"Tasted and Seen.. a transition"

I'm not sure how many of you check out my posts on the blog, as they can easily be viewed in your email inbox - but if you DO look at the website, you might have noticed I did some updating to the title and overall look. If you are very attentive to detail, you might have even noticed that the email that was sent yesterday was Posted by 'Tasted and Seen', not 'The New Jersey Journals'.. But it's at the footnote of the email, so I don't expect you to have seen it. ;)

In thinking about the current part-time position that I find myself in with Cru, I felt like "The New Jersey Journals" no longer fit the purpose of my correspondence. Up until this point, the goal has been to get Deaf students to attend the Wildwood Summer Project, as that was the only option for accessibility for the Deaf students at the time. Now that I am officially with Cru, though, the goal is to eventually broaden those horizons to open up more 'Deaf friendly Summer Projects' as well as allow Deaf students to attend any other events Cru provides - be it Fall or Spring break trips, Winter Conferences, or weekly meetings on their campuses. 

Thus, "New Jersey" in the title of the blog might become confusing over time. As I was thinking about what to rename the blog, I chose "Tasted and Seen" for a few reasons. Mainly, at the root of this endeavor, was the first of many times along this journey that I would be in need of     [x-y-z]     and my Abba-Father would provide specifically for that need. I go into more details on the "A Journey of a Thousand Miles" tab at the top, but suffice it to say that for a good while the password to my computer had a mixture of "tasted and seen" in it as a reminder to me that even when a situation seems beyond my grasp of making it happen, God is in the business of working out the "impossible". Once I tasted of His networking of resources (which you, if you have supported me financially or prayerfully in the past were part of that pprocess - so thanks!) and had seen His goodness at providing for my needs, my trust in Him increased. As my trust in Him increased, He allowed me to taste and see more of Him as the needs continued to grow for subsequent Summer Projects.

So, without further ado, welcome to my refurbished blog. I'll maintain the same themed posts, "Monday's", "Wednesday's", "Thursday's" and "Friday's". But -hopefully in the near future- I'll include updates, not only about Wildwood, but also about other summer projects and Cru sponsored events.

I'll leave you with this quote:

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” ― Leonardo da Vinci

May the same be true of us - that as we have 'tasted heaven's goodness', that we would continue to look to God as our provider, knowing that in His presence is 'where we have been and where we should always long to return'.

Continuing to search for more to TASTE and SEE!   ..join me?

Soli Deo Gloria
:D 

[what]S'up, Wednesday?

[what]S'up, Wednesday?" is a place where I give weekly updates about how day to day life is going here in Wildwood, New Jersey. It will typically include something that has just happened, a "forecast of a schedule (always subject to change), and an update on my financial situation.. :)
          ******************************************************************

Happenings: It's definitely weird not being in New Jersey this summer. Azael and I keep finding ourselves commenting "it's June 1st.. Project starts today.. we're not there.." .. "Today is the 3rd day of Project.. typically we'd be watching the sun-rise over the ocean.." .. "Oklahoma is pretty far from an ocean and beach.."

We are preparing for Baby's arrival mid-July, though. I am finally "nesting" - rearranging our house, and getting the supplies necessary for our planned home birth :) It's good to be home for now! :)

I have also met and talked with my new "MPD Coach". MPD stands for Ministry Partner Development and is the Cru term for "Support team". I have my goal for my monthly support, and am in the process of changing over to a new email address with Cru. I'll be emailing ya'll from that email address shortly to try to keep everything organized :)

Schedule: My current "assignment" is to find a team of supporters to partner with me for prayer and financial support for my foreseeable future with Cru.. However, given the circumstances of baby's impending arrival, I don't have a set timeline to complete my goal. I'm hoping to finish the support raising process sooner rather than later, but I don't have a hard and fast deadline. 

Finances: My account number has now changed, and the site is ready! If you have giving set up directly to the old account (#2870830) and desire to continue partnering with me monthly, I can get you the information to switch over to my personal account (#0865449.) Like I said, I'll be following up soon with my current supporters to see if they want to switch their giving from the General Interpreter Fund to my Personal Account - however if you are chomping at the bit to change over, reply to this email and I'll get that info to you promptly :)
I appreciate your generosity. 

Soli Deo Gloria
:D

[what]S'up, Wednesday?

"[what]S'up, Wednesday?" is a place where I give weekly updates about how day to day life is going here in Wildwood, New Jersey. It will typically include something that has just happened, a "forecast of a schedule (always subject to change), and an update on my financial situation.. :)
          ******************************************************************

Happenings: Lots of paperwork type things on my end have been my main focus as of late. Now that I'm officially in a part-time capacity with Cru, I have to maintain a more official paperwork trail as well! hahahah :)

Also, I should note, that this summer, I will not be going to Wildwood to interpret. By God's providence, there were no Deaf students interested/able to attend this summer. From all my recruiting back in January, it seems good contacts were made, but - for whatever reason - no one was able to commit to project. I see it as both a good and sad thing. After spending my summers in Wildwood, New Jersey for the past 4 years, it is weird not to be packing things up and heading out there again this year. However, I see this "pause-year" as a beneficial time to regroup and make plans toward something more sustainable for the coming years. 
<< Baby coming in July also is a good reason to "pause" and stay home ;) >>
 In future posts I'll outline some of the things that I'll be working on this summer while I'm not coordinating/interpreting at Summer Project :)

Schedule: May 13th thru May 18th I'll be in Orlando, Florida to attend a "New Staff training" that Cru provides to all their new hires. I'll be learning how to use their financial system as well as the best way to connect donors to my ministry and the interpreter ministry. By the Grace of God, I've actually had a pretty good week when it comes to "pregnant me". I'm hoping that this trend continues as I make my way down to Florida and back :)

Finances: The account for my personal support will be up and running soon. I'll send out an update once the site is live :)
We are also in the process of switching over the previous account that I used for the past years. So if you want to make a donation now, you can make it to the Wildwood ASL Interpreter Fund. This fund will be under my name soon, as I'll be responsible for those transactions: https://give.cru.org/2870830
I appreciate your generosity. 

Soli Deo Gloria
:D

[what]S'up, Wednesday?

"[what]S'up, Wednesday?" is a place where I give weekly updates about how day to day life is going here in Wildwood, New Jersey. It will typically include something that has just happened, a "forecast of a schedule (always subject to change), and an update on my financial situation.. :)
          ******************************************************************

Happenings: My 5 week tour of the North East has come to a close. After 2 gate changes and an hour and a half delay, we made it back to Tulsa early Monday morning (yes, we left Sunday afternoon) ;) Tulsa Public Schools observes Presidents Day, giving Azael the day off. We took advantage of this "down day" to catch up on sleep. It is good to be home, but I miss the snow!
While in CT for our friends wedding, I finally had time to sit down with one of my interpreters from last summer (a very business minded friend) and talk details of this upcoming summer. There are obviously going to be some changes, since Baby BúPerry plans to come mid-July, and my terp friend, "Linsk", was able to give some valuable insight in to how that might happen. :) Really, there are many "iron's in the fire" at this point, and it's hard to tell which things will be ready first. I'm looking forward to what this summer has in store :)

Schedule: Now that I am home, I will start follow-ups with Deaf students, Interpreters and supporters. If you know of anyone who would be interested to support this ministry, please pass on my information, or contact me with their information :)

Finances:  I have received $1,300 towards the $5,000 I need to initially raise to begin my support raising journey for my part time staff position. If you would like to give a one-time gift towards this amount, please contact me so I can get you my address. You will need to send it in check form, as the account has not yet been set up for online donations. 

I am also still raising funds for Wildwood. If you would like to make a monetary donation towards the Wildwood ASL Interpreter Fund please do so here: https://give.cru.org/2870830
I appreciate your generous stewardship. 

Soli Deo Gloria
:D

[what]S'up, Wednesday?

"[what]S'up, Wednesday?" is a place where I give weekly updates about how day to day life is going here in Wildwood, New Jersey. It will typically include something that has just happened, a "forecast of a schedule (always subject to change), and an update on my financial situation.. :)
          ******************************************************************

Happenings: Tonight, after my friend Cara (my current host) and I meet up for dinner with the Pastor of the Deaf church in NJ, I will share at the Deaf Church's Wednesday night mtg about Wildwood Summer Project. The church is 40 mins from where my friend lives, and it's suppose to snow late tonight, so I'm hoping we can complete all our travels before the weather starts dropping white things from the sky! :) I'm in the home stretch of the trip. It's been good so far, but I'm looking forward to getting back to a normal schedule :)

Schedule:FEB 8 - FEB 13 - On the New Jersey side of NYC, giving 
                                               presentations at Churches abt ASL WWSP 
                                               Interpreter Fund
                 FEB 14 - FEB 15 - At my friend (fellow interpreter at WWSP 
                                                for the last few years) Cory and Natalie's 
                                                 wedding in Connecticut. :)
                FEB 16 - FLY HOME! :D

Finances:  I have received $500 towards the $5,000 I need to raise to begin my support raising journey for my part time staff position. If you would like to give a one-time gift towards this amount, please contact me so I can get you my address. You will need to send it in check form, as the account has not yet been set up for online donations. 

I am also still raising funds for Wildwood. If you would like to make a monetary donation towards the Wildwood ASL Interpreter Fund please do so here: https://give.cru.org/2870830
I appreciate your generosity. 

Soli Deo Gloria
:D

FrienDay FriDay :D

FrienDay FriDay is where post a "new friend" that I meet, 

or something that is definitive of the Wildwood experience

 that I would text a picture of to a good friend..

During my time here at Valley Forge Christian College, I've had the opportunity to meet new friends, catch up with Kinna (former WWSP student) and observe some of the classes in the Deaf Pastoral Studies Major. :)

T[her]sday: Her day, her way.. Jenna Math 101

 "Every number has a name, every name has a story and every story matters to God."
 I try to make sure I get those stories in print in my Meditations&Musings4Mondays, "[what]S'up, Wednesday?" and FrienDay FriDay; but I've realized, I don't have a "numbers crunching post" for those who want the bottom line. Thus, I introduce "T[her]sday: Her day, her way.. Jenna Math". As a caveat though (and really a disclaimer to being terrible at math), these will be more entertaining than they are 100% accurate. "Jenna Math" as my family calls my adding ability often ends up a few numbers off.. So, with that in mind, enjoy these mostly accurate calculations of mine :)

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
I've been on this recruiting trip 4 weeks. 
In those 28 days, I've:
traveled on foot for 8.3 miles 
ridden in a car for 727 miles 
taken Public Transportation for 67.3 miles 
flown high in the sky for 1438 miles

I have been the recipient of 6 wonderful "bed and breakfast" hospitality from friends, new and old.
I've consumed 26 "free to me" meals, thanks to generous friends along the way :)

I have met:
10 Deaf students interested in Summer Project
4 Individuals interested in joining the Interpreting team
2 Churches willing to consider monthly support 

I am 15 weeks along with Baby BúPerry. 
I get to see my husband again in 7 days! 

I'll be home in 11 days. :D

Soli Deo Gloira
:D

Meditations&Musings4Mondays

Monday's postings are longer, more in-depth thoughts or stories that I feel the need to share. If you don't have time to read this now, you can look at the cliff notes versions that come out in my "[what]S'up, Wednesday?" posts. When you have the time, please feel encouraged by the stories God is telling, and musings that he brings to my mind. 
HAPPY MONDAY :D
***************************************************
Noticing the Fingerprints of Abba on my journey in the Northeast so far..

I briefly mentioned last week that my travels up to the northeast, and subsequent month-long-stay all came together in a 3 day period. Honestly, I had second, and third and even fourth thoughts about a 5 week trip coming together in less than 48 hours - BUT - when I look back on the many journey's I've taken to get to this point, I see a very distinct pattern of God's guidance being in the "whispers" of "a voice behind [me] saying "this is the way, walk in it".." In the first week of January, I was feeling quite lousy - due to constant morning sickness, and a wicked-nasty aftertaste in my mouth that seemed never ending. While Azael and I prayed together on Saturday for our families, friends and upcoming trip to New Jersey for a friends wedding, we both has this sense of "what if.. I (Jenna) stayed until our other friends wedding on February 15th".. 
We tossed around the idea, but that was it.. I continued to ponder it throughout the day, and by Sunday, I was again bringing up the topic of an extended stay in the Northeast.. On Monday, we decided that I would begin by facebook messaging/emailing/texting my friends/contacts I have up there.. and by Tuesday evening the details had mostly fallen into place - transportation from place to place accounted for and a place to sleep at each location.. Not many details nailed down other than those, but it was enough of a nudge for God to point me in "the way, walk in it", so I started packing (who packs for a 5 week trip in 1.5 days? this crazy girl!) and trying not to stress about the last minute notice. We were also able to squeeze in seeing our Mid-wife on Tuesday evening, allowing us to get some input about traveling while pregnant, a list of supplements to help maintain healthy "baby growing", and to hear baby's heartbeat for the first time. :) 
It's hard to explain the peace that comes in the storm though - unless you have previously experienced the seemingly unnatural comfort that Abba gives - it sounds contradictory.. However, in the midst of all that I was trying to prep for my month long absence, there was a quite that covered my heart, knowing that this was the right thing to do at this point in time. So, on Thursday, January 9th, off we flew..

After our friends wedding, I had wanted to go straight to Albany where the Epicenter conference would be held over the MLK long-weekend. The plans that were able to solidify though took me to Rochester for the four days between the wedding and the conference. I didn't mind the time to catch up with my friend as we made the 6 hour road trip through PA to Upstate New York. It was good to see a hospitable Christian couple who has housed me in my previous visits to Rochester. Overall, though, I was wondering why I was in Rochester for these 4 days, since the semester didn't start for another 2 weeks (and no students were on campus). Unbeknownst to me, a student that had been on Project before happened to be in town early, waiting for her semester job to start. Azael connected the dots from a previous conversation with another one of our friends, and I shot her a text message seeing what she was doing. Her day was free, and we were able to meet up. God often causes me to chuckle at the way he coordinates our schedules even before we know what we need. :) What I thought would be a quick lunch chat turned into a 4 hour conversation of much needed authenticity and restoration. If the only reason for my four days in Rochester was to have a four hour conversation with this student, then I'm glad I went.. 

Interpreting at Epicenter was a good experience, but being able to get to chat with many of the "powers that be" in the Cru campus ministries was also very necessary to moving forward with my part-time position. It was also beneficial in aligning myself and the Hands of Fire (Deaf Cru) Staff of the movement on RIT's campus toward the same goal. The conference schedule proved to be packed full and quite busy, but I left feeling refreshed and with a vision to move forward in the mission of equipping Deaf students to reach other Deaf students with the Gospel. :)

After the conference, I was suppose to fly to Baltimore, and then make my way to D.C. through the public transportation system; however, I got a text message from Southwest the night before telling me that "inclement weather had cancelled my 3:20pm flight." Bummer.. The message added that I could go online and reschedule without any additional costs. The only time available was the 6AM flight out.. Bummer again :( I had been looking forward to sleeping in after my busy weekend of interpreting.. This also meant that I wasn't sure how I would get to DC, since the snow complicated the whole trip. However, in God's networking fashion, my plans were about to all work out :) A student who had been on Summer Project in 2010 (and Azael's roommate) had moved out to Baltimore 2 weeks ago for an internship. The only reason we knew this was that Azael forgot to sign out of Skype the day before, and this friend of ours, Nick, seeing Azael on-line, started chatting with him. In their time catching up, Nick mentioned his recent move. Coincidence? I think not. 
The world was about to get smaller though (as the Cru world often does). Nick was attending a church that a friend back in Indiana recommended. Nick met Larry at this church. Larry works with Cru's Epic movement. Larry has a fiancee named VanKim. VanKim was working from home (due to the "inclement weather" that messed up my flight schedule), so I could stay with VanKim -even spend the night- so that I didn't get stuck in the snow storm due to inconsistent Public transportation that day. WOW - Yay God! :) Again, he provided before I even knew I needed it. :)

So, at 6AM the airport was buzzing with people, since all afternoon flights had been cancelled, and due to my pregnant self lugging all my bags with me I was the last person on my flight. :( (but my flight neighbor on the plane taught me how to play canasta on her iPad, so that was fun.) Once in the Baltimore airport, I cumbersomely shoved allll my bags down a loooooooong corridor (from door 5 to door 19) to the lite-rail so I could meet up with my friend, Nick. Imagine boarding a charter bus with 2 large roller bags, 2 backpacks and a lunch cooler.. It takes a couple of trips up and down all those steps! I was so blessed by all the individuals that helped me at each location to load and unload my stuff (many times throwing my remaining bags out the 30 second window of "door closing now, step back, door closing" time that I had to exit with all my belongings). I know people say that "Baltimore is *rough*", but on this day, my Heavenly Father, seeing that my 3 days of packing for 5 weeks had produced a lil over-packing, had only grace to give me. Through the course of all my public transportation, no less than 7 strangers helped me to either load or unload my things from the bus, the train or the elevator without asking for anything in return. I wish I had gotten to ask their names, but it all happened so fast in each instance, and then they were gone.. All I can do is make a public record of thanksgiving to my Abba for his provision of help when I needed it. ANNND right as we got to VanKim's place, the snow began to fall, so we didn't have to fight the weather on top of all of that. :D 

On Wednesday, I made my way down to D.C. and was able to stay the evening with a "new friend" that I made last summer on the way home from project. She is as hospitable as they come, and seems to be a kindred spirit when it comes to Deaf ministry and the Christian life. It was good to get to know her a little more. I look forward to seeing how this friendship will span time, and always feel refreshed after talking with her. Around this time, mid-week too, I began to feel better! No more nausea 24/7! I still feel sick to my stomach during the day, but I'll take feeling sick occasionally over all.the.time! ;) I've been sleeping better, and generally have more energy too - yay for surviving the first trimester! :D

Sunday, I was scheduled to present a Deaf church an hour outside of D.C. Initially, my friend was going to join me and she has access to a car, so I was not concerned about the drive. Then her schedule changed and she was no longer able to come. So I began to look into public transportation, and the hour car ride turned into over a 3 hour trip :( As I continued looking at options, a taxi would cost close to $100 on-way, and a rental car - though cheap - would take me 45mins on the metro to get to the rental car place. The timing would cut it close, as the metro doesn't open til 7am on Sundays and I needed to be leaving DC by 8am. That left little time for me to actually find the rental car place once I got to the airport.. Complications! After spending some time asking God how I was suppose to get to the church, and talking with my husband about options, a solution presented itself that wasn't even on my radar. A friend offered to let me use their personal car for the whole day! I felt so blessed to not have to fight public transportation and not have to spend extra money that wasn't necessary. :)

The crazy thing is this is only 2 weeks into my trip.. I'm interested to see what the next 3 weeks hold!

FrienDay FriDay :D

FrienDay FriDay is where post a "new friend" that I meet, 

or something that is definitive of the Wildwood experience

 that I would text a picture of to a good friend..

I know it's suppose to be a picture of a "friend" that I meet, but I met up with many friends when I was at the Epicenter conference Interpreting this past weekend (MLK weekend) and I met new friends, but since I was busy interpreting the whole time, I didn't get a chance to take any pictures myself. This picture was taken by the conference staff and shows me doing what I do - terpin'! :)

[what]S'up, Wednesday?

"[what]S'up, Wednesday?" is a place where I give weekly updates about how day to day life is going here in Wildwood, New Jersey. It will typically include something that has just happened, a "forecast of a schedule (always subject to change), and an update on my financial situation.. :)
          ******************************************************************

Happenings: so, I'm still in the Northeast.. below, my schedule might give a better idea of where I am and what I'm doing.. :) Yesterday I made it to Baltimore (before the snow hit) and was blessed by all the people that God put in my path to help this weary pregnant lady ;) board and de-board the "lite-rail" train with my 4 suitcases of stuff! :) I also got to see a friend from the 2010 Summer Project and meet some new friends who graciously allowed me to stay the night (so I didn't get stuck in the snow/weather delays of public transportation) :) Today, the snow fall has subsided and now I'm bound for D.C. :)

Schedule: JAN 22 - FEB 1 - In Washington, D.C. visiting Churches, 
                                              Gallaudet University, and talking with potential 
                                              supporters. 
                  FEB 2 - FEB 7 -  In Philly, visiting a Deaf Christian college 
                                              ministry program (VFCC) and sharing 
                                              about WWSP opportunity.
                  FEB 8 - FEB 13 - Just outside of NYC, giving presentations 
                                               at Churches, and meeting potential supporters
                 FEB 14 - FEB 15 - At my friend (fellow interpreter support team 
                                                for the past 2 years) Cory and Natalie's 
                                                 wedding in Connecticut. :)
                FEB 16 - FLY HOME! :D

Finances:  I have received $500 towards the $5,000 I need to raise to begin my support raising journey for my part time staff position. If you would like to give a one-time gift towards this amount, please contact me so I can get you my address. You will need to send it in check form, as the account has not yet been set up online. 
I am also still raising funds for Wildwood. If you would like to make a monetary donation towards the Wildwood ASL Interpreter Fund please do so here: https://give.cru.org/2870830
I appreciate your generosity. 

Soli Deo Gloria
:D

[what]S'up, Wednesday? - *SPECIAL SUNDAY EDITION*

"[what]S'up, Wednesday?" is a place where I give weekly updates about how day to day life is going here in Wildwood, New Jersey. It will typically include something that has just happened, a "forecast of a schedule (always subject to change), and an update on my financial situation.. :)
          ******************************************************************

Happenings: On Sunday, January 5th, I was planning to fly to New Jersey for the weekend to interpret at a friends wedding. I was not however planning to stay in the Northeast for a month! By Wednesday, January 8th though, I was indeed packing and making arraignments with friends to "couch surf" from January 11th to February 13th. The trip came together quite fast, I must say - but it has the usual M.O. of God's previous recruiting journeys for me. In the sidebar, I say "serv[ing] my Adoni by joining him on such a grand adventure... is never boring ". That is the best summary of my time with Cru recruiting trips thus far. Azael attended our friends wedding with me in January, and will attend a second friends wedding in February (where we'll see each other again after a month apart). Yes, it is hard to be away from him. Yes, my baby is still making my tummy upset :( BUT yes, I know this is the right thing to do for the moment :)

Schedule: JAN 17 - JAN 20 - Interpreting at a Cru conference in Albany, NY. 
                                               Also, finalizing details with regional staff (who 
                                               are at the conference) about my part 
                                                time position with Cru. :)
                 

Finances:  The conversation with the regional staff went very well. Basically she said, if you can raise $5,000 by Monday, January 20th, then we can hire you right now. If I can be hired "now", then I can get paid for the recruiting that I am doing up here in the NE for the next 3 weeks. Getting paid would be nice. But, it's the weekend, and I am interpreting at a conference for the better part of all day. So, let's see what God does :) If you are interested in giving a one-time gift towards this $5,000 number, please text me (my number will be in the email) or reply to the email (as it come to my phone) so that I can tell my regional supervisor whether or not we can go ahead with the hiring process. 

Soli Deo Gloria
:D

[what]S'up, Wednesday?

"[what]S'up, Wednesday?" is a place where I give weekly updates about how day to day life is going here in Wildwood, New Jersey. It will typically include something that has just happened, a "forecast of a schedule (always subject to change), and an update on my financial situation.. :)
          ******************************************************************

Happenings: Azael and I got married on Sept 29th (and October 5th in Honduras). We moved to a rent house in Tulsa, and have been getting settled. Setting up house has been fun, and we've been blessed with many appliances and furniture pieces at little or no cost to us! :) In November, I was diagnosed with mono induced hepatitis :( and had to spend the night in the hospital to monitor my jaundiced (very yellow!) skin turning white again. The hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) has subsided, but I am still feeling the exhaustion of the mono at times. We also found out that I am "with child" - due late July. Yes, you calculated that right - 3 months married, 2 and 1/2 months pregnant! ;)

ALSO - For those interested, there are photos of our wedding up at jennazael.wix.com/sept29 under the GALLERY tab. There is a link that will take you to our photographers website, and you'll be able to see pictures of the wedding party as well as the wedding itself. We hope to have a video up shortly, but we are still waiting on our videographer for the edited copy. We'll let you know when it's completed :) 

Schedule: In the last "[what]'Sup, Wednesday?" I erroneously mentioned that I would be updating this blog the first Wednesday of every month. I had high ambitions, but then we had no internet access for the first month we lived in our new house. Mono struck the following month, and here I am updating the first day of 2014, four months later.. My apologies! (my new years resolution will be to post monthly! Would you join me in praying that I make it a habit) :D

Finances:  I mentioned in the August post that I will be joining Cru part-time as I continue to network and fund-raise for Deaf students to have accessible Summer Projects. If you would like to support me personally on a Month to Month commitment, please send me a message so I can get you those details. As for the Wildwood Summer Project Interpreter Fund, I am still in the process of raising funds for this upcoming Summer 2014. I realize that I missed (as of yesterday) the "year end giving" push, but if you'd like to make giving be the first thing you do in the new year ;) then you can make a monetary donation towards the WWSP Interpreter Fund here: https://give.cru.org/2870830
I appreciate God prompting you to give and thank you for your generosity. 

Soli Deo Gloria
:D

[what]S'up, Wednesday?

"[what]S'up, Wednesday?" is a place where I give weekly updates about how day to day life is going here in Wildwood, New Jersey. It will typically include something that has just happened, a "forecast of a schedule (always subject to change), and an update on my financial situation.. :)
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Happenings: We (Azael and I) have been back in Tulsa for 3 weeks now. Adjusting back to a "day job" has taken some time for me, as I get used to our "night shift" schedule that we work the second half of the summer. :(  
I am, however, in the midst of becoming part-time with Cru. A regional staff member and I have been talking about the position we are creating for the growing needs of Deaf students being involved in Summer Projects. Meaning (after I raise the monthly support) I'll start getting paid for what I've been doing on a volunteer basis for the last four years. I like when a passion turns into a paying job to put food on the table! :D

Schedule: When I become part-time staff, I'll start doing a monthly update instead of weekly updates. Beginning next week (in September), I will be changing the "[what]'Sup, Wednesday?" message to come out only the first Wednesday of every month. I'll be following up with all my supporters to see if you subscribe to the blog or would like to receive weekly emails. 
ALSO - for all of you (near and far) you're invited to the [Azael and I's] wedding! :) please go to jennazael.wix.com/sept29 and RSVP for the event, check out our wedding registry and see our fun pictures! :) 

Finances:  I am still a little over $3,000 short for this summer. Being in the middle of wedding plans, I've not had much time to follow up with the budget shortfall. I will be working to balance the account soon. Please see my previous "[what]S'up, Wednesday?" from July for the reason that my account is in a deficit. If you would like to make a monetary donation towards that number please do so here: https://give.cru.org/2870830
I appreciate your generosity. 

Soli Deo Gloria
:D

[what]S'up, Wednesday?

"[what]S'up, Wednesday?" is a place where I give weekly updates about how day to day life is going here in Wildwood, New Jersey. It will typically include something that has just happened, a "forecast of a schedule (always subject to change), and an update on my financial situation.. :)
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Happenings: After 5 days of travel, (staying with friends, and allowing the boys to see some of America = Philly, D.C. and St. Louis) we made it home on Monday! Project ended well. The students had mostly everything packed up before midnight last Wednesday, even when it decided to rain midway through the day as they were loading things into the U-haul. The Deaf students, Azael and myself with a Deaf couple from the community stayed till noon on Thursday and enjoyed one last brunch together of fellowship before we went our different ways. Now we're back in Oklahoma and Azael and I have 46 days until our wedding!  

Schedule: In addition to the month and some change until Azael and I's wedding, I am also continuing to raise funds for the shortfall of this summer, and will begin raising funds for myself to join Cru Staff part time this fall. Cru Summer Projects close their books on August 31st, and so I will be busy these next few weeks trying to find funding for the deficit. If you are interested in joining a monthly support team for either the Interpreting fund, or my own personal work, please let me know. :)

Finances:  I am still a little over $3,000 short for this summer. Please see my previous "[what]S'up, Wednesday?" from July for the reason that my account is in a deficit. If you would like to make a monetary donation towards that number please do so here: https://give.cru.org/2870830
I appreciate your generosity. 

Soli Deo Gloria
:D

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Deaf student Bio's and updates as of the end of Project: Five down, and one to go!

Azael Perry, Heidi Birchler, Joel Herrera, Dennis Alvarez, and Taby Benavides - are fully supported!  Thanks so much for your generosity

Jacob Walden - has $500 left. He is a Community College student in Oklahoma. Involved in the Deaf Bible Study for College Students. I'm so proud of Jacob in the ways he has grown this summer and look forward to how he will apply the tools he's gained here to life back in Oklahoma. You can help him reach his goal here: https://give.cru.org/0766419

[what]S'up, Wednesday?

"[what]S'up, Wednesday?" is a place where I give weekly updates about how day to day life is going here in Wildwood, New Jersey. It will typically include something that has just happened, a "forecast of a schedule (always subject to change), and an update on my financial situation.. :)
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Happenings: Today is the last official day of Project.. This morning the students will have a debrief about the summer, encouraging them to take all the things they learned here and apply them back on their campus. After lunch, it's time to load everything ..(and I mean EverYthInG).. into a storage unit for the summer. This is the first year that we've had to move everything out of the house, and it's a relatively last minute addition to the day's plans.. The goal is to finish the move out by 8pm-ish.. I think that is a lofty goal BUT many hands make light work.. so if you think of us today, please pray that the students would be diligent to complete the task at hand, as we won't be starting this endeavor until around 1pm. (I also need to pack up the van, and get some last minute things done.. so prayers for my sanity are appreciated as well) :D

Schedule: 
Today [Wednesday] Cara heads home in the afternoon.. and Lindsey and Cory leave in the weeee hours of "tomorrow" morning so Lindsey can catch her 6am flight to the mid-west.
Tomorrow [Thursday] we (Azael, myself and the 3 Deaf boys on project) head to Philly to see some of the sights and visit a couple that Azael and I met back in 2010. They are both interpreters. We're looking forward to fellowshiping with them as we start our cross country drive home..
Friday we'll be in the D.C. area..
Saturday it's on to Kentucky to see Azael's friend from college..
Sunday we'll make it back to Fulton, Missouri..
and our final drive home should be on Monday.. *whew* :)

Finances:  I am still about $3,000 short for this summer. Please see my previous "[what]S'up, Wednesday?" for the reason that my account is in a deficit. If you would like to make a monetary donation towards that number please do so here: https://give.cru.org/2870830
I appreciate your generosity. 

Soli Deo Gloria
:D

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Deaf student Bio's and updates as of yesterday:

Azael Perry, Heidi Birchler, Joel Herrera, and Taby Benavides - are fully supported!  Thanks so much for your generosity

Jacob Walden - has $500 left. He is a Community College student in Oklahoma. Involved in the Deaf Bible Study for College Students. I'm so proud of Jacob in the ways he has grown this summer and look forward to how he will apply the tools he's gained here to life back in Oklahoma. You can help him reach his goal here: https://give.cru.org/0766419

Dennis Alvarez - has right at half ($1,000) left. He flew from Honduras on May 31st. He is learning ASL since they use LESHO in Honduras. He has been learning and growing tremendously. Since he only has a 6 month visa from Honduras, he doesn't come from a large support base here in the States, thus he's had trouble knowing how to culturally navigate the support raising process :) You can help him reach his goal here: https://give.cru.org/0758657

[what]S'up, Wednesday?

"[what]S'up, Wednesday?" is a place where I give weekly updates about how day to day life is going here in Wildwood, New Jersey. It will typically include something that has just happened, a "forecast of a schedule (always subject to change), and an update on my financial situation.. :)
          ******************************************************************
Happenings: Update from last week's "happenings" - The Deaf BBQ was AMAZING.. I think we had over 50 people there by the time everyone showed up.. It was a blessed time of fellowship and meeting new like-minded friends. 

Half of the group from the BBQ - 11 Deaf from Wash. D.C., 5 local Deaf,
 15 Project students/Interpreters - eating out for lunch after Church.  

 Speaking of friends, one of my Deaf friends in the area was unable to come, but we have planned to get breakfast Friday morning to catch up; however, my other friend DID come, and enjoyed hanging out with all of us so much that she even joined us for Church the next day. It's my understanding that she is not a Christian, so please be praying that the Holy Spirit would continue to draw her to himself! I'll be running a 5k with her on the beach on Saturday morning. I'm hoping she will meet Jesus before the summer is over..
As far as Project happenings, the student schedule is winding down. Their last days of work are this week and then, next week, they will start packing up and saying goodbye to all their friends here as they head back to their respective home towns and then colleges.. Which will mean lonnnnng hours for us next week as they try to spend all the time they can with their friends before it's over.. 3am - here we come! :)

Schedule: Tomorrow night we'll be interpreting a local event called "A Closer Walk".. it's put on by Morey's Piers (the local boardwalk amusement park owners) for youth groups along the East Coast. The owners are Christians and bring in bands and guest speakers, allow the teens to camp on the beach, and host a 3 day weekend Christian conference at a pier near the ocean. We will be interpreting for Jefferson Bethke tomorrow night - he does a lot of spoken word poetry (which is super hard to interpret on the fly!). After that, our schedule winds down to mostly packing, cleaning and debrief meetings.. Next Wednesday I should have the schedule of our travels home.. some details are still in the works.. 

Finances:  You know that story "The Boy Who Cried Wolf"? Well, that is how I currently feel, except the opposite.. Every year I think I am doing so well with the finances (and my make shift budgets that I set up to help me understand Cru's accounting system), and every year, about this time, I find out there was something that I did not account for and am therefore in the red. I've been saying all summer, "We're good. The interpreting budget is fully funded!".. only to just find out, we're not :(  This year, I was so proud of myself for remembering to add in the 12% that Cru takes out for administrative purposes. Sadly, it turns out, that I forgot to deduct one of our housing costs. And there have been some unexpected interpreting needs (the main one being the Deaf guys team pairing up with a Hearing team for the second 1/2 of project causing us to have to bring in another guy interpreter), that I did not factor into my original budget. So I'm about $5,000 in the hole :(  This is very frustrating for me since I do try my best to be a good steward of the funds entrusted to me. I don't want to end every summer with a plea (like the little boy's cry) to help me get back into the black. 
                                    *hangs head in defeat* :( 
That being said.. If you fail, especially here on Project, it is expected that you get back up and try again.. So, if you are willing and able to help with my shortfall, please follow this link (https://give.cru.org/2870830). Thank you in advance for your generosity!

I appreciate your partnership with me on this journey!

Soli Deo Gloria
:D

Slacker Saturday!

Sorry, I've been a slacker for the last 3 weeks.. My "[what]S'up, Wednesday?" post has been edged out by wedding planning (71 days away!), and sleep (catching up on 2am mornings.. silly college students that think sleep is optional!) So, today, I'm calling this post "Slacker Saturday" to catch you up on the last few weeks.. I'll keep the same format as "[what]S'up, Wednesday?".. a place where I give weekly updates about how day to day life is going here in Wildwood, New Jersey. It will typically include something that has just happened, a "forecast of a schedule (always subject to change), and an update on my financial situation..  
Thanks for your grace in my delay! :)
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Happenings: Today the students are hosting a BBQ for their coworkers and international friends, as well as the local community. Jacob - one of the Deaf students from Oklahoma - will be sharing his testimony this evening. I'm so proud of him as he takes this step of faith to tell others what God has been doing in his life! :)

Schedule: Tomorrow (Sunday) Ashley comes down to help interpret for a week. She and I graduated from the same Interpreting program. I'm excited to have her here! :) We'll have 5 interpreters again for 2 days (which will be wonderful!) as Tencia leaves on Wednesday (which will be sad!). When TJ left the first week of June, we went down to having 4 terps for 5 Deaf students. It's hard during social times, as they don't always join the same conversations. Going to Zone Defense after being Man-to-Man for a while takes some adjusting >.<   

Finances: Ticket to Seattle for my terp has been booked! Thanks to my wonderful flight donor and his patience with me switching flights! :)

Thanks so much to any of you that have donated to Azael's/the students accounts! Below are update info about where they are in their support raising, one student is at full support. :) The students support raising goals are $2850 each.

THANKS so much for partnering with me on this journey!

Soli Deo Gloria
:D

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Deaf student Bio's:

Azael Perry - is fully supported! He has been working solely as a Deaf Interpreter for the past 3 weeks. Unlike the Hearing Interpreters he doesn't have a team, or get a break during the 3 hour meeting sessions. Thanks so much for helping him to make his support goal! We feel very blessed! :)

Heidi Birchler - is about $400 away from her support goal. She is a student at RIT. She is involved in Hands of Fire, will be on their student leadership team this coming fall and  attends Cru meetings on campus. https://give.cru.org/0746231
Taby Benavides - is fully supported!  She is also a student at RIT. She is also involved in Hands of Fire and Cru.
Jacob Walden - is about half way to his support goal. He is a Community College student in Oklahoma. Involved in the Deaf Bible Study for College Students. https://give.cru.org/0766419
Joel Herrera - is a little over half way to his support goal. He moved from Honduras last year, and is involved in the Deaf Bible Study for College Students as well. https://give.cru.org/0760206
Dennis Alvarez - is a little under half way to his support goal. He flew from Honduras on May 31st. He is learning ASL since they use LESHO in Honduras. Azael is interpreting for Dennis (and occasionally Joel, since he's been in the states less than a year) during the meeting that we have most nights of the week and for social times until he picks up more ASL :) https://give.cru.org/0758657

FrienDay FriDay :D

FrienDay FriDay is where post a "new friend" that I meet, 

or something that is definitive of the Wildwood experience

 that I would text a picture of to a good friend..

Dennis (in the green jersey) is praying before the students go out on the boardwalk to initiate spiritual conversations, asking people what they believe, and sharing the gospel with them. Azael (in the purple shirt) is translating from LESHO to ASL (since Dennis just moved here from Honduras and uses LESHO), and Cory (in the gray shirt) is translating from ASL to English for Damien (in the white shirt), who is a fellow student, who paired up with Dennis. It seems like a long process, but because Azael and Cory are both skilled interpreters, most people that they approached marveled at the smoothness of the conversations..  Praise the Lord for His gift of languages and community! :D

FrienDay FriDay :D

FrienDay FriDay is where post a "new friend" that I meet, 

or something that is definitive of the Wildwood experience 

that I would text a picture of to a good friend..

The guys on Project hosted a "Women's Appreciation Night" a few weeks back for all the ladies. The picture is a lil grainy because I stole it off of Azael and I's Instagram (if you'd like to follow). After the guys served the girls a full course meal and had a swing-dance lesson, they started playing worship music. I asked the Deaf girls if they would like me to interpret the songs and was was met with an enthusiastic, "YES." I tend to get lost in the worship songs when I sign them and looked up part way through the worship set to see ALMOST ALL of the Hearing students joining the Deaf students in signing the songs. I didn't realize I was leading all of them in ASL worship. It was a humbling and grace-filled moment! :)