (no responses) we decided to 'destroy' it. That is, remove it from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) registration system and then sell it for scrap.

But it needed a current registration to do this. It would not run at the time so I was unable to get an emmissions test. But the Lord prevailed and this test was bypassed due to previously established relationships with LTO officers. Many hours both in maintenance and in the legal offices have been spent taking care of this situaltion.

Thankfully it is over and as of March 28, 2008 it left the center for the last time. The red plate (diplomat issue) Blue Hilux has been in the SIL family since '83 and has taken many-a-translator to their village allocation. But it's hay day is gone and the time has come for it to move on to greener junkyards.

Phew!!!

It's official: We are coming 'home'!

2008-03-20T22:27:00.000-04:00

We finally bought our tickets and will be in the States June 18, in time for a California birthday for Maren on the 22nd. We will be in SoCal from June 18 to mid Sept. Then we will be in the Carolinas till we return to Ca in time for Christmas. Then we depart for the Philippines on Dec.31, arriving on Jan. 2.

The pictures are from a recent trip to Manila for a week of cultural orientation. During some down time we were able to go out to eat. One of the places has a play area that Austin chose over eating ice cream.

A window of opportunity

2008-02-08T21:16:00.000-05:00

Ok, so the title is punn-ish. But I did have the opportunity to return to the village of Karao and install a kitchen window for Bible translator Sherri Brainard.

Her house is very basic: An outside squatty potty (shared with neighbors); corrugated tin walls/roof; minimal furnishings and battery back-up for lighting when the electricity goes out (which is quite common). It has only been recently that a cell phone tower has been erected near her village. This gives Sherri a little peace of mind knowing that she can contact us in Bagabag when needed.

Her kitchen was very dark and cave-like, however when we cut out the opening and the sun shone through, we instantly knew this window was going to make all the difference in the world. The window looks partially into the outside 'CR' (bathroom) so we installed frosted glass for the bottom part, and clear glass on the top, giving her a nice view of the other side of the valley. This window will brighten her kitchen and her spirits. She commented "why didn't I do this 20 years ago?"

In speaking this week with a pastor in our town, they were asking for Bibles in the local language. They regularly use versions like the NIV, NAS, King James and even the Message (English is widely spoken here), but these simply don't speak to their heart like their mother tongue, Ilocano.

Thank you for your partnership with us, in helping translators like Sherri give the Word of God to those who still don't have it in a language that speaks to their heart.

Catholicism meets syncretism

2008-02-03T02:50:00.000-05:00

Mountain biking is one of my favorite pastimes for recreation. There are many places to ride in the Philippines; up the national roads, in the hills or on the back roads around the rice fields.
Today's ride took me past this statue of Mary overlooking a valley. Ninety percent of Filipinos call themselves Catholic, but old traditions of mysticism still prevail. One time we wanted to take a photo of a Filipino family of three, however they prefered that our son be in the photo as well since the number three is unlucky.

Austin's first camping trip

2008-01-28T09:54:00.001-05:00

At two and a half he did great and we both had a good time.
What I will remember: Austin throwing dirt in the tent AS SOON as I got it set up-grrr!!!
What he will remember: adding sticks to the fire and driving in the river.