Launching the Spanish Translation & Dead Cell Phones (Huh?)

Posted on June 15, 2009
Filed Under The Truth Project |


I am in San Jose, Costa Rica.

We are here to launch the Spanish translation of the Truth Project. Most of our efforts will be to train small group leaders, both in the Focus Latin America staff and in representatives from throughout Latin America. We will also hold a regular training conference, although through a Spanish translator.

This really excites me!

We have waited for this day for several years…and now it is here. I have a deep heart for
Spanish-speaking people, especially the Latin Americans. My family lived in Puerto Rico for a number of years and, I suppose, that is where my love for them developed.

I’ll tell you more as we progress…and more about this beautiful country that has about everything going for it.

Well, it does lack one thing…my iPhone doesn’t work!

(Amazing how you can get so utterly dependent upon these slim little boxes.)

I was talking with two families from the Baltimore area who were vacationing here together. When they found out I was from Focus, our conversation immediately turned to parenting (they each had three kids). They were elated that their children’s cell phones went dead upon arrival. One mother looked at me and said, “There is a possibility they will have to talk to us for a change!”

That provoked some questions from me regarding how they handle this technological challenge to parenting and I was intrigued by the boundaries they had set up. Their children are required to “turn in” their cell phones every evening…sort of a “texting” curfew.

I thought that was pretty clever—worthy of consideration for other parents struggling with a generation that has become almost addicted to the things. In fact, one of the moms told me that her oldest son asked if he could just “turn in” the battery because he felt better holding his cell phone.

(I later wondered if he also might have a second battery somewhere!)

Anyway, I think I understand.

Mine is totally useless right now (although it does make a stylish paper weight) but I still keep reaching for it.

Hmmm…maybe our kids aren’t the only ones…anyone else out there addicted?

Comments

18 Responses to “Launching the Spanish Translation & Dead Cell Phones (Huh?)”

  1. Debra on June 15th, 2009 7:38 am

    Oh, yeah… I am so addicted to my laptop, and my iPod Touch. My cell phone isn’t so bad, I feel slightly off if I don’t have it, but primarily because my car isn’t in great condition and I worry about breaking down.

    One thing that I’ve noticed in the last few years is that people are FAR less likely to stop when someone is broken down by the side of the road, because it is assumed that everyone has a cell phone and can get help. I find that really sad.

    And Truth Project coming out in Spanish? That is very exciting!

    Great post!

  2. Hana C on June 15th, 2009 9:18 am

    I found in graduate school that having a cell phone actually hindered and detracted from the thought processed of thesis work. I ended up giving up any cell phone coverage for two years. I miss that time. The discipline problem was/is my own. I could live without a cell phone for two years, but could not have a cell phone physically as I would not turn it off. Go figure!

  3. Jim on June 15th, 2009 12:36 pm

    Dear Dr. Tackett,
    I was thrilled to read that The Truth Project is launching in Spanish. My parents were missionaries to Paraguy, I grew up there, and continue to have a deep passion for the people of Latin America. I was on a mission trip to Peru in May and plan to return there in July.
    My our Lord continue to bless your work.
    Sincerely,
    Jim
    Executive Pastor

  4. Kori on June 15th, 2009 2:55 pm

    Yes, I am totally addicted to my Blackberry. however, I would happily get rid of it because I think it would simplify my life. I am kind of tired of everyone and anyone being able to find me wherever I may be. Funny how these simple things that make everything so much easier have actually made our lives more complicated and busy.

  5. Kevin on June 17th, 2009 10:06 am

    This makes me chuckle. It got me thinking about my phone and I suddenly remembered that I had an important call to make! So I scrambled around until I found my phone. It’s kind of a pity.

  6. Keely on June 17th, 2009 1:21 pm

    So terribly addicted. If my phone goes out I always think “what am I going to do”? Amazingly, life continues without it. :) I think we reach for it because it makes us feel connected.

  7. Karen on June 25th, 2009 7:22 am

    I find I only use my cell phone in emergencies.. I don’t even like my home phone, but I know I need to keep it… So I can say that I am not addicted to my cell phone… I like my private time to myself and any phones ringing only disturb my peace and quiet. Guess I am an old prude…

  8. Pam on June 25th, 2009 8:47 am

    RESEARCHING

    There is a wonderful group of believers in Guanecaste, Costa Rica at Playa Hermosa called the Catfish Farm Fellowship. I worship and fellowship with them whenever I am there…I left my Truth Project series with the Men and their study group used it…I’m so thrilled there is a Spanish version now as the fellowship has many Spanish speaking people involved.

  9. Larry A. on June 25th, 2009 8:50 am

    30 years ago my wife and I studied Spanish in San Francisco de Dos rios (San José). It is indeed a beautiful country. While I agree to setting boundaries for technology use of our children, it is also intrigueing to me to notice that in areas where there is no regular telephone service, rural pastors can now climb a hill near there home (to get a signal) and communicate with city ministry partners to coordinate all kind of ministry activities thanks to cell phones. That often saves days of travel time on horseback, walking and busses. Don’t you wonder sometimes how Paul could make his travel plans and communicate world wide without either a laptop or a cell phone?

    We loved TTP in English and are excited to put the Spanish version to work soon.

    Larry
    Missionary to Hispanics, Dallas

  10. Paula on June 25th, 2009 10:22 am

    I am so excited about the Spanish Version! We have someone in our home group that is struggling to learn English. We want to do the Truth Project with them, but I doubt they would be able to understand much of it. This will be great and I’m sure they will then want to lead a Spanish speaking group!

  11. Tom on June 25th, 2009 10:38 am

    I, too, am very excited about the Spanish language version of the TTP. I have shared messages about this on recent trips to Maracaibo, VZ. The people I spoke with about it were as excited, about the opportunity to present an introduction to Chriatian World view, as we in the USA are.

    Yes, I believe we are all too connected to the things we shouldn’t be connected to, and not connected enough to the people God has placed in our lives.

    Praise the Lord, Job well done!

  12. Judy on June 25th, 2009 10:42 am

    Dear Dr. Tackett,

    I was already thinking about the spare battery before I read the next sentence; too funny! That’s what I would have done as a teen…and my own kids wonder how I’ve stayed a step ahead of them? LOL!
    How wonderful that you are opening up the door to the Spanish speaking people who are also hungry for the meat of TTP! Most of our communities here in the States have a significant number of Spanish speaking residents and we would be remiss in NOT making this available to them. Too bad we can’t have TTP as a required course when applying for citizenship!! : )
    Kudos to your obedience to the the Lord in forging ahead.
    Hugs and blessings,
    Judy

  13. Shirley on June 25th, 2009 11:24 am

    So very glad to hear this project is coming out in Espanol! As a culture, they are an excited people who will very likely grab hold of this and spread it with gusto. One thing I learned from working here in Arizona with Hispanics is that the language dialects are different from different provinces in Mexico as well as Costa Rica. Even though I could speak the language I’d learned from a Mexican friend, my Costa Rican friend did not always understand me. I’ll be praying for your challenge in this endevour.

  14. Karla on June 25th, 2009 5:04 pm

    My husband and I have been to Honduras 2x on diffeent short term missions trips. Thy are truly a loving, spiritual people and am sure they will receive such blessings as we have from TTP. We finished the Tours the end of May and had 5 small groups going at once. Next fall we hav just as many or more signed up for this session. Our groups so enjoyed the DVD’s, discussion, and especially the prayer time following. We are having withdrawal and don’t know what to do with ourselves on Sunday nights. God Bless TTP and those who take part in its teachings. It is truly truly amazing!

  15. Elizabeth on June 25th, 2009 5:58 pm

    I loved reading Dr. Tackett’s blog for several reasons. FIRST, I love Costa Rica and just came back from a two week vacation there. It was my 7th vacation. SECOND, I have been a Truth Project student, and I am so excited it’s now going to be in Spanish. And THIRD, I think I can explain the phone. You have to take it in to a phone store, and have the SIM card programmed for international use. The price for international phone service is additional to your regular service, and is different depending on the company you use. When you return, you just cancel the international service. And some phones do not have international capability to begin with .

    God bless you for what you are doing!

  16. Linette on June 25th, 2009 9:14 pm

    I am so please to hear you bring the Truth Project to my country, Costa Rica — pura vida! Say hi to all my relatives in San Pedro de Poas.

    About your phone …. remember when we had no cell phone? Did we really worry about missing a call or anxious about making a call … right now?

    God bless you and your ministry.

  17. Beth on June 26th, 2009 7:44 am

    Wow, God’s timing. I sent an email 2 days ago to Enfoque a la Familia asking about the training for the Spanish version of The Truth Project. We have friends in Honduras wanting to know more.

  18. Stanley on June 29th, 2009 7:43 am

    We have been planning our first trip to Costa Rica for our 40th wedding anniversary in August. It was exciting to read that you are opening up the area with the truth project. We host a Truth Project small group and are about 1/2 way through and marvel at your understandable explanations of complicated issues (Science part 1 was our last lesson). Thank you so much for the English version of Truth Project as well!!
    Hana C.—Your explanation about how you could handle not having a cell phone easier than having one but trying to not use it reminded me of a phrase my pastor used some time ago that works with many things: “it is easier to avoid temptation than to resist it.” When I first heard it I immediately thought of Blue Bell Ice Cream. I can go to the grocery store and avoid the ice cream aisle with little or no problem, but if someone brings a half gallon home, it is gone in two days! (Obviouly works the same with other sins besides gluttony)

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