mom's blog

What a blessing! What a great, fun, enlightening, rewarding trip!Thank you for your prayers. They were evident - everything went well or least was very manageable – part of a super experience ;o) First, last, and total impression was the friendliness and welcoming spirit of the people. We were welcomed, in addition to Emily and Katie, by Pat and Linda Chiles, by students and teachers from Mizpah. They were singing, smiling, giving us leis, mar mars, sweat towels, and fans. I was especially thrilled when introduced to students that I could exclaim, “Oh, I’ve been praying for you!” The warmth was everywhere – “Merry Christmas” was on every one’s lips. There was firm hand shaking from old and young alike. Mason, the Chuukese State Minister of Tourism and member of Logan Memorial Church gave us a fascinating and informative 2 ½ hour tour of the island and then an hour boat tour in the lagoon. That was wonderful and very much appreciated (realizing it was on the busy Saturday before Christmas multiplies the kindness and hospitality it demonstrated.) On Christmas morning there was a knock on the girl’s apartment door “when what to our wondering eyes did appear” but Vice Principal, Ste and wife, Diana, with custom outfits for Steve and me to wear to the Christmas church service. The dress and shirt are lovely and fit exactly ;o). At church we were given more leis, new mar mars and were surrounded by children with lovely big black eyes and big bright smiles. Of course, the exuberance of the service, especially the singing, was a major highlight. Everyone sang out firmly and the sound was beautiful, rich and harmonious. The warmth and friendliness continued as we were met at the airport for farewells and little gifts “so we would always remember our Chuukese Christmas” And, of course, we certainly will. We stood in a circle there at the airport parking lot and prayed and praised our Lord. Naturally, we had other memories from the visit too. Of course, time with Em and Kate ;o) In addition to hugs, just enjoying being with them, playing games and laughing hysterically. We were impressed at how well they accept the inconveniences of life there and just deal with it and very impressed with their teaching. They both shared student papers and stories about students and classroom life. Their hearts desire is to be able to communicate to the students the love of Christ and that He is the only answer to their restlessness, lethargy, and yearning. Steve and I were also impressed with the quality of what they are teaching and their deep desire to reach the kids with a commitment to do well, to try and work hard, to follow through and complete assignments, even just to see the importance of attending daily. And oh, how Emily and Katie want and need your prayers. They know God is faithful but we must continue to pray. We enjoyed meeting all the Mizpah staff, singing carols with them, and seeing their spiritual heart and commitment. It was wonderful, as Emily and Katie’s parents, to meet their neighbors, Nick and Ana, also Mizpah teachers, and so be all the more comfortable about our girls living situation. ;o) It was nice to have a little time with Pat and Linda Chiles and their boys. It was good to see how they love the island and people and how the people love them. Shortly after getting there I remarked to the girls “Linda certainly seems content” and they replied, “Linda would be content anywhere.” What a gracious testimony to our Lord’s faithfulness. It was also nice to hear Pat reaffirm his pleasure with Emily and Katie’s contributions to the school and mission. We met some others friends, teachers at Pacific Island Bible College, for lunch. They were terrific. Delightful young couple, spiritually strong, smart and charming they are treasures for the girls to have fellowship close there own age. Last but not least, the lagoon is gorgeous. The water was warm, relaxing, and not crowded. The heat was hot and muggy and the electricity was irregular but for our short stay it was easily tolerable. Although it rained daily there was still a water shortage and bathing bit by bit and flushing with a bottle poured down the toilet was yuck. But the rain water made for great hair washing ;o) The potholes where much rougher and deeper than I expected but part of life there. In all we are so grateful we went. We now can have a more specific prayer time for our girls, Mizpah, and the Chuukese people.