Driving Miss Sherri

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!

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

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