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5/17/2009 The End is NEAR... How is that for an encouraging title? :o) I just realized that my last post was five months ago exactly...I am pretty pathetic at this whole thing, or I am just so busy that I don't have time to think about it...I'll let you decide! It is amazing that my last post was about winning the soccer championship, which of course, on Guam is a HUGE thing. Well, we have done other things, some just as big, others on their way to bigness... The Lord has really blessed this year with giving victory in sports. Our tennis teams came out 1 and 2 on island, the middle school guys and girls won first, and the girls soccer team won second. We all know that first is a more "braggable", but when you come from an almost winless season to winning second place, there really is nothing to complain about. And just last night, our guys volleyball team won second place...if you would have told me last year that they would be able to accomplish that, I would have laughed at you, really! I just sat through our Baccalaureate service...my fourth as a teacher. This year, however, means so much more. This year I get to watch "my kids" walk down the isle and get their diplomas. The same kids who sat as scrawny, immature little freshman my first year are now not scrawny (for the most part), somewhat more mature, almost adults. I have seen them grow up, make right choices, learn from bad ones... I have seen them grow as a class...grow in their abilities and talents in music, sports, academics...and just in life in general. I am in no way admitting that they are portraits of perfection, but recipients of grace, most definitely. It is often easy to get irritated or frustrated with consistent bad choices. But I have had to learn that just as I am, Lord willing, becoming more like Him everyday, learning from my mistakes, growing through trials, so are they. I am so thankful for the opportunities that the Lord gives to be involved in ministry, whether full-time or not. I am thankful for opportunities to invest in people, to see them change, to see them grow, to see them become more like Christ, or even just to be more open to the the Gospel. I have been reminded that it is not my job to convince them to be saved, to grow, to change, but to be an example to them. It is my job to be obedient to God, to be transparent and to let them see that I need God as much as I tell them that they do. I am leaving here in less than three weeks, and as I do, I hope that I leave something behind. I hope that when my students think of me, that they think of someone who cared for them, who loved them enough to show them Christ. I am not foolish enough to think that everyone of the seniors that will walk across the stage and receive a diploma has also received Christ as his Savior...but I would like to think that maybe I planted or maybe even watered a seed that will someday spring up into a heart that realizes its need for a Savior. 12/17/2008 Victory is sure! The title is a borrowed line from the cantata that we sang on Sunday. It was incredible, and there were so many visitors. It is always such a blessing to be able to be part of worshiping God and sharing the awesome wonder of what He did for us! The cantata, however, is not the reason for my post. I have had that line running through my head for the last several days as we have seen our high school guys soccer team finish an undefeated regular season (9-0-1). AMAZING!!! They have done such a great job. We could give the credit to a hard working new head coach, or to the guys who have worked together since they were in middle school, or to the incredible (if I may say so) fans that supported them at all the games. The credit could go to each of the players that did so well at working together as a team this season, and who wanted the championship almost more than anything else. But just like everything else in this life, what does it matter if it is not done for the glory and praise of God? Yesterday we had a pep rally in the middle of the day to cheer on the team. It was great to see the school spirit, and how excited all of the students were. They understood the significance of this accomplishment. Only one other time has the Harvest soccer team made it to the finals and that was back in 2004 when we made it by pure "luck" and were then slaughtered by the other team. This year, however, the guys pulled their talent together and played their hearts out. They played against a high school that is ten times the size of ours; a school, who, for the last several years has held the number one spot many times. It was as our principal described it, "a David and Goliath match". Nobody expected Harvest, a small Christian school, who has had in the past, well let's just say a less-than-perfect record, to defeat the reigning all-island soccer champs.... But like I said before, why does it REALLY matter? Let's just go back to the the pep rally for a minute, or better yet, to the first day of practice with the guys. Coach Thompson had them think through what their goals for the season should be. Why would they be playing 10 plus games? Was it to have fun? Sure. Was it to improve the skills that they had already been building? Probably. But it was a little deeper than that too. The two goals that they came up with back in the early fall were the two goals that got them to the championship game, won them a 1st place trophy, and will earn them the first-ever championship banner to hang in our brand new gym. Goal #1: Play right! That means play well, play your best, play for God. No jeering the other team, not talking back to the refs, no blaming your teammates when something goes wrong.Goal #2: Win the Championship! (I don't think that needs any explanation....) 12/9/2008 It's almost here... Wow, I feel like I was just writing my first post of the new school year, and here it is just 9.5 days away from Christmas break! I can't believe it! This semester has flown by. Part of me is happy about it...the other part of me is sad. That means that in just over five months, I will be saying goodbye to my tropical home and will be heading back to the humid summer of the Midwest. I know, five months sounds like a long time...that is because you have never taught at HCA, and you don't realize that no matter how fast first semester goes, second semester flies about fifty times faster. I am not wishing my time away, but I know that in what seems like a matter of weeks, I will be wondering where this school year has gone. I can't help but think how strange it will seem to live in my small town once again, how weird it will be to drive down the once familiar streets and visit places that were common for most of my life. It just seems so unusual to me how we can become so familiar with one place, and then it is gone! I am 100% happy, yet 100% dreading the change that will come at the end of May. I have come to love this place as if I have lived here my whole life. My kids are so much part of my life that I don't know what I am going to do once I don't have 150 plus people to be responsible for. That just may be a relief...or I may be bored out of my mind! I am very thankful for how the Lord leads and the different opportunities that the He gives. I don't think that I will ever enjoy leaving people, I am however, thankful for the many people that He has used to encourage me, challenge me, and grow me...and for the many opportunities that He has given me to minister while I have been here. I know that over the next several months, He will continue to do so, and I am excited for that. I am also excited for the time that I will have as I prepare to go to Spain. I know that the Lord will use that time just as He has here, to grow me and make me more like Him. And for that, I am thankful! 11/8/2008 Election WoesI guess that it is pretty easy to be depressed about the outcome of the election. I also guess that I am free to say that I didn't really want either candidate to become the 44th president of my United States of America. I think that I may have been a little happier had McCain won. But, I would have also been happier had I not stained my favorite sweater today, spilled my coffee, or had to teach a classroom full of energy-filled, disobedient students.
Please don't think that I am belittling the privilege or responsibility that we as American citizens have to vote, or that I am comparing the importance of my country's leadership to that of a piece of clothing. I was, however, reminded today that my happiness can change so easily. Of course I am not happy when I drop a $3.50 cup of coffee down the stairs. But does that mean that the Lord is not in control of my life, of the universe? Does that mean that I cannot be joyful that MY GOD sent His Son to die for me, to take the punishment for my sins?
I understand that as a Christian, I should want a commander-in-cheif that trusts the Lord, that relies on strength and wisdom from God. I did my part. I prayed. I voted. And now, I will continue to do my part. I will pray. I will trust God and His sovereignty. I will not, however, complain about the man that God has ordained to be the leader of our free country. I may not always agree with his beliefs or take a stand with him, and I may wish that something had been done differently. But I will do my best to remind myself of the promises and commands in God's Word.
Psalm 115:3- "But our God is in the heavens; he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased."
Psalm 118:9- "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes."
I Peter 2: 17- "Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king."
I Timothy 2:1-2a- "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority."
On a side note...the following article is worth reading. It is very thought provoking.
9/4/2008 Committed to ChristOnce again, here I am after a long drought in my blogging. It is funny that I would think to resume the sharing of my life and thoughts at the busiest time of the year. It must be that I once again have a schedule and I don't have to wonder if anyone else is waiting to use the computer. I have much to share about the summer, and how the Lord has been working and directing in my life, which is exciting. But, for now, the beginning of school is on my mind.
We always have Spirit Week the four days after Labor Day, which is always the highlight of first semester. We have been praying and preparing for this week for the past several weeks...and the Lord has once again shown Himself faithful to answer prayers.
Just a brief outline of Spirit Week for any of you who might be wondering what it is. Nothing at Harvest just happens...if we are going to do something, it is going to be BIG!! And none of this dress up like we live in a different decade silliness. Instead, we just cancel classes for the week, have chaotic and dangerously exciting games while roasting in the tropical sun, enjoy academic challenges, and most importantly, have chapel sessions in the morning and afternoon. We get to enjoy a week of camp-like activities (without the sleeping in a cabin) and see the Lord change many lives.
I was so challenged by my students this year. I am amazed at their love for and desire to serve the Lord. Every morning before school there is a group of about 10-12 of them who have gathered to pray for their classmates. Each of these kids attended camp this summer, and made great decisions for the Lord. They now have a desire to see their peers accept Christ, grow closer to Him, and gain a desire to serve Him.
It humbles me to see these 9th-12th graders on their knees, tears in their eyes, and true love and concern in their voices, pleading God to work in the lives of the students here at Harvest. They want to see revival here. They want to be used by God. They want to know Him more. They want to stand up for what is right. And they are...
Jeremy Frazor is our speaker for the week. Yesterday he gave two very clear messages on salvation. I watched as several kids raised their hands admitting their need of Christ...and I watched as they stood stone still during the invitation. I also watched, as those same kids that have been praying, went one by one to a friend, a classmate, just someone sitting near them and said "Hey, why don't I go with you so you can talk to someone about getting saved.", "I know it is scary, but I would love to help you come to know Christ.", "I have been praying for you, can I go with you to talk to a teacher?"
Talk about being put to shame! This is my job...and sometimes that is all that it seems to be to me. Sometimes I get so busy doing what I am supposed to do as a Christian school teacher that I don't do what I am supposed to do as a Christian. I have prayed for Spirit Week. I have asked the Lord to save kids, change them, and show them that He can use them. But, they did it EVERY day. They did it with such faith. They did it so sacrificially. And now, they are seeing results. They are being used by God to lead their classmates to make godly choices.
I am their teacher. I am here to help them learn. But, I think that this year, the Lord is using my students to teach me something. They aren't getting paid for it, they didn't go to college and get a degree for it...they just want to serve God because they have met with Him, they know who He is. They have seen how real He is and how good He is. And nothing is going to stop them from being used by Him.
Can I say that? Do I seek Him and serve Him like I should? Or do I let business get in my way of living for Christ? That we would all be as bold as my kids!! I love them, and I thank God that He can use them to challenge and encourage me in my walk with Him.
4/23/2008 Pagat CavesOnce again I had the privilage, or horrid responsibility (I'll let you choose) to take our 9th graders on a hike. Sounds fun, eh? Well, it isn't! Maybe it is because I am a CONTROL freak or that I worry too much about 14 and 15 year olds falling on sharp coral rocks and bleeding profusely or falling off 50 foot cliffs into the ocean and killing themselves. Whatever the case, it is always a stressful event for me. I try to be calm, I try not to worry, I try to just enjoy myself, but REALLY, who can just relax when you need to be responsible for 60-some high-school freshman...oh wait, that would be my 9th grade co-laborers. How do guys do it? How can they just be so laid back and not worried about life? I don't get it! Maybe it's just me...I suppose that is very possible! :o)
Okay, for real...it was somewhat enjoyable. I have great students; it's not their fault that their teacher is in a constant state of worry. Well, maybe it is. I do recall about six little voices yelling "Harrison, I think we are lost..." Obviously they weren't "too" lost, since I could hear them, but they certainly did not know where they should have been. Being the loving teacher that I am and not wanting to leave any children behind in the jungle, I decided to go find them. Just as I turned and took a step, an evil little vine wrapped itself right around my foot and sent me crashing into the sharp coral rocks that I was so afraid my students would fall upon.
Maybe it is myself that I should be worried about, not the crazy, wild children that I teach every day! 4/6/2008 Vull entendre catalá.Really, I do! Oh, I suppose that you would like to know just what it is that my title says. Well, if the free online translator is right, it says, "I want to learn Catalan." In Spain, obviously Spanish (of the Castillian type) is the official language. But Catalan accounts for 17% of spoken laguage, followed by Galician at 7%, and Basque at 2%. I love languages, and would love to learn as many as my brain would allow. But I thought that I ought to set a reasonable goal...so I chose Catalan. Besides, it is also spoken in Italy and is the official language of Andorra...it might come in handy some day if I decide to do some travelling! :o)
AAHHHHH...I will be in Spain in less than two months!! I can't believe it! I was just sitting here tonight thinking that it sort of seems surreal. I know that I am going, I just don't think that my brain is totally conviced of it yet. Maybe it is too busy thinking of the six weeks of school that it must face before it can relax enough to go on a venture around the world. Of course, it will probably be over before I know it, then I will wish that I had thought a bit more in advance...it seems that everything works that way! :o) Oh well...I will enjoy now, and be excited for later! 3/27/2008 Time with FriendsWhy I love Spring Break! Well, there could be a gazillion good reasons...but here are ten. Ten things that I don't get to do often enough...in no particular order, though number one is pretty good!
10) I love it because I can sleep. A LOT!!
9) I love it because I don't HAVE TO do anything.
8) I love it because I can go running on the beach in the morning.
7) I love it becuase I can sit at home and not leave once, if I don't want to.
6) I love it because I can stay up late watching old movies I have seen a bazillion times.
5) I love it because I don't have to be in charge of 164 children that belong to someone else.
4) I love it because I can read a book in a day.
3) I love it because I can watch a bunch of reruns of my favorite shows.
2) I love it because I can go to the store in the middle of the day and it isn't crowded.
1) I get to spend LOTS OF TIME WITH MY FRIENDS!! :o)
Oh, what happy things! 3/24/2008 Happy Easter!Wow...what a day to celebrate! It ended here about 41 minutes ago, but I am still so pumped from the cantata that I was privileged to be part of today.
Shame on us that we ever get "used to" what Christ did for us. It is easy to just take for granted the Life that we have been given through Christ. We get so accustomed to being a Christian that we forget to live for Christ.
Today we did two "performances" (that sounds so showy--but for lack of a better word at the moment...) of an amazing cantata, The Risen Christ. Here comes my song fetish again, but these words are so intense, just think on them!
You're the Word of God the Father
From before the World began
Every star and every planet
Have been fashioned by your hand
All creation holds together by the power of you voice.
Let the skies declare you glory
Let the land and seas rejoice
Chorus:
You're the Author of Creation
You're the Lord of every man
And your cry of love rings out across the lands.
Yet you left the gaze of angels
Came to seek and save the lost
And exchanged the joy of Heaven
For the anguish of the cross
With a prayer you fed the hungry
With a word you calmed the sea
Yet how silently you suffered
That the guilty may go FREE.
Chorus:
With a shout you rose victorious
Wresting victory from the grave
And ascended into Heaven
Leading captives in your way.
Now you stand before the Father
Interceding for you own
From each tribe and tongue and nation
You are leading sinners HOME.
Chorus:
This is just one of the amazing songs we sang. But they were all so powerful. I am so thankful that we have a RISEN CHRIST that we can sing about...Praise the Lord!! And, I am thankful that He chooses to use imperfect people to point others to Himself! 3/22/2008 It's SPRING BREAK.......and yes, I am overly thrilled about it! However, I am bored. Not that being bored is bad, but it hasn't happened in such a long time, that I don't know what to do with myself!! I am excited however, that I get to spend extra time reading my Bible, and that I will hopefully get to read my new book about John Paton. And though I love my students...I am extremely excited that I don't have to go see them every morning at 7:30 for the next 8 days. Woohoo! 3/17/2008 Do you know My Creator?Do you know what I love?? No, probably not...but I'll tell you. Tonight I was once again reminded how much I love sunsets; island sunsets might be the best, but I love all sorts of sunsets. I will never forget one of the most incredible sunsets that I have ever seen, and no, it was not on my little tropical island...it was in Wisconsin, in the dead of winter. Go figure!
One day, heading home from a shopping trip with a friend, I was enjoying the beauty of the sun glistening on the snow. I remember thinking how beautiful snow-covered, leafless trees are; but then the sun started dipping just below the horizon. There it was, one of the most beautiful pictures that I have ever seen painted by God. A quaint little farm house surrounded by trees whitened by the recent snowfall, sat outlined in the most wonderful hues of purple and pink that I have ever seen. I had to stop the car, because this was one of the only times I didn't have to regret not having my camera with me. I took what seemed like a gazillion pictures of the scene in front of me, I even take them out now and then to remind myself of the amazing sight that day.
As I said, tonight I was once again reminded of my love for sunsets. As I sat at my kitchen table, checking my email, I saw yet again the creativity of my God. Straight out the kitchen window stands a row of mountains that run down the center of our little island of Guam; today, they were accented by lots of big, puffy, white clouds. This evening as the sun was setting, they were turned to numerous shades of orange and pink, and I sat back enjoying every minute of it!
It made me think of Romans chapter 1, especially verses 19 and 20-- "Because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are WITHOUT EXCUSE."
How can anyone not believe in God? How can you possibly think that it just happened...that this incredible creation that is all around us just appeared? Well, because they suppress the truth in unrighteousness (vs. 18). People choose sin over a loving God...a God who created life and can give it or take it at His will. They choose to ignore the little "voice" inside them that says "God is real, He loves you."
So where does that leave us, those who do know God? We need to do some treasure sharing...as I heard at church last week, we need to do some leveraging (the use of a small initial investment, to gain a very high return). Imagine what would happen if every Christian did their part, gave up what they have here on earth to gain an increcible return in Heaven...besides, who wants to keep what is only good for this life, when we could be recieving rewards in Heaven?
Really, who would not want to know My Creator once they learned what He is really like? 3/16/2008 Have you found the treasure?I made mention of this in my last post; we just finished with our missions conference here, and it was INCREDIBLE! It was such a blessing to be under great preaching of God's Word, and to see so many different ministries in our area of the world. We have a unique opportunity here in Guam to be so close to so many different foreign mission fields. In about the time that it would take you to fly from New York to Los Angeles, you can make a visit to countries like Japan, Australia, The Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea...and lots of islands, like Kosrae, Yap, Palau, Chuuk. This is a dream place for people who either love to travel, or desire to go to the mission field.
My dream would be the latter...and it is getting closer, Lord willing!
Pastor asked tonight at church for testimonies from this past week and the preaching that we heard. Now, I love sharing what God is doing in my life, but I DO NOT love getting up in front of people (I know, a silly fear for a teacher...) But I just could not help myself tonight...I just had to share what the Lord has taught me. Well, this is just one of many things, but we may have to take it one at a time or this post would be too long to read!! :o)
Both Sunday morning and our Monday high school chapel messages were on treasure...they were a bit different, but both were so good. He started out on Monday telling of a young man who had a job harvesting mushrooms, a surprisingly lucrative business. Each year he would set a goal to save enough money for an item that he really wanted; the first year it was a shotgun, the second year it was a horse, the third year it was a dirt bike, the fourth year...a car. During the fourth year, he knew that he had to work really hard if he wanted to save enough money. He would go to the forest as often as he could and search for as many mushrooms as he could find. One day as he was leaving the woods, he saw some mushrooms beside the path. He stopped to pick them, but something else caught his eye. As he looked closer, he saw a sparkling yellow-ish vein running through a rock in the ground...could it really be GOLD?? He rushed home to inquire after the land on which he found his new treasure. Indeed, it was for sale. Without telling a soul, he sold all of his treasured possessions, the gun, the horse, the bike...put toghther with the money he had been saving for his car, it was just enough for the down payment on the land.
After telling the story, he asked the kids what they thought about this young man; was he a fool for giving up his possessions for something far better? Of course all of the students agreed that he had done the smart thing.
He then talked about the Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew 13:44 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field."
He said two things that really stuck out and convicted me:
Am I doing my part? Am I sharing the treasure that I have? My life ought to be an example to people, it ought to show the treasure so that they will want it too. And even more...do I allow people to get in my way, or am I "unstoppable" in my passion for Christ? Is my focus on Christ like it ought to be, or on myself and my "comforts"? One more thing that he insisted on...he said "I am relentlessly average", and he meant it! But wait! This is the same man who had told us a bit earlier of his work in Cambodia, of the many souls that have been saved, of the churches started, of the seminary training nationals, of the many resources translated into the Tampuan language...and now he is insisting on being average Joe?? Does that make sense? Of Course it does...and I realized that I needed to hear him say that. As I have been thinking more about the mission field, it is so easy to think, "what am I doing...can God really use me?" Well, surely if he can use a "relentlessly average" man with a passion for winning souls to be part of God's work in Cambodia, why can't he use me in Spain? After all, doesn't God's Word tell us in I Corinthians 1:26-28 that He chooses to use those unwise, unmighty people to do His will. And for what? Verses 29 and 31 tell us, "That no flesh should glory in his presence...He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." 3/13/2008 I love missionaries!!!This week is our Missions Conference at Harvest...I love it!!! We have some incredible people here this week; Col. Ryberg, JD Crowley, Dave Darlin, Tony Fox, Dr. and Mrs. Carson Fremont, William Joel...I don't think that I missed anyone...
JD Crowley has been our keynote speaker this week...what a blessing he has been. He and his family serve the Lord on the mission field of Cambodia. He has such a passion for souls, and the Lord has given him the ability to share that so well with others.
It has been so encouraging to hear the different missionary presentations and see the works that the Lord has allowed them to be part of. When I sit and watch their presentations, it makes me even more ready/anxious to get to the mission field . I am so thankful for the encouragement and blessing that each of the missionaries have been this week...someday soon, I will get to be in meetings like this multiple times in a year...how exciting!
Just a few quotes and notes from the messages this week:
"Nobody wants to be blind to something valuable, everyone will want the treasure once they see it."
"You can live your life the way you want, but don't expect it to work right unless you live the way God wants."
Risks aren't risks when you live for God...
When you are happy, God wants you to take yet another risk, so you can be as happy as He want for you to be. 2/29/2008 LEAP DayI love being a teacher!!! When else do you get to be weird just because it is February 29th?? Today we celebrated "Let Everyone Act Peculiar Day". It was lots of fun. So to act "peculiar", my friend Jo and I switched classes; she taught Spanish for me and I taught English for her...it was great to see the reactions from our students, they are great! The second part of acting peculiar for me had to do with what I wore. Pretty much every day at least on of my students will comment on "how well" I match...as if it is some strange phenomenon that a person would chose an outfit that coordinates. So, I purposefully "unmatched" today. Part way through one of my classes when I asked why everytime I match they say something, and the one day that I pretty much clash, they don't say a word. They all insisted that I did match, so it wasn't worth mentioning...hahaha I wish I would have taken a picture of myself so I could show you how much I did NOT match. Someday I may understand them... 2/9/2008 Mmmm!I love hispanic food...and it tastes better when you get to eat it with a bunch of friends that speak Spanish! :o)
Last year, all of my Spanish speaking friends and I decided that we would get together once a month for dinner and "practica". Well, it started out well! We did it a few times, and it was fun! But alas, the reality of school and ministry set in and we weren't too faithful with our little rendevouz.
This year we had the same resolution, except we only got together once, I think!
But tonight...tonight we went to Micki's house and had some good ole Mexican tacos, Peruvian rice, and a random assortment of other foods. Hopefully this will be the beginning of a good "traditon". We invited Martha, a newer member of our church who is from Equador. She came with her two sons. It was lots of fun to get to know her and to practice our Spanish. We also invited her sister, and a new school parent who is from (yay!) Peru. Neither of these ladies were able to come this time, so we are planning another dinner sometime in the near future.
I realized this evening how much I miss being around Spanish speakers. It was so good to just sit back and listen and to chat (though a bit rusty). It made me even more excited for Spain this summer.
I am also excited for the opportunity to be a witness to my Peruvian school parent, Isabel. I don't know much about her, except she is from Peru, she misses it, and she wants the opportunity to speak Spanish. I am looking forward to having her come to school and help with various activities. I am praying that it will be an open door to present the gospel to her. 2/4/2008 I'm Going to Spain!!!So some of you may already know this...but I was just sitting here thinking how excited I am that I get to go to Spain this summer. I will be there for five weeks! There are lots of reasons that I am excited, but one is that I actually get to go to Madrid this time. I wouldn't trade my trip to Barcelona for the world, but I am so exctied to go to El Prado and El Escorial...that may not mean much to you, but when I teach my kids about those places every year, it makes me want to go. And now, when I teach about them next year I can actually say, "when I was in Madrid..."
On a more important, less travel-minded note, I am so excited to visit the missionaries and their churches. Did you know that Spain is the least evangelized of all the Spanish speaking countries? Yep! Out of about 8,000 cities, towns and villages, only about 600 have a gospel preaching church. 99% of Spain's population are Catholic, and nominal at that! Jehovah's Witness is the largest cult with a presence in Spain...scary to think about, or maybe I should say sad. How is it that people sharing a LIE can be better at spreading their message than those that have the TRUTH??? It makes my heart sad to think about it.
I am so excited to spend time there this summer helping the missionaries and seeing more first-hand the need that is in Spain. Lord willing, I will be in Spain full-time in the near future. Please pray for this country and those who labor there!
1/30/2008 My Dear StudentsI have the most wonderful students,
Of that I am certain,
They in my poetry would be the matter...
As you can see I am not a poet, though I really was trying. :o) However, I have some great students who think that they are. Every day they bring me a brightly colored post-it with some fun rhyme, lilt or stanza scratched out for me. They are quite entertaining...I thought I would share a few. Enjoy the creativity of my darlings!
Yo hablo español mucho
Me gusta hablar
Yo como mucho malvarisco
Me gusta comer
Yo escribo mucho poesía
Me gusta escribir
If the world was a doughnut hole,
Would it be cinnamon, chocolate or plain?
Wrapped up in a big black bowl,
No one would want to eat us,
I mean honestly, would you?
I like my doughnuts chocolate,
Not fuzzy, gree, and blue.
If snow was sweet, white icing,
On top of cocolate cake.
If grass was bright green frosting,
Blue Jell-o is a lake.
The lake is stocked with fishes,
Their color's red, they're Swedish.
I want to take scoop of this,
And serve it up in dishes.
It rains in sweet, wet showers,
The rain is colored pink.
Of gum are make the flowers,
I'll try one of these I think.
Okay, well that is all for today. I have some very funny poems, but they are hidden in a mountain of papers on my desk. As soon as they show themselves, I will add some more. 1/17/2008 Spirit DaysWell, today was the fourth day of Spirit Days...stuffed animal day. I was rather disappointed when I got to school and realized that I had forgoten my big, squishy, purple dinosaur at home. So, in stead, I carried around a little, curly, pink duck...not as cute, but it worked. It amazes me to see the "silly" things that high-schoolers will do, just as long as their friends are doing it! :o) They make me smile!!
More importantly though, the preaching this week has been incredible. Ron DeGarde is here speaking to the kids. Each message has been so good. I know that the Lord can use this week in a great way. There have been a number of decisions made, the Lord is so GOOD!!
Later, like when I actually remember my camera AND cord at the same time, I will add some pictures of the week! 1/14/2008 "Miss Harrison is WEIRD"...quoted by RuthieWhao!! I just realized, that sometime between July and now, school has unblocked Spaces. I was always so sad that I could not get on here while sitting at Extended Care...but here I am! Yay! You don't even know how excited that makes me.
I am going to add like a bagillion photo albums. A lot has happened between this summer and now!
Okay, that's all for now...just another random post! 1/13/2008 Who will you vote for?Well, if I could, I would vote for Mike Huckabee...but since I live in Guam, I have given up my right to vote for our new president. It's sad, you know! I am actually at a point where I see how important all of this stuff is, and I can't "voice" my opinion with a vote. But I will be praying! I know that the Lord can do whatever He wants...and if He wants Mike Huckabee as president of the great United States of America, then he will be. |
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