Many staff and some students wait in anticipation as Steve and Anne Stinnette return to Micronesia after over 1.5 years of being away.
Even Amelia, Micah, and Joel were excited.
Finally they came through the doors.
There was much rejoice as the students led us in singing "There's a Welcome Here!" And "We are One Big Happy Family".
There were many hugs and smiles. They were greatly missed.
On Joyce's Birthday, we were all talking in the office and the next thing ya know we had a spontaneous party on our hands as we went out for dinner together. 
Here are Dave and Joyce enjoying their dinner.
On January 19th, on the first day of the semester, I began teaching again. This is the second time that I have taught a class called Personality Development. I spent a lot of the break revising my curriculum because I ordered different books and two boxes of books got lost in the mail. As of now I have taught my second class. Over all besides some unbelievable technical issues, things are going well. I am excited about my bunch of students. There are one add and one drop (actually she withdrew from school due to family issues.) All the prep work definitely keeps me hopping.
Here are just some random shots of students as they hang out on registration day. Here is Machinta, Inca, and Gloria - all dressed up with no place to go.
Lydia is excited that this is her last registration day as she plans to graduate this Spring.
Students love to hang out under the trees. Unlike Americans who like to get a tan and have darker skin, Micronesians prefer to be lighter if possible. Here is Jayne, Molly, Mesikt, and CeCi.
Marcus flew in this morning to join his class mate Lucy.
Monday January 19th begins with registration for the Spring semester. First students were required to meet with their advisors. Maybellene is meeting with her advisor Harmut.
Mary Lou and Kent with helping in the office by giving out books and directing traffic as the students wait to talk about their financial statements.
Students met with Delight to talk about their student aid.
Karin and Cheryl were busy meeting with students to help them determine their balance.
Some students wait for their turn to meet with staff in the office.
Harald Gorges (on the right, shown with Ned) has return from Germany to teach an 8 week class on Micronesian Church History. Harald and his family, Hanalore and Tanja, returned to Germany during the past summer so Tanja could begin school. We are glad to have Harald back although we will miss Hanalore and Tanja.
Every other week on Sunday evenings, the faculty and staff get together to pray together. Every other meeting includes potluck. This past Sunday was our first prayer potluck of the year. The children hang out and play together as the adults take time to pray together.
Marisol, Leah and Stella enjoy catching up during the dinner.
Kathy Newell, Wanda and Betty are ready for the prayer meeting to start.
Kent Boydston (Peace) was with us all last semester. He taught an ESL class. He will be leaving us on Wednesday.
Larry Bock, Jens, and Bill relax as they enjoy catching up about break.
The Palauan Evangelical Church is one of the many churches on Island. It is also one which a number of our students are involved. Although I had been at the church to drop students off, I had never attended services there so over break I took an opportunity to do so. Another reason I went was to hear the guest preacher, Steve Bradley. He is a professor for PIBC on our Chuuk campuses. He also helped with my orientation for Liebenzell Mission. 
This is Pastor Andrew who is the regular Pastor at the church. He is introducing Steve in this picture.
The choir performed a special number. Most of the music and often the preaching are in the Palauan language. Thankfully one of our students, Elilai helped me by giving me interpretation.
John Aitaro is also one of our students who is involved in the church. He helps in the leadership and facilitation of the worship.
Some of our Chuukese students and Daisy sang a special number during the offering.
This is Ypao (pronounced E - pow) beach in Guam. This is one of the most popular beaches and one of my favorite. Over our break, even though I was very busy trying to get ready for my upcoming class and working on cleaning and organizing, I tried to take time to go to the beach a couple of times.
Daisy and Myu were house sitting for Dave and Joyce Owen and often tagged along with me when I went to the beach. Due to some rough surf pushing many fish over the reef, the snorkling was excellent.
