Happy Birthday to Me!!!!

Today is my 40th birthday here in Guam...... It is almost 11pm here, and it has been a good day.

It was 7:30 this morning when there was a knock at my door. Since the knock woke me up I wasn't even coherent enough to remember it was my birthday yet until I opened the door and a number of the girls from the dorm were there and including Ethel, our office manager to sing me some songs and wish me a happy birthday.

Throughout the morning others stopped by to do the same including Ned and Joel who sang happy birthday in Spanish. Joel gave me the box from my parents which was filled with all kinds of good snacks. The Farnsworths also gave me a pot holder with apples because it is apple picking season back in Pennsylvania.

In the morning chapel everyone sang to me again.

After it was over Crystaleen took me for lunch at Steaks and Shakes where I got a taste of home with a Philly Cheesesteak. She and the girls from the Bannex dorm also got me a Guam shirt and signed it.

In the evening I talked the campus director into letting us keep the court lights on so we could celebrate with volley ball, basketball and ice cream sundaes (My treat - thanks to the generosity of my parents) One of the students made me a flower Mar-Mar which are a tradition in Micronesia. (See picture)

Of course throughout the day I received many ecards and emails with birthday wishes and throughout the week a number of snail mail cards..... A special shout out to my friends at PMA.... miss you and love you all.

Thank you all my friends in Micronesia and around the world for making this a very special day.

Fall in a Box

This is the art work of my niece Maggie. (I think she may have had a little help from her mom, Deb)..... But it certainly made my day when I received this picture and a box full of Fall leaves and a birthday present.

I do really miss the Fall and all the things of the season.... getting this picture and the leaves was definately getting a little piece of home.

Thanks you Maggie & Deb, John and Elise.

Here's the "Buzz"

The small dot in the center of the picture....it is a helicopter. This is my friend Hollie's husband flying over our campus....he is a Navy helicopter pilot here on Guam.

Auntie "M"

Although I miss my little "nieces" and nephews at home - I have certainly been blessed to have 3 sweet children right here on campus to enjoy playing with. Micah, Joel, Amelia and Me.

And if you look closely you can see my silly friend Joyce in the background trying to put rabbit ears on me. :o)

Thinking Ahead

Tonight I was trying out Joel in the drivers seat. I am thinking that some day he might make a good assistant Chauffer. I am working on training his sister Amelia to be an assistant Dean of Women. I am really enjoying having the Farnsworths as neighbors and friends.

Help is on the way

Ned, the Assistant Dean of Men, just took the written Chauffer's Exam. If things go smoothly Ned could be helping with the driving by next weekend. Wahoo!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah! Ned.

Student Council

Today the student council had a car wash to raise money for student activites this semester including possibly a retreat. The car wash was an all day thing and the students planned and organized it by themselves. Peter, Hiob, and I spent a large portion of the day driving students back and forth to the two different car wash sites.

Library

Here is our library at PIBC..... although I have to admit I have not gone here once to check out books. Usually I am looking for a student, testings the internet connection, or stopping by to say "hi" to Crystaleen, the library assistant.

Chuukese Dresses

Here I am in a dress which would commonly be worn by Chuukese women. Although mine is in somewhat neutral colors, they can be quite bring and colorful. I decided to wear the dress to take the students to a Chuukese viewing. This is my second viewing since being here. I will imagine it will not be my last since it is tradition to go to viewings of any Chuukese person that is known or related to by someone in the group.

Got Lost?

When I had my birthday party this summer since I wasn't going to be home to celebrate it - one of my friends bought me the DVD's of the first season of the television show, Lost. It is about a plane that crashes on a mysterious island.....as you follow the lives of the survivors on the island - flashbacks give you a glimpse into their lives before the crash. During the past week or so I ended up watching the whole first season --- I am hoping to come up with a creative way to also watch it with the students. Hmmmm...... Maybe next semester I will start showing episodes at the beginning of the semester on Friday nights or something....

Unfortunately I am a couple seasons behind and I hope to rent the other seasons eventually to get up to date.

Who's That Knocking At My Door?

Even though I have a small apartment, I have 2 doors. The one door opens to the outside world and the other door opens into the Farnsworths apartment. Sometimes it is hard to tell who is knocking at which door...... Amelia has decided that she likes me although typically she is a mama's girl at this age. She will even let me hold her when her mom is in the room. She also has figured out when her parents knock on my door - I open it. The other night I was in my apartment and there was quiet knocking. I went and opened the door. It was Amelia.... she had crawled to the door by herself and was knocking for me.

Joel also enjoys talking to me through the door although he is a little shy some times. He won't knock without his Mommy or Daddy. He is a very good friend so I asked him if he wouldn't mind keeping a package that my Mom and Dad sent me for my birthday until Tuesday. (10/31).... That way I will be sure to have something to make the day special. He gladly agreed to help me out.

Dayllight Savings Time

I know you all are getting ready to "Fall Back".... although aren't they doing something weird like moving it 2 weeks later this year???)..... Guam does not use Daylight savings time....Being so close to the equator daylight is pretty much 6am to 6pm all year round. So no extra hour sleep for me this Fall.

A thought on postage....

Although Guam IS considered domestic mail from the US and you can mail a letter or card for thirty nine cents, packages can get quite pricey. There is one option that is very reasonable. The US Postal Service has fixed rate boxes..... you can mail anything that fits in the box that comes in 2 sizes (no matter what the weight)...... These cost just $8. It can be considerably cheaper than using other methods.

Prayer Request

Please pray for my Dad who will be getting a cortisone shot for pain in his lower back. Normally it is an outpatient procedure but since my Dad's heart surgery this year and due to the fact that he is on blood thinners - he will be in the hospital for 3 days starting on October 24th.

Thanks.

PIBC Beach Bar-B-Que

God Blessed us with the most beautiful sunny day for our beach bar-b-que. It was a lot of fun. Some played volley ball, others swam, some snorkeled, others relaxed and enjoyed the fellowship...... of course we ALL ate! and we ate well. The guys bar-b-qued the meat in the morning before we left for the beach and the staff and faculty came and brought all kinds of side dishes. The girls dorms all cooked rice - A must at every Micronesian meal.

Unfortunately I only got to be at the beach for 1.5 hours and spent the rest of the time between 10am and 5pm driving from school to the beach and to the basketball game. It was such a beautiful day after weeks and weeks of mostly rain and clouds..... it did not really matter.

"Toad"aly Freaky

Here in Guam we have these huge toads which only come out at night. I believe they are something that was also introduced to the Eco-system here which was not natural to it.

They are big and in my opinion....um....ugly. They really freak me out at night when I am walking and you really can't see them because they blend in with the ground and all of a sudden something moves from the spot you were just about to put your foot.

One day the girls in the girls dorm were screaming as I was walking by...they called out to me and said "Melissa.... there a toad in our dorm." I told them to "Kiss him! If he turns into a prince! Great! Otherwise Get him out of there.....but I don't do Toads."

One Night with the King

On my day off this week I went to see the new movie "One night with the King" which is based on the book of the Bible, Esther..... which I have read many times and happens to be one of my favorite. I have to say it was very interesting.....certainly they took many artistic liberties including adding a love interest for Esther before she was taken to be prepared and considered for a chance to be queen. They also cut out part of the biblical version of the story - I suppose thinking it a bit too redundant AND probably to shorten the length of the movie since it seemed to feel a little long by the end.

Right now I have mixed feelings about the movie.... I think I need to go back and read the book of Esther again to see if there are indeed details that I missed when I read it in the past.

Groovy Translations

The other day I used the word "groovy" with the students, but they did not know what it meant. I tried to put it into other English that did not use additional slang words that they did not understand. It really is quite hard. Anyone have any groovy ideas?

2 months

Today is exactly 2 months since I got here. In some ways it seems like it went so quickly. Other ways seems like I have been here forever already. Not in a bad way.... I guess in some ways I feel at home here already even though there is much that I have not seen or done.

Honorary Assistant Dean Amelia

My neighbor Marisol had a really bad ear infection on Monday so her husband, Ned, took her to the doctor. When they told me they were going and asked me some questions about where to go I offered to stay with the kids while they were gone. They did decide to take Joel with them but left Amelia (10 months) with me. She nap part of the time.... but the rest of the time we walked around campus checking on students. Sometimes she would stop and visit with them while I would go do some thing else. One time she even rode along in the van to go pick up some students. It was a great pleasure to have her assist me especially since I miss my "little girls" (Alexa, Maggie and Elise) back home.

Travelling Team

Students here on campus are all required to be involved in 3 hours of ministry a week. There are many ways they can be involved. Teaching Sunday School, working with the kids club on campus and with DYA, Outreach to the other college students on Island, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Music Ministry at churches, etc.... really they can be as creative as they want in finding ministry opportunities. However this year there is a new group called the "Travelling Team" - This is a group of students that go from church to church on Guam being ambassadors for the school. They put together a program which includes songs, testimonies and "devotional thoughts".

This week I got to drive the travelling team to their ministry which I have done in the past but this week I stayed for the service. This week it was at a Chuukese church so I did not understand most of what was presented although they did do some songs in English. I was so proud of our students - they did such a wonderful job.

After the service, the custom in the Chuukese church is to give "blessings" small gifts or tokens of thanks including Laundry soap, other kinds of soap, ramen noodles (which by the way are REALLY popular).

Then then this church prepared a huge feast for us. Ned and I went first because the Chuukese have a high respect for their elders..... This is a great except for the fact I am still learning what half the food is and if the students don't go before me I have no one to ask what is what. Also I am still getting used to them pointing out that I am the "Oldest one" so I go first or do this or that. Being the baby of my family....including my extended family - I am certainly not used to that role.

Mystery Dinner

Tonight we had a "Girl's Night" Mystery Dinner. We had 5 "houses" and the students travelled in small groups from house to house where the women staff, faculty & spouses were waiting with part of the meal. One house had main courses, one drinks, one dessert, one vegtable stuff, and my house had "snacky food". Every one seemed to have a great time.

I made "Asher's Favorite Sloppy Joes" and Scalloped Pineapples. There was just about a ton of food. All of it that I tried was delicious - and I even have left overs to have for lunch tomorrow. Yum.

Hoop There It Is!

Five weeks into the season, today our basketball had it's first win. As their "driver/mom" I like to think I am their biggest fan. I was so proud of them today as they just really had some nice plays. They passed well. They had pretty good defense. And they also made more baskets than the other team. Hence, the win.

Their coach (Dave Owen, our president) has been absent due to illness and now travelling. I have been thinking about renting Hoosiers and Glory Road and watching them a number of times so I can take over as coach but really I don't know enough about the rules to be good but I can sure cheer loudly. :o)

Chapel Talk

Besides having to drive more because Hollie was ill.... I was also busy this week praying about and considering what to say in Chapel. The first time I was asked to speak I said no because I was not comfortable with the topic.... then the second time I was asked to speak I was recovering from the stomach virus and did not have the ability to prepare.

They told me I could tell the story about how the God brought me here to PIBC but the girls had already heard it and I didn't want any one falling asleep.

After praying I got the idea, with Halloween coming up and it also being my birthay, to talk about the masks that we wear on our hearts. I talked about several of the "masks" that I had worn over the years. I also talked about why people wear masks on their hearts including fear, shame, and pride. I also shared as Christians we need to bring many of those things we are trying to hide with our masks to the foot of the Cross so God can set us free.... this is it in summary form....I didn't exactly say it like this. I was extremely nervous since I haven't done any talks in such a long while....but I was encouraged by many of the students and staff who said that they were blessed by the message.

Ministry Happens

One of the ministries that the students are involved in this year is working with underpriviledged kids in the community and being mentors and running a kids club. Apparently many of the Chuukese kids on the island of Guam run into problems in the school system and end up in youth detention programs. Since many of our students are Chuukese, DYA is hoping that pairing these students up with older mentors will solve problems later. Normally I don't go on these ministry trips but unfortunately, Hollie was side lined with the virus which has been attacking us and I was needed to drive.

One belief is that the reason so many Chuukese students get in trouble is that they are misunderstood culturally. Those from the Chuukese culture believe that they should use as few words as possible. This has led to developing a method of communication which is very subtle using the face. Raising the eyebrows means yes. Someone not familiar with the custom could easily think the student was being disrespectful by refusing to answer a question. The longer I work with the students on campus I come to appreciate this form of communication. Unfortunately when I try it - they just roll with laughter because I apparently make all kinds of weird expressions in the process of trying to raise my eyebrows.

New Dorm Arrives!

Yes I said arrives..... This building was built by a company called Kwikspace. They build building using cargo shipping containers. This building was built out of 4 containers. For the last week or two and probably another week or two..... Peter with the help of some outside contractors and students are installing sewer and electricity. By the end of the semester we will also have a cafeteria/dining hall building delivered. Using the backhoe is Kalvin one of our students and RA's.

And I am glad you asked.... this new dorm will be called the "C-annex" Since we have the Annex and the B-annex already... Although it is pronounced the Cannex (one word).... appropriate since it is made from Containers (i.e. Big Cans. :o)

Cat-a-strophic

Unfortunately I had a bit of problem capturing the scene on camera. The one cat is clear in the foreground. If you look closely there is another cat under the chair. And what you can't see is about 7 more cats in the background standing around and watching these girls eat dinner.

I have actually seen the cats standing at the back door of the dorm waiting for the girls to come out for dinner.

There are at least 8 cats probably more that came with the house that we rent next door and use as a dorm. Unforutnately most of them are not very nice (they hiss) or they run away. I miss friendly pet animals that we have back home. They are few and far between here. "Boonie" or stray dogs and cats are such a problem here you have to be careful where ever you go. Our assistant dean of men was actually bitten this week on the way to the market down the street.

Singing Bubblegum

Last night the students on campus decided to have a time of worship and fellowship. They had several groups which shared songs. They invited others to share testimonies and scriptures. They played a crowd breaker game and sang songs. One group to share a song was the "Chuukese students." Of course this is about 80% of the people in the room..... when they were going up to the front one of the guys told me that I should be "bubble gum". (See previous post for explanation) So I went to the front with the group and even though I knew virtuatlly no Chuukese I stood with them as they sang. So technically maybe the post should be called silent bubblegum among singing students. :o)

Couples from A Cup

Apparently when students get bored - they get silly.....no wait - I they are silly all the time.... Regardless last night two of the students were standing on campus with cups. One with all the girls names in and one with all the boys names. They were making everyone pick a name out of the cup with the opposite gender to determine "God's will for whom they should marry." I was no exception. I was told that I had to pick as well. I happened to pick one of the youngest Chuukese guys who loves to joke with me and who happened to be standing about 15 feet away. I shouted to him - "Hey....it's you and me forever!" He was quick to point out that this was only for prayer. Can you believe that he did not want to marry someone old enough to be his mother???? Anyway we have promised to pray for each other for God's will in the area of marriage.

Raining Days and Mondays Always Bring Me Down

Down to the beach apparenatly.... It has been raining here now pretty much for 2 solid weeks. Occassionally it will stop for portions of the day but the sun is no where to be seen. According to the forcast it may be another 4 or 5 days before the Sun makes another appearance.

Today after returning from the Basketball game, and a few errands I had planned to run some of the students potentially to the mall since the weather was so miserable. (Probably got 2 or 3 inches of rain today).... However when I got back to campus everyone wanted to go swimming. Apparently they like swimming in the rain. There were so many of them that wanted to go I thought what the heck - why not - and almost simultaneously Peter decided the same thing so we hopped in vehicles and headed down to the beach but unfortunately when we got there the life guards reported that the currents were too dangerous - the rain storm was a bit too severe - and we were denied. I was all ready to be adventurous and we were denied. Hopefully we will get a chance to swim in the rain later in the year.

Queen for a Day....

My girlfriends, Helen, Lovinia, and Joyleen chilling at "fun night".

Speaking of contagious

Another thing that seems to be catching on is a blogging trend. Brad Bodyston got me going and now I am hooked.... Dave Owens president of the college is also having a try..... etc....

As the students have found the blogs of the staff members a number of them have begun to give it a try....

Here is Mac (and Crystaleen).... you can check out his blog by following the link.

http://www.alphoda1.blogspot.com/

Anybody Recognize the Shirt?

This is a shirt that I made this summer and had many of friends from the Philadelphia area sign at a party I have to celebrate "Graduation, Guam, and Getting Old." It is one of my favorite shirts and it has not failed to get many comments and compliments every time I wear it.

Mostly it reminds me of all the ones I love back home and makes me feel close to you. (even those who didn't get a chance to sign the shirt :o)

Fun Night

The Students here planned and prepared for a "fun night". The evening was planned soley by the students. Staff and faculty were told we were not invited but then apparently some of the students protested and we were then invited. Boy am I glad they changed their minds and included us. It was absolutely a blast. They sang songs, performed skits, had some contests, and then all of that was followed by a nice meal. What amazing funny and talented students we have....of course I knew this before the evening started but they continue to bless and surprise me.

Sharing is Caring

Islanders, especially the Chuukese, have a very generous spirit. They are often willing to share whatever they have. The other day I had taken some of the students to the mall and I ran into some of them in the food court they were eating pizza. They invited me to come over and offered me some of their pizza. At first I didn't want to eat their pizza because my stomach was still not feeling quite right but they insisted so I had some of their pizza. One girl explained that is just the way we do things and she told me - "Sharing is Charing".......

Seems like their is a whole lot of love going around as one by one more and more people get hit by the same stomach virus that had me side tracked for the first part of the week. By the rate it is spreading I expect a large part of the PIBC community to get it by the end of the next week.

Bleah :oP Some times I wish we were a little less caring.

Bubblegum

Yesterday one of the students asked me I would take her to the post office today. I told her to talk to me today after chapel. When she talked to me several of the other students asked to come along - even though they had nothing they had to do at the post office. I said sure. I had to go back to my apartment and I ended up talking with the dean of men....and so when I got to my apartment they were waiting for me.

The one girl told me that really only she had to go to the post office - that the other girls were just "bubblegum". When I asked why they were "bubblegum", she explained that it comes from a Chuukese slang expression which translates literally to bubblegum in English....but basically it means that it is just like they are stuck to us (like bubblegum on the bottom of shoe) so they are coming where we go. If we didn't go - they wouldn't go.

It maybe just be one of my new favorite expressions since there seems to be a lot of "bubble gum" in this part of the world. ;o)

Stomach Virus

The last couple of days I have been sidelined with a stomach virus/flu thing. I don't normally pick up stomach viruses and I can't tell you the last time I felt this sick. About dinner time today I started to feel a bit better.

It is weird to take sick days when you live at work. Although I was very also very surprised about how well people were at letting me get the rest I needed to get better. Unfortuantely Monday and Tuesday were big shopping days for the students which I am assuming they missed out on since I was not driving.

Hopefully I will be feeling better and eating more tomorrow.

Me and Micah

It was cracking me up..... Micah is only 3 years old and he already has discovered the instand gratification available on a digital camera. Every time I took his picture he would make me show it to him on the back of my camera.

Pray together and Stay Together

Every other Sunday night the PIBC faculty and Staff gather together for prayer and once in a while it even involves food.

With or without food I have to say I always look forward to this special time together.

Look Out World Here I Come.

Mac is one of our students here at PIBC. Today Peter gave him his first driving lesson. So far so good I suppose, since there was no new damage to the truck or to the campus. Although it may be my paranoia but I believe the two of them tried to run me over several times. :o)