In Words

The talent show consisted mostly of singing, dancing (Hula and Hip Hop), and bizarre, comedic skits (the bizarre, I’m sure, accentuated by not understanding the Chuukese language or culture – or these teenagers!) There was a big turnout – I think mostly neighborhood kids or younger sibling/cousins. All in all, I was quite pleased and felt the glory appropriately went to the Lord as the Giver of talents. I’m also really proud of KI and Way-One who had the largest student-hand in organizing it. Actually, it was almost exclusively student run. How exciting that these young men and more like them are Chuuk’s future leaders – what talent, vision and capabilities God has given them!

I am sick this weekend – sinuses. Yuck!

Pray for Isaiah. He is a pretty good student with a heart to learn though he really struggles with his English. His bigger struggle, however, is his behavior. The other students say, “He didn’t use to be like this.” *sigh* He leaves class without permission. Recently, he’s been hiding my supplies and once he spit on the classroom floor out of spite. Also, this past week he told our office help (former Mizpah student, Peterson) that if his name was on detention he would hurt Ms. Ana. Also, I know he flirts with more than one of his female classmates. Anyway, Franky was up here yesterday and said, “Isaiah really wants to change.” I just nodded. He needs more than desire, and I haven’t seen that desire truly evidenced yet.

Franky is always such an advocate for the change of his fellow students. Isaiah is one of his best friends. He is also dating a classmate with the hopes that she “can become a better person.” *sigh* He needs to take on good look at himself. I believe he is a Christian, but I do not sense that he is walking closely with the Lord these last few months. He’s disruptive in class, moody, and even using foul language. Now, if there was ever a person with a right to some bitterness, perhaps Franky is it. My heart has ached for him due to the desertion of his father (like so many other students). Sometimes I think that’s why he’s out there trying to “save” people – some kind of compensation for his loss. Maybe if he can help them, they will never leave him.

One of my freshmen, Marvin, has been out sick, but I heard director say that he won’t be coming back even when he gets better because of tuition problems. His older sister, Saileen, was one of Katie’s students that graduated last year. Pray for Marvin to be able to come back. Also, another freshmen, Melorin, who has not been in class all semester. I saw her about a week ago, and she said she really missed us and hoped to be back soon.

So…pray for my health, KI, Way-One, Isaiah, Franky, Marvin and Melorin. And praise God, the giver of so many talents!