Merry Christmas

A Nativity Scene was erected in a church yard.
During the night the folks came across this scene.

An abandoned dog was looking for a comfortable, protected place to sleep.

He chose baby Jesus as his comfort. No one had the heart to send him away

so he was there all night.

We should all have the good sense of this dog

and curl up in Jesus' lap from time to time.

No one mentioned that the dog breed is a "shepherd!"
This is not original post to me but I thought it was too cute not to share.

End of the Road

One Day in Guam on one of my many adventures, I saw this cross at the end of the road. Ok in reality is was the end of someone's drive way. But now matter where we are at the end or the driveway or the end of the road..... or at least a chapter in our lives.... Jesus is still there.

On Monday in Guam they will have their service for about 20 students at PIU. Often we think of Graduation as the end of something.... the school experience but the other widely used term for the ceremony is Commencement. This actually means the beginning.

Well it is the proverbial end of the road for me in Guam.... So I am having a commencement of sorts myself. I am looking forward to whatever new adventures Jesus has planned for me.

But this will be the last entry on this blog. Thank you for those who faithfully followed my work and my life here. I am thankful for each one of you.

There may be a new blog in my future but until then...... May you enjoy God's many blessings.

Packing Out for Furlough

Fall of 2009 was an extremely busy semester for me. By the end of the semester it became apparent it was time to take a Furlough. So in two weeks I packed up my whole apartment and headed back to the states. On my last night many students stopped by for a visit to help clean and finish packing. I will miss all the students, faculty and staff while I am gone. I will be returning sometime before Fall 2010 semester begins.
In the mean time I will be living in Schooley's Mountain NJ while spending time resting and renewing and eventually visiting churches and supporters. I am very thankful for the opportunity to be here at Mission's headquarters and get a chance to know the staff that supports us while we are in the field.


Please pray for the staff as they re-arrange and try to make things work there without me this semester. Pray especially for the student life team.
Pray that God will strengthen me and prepare me to go back.
Pray for the RA's and the leaders in the dorms that they will have wisdom and the faithfulness to handle all their responsibilities.

Dunkin' Daniel

On Sunday November 1st my co-worker Kalvin was baptized by Austin Evers who is the head of the University of Guam Student ministry.

He made this decision after studying the scriptures on Baptism for about one year. I believe it was Matthew 3:15 from Jesus's baptism which helped him decide to be baptized. Matthew 3:15 states "Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented."

After his baptism, Kalvin decided to change his name to "Daniel". He said he wanted to do that because Daniel (the prophet) was a man of prayer.... Also it was the name of his grandfather.

Here is Jen, Daniel, and I after his baptism.

Parking Violations are Taken Seriously at Chili's....

Apparently they serve them over Nachos for a tastey appetizers.

Just Another Day in Guam

Just decided to go on a trip around the island with some friends. This is me KeKe and Lucy.
Jen is always up for fun.
We are never too old for swings.
Lucy's new friend. Carved by a local artist.
Jen with the artist's wife. We stopped and chatted for awhile.
McKraut's for lunch.... Yum....


Gedao's cave.

Chillin' on McKraut's patio.


Who said going to church was boring?

Yoga anyone?

One Snake Down --- a Kajillian more to go....

Here are some of the female students posing with a famous Guam brown tree snake. Of course famous Brown tree snake catcher, Joyce Owen caught it and froze it to death first. She was hoping to use the bones to be made into jewelry, however this snake was a bit too short. Maybe next time Joyce.

It's All a Mystery

During October the Women of PIU were summoned for a "Mystery Dinner". The staff and faculty women prepared all types of dishes and the mystery was not just what you would eat but in what order. There were five places serving food. One place served drinks. Then another main courses. The others included snacks, rice, and salad. In the end we all met together for dessert and games. Here are Jayleen and Alicia playing a fun game.

Dorbo, KeKe, and Tyleen came in style and looking good.
Anne Marie, Meyou, and Jayleen enjoyed all the delicious food.
Giftlyn, Aileen, Lani, and Teisy enjoy their dessert.
Jonie, Maggie, Kita, and Sophie also seem to be enjoying themselves.
Drinks of Punch and Chocolate Milkshakes were served at my apartment and enjoyed by all.

Spiritual Emphasis Retreat

Every Fall we have a Spiritual Emphasis Retreat at Pacific Islands University. Traditionally it was the weekend before Thanksgiving. However, this year we moved it to a Thursday and Friday in mid-October. It was the perfect time for a mid semester break and the students didn't mind not having to go to classes for 2 days.

We made many plans before the event occurred but had to quickly revise them due to rain and an impending tropical storm. So instead of going to Bayview Baptist Church we moved our games and lunch inside on campus. Finally after lunch things looked clear enough to move.
Subway and Spam and rice.... a little something for everybody.
Ceci and Jayleen are ready to have fun.
Melody Plaxton enjoyed getting to spend some quality time with Giftleen.
Gladness and Merlyn get ready for the games while Jonie and Sophie wait their turn.
It is a race to find the gummy candies in the flour.
Moving to our final destination.
Due to the weather most everything was moved into the sanctuary area.
Jake and Justin trying to see if their pictures fit together to form a story.
KeKe, Giftleen, her cousin, and Me. (That's her name.... It is not really me. )
Marisol and Amelia are having fun.
Ned catches up with Erik...
Everyone is hanging out as the students are doing other activities.
The speaker used a head of cabbage to illustrate all the layers that we have in our lives that cover up our heart....just like the cabbage. Too bad Bunny was not with us. She would have eaten that application up.
Everyone really listened well and learned a lot.
Because we believe every thing we do should be done for the glory of God and all things in life have a spiritual component. We all enjoyed our team's effort and win at the weekly basketball game.
Everyone was so excited and the cheering was deafening.
Charles on the foul line.... Nothin' but net.
A sun rise service to start the second day.
Bayviews beautiful ampitheather was the perfect place to have it except the sun rose from behind us.
Rob Watt led us in worship.
Merlyn along with others as they finished up their quiet time were helping to prepare breakfast.
The students also enjoyed Foose Ball and Ping Pong in the Bayview Center.
Erten has a huge smile. Wait no.... just a banana in his mouth.
Scrambled eggs! A Micronesian favorite.
Some people never like to get up..... Those are the students I relate most too. Unfortunately my job doesn't let me sleep too long.
Matt Augee gave the students many activities which demonstrated biblical principles. These activities really helped the students remember his different points. Many felt this was one of the best Spiritual Emphasis retreats that they experienced.
During free time Jayleen and Jaynee had fun with some spontaneous worship.
Of course it is important to thank your guests. Dan Fields shows his painting from a local artist.
In the end..... I think most people had a great time but were very tired.... Good thing we had the weekend to recover.