Leaning on the Lord

When everyday life gets stressful, Jodi finds her strength in the Lord.

We’re now back in Ukarumpa and life seems to be settling in pretty fast. I often wonder where time has gone.

Fred has ridden along on several flights lately. When I look at these pictures he took, I can hardly wrap my head around the fact that we really live in this beautiful country right now!

People often ask me what I’ve been doing to keep busy while Fred is doing all these cool things! My answer? Honestly … just living life.

I walk about three miles a day getting kids to and from school.

I have been baking a lot of sourdough bread because we love it!

Occasionally I work at this little place that provides coffee and yummy desserts here on campus!

But honestly! My biggest job right now is listening to the Lord. When I listen to his still small voice within me I can do so much more than I ever thought I could!

I can make it through another day of just living life.

I can make it through cooking another meal completely from scratch even though I’m utterly exhausted at the end of the day.

I can have more patience with my kids when they are fighting … again.

I can have a conversation in another language with a national.

I can deal with having rats in my house!

I’ve learned that when I listen to the Lord the challenges I’ve listed get easier to handle. I must battle my human mind that tells me “I can’t” or “why try” or “that’s too hard” or “that scares me.” I can find my self-worth in the Lord and truly trust that he will see me through them! Yes—even having rats in my house!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

What is there in your life that you can lean on him for? Something you can submit to him that will allow him to make your paths straight?

Jodi Leman

Jodi Leman

Fred and Jodi, who joined Wycliffe in 2017, serve translators and the Bibleless people of PNG. Roughly 300 of PNG’s 800 languages still need Bible translation. As a helicopter pilot, Fred supports the translators with transportation, delivery of supplies and equipment, and medical evacuation. Jodi cares for their family and assists in various staff care roles.