Later on that same night, I received an answer to a question that has been bugging me for a while. I had been debating whether or not to enroll in the advanced linguistics program here at the MTC. We took a test which was intended to show our linguistic aptitude. Although my brain was tired afterward, I received a passing score. Many of my classmates are far more analytical, and I assumed the linguistics course would be more suited for the likes of them. It isn’t required for service with NTM, nor is it absolutely necessary for every tribal church planter. So I posed the question to the leadership of the Brazil field and they recommended that I take it. I took their advice, and with the consent of my church decided to enroll in the course.
So what does this change? Well, instead of graduating here in December and leaving, I will remain for an extra semester of linguistics training. In the fall of next year, I will go to Oklahoma for a while and study the Cherokee language as part of the course and then analyze the language. I say all these things with the “I will” phrase, but what I really mean is that, if the Lord allows and directs me to do so, I will.