Musings from Micronesia

Another Sample of the Palauan Singing

2011-11-18T07:09:00.000-08:00

For whatever reason, I was unable to upload this to the prior post (which is where I wanted it). It shows the congregation singing a hymn acapella.

Sunday with the Palauans

2011-11-18T06:58:00.000-08:00

John Aitaro

I awoke at 5:45 a.m., a metal crossbar from the futon "bed" jamming into a rib. With gratitude, I reminded myself how I would take a too-hard bed over a too-soft bed any day! I was also thankful to be able to awake so early and feel "good." If you know me, you know I'm a night owl, and normally would avoid 5:45 a.m. like the plague!! But, my inner clock (still on California time), was registering 11:45 a.m.! :) Gazing out of my colleague's apartment window, I viewed the crystalline sea only 200 yards away--a reminder of the splendor of God. This was Sunday on Guam, Saturday in the states. I was especially excited about this Sunday because I would be worshiping with the Palauan Church.

Promptly at 8:45 a.m., the Pacific Islands University van, filled with some of our Palauan students, picked me up. Again, I was filled with gratitude for the blessing of not only being reunited with these precious students, but also being able to worship with them. Arriving at the Palauan Evangelical Church of Guam, I was met with an enormous smile from the church's greeter and a former student of mine who has since graduated from Pacific Islands University. John informed me that he and his wife are prayerfully considering moving to Portland, OR where there is a great need for a Palauan pastor. I was super excited to hear this, as I have no doubt that John would make a FANTASTIC minister.

Soon the service started. The Palauan church has services in English twice a month, and services entirely in Palauan twice a month. (Oops! This is not accurate! Thanks, Julie, [Pastor Andrew's wife] for giving me the "real scoop" on the Palauan church. Please see Julie's note at the end of this blog.) This was an all-Palauan Sunday. Immediately, I was enraptured by the beautiful music sung in three part harmony. Since moving back to the states, I haven’t been able to put my finger on why I have been a bit disappointed in church music. At first I thought it was because of the amplification of multiple instruments which results in a MUCH louder environment than what I was accustomed to. Then I postulated that because the lead vocalists were amplified so loudly, I couldn’t really hear myself singing. And, I love trying to add beauty to the music by harmonizing—a difficult task when you can’t hear your voice over the amplification. Well, as I sat in that service, savoring the music, I figured out why I LOVE Micronesian worship so much . . . . . . .the congregational voices play an equal, if not more significant role, in the music. Voices are PART of the “band.” Several songs were sung acapella, and I didn’t even realize there was no instrumentation until I reflected back on the song. The strong harmonic singing was so full, that there was little distinction between songs sung with accompaniment and those sung without. I enthusiastically joined into the singing, thankful that I knew how to pronounce the Palauan words for God, Jesus, Savior, etc., and I relished the exquisite harmony, and the sense that my own harmony was contributing to the beauty of glorifying God.

Pastor Andrew

Another fascinating aspect of the Palauan worship service was the interaction between the pastor and the elderly parishioners. Their pastor, Andrew Immanuel, was born and raised on Palau. He has his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and his master’s degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (both U.S. schools). As Pastor Andrew would read the Scripture, the elderly people in the congregation would correct his pronunciation. There was no offense taken, and both the pastor and the congregation were clearly very comfortable with this format. When, after the service, I asked our Palauan students why this was happening, they explained that the Palauan Bible is VERY difficult to read. The Palauan language does not have enough words to communicate the many concepts of the Bible. Therefore, many of the words are obscure or even borrowed from other languages (even Japanese). The students explained that it is especially difficult for younger people to read the Bible because the language is “Old Palauan.” I got the impression that this would be like having a young person read the Old English style of the King James Bible. Because the pastor is fairly young, he needs the assistance of the elderly in the congregation to help him correctly read the Bible. Interesting, huh?

Eating at a food court with the students after church

That evening, I spent several hours playing volleyball with the the female students.

First Day Back on Island

2011-11-16T06:34:00.000-08:00

November 12 (First of the seventeen days I’ll be on Guam):

Standing in front of the baggage claim, I diligently searched for my 50 pound black, nondescript suitcase containing 15 pounds of candy and chocolate (for my students), my lecture materials, and essentials. I immediately realized my mistake. I should have put something unique on my bag to make it stand out from the myriad other black suitcases. After 20 hours of traveling, the last thing I wanted to do was lift each and every unmarked heavy, black suitcase searching for clues as to its identity. Clearly, I wasn't the only one whose black bag was devoid of obvious clues of ownership. On some bags, I actually had to unzip compartments to determine ownership by the contents!! The elderly Chamorro man next to me noticed my predicament and immediately began hauling heavy, nondescript, black suitcases off the carousel and we entered into the easy banter I had so missed since leaving Guam. Ahhhhhhhh................. I felt myself relax as I once again entered into a culture that has become more comfortable than my own. Soon the helpful man and his wife were kindly lecturing me on the importance of clearly marking my bag. I noticed how naturally my speech had slowed and my vowels became more elongated--more in line with the accent of this region of the world.

Wayward bag found, I headed through customs and was greeted by the beautiful brown faces of several Pacific Islands University students and the women's dean. Off we drove to the apartment I would be sharing with a young PIU English teacher. In her sparsely furnished place, I was grateful for the futon "bed" (more metal than mattress) where I could lay my head. Her generous hospitality would free up funds I would have otherwise had to spend on a hotel. Plus, I would give her some money so she could run her air conditioner while I was at her place. This was a luxury she rarely allowed herself because of the horribly high cost of electricity on Guam, coupled with her meager budget. I was glad to bless her in this way, and happy myself that the air conditioning would allow me to sleep in the sweltering heat. It was 11:00 p.m. Guam time (5:00 a.m. California time) when I finally dropped off to sleep, a prayer of thanksgiving on my lips.

25 Noted Differences--Uh, Make That 26

2011-09-30T15:38:00.000-07:00

Having to constantly remind ourselves to speed UP so we won't get a ticket!! (Guam: 45 mph max, California: 75 mph max)

A Typical Market

Gazillion choices in food—especially fresh produce and affordable meat.

Style in clothing is much more important (and intimidating!).

Shorts are MUCH shorter! (Katie has to wear those super short spandex shorts for her volleyball uniform on her high school team.)

You will most likely eat inside the house when invited to a home for a meal. On the island, eating most often takes place outside under a canopy.

Under the canopy

The incredible joy of fresh, cool air! Wonderful being able to open the windows while driving or sitting in the house--way too hot to do this on Guam at any time--24/7, 365 days a year!

On Guam, the older you are, the more respected you are. Here, it seems like the older you are, the more marginalized you are.

“People aren’t as friendly in CA. Like, if you accidentally bump into them in the store and you say, ‘Sorry’ they barely acknowledge it, but on Guam, they’ll say, ‘Oh, that’s okay’ and they may continue to carry on a conversation with you.” (Noelle, 11 years old)

The beautiful sound of birds chirping and the great varieties all around us. Because of the invasive brown tree snake, the bird population on Guam has been nearly annihilated. (It is hysterical to watch the cat we brought with us from Guam. She has never seen birds hopping and flying all around and is clearly fascinated and perplexed!)

Invasive brown tree snake
found near PIU's men's dorm

Lots of different colored people. On Guam, it's essentially one color--brown.

On Guam, it is assumed that kids will be included in EVERY event. It is the opposite in CA--assume kids are not invited unless otherwise stated.

Sales tax--yuck!

No boonie dogs to give household scraps to. There are 40,000 boonie dogs on the island, yes, I said 40,000! These are stray dogs: 20% belong to someone but run free, 40% are fed by someone even thought the dog is not their pet, and 40% just roam around.

Boonie Dogs

LOTS of Spanish being spoken—especially in schools and in stores. We never heard Spanish on Guam, even though the Spanish ruled Guam for 300 years!

The pleasure of sitting outside without being munched on by mosquitoes.

Being cold on the beach (and even colder in the water) compared to being too hot on the beach and barely cool enough in Guam's warm ocean (86 degrees).

It's no longer easy to spot our girls in a crowd--there are plenty of other blond "haoles."

It used to be easy . . .

Having a million forms to fill out and liability waivers to sign in order to do anything (e.g. enter school, play a sport, transported in a vehicle, etc.). This is probably a result of the high liability risk in CA. Good luck suing an institution on Guam, therefore, little fear of being sued!

Seemingly everyone (from middle schoolers to adults) has a Smart Phone, and quite often not just a Smart phone but an Iphone.

Not “giving grace” before eating at ALL events. On Guam, even at government sponsored events and public sporting events, if a meal is served, a prayer will be offered. (This also connects back to the Spanish/Catholic influence.)

Having street lights and sidewalks!

Typical Island Street

Activities are EXPENSIVE in CA. Cost for high school volleyball on Guam: $0, Cost for high school volleyball in CA: $300 plus additional fees for transportation, sports banquet, coaches fees, etc. About $500 total. Cost for Club Volleyball on Guam: $25.00, in Santa Barbara: $4500-$6000

Recycling

It hasn't rained since we've moved! Being a rain forest, Guam has rain nearly every day, and activities (e.g. soccer games) continue, rain (even monsoon rain!) or shine.

End of season soccer game and family party

No balutan! In Guam, any time food is served, the leftovers are divvied up, and sent home with the guests.

Feeling like a VERY small fish in a VERY large pond!

Yipee! No more monstrous, gargantuan, practically man-eating cockroaches!!

Need I say more?

Riding the Camel

2011-09-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

“For I am doing a work in your days that you

would not believe if told.”

Habakkuk 1.5

The Parsonage

This is the sentence that began the letter we sent to our supporters, alerting them to the big changes coming soon. Well, soon did indeed come quickly, and we found ourselves rushing from our furlough in CA back to Guam to pack our possessions into a twenty-foot cargo container. That cargo container is presently on a ship being transported across the Pacific Ocean. We sincerely hope it will make it to us with no further delays (yes, they’ve already delayed delivery by a week). In the meantime, we are living in a beautiful 1800’s era parsonage that has been deemed a historical landmark in Santa Barbara County. We are grateful for the loaned air mattresses and table with chairs so we can sit down and sleep on something besides hardwood floors! We are anxious to have our school supplies, kitchen goods, books, bedding (and beds!), toiletries and furniture so we are ready for the pending school year. Our girls will be transitioning from being home schooled to attending the local public schools. I will be transitioning from being my kids’ teacher to formally teaching only students at Pacific Islands University! I am excited to more fully devote myself to this, and I’m currently preparing for the counseling class I will be teaching via Skype in a week. I am also excited to continue my role as mentor for PIU staff and to provide counseling via chat and Skype. I marvel at the amazing windows that modern technology opens. Too bad there isn’t a way to coach a volleyball team using technology! I am saddened that I will not be able to continue coaching weekly practices with the PIU women; I guess I’ll have to schedule intensive practices during the weeks I am at PIU each semester. In the meantime, I’m contacting some companies to see if I can get donated balls and equipment, and I’m hoping that a Guam friend may be willing to take my place as head coach.

Several people have expressed confusion as to what exactly this physical move means in regards to my work in Micronesia. I will continue to serve PIU and the people of Micronesia with the same commitment as when I was physically living in Guam. The difference will be in HOW I go about my work. To accomplish this, I will rely heavily on modern technology, travel, and I am now blessed to have access to resources that will enable me to do the research necessary to develop strategies to address the tragically high rates of sexual abuse, domestic violence, and suicide throughout Micronesia. Eric will be working full-time as the pastor for adult ministries at Community Covenant Church of Goleta (part of his job description is coordinating the North Park Seminary Extension classes that utilize the church’s classrooms, so it’s similar to what he’s been doing). As his schedule allows, he will continue to provide pastoral training to remote island pastors (currently, we are planning to be in Yap in February), and he looks forward to cultivating ministry among Micronesians who have relocated here to the states. He will also be providing the lectures for the fall class he was slotted to teach at PIU prior to us knowing we would be in a new location!

Certainly, we are surprised by many of the changes that have come our way, but we remain confident that God is directing our course. I had a dream just last night that I think symbolizes this concept well. I was riding a camel (no I have NEVER ridden a camel) and the camel didn’t even have a bridal in its mouth by which to control it! I knew I was supposed to keep the camel moving up a twisting and turning path with many caves and rock formations and hundreds of path tributaries. I wasn’t exactly sure which route to take to get to the top. Was one a short-cut? Was one riddled with danger? Add to this that my camel wasn’t particularly cooperative. The dromedary especially wanted to stop and eat any grass it saw and it often acted ornery. I had to be creative to keep it moving and I wished I had a clearly marked map. As I reflected on this dream, I realized that one thing was certain, I KNEW I was suppose to keep heading up the mountain. And so it is, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24).

Addendum: Since we wrote this, our cargo container arrived and all the contents were transferred into the parsonage where we are living. So, as we type this, there are unpacked boxes throughout the house, and a lot of chaos. We are extremely grateful to God that our belongings have arrived safely, and we'll be even more grateful when they are all put away so that we can devote ourselves more fully to our work.

In Case You Didn't Know . . . .

2011-08-24T23:05:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed a lull in our communication recently. There's actually a good reason for this. Within about a month after arriving in California, we did a 180, went back to Guam for three weeks, and began a mad-cap adventure packing up our whole household to be shipped to Santa Barbara (besides trying to deal with two cats and two cars). That's right, after four years of incredible ministry living in Guam, we have now made the transition back stateside for a new adventure. Eric just began work on the staff of Community Covenant Church in Goleta, CA. It seems long ago and far away now, but before we left for Guam in 2007, Eric was serving as a regular pastor at a regular California church when the invitation came to begin a seminary at Pacific Islands University (PIU). After her initial reluctance, Karyn grew to welcome the challenge, and we signed on to a three-to-five year contract to work among Micronesians in Guam. The irony is that while Eric feels satisfied with the fulfilment of his obligation, Karyn feels like her work is on a roll. Thankfully, in an unprecedented move, the Evangelical Covenant Church granted Karyn permission to continue her work from 6000 miles away, our new home in Santa Barbara. So, while Eric strolls next door to his new office, Karyn parks in a chair at the parsonage and takes every advantage of the marvels of modern technology. Via Skype, phone, the Internet, and Continental Airlines, Karyn pursues her work as mentor, teacher, and counselor to students and staff at PIU. Of course, it's going to be a lot easier when our 20-foot long cargo container arrives with all of our earthly belongings! Stay tuned as within the next day or two we share more about the changes. For now, enjoy a few pictures from our crazy summer.

Inside the Cavernous Container

Mo, student with a servant's heart

"I get by with a little help from friends."

Shutting the door at last!

Sparing the Sparrows

2011-06-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

In the quiet moments that punctuate the busyness of life on Karyn's parents' ranch, someone wandered out the front door only to become the hapless victim of a dive-bombing sparrow. After the nearly successful Kamikaze attack, he took a glance at the wreath adorning the adjoined door and beheld a tiny nest, complete with eggs. Some creative flying fiend had determined that this innocuous looking decoration would be a good hideout, but little did she know the earthquakes she would have to put up with as the door is continuously opened and shut. Nevertheless, the little mama has persevered and her chicks have hatched. There's no place like home!

"Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young" (Psalm 84.3). Of course, the nest is a metaphor: The best home for us is in God's immediate presence. The Psalm begins, "How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!" Like Mama Sparrow, who longs for her nest and protects it with her life, I hope we can each say, "My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord . . . . Blessed are those who dwell in your house" (verse 4). Despite the earthquakes of life, I hope the metaphor and following pictures remind you to nest in the Lord.

The Ranch House

The Front Doors

The Wreath

No Place Like Home

Catching up in California

2011-06-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

I now remember the same scenario last year. We got to California and got so caught up catching up with our sons and other family members, that we neglected our blog for a few weeks. Oops - our bad. So, in an attempt to make up for lost time, here is a summary and a few pictures. Just emerging from the fog of jetlag our first Sunday, we decided to pay a visit to a nearby church, East Bay Fellowship. When a friend told the pastor's wife we would be there, she proclaimed it quite a "God-incidence." Last year, we brought the Voices of Micronesia (VoM) to minister at the same church's childrens' day camp, and it turned out that this very morning they were showing video clips from last year, featuring VoM! We were introduced, and an immediate connection was made in peoples' minds due to the wildly popular VoM.

After a couple of days laying low, we headed south to preach for the first time at Community Covenant Church of Goleta (Goleta is Santa Barbara's northerly neighbor). There we met some new friends, spent some quality time with Teyler and Christian, and relaxed a couple of days with Eric's brother and family. In the process, we took a hike to Santa Barbara's popular Seven Falls (see pictures), rode bikes to the beach, and tried to hear each other over the screams of four girl cousins running in and out of Eric's brother's house. On Thursday, we drove further south and gawked at the variety and amazingly low prices of the Camarillo outlet stores. If one even finds such items in Guam, they are four times the cost (at least we don't pay sales tax in Guam)! Fortunately escaping with only a few small bags of merchandise, we then reversed direction and camped out a couple of days at Eric's parents' place in San Luis Obispo where we mowed the lawn (okay, Noelle mowed the lawn), trimmed bushes, did some crafts, and watched a couple of DVDs. Last night we headed back to our summer headquarters in Castro Valley. Enjoy the pictures; we'll try to keep in touch more consistently!

Dance, Music, Volleyball--What's the Connection?

2011-05-03T23:22:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, I would dreamily watch my brothers play sports. I would listen attentively as my father would instruct my brothers on the proper way to hold their bat, stand on the pitcher’s mound, slide into a base, etc. During batting practice, sometimes I was even given the privilege of throwing the ball to my brothers as my father patiently provided them with advanced batting instruction. Mesmerized, I would listen to the admonishments and advice my brothers received from their soccer and basketball coaches. But never once did I personally participate on a sport’s team. I, like all my other girl friends, participated in dance lessons: ballet, tap, and gymnastics. In middle school, my family moved to a new town which meant leaving the small school I knew and loved and attending a large, rather tough public school. It was here that I discovered such a thing as sports teams for girls. Unfortunately, if I thought the girls in this school were mean, they were nothing compared to the type of girls who played on the sports teams! No thanks. As much as the idea of playing sports appealed to me, the idea of surrounding myself with brutal Amazon girls appealed far less. Hearing that cheerleaders competed with other squads, I pursued cheerleading, where I erroneously assumed the girls would be less vicious. I stuck with cheerleading as my “sport” through my sophomore year in college. During that year, a friend convinced me to play intramural volleyball. I had never played volleyball before, but I definitely wasn’t going to turn down an opportunity to play a sport. I had a blast, and to my surprise, the women from the college volleyball team insisted I try-out for the college volleyball team. The rest is history. Although not an easy transition to go from a decade of dance to college-level volleyball, making the switch was, nonetheless, a highlight of my life. I LOVE volleyball! Additionally, almost as much as I relish playing volleyball, I love coaching volleyball. I love working in tandem with an individual and being part of the shaping process that helps them “to be all that they can be.”

Some of the PIU women's volleyball team players that I coach

And so it is that I chuckle as a type this blog. I look at the blessings I have received in my life: music lessons, voice lessons, dance lessons, sports instruction, drama/performance, and an incredible education, and I marvel at how each of those blessings has enabled me to invest in the lives of others. Whether it’s directing the Voices of Micronesia 2010 tour, providing counseling, teaching at the college, or developing and coaching a women’s volleyball team at Pacific Islands University, I so see God’s hand guiding and directing my life that I might invest in people “such as these.” I wonder what blessings you've received in your life? Don't underestimate your unique ability to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

The PIU Women's Volleyball Team
* These pictures and video were taken at the PIU Women's Volleyball Tournament held at the Agana Heights Gym. PIU sponsored two ten-hour tournaments with up to ten island teams participating.

Yapese Dancers

2011-04-03T23:21:00.000-07:00

The Internet was extremely slow on Yap, so while we were on the island, we were unable to upload this video, showing this beautiful Yapese dance. If you go a few posts back (post dated 3/15/11), you can read about how we were able to attend this ceremony. Also, I thought it was interesting that the men put a yellow-colored oil all over their bodies, giving them a yellow glow. Furthermore, the light greenish/yellow "things" hanging from their arms and skirts, are fresh leaves. Other than their red and blue "thus" (pronounced thooz), everything on their bodies is made with local flora.

R & R Under the Sea

2011-03-22T05:30:00.000-07:00

Yap: March 16 & 17, 2011

Our working trip to Yap actually took place during Spring Break. Since we were supposed to be off-work, we decided to take a couple of days to see just why this dot on the map is also one of the world's most sought after dive locations, a place that makes lots of people's "bucket list." While it is true that 90% of dive tourists have no idea about the society beyond the walls of the dive resort, it is also true that 90% of the people living outside the dive resort have no idea exactly what lies underneath the water surrounding their island. There is no way to describe it, so pictures will have to do. By way of introduction, Yap is known for its Manta Rays, huge, graceful creatures flowing through the water without the slightest concern about the divers gawking at them as they glide by. Spanning fourteen feet across in some cases, they stop in certain spots to let the little wrasse (fish) clean the accumulated plankton off their massive bodies. Sometimes appearing in a line-up called a "Manta Train," they form an elaborate mating ritual as one-by-one, they float above diver's heads as if traveling through liquid space. It is truly an amazing sight, but so was everything we share with you in the following slide show.

Yap: Making Connections

2011-03-19T01:42:00.000-07:00

March 14, 2011
Tuesday was the day to put on my dive program coordinator's hat, and meet Yap's legendary Bill Acker. If it weren't for Bill, Yap would only be a tiny dot on an enlarged map of Micronesia (“tiny islands”). Bill came here in the seventies as a Peace Corps worker and couldn't get Yap about of his head. He returned here, and basically discovered the scuba industry, making Yap world famous for its manta rays (you also may have heard of Yap as the island of stone money, but that's another story). Bill was very open to our school's very unique dive-training program which is intended to certify dive masters who can get solid employment back in their home islands. We had a great chat. He introduced me to his dive shop manager, Jan, who along with everyone I've met among his 85 employees, is very interested in what we're doing. Bill would love to employ more Micronesian dive professionals.

Bill's Dive Resort

One doesn't always do things by appointment here, so after meeting Bill, we decided to try to find a woman who we heard was trying to find Karyn (few people seem to have phones). It seems that she dropped by the PIU teaching facility saying she heard there is a woman here who is a counselor and specializes in working with victims of sexual abuse. Her interest revolves around her work running a woman's center for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. In true island-style, no one seemed quite certain where the facility was located, until we were finally directed to a building that was surely the one. Surely it wasn't, but close! This was the building the women's center had originally planned on using but is now being used for a daycare. While Karyn was inside trying to get the location straightened out, she noticed an announcement instructing parents to make sure they get their kids immunized for mumps due to the recent outbreak (we forgot that mumps even existed!). A moment later, Karyn detected a little five-year-old Yapese boy watching her. He crept closer and closer and then gently put his little brown hand on her white leg as if overtaken by curiosity at how white skin must feel. Taking comfort from her mumps inoculation, Karyn reached out her hand so he could touch her; instead, he took her hand like they were going to take a walk together – too cute, just like the rest of the little ones staring at these strange white apparitions with wide brown eyes. By the way, later we finally found the woman's center . . . and it was closed. Not to worry, we've got a couple more days.

After a quick visit to the ESA restaurant to grab our once-a-day meal, I made my way back to the apartment, and Karyn went straight to the PIU teaching facility to use the internet.

For the next couple of hours I met with Liebenzell missionary and PIU board member Harold Gorges (PIU was originally founded by Liebenzell Germany). Harold is a wealth of information about Micronesia, where he has served since 1978, living in Yap the first 10 years. Like everywhere, I suppose, we are visiting a very unique culture, but I was stricken by how different it is from the other Micronesian islands. Westerners struggle to tell the difference between one Micronesian and another, thus falling prey to the assumption that they all share the same culture. Little could be further from the truth. Even here in tiny Yap, one group fails to understand another, exacerbated by the fact that they speak languages as different as English and Chinese. It is a culture that is private, patriarchal, and clan-driven, yet scarred by sky-rocketing substance abuse and suicide rates. To boot, this shame-based culture won't talk about its problems. Naturally, some of this characterizes the church, and therein dwells the problem. So, helping the church build the infrastructure I referred to in yesterday's entry is much easier said than done. Fortunately, as believers, we know there is hope!That evening we sat around a generous dinner table with Pastor Asael, his family (Chuukese), some leaders of the

Pastor Asael and Techimy

Yapese church, a German/Canadian couple volunteering in our teaching facility, Harold, and another visiting missionary from Liebenzell Germany. It was time to say goodbye to the latter, Armin, who had been with us at PIU, in Palau, and now in Yap. What a joy to later hear Pren, chairman of the Yapese Evangelical Church board, as he managed to balance sharing his testimony (in excellent English) with an ever-present wad of bright red betelnut in his mouth. He found Jesus (the other way around?) when he was told he might not make it through a serious surgery, so he had better make peace with his God. Pren had no God, but after reading a Gideon Bible and constantly bumping into Christians, he sneaked into church and discovered that God is named “Jesus.”

Pren

What wonderful fellowship we had that night across the cultural lines; another taste of heaven, where all God's people speaking languages from every people group, will join together in proclaiming Jesus as Lord.

One thing every missionary has the joy of experiencing: The presence of God's Spirit transcending every cultural divide!

Reality Check: The Need is Great

2011-03-17T05:41:00.000-07:00

March 14, 2011

Eric reports: It was time to get to work right away on Monday, so I shifted from my role as PIU seminary dean to PIU dive program coordinator. With Charity as our driver, we zipped over to the famous Manta Ray Resort, home of Yap Diver’s. Owner Bill Acker had showed significant interest in our program and a desire to employ more trained Micronesian divers. A friendly welcome resulted in a meeting scheduled for the following day. Check tomorrow’s blog for the results.

Common Sight

When we got home, we had a surprise visit. Let me back up. On Sunday night, after I preached at the English service, we had the privilege of meeting another bright PIU grad, Jonathan Tamag. Jonathan runs the hospital’s community counseling program, and is a young leader in the Yapese church. Although Karyn had been busily preparing to present a seminar to Jonathan’s counseling staff, just before we left Guam, we were told they wouldn’t be able to pull it off (Flexibility is the key word when working in Micronesia). Now it became obvious Jonathan still really wanted something presented, but wasn’t sure when or how, and that’s how it was left. On Monday afternoon, we received a rap on our apartment door and a greeting from Jonathan announcing he had brought his counselor’s with him! It was a classic moment to watch Karyn go into the fight or flight mode, thinking she was on the spot for a spontaneous counseling seminar. I could almost hear her thoughts: “First thing, put on longer, more culturally appropriate, pants (as she flew into the bedroom to change out of her shorts). Second, grab all your material, your computer, and look relaxed.” Actually, Jonathan was not asking for a spur-of-the-moment formal counseling seminar as much as he was looking for some casual consulting in the hopes of setting up something more formal for later in the week. However, what began as nothing more than a little Q & A, resulted in two hours of intensive consulting on issues far deeper than any two-hour conversation could address. Here was Karyn with two of Jonathan’s woefully under-trained, but deeply caring workers, grasping for a helping hand while daily facing issues of epidemic suicide in the midst of a culture that will not talk about it, the very thing essential to resolving it. Serious substance abuse issues coupled with domestic violence and child abuse puts these poorly equipped “front-line” workers at high risk of burn-out. While begging Karyn to return in May and teach a multiple-week intensive counseling seminar, for now, it was settled that she will spend Friday afternoon consulting at the hospital in an attempt to offer a little help and a dose of hope.

Karyn meeting with hospital counselors

After that eye-opening session, Charity decided to drive us up along the other side of Yap proper, which was nothing less than a succession of National Geographic scenes.

Men's House

Picture lush tropical foliage abutting crystalline seas dotted with an occasional large open-air palm-thatched “men’s house,” one for every village. Pulling up to a small tin-walled building with a single gas pump, we were thrilled to be greeted by Lydia, another PIU grad taking the afternoon shift at her family’s gas station ($4.70 per gallon, and the cheapest on Yap). Her ministry is actually teaching in the morning kindergarten program run by the Colonia Church, but like all Micronesians, she is part of the family unit, and does her part pumping gas while killing the time in-between customers sitting out back under the shade of their palm-covered shack.

Rushing back to the lower building for a board meeting of the Yap Evangelical Church, I slipped in just in the nick of time. Asael Ruda, head pastor, and Pren, board chair (and member of the PIU board), had asked me to come to share any insights and news from PIU. Now it was my turn to consult. Though the gospel arrived on Yap in 1959, the church still needs basic infrastructure, and the leaders feel the pressing concern to establish proper ordination procedures. Since long-time missionary to Micronesia, Harold Gorges was also in the meeting, both of us chimed in, and it was immediately decided that a seminar was needed to work on these issues. Just like the counselors in the hospital longing for some fundamental guidelines, so too is the church in Yap. “When can you come back?” It is our hope, that if the funds are available, we will both come back in May, Karyn to work with hospital counselors, and I with church leadership. Then, we’ll be off to the states to reconnect with supporting churches.

Yap Evangelical Church Sanctuary

Yes, the need here is tremendous, a need I feel our unique school can help meet. Fortunately the need was not so overwhelming as to keep me from enjoying the fresh sashimi (raw yellow-fin tuna) just brought in and sliced up an hour before our meeting, along with the homemade donuts. Yes, I brought some sashimi up to Karyn who was busy preparing the first installation of our Yap blog at the PIU teaching facility—the only place we can get Internet access (albeit, very slow access)! Speaking of which, there’s more to come, so stay tuned!

Yap PIU Teaching Facility

The First 24 Hours on Yap

2011-03-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

March 13, 2011(middle of the night): Landing on Yap

As the plane slammed down on the tarmac (to the point that I was surprised the wheels could bear it) and immediately braked to the point that passengers were whip lashed forward, we knew we had arrived on Yap. Apparently, the runway is so short that the 737 is forced to take this drastic approach. As we exited the plane to walk across the runway, we noticed the lights flashing on an emergency vehicle. I joked that they anticipated a crash when they saw our abrupt landing, but sadly, I was later informed it was because a child in the “outer islands” had died and was being returned to Yap. Apparently, the very small child was flown to the Philippines in an attempt to secure medical treatment, but it was too late. As we went through customs, there was a Yapese young woman in traditional dress (bright colored grass skirt, no shirt) greeting each passenger with a lei. We were in the very back of the line which was moving very slowly. There was one line that was for locals that was soon empty. The customs official motioned for the next person to move to the “local” line. A man and I simultaneously moved to the free line. He kindly motioned me to continue and he remained in the “visitor” line. As Eric and I quickly made it through the “local” line, I realized that the leis were only given to those in the visitor line. Drat! I should have allowed the man to go first! “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.” Sigh . . . lesson learned! As we then waited for our luggage to be taken off the plane, I enviously eyed all the leis the guests were wearing, and tried not to stare at the men wearing “thus” (pronounced “thooz”, and

Thuw (thoo) and man's purse

similar to what American Indians wore). Finally, luggage in tow, we meandered to the front of the air terminal, where we were greeted with beautiful flowered head leis by Pastor Ruda, his son, his daughter, and son-in-law (all graduates of PIU).

They kindly drove us the short distance to the apartment we were to stay in. I was surprised that once we arrived, even though it was about 1:00 a.m., Pastor Ruda didn’t quickly leave, though he had three church services to attend the following day. Instead, he sat down on the couch in our apartment and talked for about 30 minutes. It’s times like these that I am reminded of the stark differences between Micronesian and American culture. I’m sure Pastor Ruda was tired and concerned about all the tasks he needed to face in a matter of hours, but he was more concerned with “being” with us, people he didn’t even know. It took a while to fall asleep because of the heat, but as I eventually drifted off to sleep, I remembered I had forgotten my toothbrush……………..

March 13, 2011 (afternoon): In Search of a Toothbrush
Once awake, I was on a mission to purchase a toothbrush and Eric recalled he had forgotten his contact lens solution. We began the short trek to a local market while I mumbled about the merits of topless dress given the extreme heat and humidity on Yap (Yes, unbelievable, it is hotter than Guam – we’re about 9 degrees north of the equator!). Searching the shelves I located a toothbrush, but certainly no contact lens solution. The proprietor had no idea what contact lenses were, let alone the solution. Eventually, we made our way to the ESA Hotel, which is owned by the parents of one of our students. We enjoyed delicious yellow fin tuna sandwiches, cabbage salad and papaya. We then dripped our way back to our accommodations and I checked to see if there was any way I could fit into the freezer. Just as we cooled off, it was time to head out and experience traditional Yap.

Yap has a cast system, and there are many social rules. One cannot simply enter a village on the island without permission from the chief or without an approved escort. Therefore, we were ecstatic when we were informed that a village on the south tip was going to present their local dance and Pastor Ruda offered to escort us. Upon our arrival, Pastor Ruda immediately tore a small limb off a tree to hold in his hand. It was then that I noticed that everyone who was not from the village was either holding a “men’s purse” (see picture) or a small leafy limb. Apparently, it is

Men's Purse

rude to come into someone’s village without leaves or a special purse in your hand; in fact, visitors have to hold the little sapling with the broken-off part pointed forward. The dance was held in front of the men’s house (a place where village MEN gather), and was performed by the men of the

village. Interestingly, at one point, a large group of women bearing gifts circled the men multiple times, leaving gifts beside each performer. The most common gifts were beer and hard liquor. There were also gifts of candy, crackers, and homemade rolls. Some of the women even approached me and gave me a “lei” of homemade rolls and donuts.

Notice the roll/donut lei

Later Eric and I were both given leis for our heads and when I asked why us, it was suggested that because Pastor Ruda is considered high cast, the villagers were honoring his guests.

March 13, 2011 (Evening): Preaching to Dogs

Sadly, Pastor Ruda is the only Protestant, full-time pastor on Yap. He pastors three churches and helps out in two others. Pastor Ruda, who is actually Chuukese, came to Yap as a missionary in 1989. He is from the outer islands of Chuuk, and his language is similar to the outer islanders of Yap—about 60% overlap. However, his language is COMPLETELY dissimilar to the main language of Yap, and he has no ability to speak the main language. Therefore, he preaches for four very distinct congregations: 1) Two Yapese congregations where someone translates his sermon into the main Yapese language. 2) An outer island Yapese congregation wherein he speaks Chuukese and the parishioners understand 60% of what he says. 3) A Palauan congregation where someone translates his sermon into Palauan. 4) A Yapese, English-speaking congregation. It is this fourth group to which Eric was asked to speak. As we gathered, mats were placed on the concrete floor for people to sit (as is traditional). To my relief, they also brought in some chairs. No sooner had the singing begun, than a stray dog entered and made itself comfortable on one of the mats. Apparently, the mongrel is a regular at this evening service! It was a joy to watch as PIU students led the singing, helped with the children, organized the service, etc. Then, as Charity drove us home, we passed a lit up building and we were surprised to see Mac, another PIU graduate, leading a Bible study. Charity informed us that Mac is the first missionary sent from Palau to work in Yap. As we lay down to sleep that night, Eric and I reflected on the joy that we both felt at being involved at PIU because we were witnessing, first-hand, the impact PIU is having throughout Micronesia.

Happy Thanksgiving in February!

2011-02-15T04:18:00.000-08:00

"Fascinating photos!" I mused as I poured over the pictures Charity had posted on Facebook. Charity, a graduate of Pacific Islands University, currently organizes the school's distance education site on the island of Yap. Actually, Charity's parents, who are Chuukese, left their island of Chuuk to go to Yap (an entirely different language and culture) as some of the first Micronesian missionaries. Every time Charity posts photographs, I am mesmerized. She does a fabulous job of visually capturing the essence of an event. This time was no exception; I was captivated by all the images of piles of fresh fruits

and vegetables. And, of course, my inquisitive brain was filled with questions. I began to post on her photos a succession of questions. She patiently answered each one. Ultimately, it hit me, "This would make a great blog! Our readers would love to hear about this!" When I explained my intention to Charity, she kindly obliged me by answering the following questions:

Karyn: What are you celebrating in these pictures?

Charity: We are celebrating Thanksgiving!

Karyn: In February?! How long has this been a tradition and how did it start?

Charity: This idea of Thanksgiving was being introduced by missionaries long time ago. Therefore the Churches then say that since February is when most of the crops are ready for harvest, they decided that Thanksgiving will fall on the month of February. Church leaders come up with the idea that every first Sunday of February is Thanksgiving Day.

Karyn: Does anyone celebrate Thanksgiving in November? And do all Yapese celebrate Thanksgiving in February?

Charity: Thanksgiving in November is really only celebrated by foreigners. The February Thanksgiving is really only celebrated by those who attend one of the five evangelical churches on Yap.

Karyn: Can you describe how the church celebrates Thanksgiving?

Charity: Our Thanksgiving celebration is more like Christmas and Easter to the Churches here. All five evangelical churches in Yap come together and share or celebrate Thanksgiving together bringing their crops or anything as

token of their thanksgiving to God. Some Americans, or people who are not from Yap, bring rice, bread or boxes of Ramen from the stores as their token of thanksgiving too. As Chuukese, living in Yap, we sew Chuukese skirts and also put them in front of the Church. The night before Thanksgiving Sunday, everyone comes and puts their crops or items in front, preparing it for the next day.

Taro back left, yams, tapioca, lemons, pumpkins, the big green oval things (front left) are
a white melon that are more like a squash, they have to be cooked in order to be eaten.

Thanksgiving Sunday is packed with people from all the five evangelical churches here in Yap.It's this day that

kids have their own Sunday school while members are enjoying special numbers, and a blessed message from a guest speaker. The service is concluded with a nice Kids program that is well planned by the pastor and all the five Sunday school teachers from all five Churches. They are to learn their program ahead of time, and in the end of the program, the kids program is being shown to the audience.

After the service, the celebration still continues with socializing fellowship as food is prepared for lunch.

When lunch is over, then the youth do the cleaning up and sweeping and then the old ladies again come in and divide the crops. People often choose first what they want from the crop display and then afterwards, the ladies would divide the crops to the old people, some goes to the people in jail, hospital, those who are sick and big amount of the crops goes also to the five churches.

Karyn: Why is that boat sitting on the table?

Charity: This was a gift for the guest speaker. This symbolizes that we are all in the same boat rowing toward our goal and that you see in the picture, what you call it?, Sail of the boat?? This represents the Holy Spirit in direct of each and every one of our lives. The ones who gave this gift must know the real meaning of the boat in relation to our spiritual walk together in Christ.

Eric and I have been to Chuuk and Palau, and we have found that being on the islands from which our students hail, adds a depth to our understanding of our students that is incomparable. We are hoping to get to Yap over spring break and experience this beautiful culture first-hand! I am very grateful to Charity who so openly shared her pictures and experience with us!

A Most Dangerous Profession

2011-02-01T05:11:00.000-08:00

When Eric was writing his doctoral dissertation, he was intent on writing something immediately applicable to the church. While he regularly reads academic tomes, and finds such research essential to the church's mission in the world, he wanted to write something that didn't have to wait to "trickle down" through the academy to church leaders (a thing that doesn't always happen). So, when it was all said and done, he began to earnestly seek out publishers; although, he admits, his hopes were not very high. To his shock, and absolute delight, Wipf & Stock, out of Portland, accepted his proposal early in 2010. Then the task became editing, and editing, and editing some more. The good news is that A Most Dangerous Profession: Why the Pastoral Ministry is Hazardous to Your Soul, is now in print!

What's it about? From the back cover: "Every Christian is assailed by the gales of temptation, but those in professional ministry face fiercer storms than the rest. As CH Spurgeon warned, contrary to what is often assumed, 'our dangers are more numerous and more insidious than those of ordinary Christians.' This perspective was shared by the unified voice of the historic church, leading some Patristic church fathers to initially flee the call to ministry . . . . A Most Dangerous Profession surfaces these gems so often overlooked in historic Christian literature, and ends with their practical advice on how to overcome."

It really was a labor of love, and Eric hopes it will have even a little impact on the church and those who serve it. Even if you're not a pastor, or don't consider yourself a church leader, you can help increase the exposure of the book. For one thing, you can buy copies and give it to your pastors and church leaders. FYI, we've been told that ordering it through a local bookstore usually means they'll buy a few copies and put the others on their shelves (it's worth a try). You could also read it and then write a customer review on Amazon. The more positive reviews, the better. In the meantime, it's available from Wipf and Stock Publishers (wipfandstock.com), and Amazon. Thanks for your support and encouragement!

If Only You Could Balutan!!

2011-01-10T05:11:00.000-08:00

About four years ago, after we'd made our final decision to leave California and move to Guam, we went public; we began informing family and friends of our decision. One group I informed were my volleyball buddies--people I had played with both competitively and recreationally for several years. All responded with shock and, of course, the most common response, "Where's Guam?!" However, my most die-hard volleyball buddy, Bill Sablan, replied, "I'm from Guam." I about fell over!! I had assumed all this time that he was from California. Upon hearing of our need for housing, he suggested we contact his Guam home church, Agana Heights Baptist (AHBC), to see if they would rent us their empty parsonage. The long and the short of this is that, although the parsonage was unavailable due to renovations, they asked Eric if he would guest preach for them. This led to three and a half years of weekly preaching! AHBC desperately needed an interim pastor, and we desperately needed additional financial support in order to sustain our work at Pacific Islands University. It was a match made in heaven--no pun intended! Our three and a half years at AHBC will be remembered as some of the best church years of our lives. The people at AHBC were incredibly kind to each person in our family, and despite our cultural ignorance, they patiently oriented us to their Chamorro culture. I have written many blogs depicting elements of our Chamorro cultural learning curve (e.g. Chamorro cheek-kissing, pot-"faiths," non-performance-oriented performing, etc.). So, although we were thrilled for the church when they finally secured a permanent, full-time pastor, it was difficult to say good-bye to the precious parishioners at AHBC. On our last Sunday, in classic Chamorro style, they gave us an elaborate going-away fiesta. I think that Chamorro people express their love in the food they bring to a gathering, and let me tell you, the fiesta tables were loaded! And, that's when I realized that I MUST share with our readers, the wonderful Chamorro custom of balutan!

Balutan is the practice of packaging food for guests at the end of a fiesta. Chamorros are extremely serious about balutan. They will have ziplock bags, plastic wrap, foil and "Chamorro Tupperware" (empty plastic containers, e.g. Cool Whip) ready for guests. At a designated point, after all the guests have eaten, the host will encourage everyone to balutan. Please understand, bulutan is not an insignificant activity tacked-on to the event. It is part of the fiesta itself, something that would appear on the order of events if one were printed. The reason is that bulutan is a reflection of the heart of Chamorro culture, which is characterized at its deepest level by gracious hospitality, making sure everyone has enough--and they sincerely mean enough. Yes, that means that when you prepare your contribution to the fiesta, you prepare what locals specifically identify as a "Chamorro-sized" dish. My experience tells me that this should be enough for at LEAST twenty people. Again, the reason for preparing such mammoth amounts is not that people at fiestas eat until they explode, but it ensures that there will be enough to send home with others.

When we first came to Guam, everyone laughed at how little I put on my balutan plate. It was very difficult/uncomfortable to get past my skimpy stateside perspective of an appropriate take-home plate. When you balutan properly, you honestly need to make sure you have enough room in your car!! Actually, I'm still uneasy with the titanic portions that are heaped upon me here. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the delicious edibles, and the idea of having scrumptious left-overs, but I'm terrified of being seen as a big pig--which is exactly how statesiders would view the mounds of food being carted off! I don't think statesiders can fathom the heaps of food given to each guest in the balutan tradition, so I'll let the following pictures do the talking.

Finger-Lickin' Good Time!

2010-12-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

When we decided to leave California and everything familiar (location, jobs, family and friends), raise our own support, and move to Guam, we were informed that we needed to start a blog. Pathetically, at that point, we hadn't even heard of blogging! We were also instructed that we should never let more than two weeks pass between posts. Apparently, longer breaks between posts result in readers losing interest and no longer checking the blog. Well, sadly, we have become remiss in keeping up with this two-week standard. Mind you, this is NOT because we don't have adequate writing material. On the contrary; but with each passing day, we find ourselves investing further in the college, our church, and the community, and our time seems to evaporate like the ubiquitous rain on the sizzling Guam asphalt. Furthermore, since this blog is public domain, we try to be sensitive about what we post. This can be quite frustrating when we are dealing with something all-consuming but inappropriate for sharing due to confidentiality. This has been our situation for the past three weeks. So, although it would not be appropriate to use this forum to describe that monopolizing matter, you can believe that it was with great joy that our family accepted the offer to spend a half-day kayaking and snorkeling with "Uncle Francis," an amazing outdoor enthusiast and a member of our church.

Meeting at "Piti Bomb Holes" with our snorkeling equipment in hand, Uncle Francis already had two kayaks ready to launch into the cerulean Philippine Sea. We paddled toward the reef near Camel Rock. Efficiently, Uncle Francis tied the two kayaks together and hooked them to himself with rope, and we all donned our snorkeling equipment and jumped into the tropical water (approximately 82 degrees F). Immediately, upon hitting the water, the current began pushing us along. This was definitely what you'd call "drift snorkeling." We observed the usual incredible underwater sea life as we drifted south. At one point, it became overcast and we experienced a heavy rain. I had to chuckle that I now live in a place where, three weeks before Christmas, in the middle of a storm,

Our daughter in the storm with Fish Eye "Tower" in background

I could be warmly swimming in the ocean! Eventually, our drift snorkeling brought us to the underwater tower at Fish Eye, a popular place for tourists to catch a glimpse of the exquisite underwater world without getting wet. (Notice Fish Eye tower in the background of storm picture.) Excitedly, eagle-eyed Uncle Francis motioned us to his location. As we scanned about 20 feet beneath us, to our delight, we observed a beautiful spotted eagle ray. This majestic creature was in no hurry to get to another destination. Instead, it gracefully glided back and forth in the same area for more than 15 minutes. I marvelled at how much it looked like a flying bat moving in slow motion. The clarity of the water added to the illusion of flying. I did a Google search on the spotted eagle ray and I have copied and pasted the following comments from: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/gallery/descript/seray/seray.html

‎"Generally a shy species, spotted eagle rays are wary of divers and are difficult to approach. However, it is considered potentially dangerous to humans due to the venomous tail spines that can inflict serious wounds."

Picture from: commons.wikimedia.org

"The spotted eagle ray reaches a maximum length of 8.2 feet (2.5 m) not including the tail, with the total length including an unbroken tail reaching close to 16.4 feet (5 m). The maximum disc width is 9.8 feet (3 m) and maximum published weight is 507 pounds (230 kg)." (I was shocked by how long its tail was!)

Apparently, people rarely eat spotted eagle rays because their flesh is of poor quality; however, the shark, its primary predator, appears not to be so picky!

Reluctantly, we left the spotted eagle ray and drift snorkeled back to shore. Dragging the kayaks onto the land, we were met with the succulent aroma of barbecuing meat. Groaning with hunger, I jokingly asked Uncle Francis if he always faced this torture when he washed down his equipment at the spigots located next to the barbecue pit. Soon, we were loading everything back into our vehicles to head for home. As we packed the last of our belongings, a couple of the Chamorro men from the barbecue pit approached us with a huge plastic storage tub filled with freshly barbecued chicken. "Here," they warmly declared, "we want to share with you. That's the way we do things around here." Once again, our family was deeply impressed with this beautiful aspect of Chamorro culture. And, let me tell you, that chicken was finger-lickin' good! :-)

Thanks to God for the wonder of His creation, and to Uncle Francis who gave of himself to provide us with a spectacular and refreshing time. :-)

2010-11-10T21:05:00.000-08:00

Announcing the PIES Preaching Conference!

Seminary Christmas Shopping

2010-10-28T22:58:00.000-07:00

    Some of you moaned when you read the phrase, "Christmas Shopping," because, truth be told, you're nowhere near being ready. I hate to pop your bubble, but as I write, the big event is only 57 days away. Wait! You still have time to read this blog before you rush out the door in a state of complete panic. In fact, this article will help you. After you're done with it, you need only follow a few simple directions and you can click things right off your list. You don't even have to leave the comfort of your chair, much less the comfort of your home. So nestle down and listen to my Christmas tale.
     Our part-time theology professor, Jim Sawyer, has made some arrangements that will allow you to add Pacific Islands Evangelical Seminary (PIES) to your Christmas list. Through Jim's ministry, Sacred Saga (www.sacredsaga.com), he put on his Santa suit and created an Amazon wish list with scores of books we need to add to the library of Pacific Islands University (PIU), our home institution. PIES was begun under PIU in 2008 with Eric as its founding dean. It is now one of the most unique seminaries in the world, and the only one of its kind in the Western Pacific. Our students come from all over Micronesia, the Pacific Rim, and the US. We even have a student from Bangledesh and another from mainland China. It is truly an amazing and diverse community of students pursuing the Master of Arts degree. However, since we are new and small, and all of our students barely scrape by, we always face a set of challenges. For instance, we share a library with PIU that was designed to serve undergraduates only. We really need more master's level books. So, when Dr. Sawyer came up with the idea, Dr. Sorenson created the wish list, and it's now posted on Amazon (www.amazon.com). With a few simple clicks of your mouse button, you can send our seminary a gift book (or CD Rom) ranging in price from $14.95 to $500. It will be shipped directly to our school, and we will add it to the collection with a great big spirit of Christmas joy!
    It really is simple: Click on www.amazon.com and find "wish list" in gold letters toward the top at the right side of your screen. It will take you to another screen with an option called, "find someone's list." All you need to do is type in Pacific Islands Evangelical Seminary, and our list will pop up before your wondering eyes. Then, shop till you drop . . . a gift in the mail, that is. All that's required is your credit card and the Amazon elves happily fire it our direction. Anything you can do will be greatly appreciated by our students, and add more joy to the season!

Lessons for Coaching in Micronesia

2010-10-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

Pacific Islands University has a men's basketball league, but no leagues for women. Observing how much the women at PIU enjoy playing volleyball, I decided to put together and coach a PIU women's volleyball team, and I am currently organizing a league. I have coached several different volleyball teams over the years, but coaching this Micronesian college team has been quite a challenge! Here are some lessons I have learned along the way:

1) Gently substitute the players' cherished island skirts with men's basketball shorts. Be sure the shorts are long enough to cover the players knees so that you don't offend cultural sensibilities.

2) Search high and low for enough athletic shoes for each player to borrow since flip flops are worn for all occasions, including volleyball games (yes, with the skirts).

3) Convince the players to keep their athletic shoes on. Wearing athletic shoes is a requirement in most gyms and certainly in schools, so save yourself the embarrassment of looking out and finding that a quarter of the players have discreetly removed their shoes at some point during the game! Stubbornly resist the repeated request, "Can't we just go bare foot or wear our zorries (flip flops)?"

4) Be prepared for the ensuing shock, horror, and perhaps mutiny, when you announce that actual physical exercise will be required.

5) Maintain absolute control as complete hysteria breaks out amongst players at the spectacle of their fellow teammates actually doing the required conditioning exercises, such as high knee sprints, side shuffles, blocking at the net, etc. From a coach's perspective, because Micronesian women have no prior exercise experience, the execution of the conditioning requirements is rather entertaining.

Note: At all costs, do not even crack a smile when a player asks to turn off the court lights so she can run her laps in the dark without being seen! (actual incident)

6) Convince the players to really take the game seriously and be competitive.

Do not come unglued when during an intense game, an exhausted player queries, "Can't we just play for fun?" (another actual incident)

7 Don't give up just because your players are shouting encouragement to the opposing team's server during the most critical points of the game. (another actual incident). Continue to promote the concept of taking the game seriously and being competitive. (Did I already mention this?)

Despite the challenges of coaching this team, I (Karyn) am excited to use volleyball as an avenue to bring about healthy growth in PIU students. Our team is in desperate need of volleyballs, a ball cart, and some other supplies. If you are interested in helping us meet this need, please contact me. Thank you!

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles--Well, Not Exactly!

2010-09-25T04:09:00.000-07:00

The island of Kuttu in the distance

On the shores of the Mortlocks

I recently stumbled upon some pictures one of our students had posted on Facebook and was immediately captivated. The pictures begin at a going-away party that friends threw for two of our students from Pacific Islands University who were leaving their home island to return to PIU for the fall semester. You need to know that these students are from a very small island of about 300 people located in the Mortlocks out on the distant fringes of Micronesia. The pictures chronicle the going-away party and then the student's departure. I went to this particular student and asked for more information, and here is what I learned:

For the going away party, a cousin gave them two dogs to serve as the main course. The dead dogs were wrapped in a banana leaf and placed in a shallow fire pit to cook. After many hours, the partially cooked dogs were removed from the fire and gutted. Apparently, it is easier to gut the dogs after they have been partially cooked. The dogs were then returned to the fire pit until they were completely cooked through.

Friends then gathered to eat the special food. Notice the house in which these women are eating. I was informed that this house is the home of at least seven family members.

Taro Field

Taro is grown throughout the island and is one of the main food staples. The bowl shows taro served with coconut milk.

Here are some of the beautiful inhabitants of the island of Kuttu in the Mortlocks.

The day after the going-away party, the two PIU students were taken by motor boat to a spot where a large boat was moored. The large boat cannot get very close to Kuttu because the water is so shallow they risk ripping a hole in the hull from the treacherous coral. It takes about ten minutes by motor boat to get from Kuttu to where the large boat is moored. The students must attempt to catch the large passenger boat which will take them to Weno, the capital of Chuuk, and the island where the air strip is located. They attempt to catch the large boat approximately one week prior to their scheduled airline departure because often the passenger boat is full. It will be several days before another passenger boat comes to their island, and there is no guarantee that it too will not be full. If there is room on the large boat, the students are charged about $15.00 per person, plus fees for each additional item they have with them. All told, they usually end up paying about $30.00. From that point, it is a two-day journey to the capital island of Weno. No food is served, so passengers must pack their own food if they want to eat. The passenger boat will be stuffed to overflowing with about 70 people, and it will make stops at multiple islands in route to Weno. There are no life boats or life vests on the boat, and the boat definitely would not pass any safety inspections or meet any safety regulations! To make matters worse, the boat is so loaded down with passengers and belongings, there is not enough space for anyone to fully lie down to sleep. Picture a craft, jammed with people attempting to sleep in a semi-sitting position.

When the students finally arrive in Weno, they will have arrived approximately one week prior to their plane's departure date. Knowing they will need housing and food for this week of waiting, the students will have radioed ahead to a relative to make these arrangements (there are no phones or electricity on Kuttu). Once they are finally aboard their flight, the students will fly 630 miles to the island of Guam arriving at awful hours in the morning (e.g. 3:00 a.m.). No problem, our vigilant Dean of Women will forfeit her sleep to pick them up and make sure they arrive safely on the campus. All told, this trip will cost them approximately $400.00 and will take approximately nine days from start to finish. They could swim here faster than that!

Students Dive In!

2010-09-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

Chasing a wild idea that is truly outside the box, PIU has begun a recreational scuba diving program to assist students in finding employment after graduation. Although our graduates earn a highly marketable degree from PIU, some students don’t want to teach or work in the government when they get back home. Even those who are called to ministry don’t really have a “voice” until they are nearly forty, and teachers could use the extra income, anyway. As a result, there has been an unfortunate “brain drain” out of Micronesia as locals migrate to Hawaii and the states for better employment. Since it is a stated desire of PIU to send quality Christian graduates back to their islands, staff have been dreaming up ideas to enable them. Out of the dreams comes the new dive program, featuring Eric as program coordinator (yes, he’s still Seminary Dean). Theoretically, by the end of the program (6 units), a student will be certified as a dive master, which qualifies him or her to become a professional dive guide in the world-famous waters of Micronesia. In fact, by spring, we should begin offering our new 18-unit minor degree in Outdoor Ministry with an emphasis in water recreation. Although our students grow up surrounded by the ocean and from it forage their food, they have never actually tried scuba diving (it’s usually for tourists). By the pictures you can see that now they have tried it! Guided by Fred Schmidt, our professional instructor, twelve students experienced breathing air underwater for the very first time. From this fledgling group, we hope to have our first certified scuba divers by mid October. Eric is especially excited by the enthusiasm for our program that Micronesian dive resort owners have shown. Nearly to the last one, they are thrilled to have a pool of real-life Micronesian dive guides, not the variety imported from Europe for a hefty fee. Some ideas are simply outside the box; this one is so far outside, it’s in the water!

Back on Island

2010-09-05T17:56:00.000-07:00

Bright-eyed and bushy tailed, I (Karyn) have been waking between 3 and 4 a.m. for the last few days because my inner time clock is still on Pacific Standard Time. Outside of wanting to hit the hay by 5:00 p.m. Guam time, and being surprised by the dreadful heat (you'd think I'd remember after three years!), I'm thrilled to be back on Guam.

My first morning back, our family went to Pacific Islands University to join the students and staff for chapel. What a joy to see returning students and meet new ones. After chapel, we rushed back home so I could continue home schooling our girls. Saturday morning we headed for the soccer field for a tournament hosted by FIFA. The two-hour kids' tournament was free and included lunch. This is one thing we particularly like about Guam. MANY events are free or very low-cost. It's a nice reprieve from the never-ending financial demands we're accustomed to in the San Francisco Bay Area. At the soccer field, I immediately jumped in to help at the registration table. I love that we have established relationships with the community and therefore we are trusted and our help is readily accepted. It may seem trivial, but I was so happy to be able to show the love of Christ even in this small way. By the time the tournament was over, I was feeling sick from the heat. I guess I'll need to readjust not only my inner time clock, but my body's thermostat.

This morning we were back worshipping with our precious island church. I kept forgetting to greet our Chamorro friends with the proper custom of a kiss-sound on the cheek, and instead, kept giving American-style hugs; otherwise, it was great to be back.

Noelle with some teammates

It is definitely not an understatement to say that we are excited about this coming 2010/2011 school year. Eric will be teaching undergraduate Church History, as well as Church History and Theological Research Methods for the seminary, which he continues to lead as Seminary Dean. During the fall semester, I will be focusing on providing counseling, coaching the PIU women's volleyball team, and, of course, home schooling our two middle-school-age children.

9-1/2 Weeks Later

2010-08-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long delay in posting. Following a whirlwind 9-1/2 week ministry tour, we were taken by surprise by how wiped out we were when it ended! The last two weeks of the tour were especially harried as we spent so much time on the road having driven as far as Salado, Texas. One day we spent 17 actual hours on the road (this included being stopped by border patrol). After sending the students off at the LA airport on the 17th of July, Karyn and I crashed! We spent a lot of time sleeping and have since then made a concerted effort to spend as much time as possible with our precious families who we see so seldom.

Besides the amazing ministry we experienced in those 9-1/2 weeks, the relationships that were formed between staff and students was a highlight not only for us, but was overwhelmingly stated as a highlight by the students when they wrote their end-of-the-trip evaluations.

Another never-to-be-forgotten highlight was the day the students spent at Disneyland. What an amazing gift this was for our students and all because several people decided they wanted to contribute financially to make this a possibility. The "Smilebox" below captures a smidgen of the profound joy this brought to the Voices of Micronesia.

Closer to the Finish Line

2010-07-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

Nine-and-a-half weeks is pretty long for a "choir" tour. I say that at just over six weeks. We're still in California, still pushing forward, getting a bit fatigued, but still looking at a really hot drive across to Texas early next week. So many things have happened that I can't possibly recount them. God continues to provide our funds, our safety, our health, and our sanity (seriously). We cherish your prayers! We spent the better part of June in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a brief trip up the Foothills and a stop in Fresno on our way to San Diego. It's gloomy here, but a relief from the 104 in Fresno and something we'll long for again as we drive through Arizona and into Texas. Some pictorial highlights from our last few venues.

After receiving continual requests for a CD, we recorded one, thanks to a friend, but have a very limited supply.

Perhaps our most unique venue was performing for street people in San Francisco's Tenderloin district. Though a little hesitant at first, the students presented the gospel with characteristic energy and were very well received.

All on his own, Charles stepped up to the plate and prayed for the needy under the prayer tent. The experience for our students may have been as transformative as it was for the visitors.

Pick up basketball on the "streets of San Francisco." Yes, our guys won.

A kayak break in Placerville. Thanks to our friend, Bob Emrich, for supplying some fun for the day!

Meyou discovers that the north fork of the American River isn't quite as warm as the waters of Micronesia. She has second thoughts about taking a swim.

Back in San Francisco, singing for some college students at a bonfire along Ocean Beach. Yes, this is the way it feels on the other side of the Pacific!

The Fun Continues

2010-06-15T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a pictorial journal of some of the fun we've been having with our students. Our delay in blogging has come from having only intermittent email access. When we finally get to it, we've got so many emails coming in from churches we are heading to, that we don't get to our blog. So, here's what's been going on:

Having a jam session with a bluegrass band in Susanville. They'd never seen a slide guitar before, but loved it!

Karyn teaching some of the girls to dive while in Santa Cruz.

On TV in Santa Cruz!

A successful pig hunt in Castro Valley. Our students love pork, but their pigs live in pens, not up in the hills. They hadn't counted on hauling out a 250 pound animal from a ravine! Congratulations Keiny and Leeman!

Still singing strong with about four weeks to go. We appreciate all of your prayers and support.

The Journey Continues

2010-05-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

Since we last left off, we've hit the road hard. The trip has been awesome, even though it took four hours to get from one end of LA county to the other, and eight to get from Castro Valley to Susanville (road work and snow all over Donner Pass). We were blessed to share in the main service of Ocean Hills Covenant Church in Santa Barbara, and then to the spend the afternoon at the beautiful home of Russ and June Michaelson. We were off next to San Luis Obispo for a special presentation at a community center, hosted by Eric's parents. There was really no way to predict the turnout, but 75 people showed up from a couple of local churches and lots of people from the neighborhood. The response has always been the same: "If we had known how good this would be we would have invited everyone we know." Following those comments there is usually an inquiry into the rest of our itinerary so they can encourage all of their friends and family to show up. The pictures show the rest of the story:

Performing for a small group out by a backyard pool in La Mirada. Commenting on LA's constantly overlapping and intersecting freeways, one student very seriously said it feels like riding on a roller coaster.

Eric is learning the traditional Chuukese stick dance because one of our guys has to leave mid-way through the tour! Protective lenses required . . . .

Even though it's pretty cold (from a Micronesian perspective), our students always plant themselves under a tree in the shade. One of our students very seriously expressed concern that her "lips are falling off" in the cold. She had never before experienced chapped lips and dry skin.

We took a detour to the colder side of the Pacific at Montana de Oro on the central California coast. They had never before seen seals. One student, after I explained that seals spend their day sleeping then eating fish, sleeping, then eating fish, etc., opined that seals must be Micronesian.

Hanging out at the tide pools of Montana de Oro.

Unbelievably, though this is Memorial Day weekend, we took the students up to Lassen Volcanic Park and played in eight feet of fresh snow as it continued to fall on our heads. This must have been specially arranged by Someone who knew our students had never before seen snow!

Fortunately, Ceci was outfitted . . . .

Voices of Micronesia 2010 Itinerary

2010-05-17T20:47:00.001-07:00

Itinerary for Voices of Micronesia Summer 2010

May 12 Arrive LA early am, settle into host homes

May 14 First Baptist West Los Angeles

May 16 Grace Evangelical Church, La Mirada, CA.

9 &11am - Sunday Morning Services (?) and/or Junior Worship

Grace EV Free

5-6pm - Visiting Grace Groups

May 23 Ocean Hills Covenant Church, Santa Barbara, CA

Sunday morning services—30 minute concerts

May 24 7:00 p.m. San Luis Obispo, CA, Laguna Lake Mobile Estates Club House(On the left side of Perfumo Canyon there are two entrances to Laguna Lake Mobile Estates; be sure to take the second entrance which is Hedley Drive. Follow Hedley and the clubhouse will be on your right on the corner of Carolyn Dr. and Hedley.
May 28 - 30 Susanville, CA (Southern Baptist Association is also participating in this)

May 30 Palauan Service, First Baptist Church, Susanville, CA

June 1 Shasta Community Church, Redding, CA

June 2 1 hour evening concert, Glenburn Community Church, Glenburn, CA

June 4 Baymonte School (several performances)

June 6 Morning: Gateway Church, Santa Cruz, CA

June 8 Noon: Neighborhood Church Ladies luncheon

June 9 Neighborhood Church, Castro Valley, CA “Omega” (youth group

June 10 7:00 p.m. Central Peninsula Church’s college students kick-off meeting BBQ and fellowship

June 11 7:00 p.m. concert at Foothill Covenant, Los Altos, CA

June 13 Central Peninsula Church, Foster City Campus, CA

10 min presentation at 9 and 11am services. BBQ and full 1 hour performance after the last service.

June 13 Evening concert at Hessel Church, Sebastopol, CA

June 15 500 children at VBS at East Bay Fellowship in Danville, CA
June 16 Gold Country Baptist, Shingle Springs, CA

Youth meeting

June 17 Camino Community Church, Shingle Springs, CA

Evening concert

June 18 7:00 p.m. Gold Country Baptist, Shingle Springs, CA

Missions meeting

June 19 11:00 a.m. Antioch Seventh Day Adventist Church, Antioch, CA

June 20 Hillside Covenant Church, Walnut Creek, CA

30 min. performance at 9:30 and 11am services

June 21 7:30 Eric and Karyn speaking at Mark and Cathy Burket's home in San Carlos

June 23 Crossroads Covenant Church, 5353 Concord Blvd, Concord CA

6:00 p.m: One hour performance

June 24: 7:00 p.m. First Christian Church, 2115 Pleasant Hill Road, Pleasant Hill, CA
6:00 p.m. Dinner--RSVP required (Guest Chef, Gerry DeGuzman, will be serving: Chicken Adobo, Buttered Corn Kernel andCarrots, Steamed White Rice and Strawberry Filled White Cake). Donation-$5.00 per person; $12.00 per family; high school students: $3.00)

Please RSVP to Jo Alvarez so that they can get an accurate headcount for dinner: jndalvarez5@yahoo.com.

June 27 Central Peninsula Church, Milbrae Campus, CA

10 min. performance at 11am service; full performance at lunch hosted by the church at 12:45

7pm Biola Congregational Church and Kerman Covenant Church, Fresno, CA

July 1-5 Youth Sports Ministry, Point Loma University, San Diego, CA

July 7-9 Killeen/Salado, TX

July 11 Redeemer Bible Church, Dallas, TX

July 13-16 Looking for opportunities to perform in TX, AZ and SoCal.

July 17 Return flight LAX to Guam

The Tour Begins!

2010-05-15T16:56:00.000-07:00

Well, we're in California! Our students arrived Wednesday, May 12, and were immediately awe-struck by the massiveness of LA (actually, we are too!) This is the first of our blog posts documenting our odyssey. Because our access to wireless is inconsistent, our ongoing documentary will be largely visual, sprinkled with brief written comments. So, here's our first installment . . . thanks for your prayers as we get underway.

Jet-lagged after a 15 hour flight . . . .

So cold, students donned socks with their flip-flops. Leeman is overheard saying, "It feels like we're walking in a refrigerator." It's in the mid-70's here . . . .

Rehearsing all day, culminating in a trip to Old Navy. When the store wasn't where we were told, one student commented, "Is that the only one on island - oops, I mean, in the State?" Needless to say, there was an Old Navy down the street. That night they wondered where the stars were when they looked up. "Uh, this is LA . . . ."

Taking a tour of BIOLA . . . the tour guides were dumb-struck after our students broke out a ukulele and blessed them with a Micronesian-style song. The students were dumb-struck in return when told BIOLA is not a large college . . . Neither could they believe that our hometown is some 350 miles away and still in the same state!

Our very first performance at an AWANA club in LA . . . Here is Grace teaching the kids a favorite PIU song. The kids were transfixed by a most excellent presentation by the Voices of Micronesia - off to a great start!

The children were absolutely mesmerized by a rendition of a Chuukese stick dance. Actually, it's a Christian adaptation of an ancient war dance, now redeemed for Christ! And to think, we've only just begun!

Voices of Micronesia

2010-05-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

Although there really is no good excuse for a month of silence, even a humble explanation may be more palatable when presented through the medium of visual arts, aided by the marvels of modern technology in the capable hands of students who understand it. You know the old adage, "A picture is worth a thousand words." So here you'll see what has so preoccupied us over the last month: tuning up the Voices of Micronesia, coming to a place near you this summer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYApk6PXmy8

PIU Days!

2010-04-05T05:05:00.000-07:00

The first ever PIU Days were held just before Easter break this year. Actually, this event has been celebrated for decades, but in years past the activity was known as "PIBC Days." Names change, and times change, but the fun does not! Three teams, named after the Greek words for Discipline, Witness, and Perseverance, competed in games, performances, team spirit, and a fellowship night. It was great to see everyone relax and laugh so hard that one couldn't tell if us white folk were red from sunburn or red from laughter (usually both). Our family was assigned to the Witness team wearing red in the pictures. Enjoy the slideshow.

Seven Students, Seven Cultures

2010-03-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

Our work in Guam has a way of reminding me of the great multitude in Revelation 7.9, "from all tribes and peoples and tongues" who are before the throne worshiping the Lamb. The reason for that is simply that our ministry here is entirely cross-cultural. Even though our staff is only now showing signs of diversity, the student body is a panoply of cultures, and our church is another variegated tapestry of peoples.

I guess using "culture" to describe someone's background is a bit slippery, but it's more descriptive than simply identifying what country someone is from. For instance, even if you tell me you're from the US, I still don't know what your cultural background is. So, when I decided to share with you about my current seminary class, I quickly realized it's not enough to tell you that I have seven students from five different countries because the three who are from the same "country" are from completely different cultures within that country. It's really more descriptive to tell you that I have seven students from seven cultures. So, on Tuesday nights, I sit in front of a Chinese, a Chuukese, a Filipina, a Bangladeshi, and three Americans. It's the three Americans who really represent three different cultures. One is a local with Chamorro roots, a culture unique unto its own. Another is Caucasian from Alabama, and the third is of Spanish extraction, raised in a New Mexico town settled by the Spanish in the 1600s. Thus, though he is American, his first language and culture are Spanish, but not South American Spanish! Now, just imagine the dialog we have in class. It is rich as each accented word is shared out of his or her own culture. Categorically, I no longer assume that my cultural experiences relate to others' experiences, which has a distinct way of affecting the application of the theology we study. In a recent seminary class conversation about burnout rates among pastors, I came in assuming that one reason for the burnout is based on pastor's having more people to care for than is humanly possible. I guess I had thought it was a universal problem, until one student explained that in his culture this is not the case because a church of 50 people may have fifteen pastors! Here, it is not trite to say that I learn as much from my students as they do from me.

Sound interesting? Come out and join us! Seriously. We are in immediate need of undergraduate teachers, especially in the areas of general education. We are looking to establish our budding counseling center with professional counselors (even those working toward licensure); and of course, we need doctoral level seminary professors. The world is becoming cross-cultural, so get in on the trend and join us at PIU!

Divinely-Orchestrated Trial

2010-03-03T17:19:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, Eric bought me the study Bible I have been wanting for quite some time. Filled with maps, illustrations, explanatory notes, historical settings, key themes, literary features, and detailed outlines, I am having a blast! No longer do I puzzle over obscure meanings or try to remember the English equivalent of a cubit, I simply look in my handy-dandy ESV Study Bible! Well, this morning I read in Matthew 11 that when John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of Jesus, he sent his followers to Jesus to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" What?! Are you kidding me?! Isn't this the same guy who eight chapters back in Matthew 3 said he wasn't worthy to baptize Jesus? Isn't this the same fellow who saw the heavens open and the Spirit of God descend like a dove to rest on Jesus? Isn't this the same bloke who heard a voice FROM HEAVEN saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased?" Why the confusion? How much proof does a person need?! Enter my wonderful, handy-dandy study Bible!  Hmmmmmm . . . what do the "experts" say about this? Apparently, poor John the Baptist starts to wonder if he's missed something. You see, he was under the impression that if he were a repentant follower of Jesus, he would receive blessings; it was the unrepentant who would receive judgment. Tragically, John the Baptist was wasting away in prison, awaiting a beheading by Herod Antipas. Not quite the blessing he was expecting. I actually felt sorry for John.  This guy was really devoted to God. Wearing itchy clothing, eating locusts, and STILL he ends up without a head. Certainly not "fair."

This reminded me of some of the confusion I felt when a week ago I was awaiting results from a double biopsy. Would I be told I had terminal cancer?  Why would God "call" me to Guam and have me invest in an incredible ministry and then do this?  Even if I lived through it, it was quite inconvenient! After all, I was in the middle of teaching a college class and now I was packing my bags for California!  This turn of events definitely took me and my prior record of perfect health by surprise.

But, I have to say, going through this horrible event has been one of the greatest blessings I have ever experienced. I don't think it is possible to articulate the amazing way I have felt God's presence walking with me every step of the way. In the midst of the human terror of knowing I may be told I only have weeks to live, I concurrently experienced a supernatural peace.  How can one explain having such divergent feelings simultaneously? I watched as God provided for my physical needs in miraculous ways.  Rushing to the states on such short notice would normally have cost $1800 for an airline ticket, but a family who didn't even know me GAVE me a round-trip ticket (and it was business class to boot!). I IMMEDIATELY got an appointment with a top surgeon in California who generally has a long waiting list. Friends gave me money specifically to help cover the mounting medical expenses. I was stunned by the love and support I received from family and friends. I never realized the significant emotional and spiritual support system that surrounds me.

Throughout those frightening weeks of not knowing my fate, I ALWAYS felt the tender and powerful presence of my Savior. It was in His comforting presence that I found the security to face my mortality and all aspects of my life, although it was anything but fun. I analyzed how I use my time, where I invest my energy, and what's important to me. I didn't like everything I saw. I was saddened that I hadn't accomplished more. I wished I could be more like what people expected me to be. I grieved my inadequacies and earthly insignificance until, finally, weeping on the phone with my mom I sobbed, "Isn't it enough to just love people? Can't my ministry simply be to try to express the love of Christ to everyone I meet?" And, that's really the end of the story. I am infinitely grateful that my biopsies were benign. I am infinitely more grateful that as a result of going through this ordeal, I am confident of God's call on my life. My calling is not to be a renowned professor, a brilliant psychotherapist, a famous author, or a pioneering missionary. My call is to love the Lord my God with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is my full-time job, and I learned this with force during my divinely-orchestrated trial.

Cancer?!

2010-02-15T00:26:00.000-08:00

February 2: (Written after receiving the reports that both the mammogram and ultra sound confirmed a solid 2.5 cm mass as well as enlarged ducts.) Apparently, this could mean I have cancer. It's really a bummer! (What a dumb thing to say--duh!) One of the things I most resent is now that I have this information, it's like, no matter where I go, there is this intrusive, unwanted guest (the knowledge) tagging along. The "unwanted guest" has invaded every space and is no respecter of privacy. I try to have devotions; the "unwanted guest" pushes in. I try to play volleyball; here comes the "unwanted guest." I try to sleep; the "unwanted guest" lurks. It's really quite tiring! It appears that no area of my life is off-limits to the "unwanted guest."

Sorry to disappoint, but I won't be one of those stoic Christians who somehow goes through illness or loss with utter confidence and calm. Personally, I think this whole situation really stinks. However, it is amazing that in the midst of the intrusive "unwanted guest," I ALWAYS feel the still and calm presence of my best friend, Jesus Christ. This doesn't mean that I always feel still and calm--far from it! But, it's pretty cool, that no matter how hard the winds blow or the waves roar, my anchor never budges--not even a fraction of an inch! It's also cool that I can cry, be scared, feel frustrated trying to make medical decisions with inadequate knowledge or experience, feel disappointed, and an array of other emotions and be completely accepted by God. I mean, seriously, God is so not surprised by my response. I take great comfort in the tremendous emotions Jesus expressed the night before his death. He is the creator of humans and certainly understands a human's natural response to suffering and loss. It's amazing how much peace comes from experiencing this unconditional love. NOTHING compares.

So, yes, I'm bummed. This certainly wouldn't have been the course I would have chosen for myself. And yet, I do have a deep sense that nothing will happen to me that is outside God's plan for my life. No matter how rough the water, no matter how obnoxious the "unwanted guest," no matter how painful the procedures, I am "safe." I KNOW God is good. He is my refuge.

February 13: (Given the medical reports, a decision was quickly made that I should return to CA for further testing and treatment) As I held my girls in my arms waiting to check my baggage at the Guam airport, I suddenly heard the familiar harmonic voices of Micronesians. Strolling towards me, smiling shyly and strumming a guitar, came a dozen PIU students. They were singing a special song we sing at PIU, We Are One Big Happy Family. Of course, the tears began to flow down my cheeks. I teased the students that they had ruined my make-up and thus my chance of flying business class. Since I was flying on a buddy pass (a stand-by discount ticket acquired from someone who works for the airlines), I was told that I could be bumped into business class provided my appearance was attractive. (You better believe I gussied up!) After serenading me with several songs, the students gathered around me and one of our students prayed for me. It was amazing how loved I felt. The young man who prayed had only recently become a Christian. He has an inspiring story evidencing God's transforming power. This made his prayer especially meaningful to me and served as an affirmation of our ministry at PIU. I had been so nervous that I would fall apart at the airport and yet I knew how critical it was that I hold it together for the sake of our two young daughters. This surprise send-off was just the diversion I needed. It completely changed the tenor of my departure.

My next hurdle was going to be holding it together once I was alone on the plane. Two things happened to ease this transition. The first is spelled B-U-S-I-N-E-S-S class! The couple of times we've had the luxury to fly home to California, we've had to secure the least expensive tickets (always well over $1000), and from the time we step foot in Guam's airport until we arrive in San Francisco's airport, approximately 30 hours have passed. Yes, 30 miserable hours of long layovers in Japan followed by knees jammed into the seat in front of us and seat backs laying in our tray table. Makes me shudder just thinking about it! I cannot begin to convey the unbelievable difference flying business class makes (equivalent to first-class on international flights). In spite of luxuriating in my business class seat, soon I began to feel my emotions pushing to the surface. I certainly didn't want to make a scene while I sipped my orange juice served in a real GLASS with my legs fully extended and resting peacefully on an ottoman. It was at this point that I remembered the gift bag the students had given me. I grasped at the gift bag stowed under the seat "miles" in front of me. Immediately, as I read the dozens of notes in the bag written to me from PIU students, I was enveloped in the love and security found only in Christ. These notes were filled with love, support, and best of all, Scriptures students had chosen to encourage me. It was amazing the strength and joy I found in God's word. Several of them had written, "Don't forget God's cell phone number: Psalm 50:15." Curious, while on a short layover in snowy Tokyo, I flipped open my pocket Bible and read: "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." I have no doubt God will do his part. He has shown himself to be faithful and true time and again. My prayer is that as I walk this particular rough stretch, that I might honor Him.

A Chain of Connections

2010-02-07T00:50:00.000-08:00

When first we set our eyes toward this western horizon, Cathy, a close college friend, put us in touch with the pastor of her church. Actually, Eric had met Mark Mitchell years before, and had even preached at Central Peninnsula Church (CPC) in its early days. This thriving church, in the shadow of San Francisco (a miracle in itself), felt very much led to support international ministries focused on leadership development. One thing lead to another, and they have become a key player in sustaining our ministry among Micronesians. We were thrilled then, when Rob Hall, pastor of their Milbrae sattellite church, contacted us to announce that three of their pastors were heading to the Philippines to lead a pastors' seminar and they would love to stop by Guam. "Stop by Guam?," Eric inquired. "Nobody 'stops by' Guam!" Sure enough, last Sunday at 11.55 p.m., Senior pastor, Mark Mitchell, CPC Milbrae pastor, Rob Hall, and young adults pastor, Justin Buzzard, "dropped by."

Eric swung by Day's Inn the next morning and picked up the three travelers for a brief hike and snorkel adventure (Hey, someone had to do it!). After suffering floating around in the warm turquoiuse waters of the Philippine Sea, the team headed back for a quick shower and then to lunch with Karyn, PIU president, Dave Owen, and Steve Stinnette, VP of Advancement. After a quick coffee fix, the campus tour followed, complete with a visit from a brown tree snake who plopped to the ground, stunned, after a couple student's climbed up for coconuts (special thanks to our late friend, the snake, for adding an unusal "twist" to the day's events). The day was rounded off with dinner at the scenic home of Drs. Bill and Christel Wood, with six of our brilliant students. They sang for the three from CPC, and joined us for a couple of hours of casual conversation. A quick trip back to the hotel closed out a busy day. After all, the guys from CPC were off to the Philippines at 4 the following morning!

As missionaries, we've learned that's the way these things work. Someone puts us into connection with someone else, who leads us to someone else, who . . . and the last link is the key relationship God has in store. Obviously the chain of connections continue, because now we're exploring how CPC might get more fully involved in the ever-expanding work of Pacific Islands University.
Perhaps you know someone who might know someone who may just know someone God has in store to be a key player in our work in Micronesia. Let us know, we'd love to follow the chain of connections! To check out CPC, go to http://www.cpcfc.org/.

Guam Through a Ten-Year-Old's Eyes

2010-01-15T21:26:00.000-08:00

Our daughter, Noelle, received a traveling journal from a student in Hawaii. Her instructions were to write about the area where she lives and to send it on to the next person on the list (a student from Japan). We thought our readers would enjoy reading some interesting facts about Micronesia from Noelle's perspective.

Hafa Adai (Hi)!

My name is Noelle Sorenson, I am ten years old and I'm in 5th grade. I am homeschooled. My parents are missionary professors in Guam (a U.S. territory) where they work at a college that is mostly for Micronesians. Micronesians are people who live among the 2000 islands above the equator, north of Australia. Although the islands in that area are very tiny, the area itself is huge. It is the same size as the continental U.S! I have two cats named TJ and Tasi (pronounced "Tossee") which means "ocean" in Chamorro. Chamorro is the language of the native people of Guam. Mostly people speak English here; however, the older people will speak Chamorro to each other.

My favorite sport is soccer, but I like all sports, except baseball. I'm not the kind of person who sits around and does nothing. I would rather go outside and climb a palm tree! I love swimming in the ocean ,which has an average water temperature of 80 degrees (compared to Hawaii's average water temp of 75). Guam has a reef that nearly surrounds the island. Our family loves to snorkel along the reef where there are almost 900 species of fish (Hawaii has about 600 species in their reef system, and Palau has over 1300!). It is especially exciting when we see a beautiful lion fish which is one of the most poisonous fish in the world. Guam is 210 miles south-west of the Mariana Trench which is 36,201 feet deep. The Trench is the deepest part of the ocean and the deepest place on Earth. When I studied oceans in homeschool, I studied some of the amazing creatures that live in the deep oceans. They are very strange-looking and fun to study. Here is some other interesting information about the Mariana Trench:

The deepest point of the Mariana Trench is called The Challenger Deep, so named after the British exploration vessel HMS Challenger II, and it is located 210 miles south-west of Guam. This depth was reached in 1960 by the Trieste, a manned submersible owned by the U.S. Navy.

In order to better illustrate the actual depth of the Mariana Trench, consider the following; if Mount Everest, which is the tallest point on earth at 8,850 meters (29,035 feet), were set in the Mariana Trench, there would still be 2,183 meters (7,166 feet) of water left above it. http://www.marianatrench.com/mariana_trench-oceanography.htm

Guam is a rain forest and so we get a LOT of rain. On average, we get 96" of rain a year (compared to Honolulu's average of 28.41"). It is always hot and humid here because we are only 13 degrees away from the equator. This also means that the sun goes down very early (around 6:00 p.m.). Last week we had to put up our typhoon shutters because we were told a typhoon was coming. Guam is located in what is called, "Typhoon Alley." It is common for our island to be threatened by tropical storms and typhoons. Because of the typhoons and severe weather, most of the houses on Guam are made out of solid concrete. Even the roofs are made of concrete! They are more like military bunkers than houses. Even the telephone poles are made of cement and steel because normal telephone poles will snap during typhoons. One typhoon that came here a few years ago had winds of 236 miles per hour.

During World War II, Guam was captured by the Japanese and the native people experienced forced labor, family separation, execution, concentration camps, and other horrible things. On July 21, 1944, the United States military fought the Battle of Guam and recaptured the island from the Japanese. Every July 21 we have a huge parade with lots of fiestas (parties with huge amounts of food) and fireworks at night. It's a very fun day. But, without a doubt, my favorite thing about living on Guam is the incredible ocean.

Like Scrooge, Visited by the Spirit

2009-12-20T20:35:00.000-08:00

We'd had a busy semester and I was looking forward to finally being together as a family (minus our two sons who are in college) for a relaxed Christmas day full of family traditions. I'd put off buying much in the way of gifts because I always felt overwhelmed/discouraged when I'd walk into the stores. Then, just like Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, I felt like I was led by "the Spirit" to see/experience two events that have completely altered the way I will "do" Christmas this year.

First, we went to the college to pick up our mail. Scattered around the campus, like shattered pieces of glass, sat students unable to get back to their islands. They had requested to stay on-campus and do facility maintenance to earn a few extra bucks which will be spent on their favorite affordable food: Top Ramon, raw fish, and various canned meats (Spam being their first preference). When asked what they would do on Christmas Day, they indicated no plans--just hanging out on the all-but-deserted Pacific Islands University campus. Now, you need to know that personal gift-giving is not part of their routine Christmas celebration. They have little cash, and there aren't really stores, as we know them, on most of their islands. However, one thing that is a very important part of their tradition is the gathering of the community for a Christmas celebration with lots of local food taking center stage. Everyone brings their best food to share. It broke my heart to picture these students "stranded" on campus, isolated from their family and homeland, eating dry packages of Top Ramon with Kool-Aid powder added as a special treat.

The second thing that grabbed me was an article in Guam's paper, the PDN. The summary read as follows: "The U.S. Air Force is parachuting about 10 tons of donated items to Pacific islanders throughout Micronesia during the 58th annual Operation Christmas Drop this week. Operation Christmas Drop is the longest running organized air drop in the world and one of the largest charity efforts in the Pacific."

I went to their site: http://www.christmasdrop.com/ and enjoyed wonderful pictures depicting both the process of getting the boxes to the islanders and also life on these remote islands. (I have copied and pasted below a collage of the more poignant pictures.) Having been to some of these remote islands in Chuuk myself, I could totally visualize the excitement of the military personnel in the plane as they fly over what appears to be an endless ocean, when suddenly, the far-off-shape of a green atoll rimmed in white surrounded by crystal clear turquoise water appears on the horizon. As the plane would hone in on one of these remote islands, the personnel would be desperately scouting for the location the natives have chosen for a drop zone. With no telephones or advanced equipment, finding the drop zone can be like finding Waldo! A drop zone can be as simple as a red sheet draped over a tree near the edge of the sea. Several small fishing boats huddle off-shore, waiting to snag the boxes from the tropical waters.

This year alone, Operation Christmas Drop brought tools, medical supplies, food, and gifts to nearly 50 islands in the Pacific. As I read the names of some of the islands receiving drops: Etol, Satowan, Moch, Oneop, etc., faces of our students hailing from these tiny islands appeared in my mind: beautiful faces, luminous eyes, gold-studded teeth, contagious smiles, musically gifted, having overcome impossible odds, and among some of the poorest people in the world. Having LITERALLY no income, these students have experienced life as subsistence farmers/fishermen. The pictures of the tin roofed shacks, schools nearly devoid of supplies, and the primitive attempts to catch rain for drinking water were striking reminders of the third-world conditions from which most of our students at PIU come. The photographs serve as a reality check to the extreme privilege in which we live. As eviscerated as the US economy seems, our housing, clean drinking water, medical care, excellent educational opportunities, and array of foods, demonstrate that we are more than blessed.

All of a sudden, the idea of a traditional Christmas surrounded by family seemed very hollow. This surprised me because I, like I'm guessing most of my American friends, treasure the precious, nearly sacred time spent with immediate family celebrating the birth of Christ. So, why is it that I am more excited about trying to get as many students into our home on Christmas and trying to figure out good gifts to give them than I have ever been about any Christmas past? (By the way, I'm thinking they would each LOVE a case of Top Ramon.) I think that for me, just like for Scrooge, the "Spirit" has "opened my eyes" to see what I have never really seen before. It is not a sacrifice to try to make our money stretch to include gifts for needy Micronesians. It is not a sacrifice to include these students in our Christmas Day traditions. Do you think Scrooge was bummed that "the spirit" had opened his eyes to the needs of those around him and the part that he could play to make a difference? Absolutely not! What excitement and joy we can experience when we respond to "the Spirit."

These pictures were taken from http://www.christmasdrop.com/.

Christmas Party at Our Place!

2009-12-16T18:43:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas party with some 15 of our students at our home last week. This is a visual blog: take a look at the pictures and you'll see the fun we had. The group consisted of our 2009/10 Traveling Team coming to a city near you this summer. At the end, you'll get a feel for the music we'll bring to the States with us this next summer. Enjoy.

Playing word games:

Daniel and Charles on the barbeque: What's a party in Micronesia without LOADS of food?

Featuring some of the 2009/2010 Traveling Team and some of their hosts:

Our students cracking up at our old photo albums (think Eric in short-shorts, circa 1983):

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the PIU Traveling Team! (Turn up your speakers)

Where's the Thanksgiving Fish?

2009-11-29T19:24:00.000-08:00

People occasionally ask us what we do when Thanksgiving comes around. Since we're only loosely connected to the States, some assume we don't celebrate it at all. Well, as you will behold in these photos, we do celebrate Thanksgiving, with all the trimmings! Yes, we even enjoy succulent turkey, stuffing, mash potatoes, and my (Eric's) personal favorite, sweet potatoes. So, at high noon, most of our faculty and staff, along with about half of our on-campus students, gathered in the large classroom to tables loaded with food. After singing and a little sharing, we feasted . . . and feasted . . . and feasted (and then went back for more dessert).

This year, I noticed that something was glaringly missing. A scan across the table, loaded with American fixings, revealed the absence of fish. No fish?! This is the first Thanksgiving in three that has not had fish. Sure, the boatload of obligatory rice was there, but no matching creatures of the sea. Now, I'm not the biggest fish fan, but I noticed how incomplete the table seemed to me. My first thought was, "Wow, I guess my idea about what comprises a traditional Thanksgiving meal has changed." My second thought was more intriguing. The meal, when complete with rice and fish, is actually more traditional than the way I've always conceived of it! The first Thanksgiving wasn't a bunch "English" consuming volumes of food in hushed isolation. It was a celebration with the local natives as an expression of thanks to God who had brought them through unbelievable hardship and irretrievable loss. You can't tell me there wasn't fish and probably (wild) rice at that first Thanksgiving. So, what did we do on Thanksgiving? We celebrate it, perhaps much more "traditionally" than you do in the States! Now for the leftovers . . . .

Chuukese on the Catwalk

2009-11-11T04:38:00.000-08:00

The atmosphere was electric with anticipation as the music thumped and a spotlight shone on the runway. Bouncers rigorously guarded the two locked doors to make sure spectators could supply the requisite proof that they had an invitation (aka, were female). What would be the 2009 fall fashion for Chuukese clothing? What surprises might be in store for the spectators who would watch lovely Chuukese models promenade down the catwalk? Well, OK, so I am glamorizing the event to some extent. But, what a great evening we had.

The idea of hosting a fashion show came about after I heard a PIU student extolling the beauty of "the latest" Chuukese skirts. I couldn't see what the fuss was about. At first glance, the skirts looked the same as they always had--same floral cut-outs, same tea-length, and same cotton or nylon fabric. As the students attempted to explain last year's fashion, the fashion of four years ago, and the latest fashion, I suggested we have a night where they could bring the skirts and actually demonstrate the differences for me. I also asked them to explain to me the rules around what they could wear and when. Well, one thing led to another, and eventually we decided we'd have a fashion show in the large classroom at PIU. I'd bring the dessert and drinks, and they'd do the rest. As seems to be consistently true of our Micronesian students, they amazed me with their creativity and ability to provide quality entertainment. Undoubtedly, the students more than took care of "the rest." They had arranged the chairs so there was a long runway proceeding from a set of double doors, they located some special colored spotlights, and hooked up a sound system so that the entire event was narrated by an emcee. Additionally, they had music coordinated throughout the entire show. Not only did they show the latest in Chuukese skirts, they paraded mu mus, "sports-wear," and traditional wear from the Chuuk State islands of Satawal, Puluwat, Faichuuk, Weno, and Bafeng. It was during the showing of traditional clothing that I understood the need for locked doors and attentive sentinels! (Think styles similar to what Adam and Eve would have worn!)

Below I have posted some select photos. I had to be quite discriminating because I didn't want to inadvertently expose a student's knee, a part of the body that most our students are not comfortable publicly revealing. Guess you should have been present to get the full showing! :-)

How Chuukese fashion-astute are you? Below is a picture of Chuukese skirts in various levels of fashionableness. Can you arrange them in order from least to most fashionable? (The answer is at the bottom of this article).

The picture below is what females wear while playing sports! It is a skirt (worn with an underskirt so as to ensure no chance of it being seen through). Then comes a t-shirt. Over the t-shirt is a skirt tucked into itself forming a type of "tube top." Just imagine how hot this must be! (Remember Chuuk is about 7 degrees above the equator and thus ALWAYS blistering hot.)

Mu mus are worn to church and all other formal events.

Skirts are "every day wear" and are worn while cleaning, fishing, playing sports, bathing, swimming, etc. They are considered casual--no matter how "fancy," and therefore not appropriate for church or special occasions.

Traditionally, and even now on many of the islands, women go topless. But, showing one's leg (Knee and above) is taboo! This picture is of a traditional skirt woven and currently worn for special events (e.g. an inauguration) on the island of Puluwat. (It felt like the heavy weaving found in Mexican serapes. Unfortunately, the student was unable to explain the materials used to make it). It is worn as a wrap around and, therefore, it must be very hot to wear. However, when you wear this skirt, you do not wear a top so perhaps that compensates?!

* Answer to the order of which skirts are most stylish: The most sylish are on the left, moving to the least stylish on the far right.

Hand-in-Hand

2009-11-01T19:20:00.000-08:00

Undoubtedly, there are some parts of Micronesian culture that are amazingly beautiful. They remind me of a time in American history when things were purer and far less pretentious. Specifically, I think the overt affection our students show to other same-sex students is precious. It is common to see same-sex students strolling arm-in-arm, or, as in the meeting I attended last night, three female students held hands for the better part of the meeting. During dorm devotions, I'll observe the women softly rubbing each other's backs or playing with each other's hair. The last time I did this type of thing was in first grade! And, the physical contact is not restricted just to women. I'll see the men ambling with their arms slung over each other's backs or with fingers interlocked as they meander along. Here, it is seen purely and readily embraced. Imagine the meaning these actions would have in the States! And, again, it is our loss. What a beautiful aspect of relationships that we Americans are missing out on.

Busy Fall

2009-10-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

Just finished an amazing Spiritual Emphasis Retreat at PIU. This year we were blessed to have a speaker, Matt Augee, from the States, who has extensive youth ministry experience. He was clearly able to connect with the students. In addition, Dan Fields, a professional photographer for the San Diego Chargers (as well as a surfing photographer and cultural photographer) came and dazzled everyone with his staggering ability to capture culture on film. You will not be disappointed if you go to his blog: danfieldsphotographyblog.com. Speaking of not being disappointed, one of our students just posted a great summary, complete with fantastic pictures of the retreat on his blog. As you read his blog, it is especially interesting because he writes from his Micronesian perspective and using English which is his second language: http://goodtestimony.blogspot.com/2009/10/thank-you-student-body.html

Two days later, the female staff at PIU hosted a "Mystery Dinner" for female students. The students were broken into five groups and sent to five different locations on campus. In each location there were three female staff and part of a meal. For instance, one group had popcorn and milkshakes. It was so cute to hear many students say they had never had a milkshake before and, "They taste pretty good!" I realized how much joy I felt in sharing this classic American drink with another culture. Another group had some side-dishes: rice with spam (an all-time favorite with the Micronesians) and a noodle dish. And, of course, one group had the main dishes. So, no one knew which course they would start their meal with and which course would finish their meal. After 15 minutes at each "station," the groups would rotate to another "station." As a new group entered, we asked each woman to introduce herself. The staff had been given a few suggested questions to ask the students (e.g. If you could meet anyone, who would it be, and why?). I decided it would be interesting to see if the students had any questions they wanted to ask us. And guess what? They definitely did, and each group asked the same question: "How did you and Eric meet?" Ha, ha! I guess girls everywhere are romantics!!

Dressed to the nines and sporting their new sunglasses!

Playing a silly game where you have to read a card and do what it says. For example: Elbow to forehead--but you have to hold the card there and not let it drop. This caused much hysterics!

"Peace, Be Still"

2009-10-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

Just finished responding to all the many people who were praying for us and had left messages on facebook. As I have typed, I have watched the winds increase from 4 mph to 20 mph. I have no idea how strong the winds will eventually get. I guess now that the REAL threat has passed, everyone will go on with life, have a fiesta, and we'll receive no further information on storm conditions! (Welcome to Guam!!) I have cut and pasted below what was issued at 8:00 a.m. this morning from Guam Homeland Security:

At 8:00 a.m. (ChST) Governor Felix P. Camacho returned Guam to Condition of Readiness 4 (COR 4). Based on the latest information, weather officials no longer expect Typhoon Melor (20W) to be a threat for Guam.

The Tropical Storm Warning for Guam has been cancelled.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Joint Information Center (JIC) and the island’s 12 designated shelters will begin to scale down operations. The EOC, JIC and all shelters are expected to close by 12:00 p.m. today.

Going through this has reminded me of the verse in Mark 4:41 where the disciples asked, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!" I give thanks and praise God that I KNOW who he is. He is the Lord Almighty who controls the wind and waves. I grieve for the thousands who are not asking the question, "Who is this?" Please continue to pray for God's mercy on Saipan (they're about 123 miles from Guam)--the typhoon should be hitting them this evening; and most of all, please pray for those who do not KNOW the one who commands the winds and waves.

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/tropical/pacific/

Tropical Storm--Check!! Time to Hunker Down!

2009-09-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

So, on the positive side, I guess I'll be able to check off another experience on my running list of interesting things I've done or seen. Lived through a tropical storm--check! Unfortunately, this experience happens to be a little more nerve-racking than other experiences on my list because I don't have a category in my brain in which to plug this one. When I rode an elephant in Thailand, I plugged it into my category of "Things Ridden" (horses, bucking mechanical bull, ornery ram, surf boards, skate boards, and bicycles). Okay, so as I approached the elephant, my brain could anticipate the general sensation of movement not of my own, the need for balance, and the fact that I would be higher than usual. Now, tropical storms . . . hmmmmm . . . oddly no category comes to mind. I have a few nebulous shemata by which to make a possible connection: earthquakes, heavy rain, fairly strong winds that would occassionally whip down off Mount Diablo and weaken our backyard fence in CA; but, oddly enough, tropical storms don't seem to fit. So, as a result, I blindly follow the instructions posted on the front page of the local newspaper and the Guam Homeland Security Office. Speaking of which, I have cut and pasted below their Conditions of Readiness and terms (we are in condition 1 for a tropical storm). Believe me, I am following all instructions to a tee. We are hunkered down in our 100% concrete and rebar bunker (aka "house"), typhoon shutters are secured, and the trampoline has been taken down and stored. But seriously, please pray for the many people on Guam who live in plywood and tin houses. They are presently displaced from their homes and are in emergency shelters.

CONDITIONS OF READINESS
The Guam Homeland Security Office of Civil Defense has established conditions of readiness to prepare for a storm.
The Conditions of readiness are based on the onset of damaging winds of 39 mph.

Condition of Readiness 4
Damaging winds may arrive on the island within 72 hours
What this means: day-to-day activities are normal

Condition of Readiness 3
Damaging winds may arrive within 48 hours
Review, update your family disaster plan
Buy and replenish supplies for your disaster supply kit
Fill up car(s) with gas
Secure outdoor objects
Prepare household for long term power and water loss (laundry, outdoor cooking, etc.)
Tune into radio and/or television

Condition of Readiness 2
Damaging winds may arrive within 24 hours
Close and secure shutters
Fill containers with water
Move vehicles to a secure and protected area
Review family disaster plan with entire family
Seek emergency shelter if home is not fully concrete or prepared to withstand damaging winds.
Tune into radio and/or television.

Condition of Readiness 1
Damaging winds are occuring or expected within 12 hours
Only mission essential personnel and vehicles are allowed outside
Tune in to weather news

TYPHOON TERMS
Depression: General term for a low-pressure tropical weather system with rotary circulation and accompanying rain.
Tropical disturbance: A moving area of thunderstorms in the tropics that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more.
Tropical depression: A tropical cyclone with rotary wind circulation and maximum sustained surface winds of 38 mph.
Tropical storm: A tropical cyclone with distinct circulation and wind speeds of 39 to 73 mph.
Typhoon: A tropical cyclone with strong pronounced rotary winds and maximum sustained surface winds of 74 mph.
Supertyphoon: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained wind speed in excess of 149 mph.

And it Raaaained--I'm Not Joking!

2009-09-13T00:32:00.000-07:00

With uniforms especially clean and great expectations, soccer players from all the island's soccer clubs and their families arrived at the fields. A significant grant had been given to the Guam Football Association (meaning soccer) and a HUGE celebration fiesta was to be thrown. A parade of the players along with speeches from the Governor and other VIPs were to accompany the fiesta. At the soccer practices leading up to this event, players had been told that rain or shine, the fiesta would proceed. We were a bit worried because Guam was on a tropical storm watch and had been experiencing a LOT of rain. Nevertheless, with golf-size umbrella in tow, Noelle (9-years-old) and I showed up for the big event (Eric was at a basketball practice with 12-year-old Katie). Huge and new canopies with poles affixed in concrete lined the fields. Under each canopy was found youngsters touting the same colored jerseys and nearly all the colors of the rainbow were on display down the line of canopies like a pack of Life Savers. As Noelle and I began to situate ourselves under the canopy with other players sporting green jerseys, it began to rain. The kids were thrilled and spilled out onto the field to gleefully splash and wholeheartedly attempt to score a goal while some poor sap slipping and sliding attempted to prohibit success. Soon, the rain changed to very heavy precipitation. A loud cheer went up--primarily from the boys whose play became all the more frenetic. The faint-hearted players dashed to join their parents who were sequestered under the canopies. I kept looking around wondering when they would tell us the event had been cancelled. But, everyone was hunkered down happily socializing. Like a train, the rain began picking up speed and volume. It became difficult to hear because the rain was slamming down so hard. Although we were under the canopy and about four feet in, the rain began to slash in sideways and we were getting quite wet. Up came our seemingly circus-tent-sized umbrella which we put in front of us like a shield. As Noelle and I nestled behind the umbrella shield on our lawn chairs that sit about five inches off the ground, we noticed that the grass beneath our feet was disappearing under water. To our shock, we realized it was beginning to flood! A bright jolt of lightening followed by an incredible clap of thunder had anyone not already under the canopy frantically sprinting for cover. Lightening, thunder, and a torrential rain like you can't imagine followed. At that point, trying to make it back to the parking lot wasn't an option. Regardless of the canopy and the mammoth umbrella, staying dry wasn't happening. I kept thinking, "It can't rain this hard for long." I was wrong. The water beneath us was rising to the point that I was afraid we would soon be sitting in it. And then, I noticed something quite disturbing. Everywhere I looked I saw cockroaches and beetles of every imaginable variety furiously paddling and desperately seeking land. These critters' safe haven was, you guessed it, our feet and the legs of our lawn chairs--which led to our bodies. Although I actually like reptiles, I feel quite differently about insects. As we sat, feet buried under water, I could at times feel the desperate squirming of an arthropod trapped between my flip-flop and the sole of my foot. I was forever pushing the crawling maniacal beasts off my legs. It was free shock therapy for an insectophobiac! At any rate, the rain eventually let up, the speeches were cut short, and the parade was cut completely. But, on Guam, food will NEVER be cut. And, like only Guam can do it, there was an amazing fiesta, complete with roasted pig and a whole freezer truck of Haagen-Dazs ice cream. Remember, this is Guam, rain and heat go together, so the ice cream was a relief. Of course, that relief was nothing like the relief of arriving at home and finally stepping on dry, solid ground. And to think, as I write this, it's still raining outside!

Miscellaneous Guam

2009-08-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

1) In the first 1-1/2 years of living on Guam, the three drivers in our family hit four boonie dogs. "Boonie" (homeless) dogs are prolific on the island.

2) Essentially Guam has two seasons: rainy and REALLY rainy. The temperature remains pretty much the same year-round--HOT! We are currently in the REALLY rainy season. Thus, at the last practice, nine-year-old Noelle's soccer coach instructed the players to either bring a change of clothes or a large towel to future practices so that after a deluge, they can "fix" themselves. And I'm not about kidding when I write "deluge." You can't imagine the velocity with which the skies open-up! But, being a rain forest, rain is not an impediment to Guamanians--the play goes on despite it!

3) Karyn started home schooling our girls (9 and 12) last week. Besides teaching core subjects, she is teaching a year-long unit study on ancient history (Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans) and a unit study on the human body. If you have any recommendations (or donations) of resources, they would be appreciated. (Karyn laments the loss of the incredible stateside libraries.)

4) When Karyn gives the girls a break from school, she has to threaten them to get them to go outside because they complain it is too hot. One of their favorite things to do outside is jump on the trampoline while spraying each other with the hose. Because it is the rainy season right now, there are a LOT more mosquitoes. This is an added incentive to NOT go outside. Besides, Eric reports that the vicious weather is slowly destroying the trampoline's canvas straps like jungle insects devour a carcass.

5) This week Eric begins teaching Prophetic Literature and Spiritual Foundations for Ministry. His administrative responsibilities as dean of the seminary are in full swing again, and he's back in the pulpit at Agana Heights Baptist Church each Sunday.

6) Food lasts significantly longer now that our son, Christian is no longer living with us. He remained in the States and joined his older brother, Teyler, at Westmont College in Santa Barbara. We were sad that we couldn't be with him at his parent/student orientation; however, we are exceedingly grateful that, at least for this year, God has provided the funds for him to attend such a solid, Christian college. Furthermore,we are thankful that he has a loving and doting grandmother (Karyn's mother) who sat with him in our stead at his orientation.

7) Registration for Pacific Islands University is about over, save for a few stragglers. From all accounts, it appears we will have significantly higher registration than we had expected; some 115 students. The college is abuzz with activity and excitement as we enter into the 2009-2010 school year. Expectantly we await the mighty and life-transforming work God will do not only in our students' lives, but in each of ours as well.

Back on Guam

2009-08-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

After two and one-half months in California, we are back on Guam. While in California, we spoke in a different church up and down the California coast EVERY Sunday. Since we have to raise 100% of our own support for our work here, we are hoping that as a result of these efforts, we will have gained additional supporters. We actually really enjoyed the opportunity we had to worship in different churches, to meet new people, and to reconnect with old friends. But, alas, the time came to say goodbye to California and to return to our work on Guam. Although we very much looked forward to returning to our work at Pacific Islands University, we dreaded having to say goodbye to our family. It was especially sad for us to leave behind our son, Christian, who just turned 18 in July, because he will be joining his brother, Teyler (21 years old), at Westmont College in a couple of weeks. Below are some pictures of the goodbyes which probably speak louder than any explanation.

The Ticking of the Clock

2009-08-04T11:26:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt, I think the hardest part about being a missionary is being separated from family and dear friends. Don’t get me wrong; certainly there are other factors that are challenging. Different foods, different bugs (and many more of them I might add), different weather, and a different culture, just to name a few. Regardless, these challenges pale compared to the pain of residing 6000 miles away from those dearest to one’s heart. Recently, I have heard the incessant ticking of the clock: eight days or 192 hours, seven days, or 168 hours, etc. before Departure Day, aka D-Day. Enjoying the company of extended family, I will suddenly feel my heart seize up and the ache of a broken heart—the realization that I will lose this easy camaraderie in a matter of hours. My eyes swell with tears and our boys (18 and 21) laugh and roll their eyes and our girls (9 and 12) snuggle closer. I envy the boys’ ability to compartmentalize the impending pain of D-Day. I suppose when I was their age I could have done the same. And yet, I notice that they clear their calendars so that our last few days here can be spent together. I observe the cuddling and vying for “who gets to sit by brother” when it’s time to be seated. Clearly, they too hear the incessant ticking of the clock. Although I’m dreading D-Day, I’m also looking forward to being back on Guam and continuing our work there. I’m anxious to look into the gold-studded smiles of our students. I’m eager to hear the melodious singing coming from the dorm rooms, and I can hardly wait to pour my heart into what I teach in the classroom. One thing that is constant through all the changes our family has encountered in the last few years, is God’s faithfulness. He is truly faithful, and despite the pain of having to say goodbye, I am truly grateful for the privilege and joy of working in Micronesia. "Let them give glory to the Lord and proclaim his praise in the islands" (Isaiah 42.12).

The Goodbyes Arrive

2009-07-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

It had to begin sometime. We can't say that we didn't know it was coming, but sooner than we were prepared for, it arrived. We have now begun the first in a long series of goodbyes. After one last trip down to the southern part of this long state, the time arrived when we had to say our first goodbyes before heading north, only to eventually head 6000 miles west. We had a great time with Eric's brother and his family - their girls and our girls are close in age - but all good things must come to an end, or so they say. I suppose that this farewell allowed us some grace to ease into the goodbyes still to come, parents, more siblings and cousins, and most to be dreaded, our sons. This time, we return to Guam with only half our kids - Christian now stays behind to begin his college journey and that walk down the road to complete independence. Fortunately, we've still got three weeks before the tears will flow. But, of course, even more fortunately, separation is only temporary. One of CS Lewis' friends recalled saying goodbye to Lewis. Of course, Lewis straightened him out: "'At all events,' he said with a cheerful grin, 'We'll certainly meet again, here - or there.' Then it was time to go . . . . When he reached the pavement on the other side, he turned round as though he knew somehow that I would still be there . . . Then he raised his voice in a great roar that easily overcame the noise of the cars and buses. Heads turned and at least one car swerved. 'Besides,' he bellowed with a great grin, 'Christians NEVER say goodbye!'" And all of God's people said . . . .

Beautiful Fall River Mills

2009-07-02T16:16:00.000-07:00

Please enjoy this slideshow featuring photos by Bill Myers, pastor of Glenburn Community Church in McArthur, CA. Bill is both a great guy and a very gifted photographer (yes, folks, this really is California).

A Vision of God's Beauty

2009-06-29T21:07:00.000-07:00

As we climbed higher in elevation, the trees became more dense and stood tall and proud, like sentinels guarding the entrance into Shasta county. Occasionally we were delighted by the snow-covered tops of majestic mountains proudly calling attention to their superior height among their Sierra-Nevada neighbors. Our drive was at times slowed by a logging truck or an alfalfa-hauling flat-bed, two primary exports of the area. This caused us no particular irritation because this elongated our opportunity to soak in the picturesque landscape. Although like Micronesia, this area was sparsely populated, the comparison ended here. We couldn't help but imagine how our students' eyes would bulge in amazement at the vast amount of open space and seemingly endless miles of land. Ultimately, we were greeted by a valley situated at 3500 feet. Wild rice paddies, acres of alfalfa, strawberry patches, and fields of mint presented a mosaic of verdant hues abutting one another in no discernible pattern. Nestled in the midst of this sat a steepled country church ministering to the Fall River Valley community of 3500 people. It was to this location, located six hours north of the San Francisco Bay Area, and two hours south of the Oregon border, that we traversed to share the work God is doing in distant Micronesia. The parishioners were extremely friendly and eager to meet the missionaries they have been praying for the last two years and we were enthusiastic to meet those who had been praying! After we both shared in the Sunday school class and Eric preached at The Glenburn Community Church, several of us went to the Fall River Hotel (built in 1935) for lunch. After sharing and dining on dishes flavored with wild rice (a main crop in this wet part of California), we toured the picturesque countryside and loaded our memory card. Beyond rejoicing in the beauty of God's physical creation, however, we rejoiced in the ministry partners He has raised up all over the globe. Our deepest thanks go to Rev. Bill and Shelly Myers, old college friends, who treated us like royalty and provided us much-needed relaxation and meaningful conversation. They are a picture of something as beautiful as the landscape: faithful servants and cherished partners in ministry. (Our next blog will feature some of Bill's award-winning photography).

Church Connections

2009-06-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

It's been both fun and busy being in a different church every Sunday, along with various other events mid-week. We've enjoyed preaching at two of our partner churches since our arrival in California, and it's been a joy to catch up with ministry friends. Here's a picture of us with Shawn and Patty Robinson, pastors of Clayton Community Church. Eric, Shawn, and a third pastor, Mike McCoy, prayed together every Thursday morning for nearly ten years. What a great time catching up and hearing the great things Clayton Community is experiencing. Two full services and a massive building project made us feel extra special when Shawn announced that amid all their important projects we've been added on as regular mission partners!
Last Sunday found us on the other side of the bay preaching two (three?) services at Central Peninsula Church. I guess we're a little unsure if Eric preached two or three services because a video of the first 9:00 sermon (see picture) was rushed to their satellite church in Milbrae for their 11:00 service (filled with another 400-600 people)! CPC is one of those thriving congregations, reaching some 1,600 each Sunday between their two sites, and they are praying about adding another. Again, we are humbled to be mission partners with CPC as well. We even took a picture of us in front of their mission partners display.
It's been a thrill to have lots of opportunities to share our work with God's people, and a tremendous joy to watch as people respond with enthusiasm and support. Among other things, it reminds us of just what a privilege we have serving in Micronesia. Thanks to all of our supporting churches and individuals (who together represent dozens of other churches!).

Reunited!

2009-06-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

It took a couple of weeks, but finally we were reunited June 10 with our numero uno, Teyler! What a great joy to see him. 6000 miles of ocean separating us makes these occasions very special. Because of his continuing work as pastor for 5th and 6th graders at Ocean Hills Covenant Church in Santa Barbara, Teyler remains there this summer (some 200 miles south). We all yelled and squeezed when we saw each other, and Teyler's little sisters barely let go of him until we headed back north. This is to say nothing of our joy at seeing Eric's parents and his brother and family. We were also able to see Westmont College (the first time for Karyn and soon-to-be freshmen, Christian). To Eric, the landscape was vastly different since he last saw the campus before the two infamous fires ripped through the mountains over the past year. Nevertheless, Spring has brought new life, and the army of construction workers were busy making the campus better than ever. Lots of laughing, football in the park, surfing, and boulder scrambling made our time in Santa Barbara a blast. It was then off to Pasadena where Eric was finally awarded his Doctor of Ministry degree (notice the doctoral stripes on the arm of the robe!).
The picture is of Eric with his doctoral supervisor, Jim Bradley, Geoffrey Bromiley Senior Professor of Church History at Fuller Theological Seminary. It was a great moment, even though the commencement service was anything but a moment, as nearly 500 people received seminary degrees of one form or another. The quiet drive back to Castro Valley was sweetened by the time we shared together and the promise that Teyler will be heading our way in a little more than a week. Besides, there will be one more trip south before the big one back to the far side of the world on August 12.

Off . . . And Speaking

2009-06-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

Just emerging from the fog of jet-lag, the speaking tour began. On our first Sunday, Eric preached at Foothill Covenant in Los Altos; on Wednesday, Karyn spoke at a women's luncheon at Neighborhood Church in Castro Valley, and both shared with a small group from First Covenant Church in Oakland that same night (lower picture). Needless to say, we've been busy!
We sincerely appreciate the opportunities to share our work in Guam at PIU, and cherish the relationships we've been able to re-kindle back in the Golden State. We also cherish your on-going support in prayer as we continue to maneuver through the State. This Sunday, Eric preaches at Clayton Community Church, and then we're off to finally see our son in Santa Barbara, Eric's parents in San Luis Obispo, and Eric's brother's family in Santa Barbara. There's not been much rest!
Oh yeah, about the rest of the family. Christian isn't around much since he spends most of his time running from cousin-to-cousin's house and then off catching up with old friends. In the meantime, we managed to corral him to help us do some work on our house. The girls spend their day with their baby goat, Napoleon, and the afternoon with their cousin, Austin. They are having a ball!

We've Arrived: Jetlagged and Cold!

2009-05-29T09:27:00.000-07:00

It really was a long and brutal flight. We left Guam at 4.20 a.m., went straight to Japan, waited nine hours before boarding a plane for LA, extracted all of our luggage, went through customs, and boarded another plane bound for SFO. A total of some 20 hours in travel time. Frankly, it was no fun. Since we had not slept before leaving Guam, we were (and are) exhausted. Initially intending to take a side tour of Tokyo, we instead found a set of benches in the terminal and crashed. Fortunately, the adrenaline kicked in on arrival, and we managed to celebrate with most of Karyn's side of the family, and even took in her nephew's winning playoff baseball game. What's the one thing we've noticed most? The cold! Even though it was probably in the 80s yesterday, the air sent a constant chill up our Micronesian-acclimatized spines. Even now, I type this wrapped up like a winter bunny. But, the good news is, we're here, and looking forward to filling you in on all our adventures.

Creating More Alumni

2009-05-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

We did it again! We created more Alumni this year and celebrated the feat at our commencement exercises on May 12. Instead of the usual outside event, we gathered at Faith Presbyterian Reformed Church a few miles from our campus. Sixteen graduates, several of whom in abstentia, were conferred with the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies (save for one who took the A.A.). As Chief Nakamura, former president of Palau, congratulated and challenged them, I found myself imagining the almost endless opportunities these students have to impact the Pacific Rim far more than I could ever dream of doing as a white westerner. Needless to say, with cameras flashing, each member of the staff and faculty swelled with pride.

Take a look at the pictures. Because of people like you investing in the lives of these promising young men and women, they are now equipped to have a real impact on a world that is desperately in need of the good news they bear. Without the resources to pursue an education on their own, your support enables their success and joins you to the incredible things God is going to do in this part of the world. So, congratulations to our graduates, thanks to you, and praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Fried Snake Darkens the Island

2009-05-10T23:50:00.000-07:00

Over the past week we have had the joy of losing our electricity at least once a day. There is no connection between the times of day or even the weather. We may first see the lights dim or have no warning before the computer screen vanishes in front of our eyes (reminds me, hit "save now"). Usually, it doesn't last long. Most of the time we barely even get two candles lit before we hear the beep of the microwave and we're lit up again. We rarely speculate anymore about why we lose power. After noticing the frightening condition of the power line in the picture at right, we just stopped wondering. However, several times people have mentioned to us that an errant snake is sometimes the culprit. Slithering along, apparently an unwitting serpent will occasionally huddle up inside a power transformer, light up, and instantly become fried snake a la carte.

After a recent power outage, Noelle joked about a snake probably causing the nuisance, and Eric commented that it must have been a short snake because the outage didn't last but ten minutes. Then the newspaper came: "Snake Knocks Out Power in Villages." "A brown tree snake [see his attractive portrait at left] caused a ten-minute power outage in several parts of the island Saturday night . . . the snake hit a power line at the Harmon substation, causing outages in parts of Dededo, [and] part of Macheche [our neighborhood] . . . The outage also interrupted the 'Gary V: Live at 25' concert at the University of Guam field house."

"There might be a theological thesis here," Eric ruminates. "A snake initiated the first fall into sin, and evidence suggests that snakes still spark all sorts of mischief. Oh well, I already finished my dissertation; I'll let someone else tackle that."

Annual PIBC Days

2009-05-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

What will we call this event next year when we are Pacific Islands University? Oh well, we'll worry about that next year! For now, enjoy some slides from the recent fun, games, and fellowship time enjoyed at our annual all-school event just before Easter break. Each student and staff is assigned to a team and we compete, Micronesian style (which means we actually help each other succeed). Kick back and enjoy - the Sorensons kind of stick out, so you might notice us!

Gutter Ball Rejoicing

2009-04-13T00:40:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, our family went with our PIBC staff/student fellowship group to Andersen Air Force Base for some bowling. We're fortunate because one of the men in our group is retired military so he can get us onto the base. We were disappointed that only three students in our group decided to join in the fun; regardless, we had a blast. Bowling definitely brought out some cultural differences.

Lane One: Comprised of our family: Mother, Father, Christian (17), Katie (12), and Noelle (9). Whenever a ball went into the gutter or only knocked over a few pins, Mother or Father would immediately offer advice and instruction on the proper techniques of bowling and how one might improve the next frame. When most pins were knocked over, you would have heard much praise and encouragement from Mom and Dad. When there was a spare or a strike you would have heard great rejoicing in a manner that would have been approved by Miss Manners. And finally, there was careful attention paid to keeping accurate scores and a definite desire among all participants to know one's score. At the end of the first game, the Sorensons all wanted to play another game to improve on the score in the first game and to compete for the highest score in the second round!

Lane Two: Comprised of three Micronesian students who had only been bowling a couple of times in their lives. (There are no bowling alleys on their islands.) Immediately you would have noticed a most unique way one student had of releasing the ball--sort of a two handed throw (perhaps this was due to her insistence on using a 14 pound ball!) Then you would observe the incredible hoots of laughter and glee when the bowl rolled into the gutter. These hoots, which shook the building, would have definitely been frowned upon by Miss Manners. The level of excitement coming from these students soon resulted in several observers meandering over to observe the goings-on. I think there was more excitement and joy resulting from a gutter ball than a strike. Don't get me wrong, there was plenty of excitement when, to the students' great amazement, a strike was achieved; however, I really don't think the happiness resulting from a strike was any greater than the happiness resulting from a gutter ball. At one point, Karyn wandered over because she noticed that one student had been bowling multiple times in a row. When she asked about this, the response was, "Oh! Sometimes we bowl for each other" (this coming from the student with the lowest score). Often, each student would bowl three times in a row, then the next would do the same, and so-on. Clearly, there was no interest in competing as individuals since there was no real way of keeping score. As is typical in Micronesia, the group was more important than the individual. Without a doubt, the students truly enjoyed their experience of bowling; however, when asked if they wanted to play a second game, they opted for eating in the cafe instead. As unique as bowling is, food is the greatest form of pleasure for a Micronesian, any day!

Rain or Shine--There Will Be Umbrellas

2009-03-27T23:56:00.000-07:00

So, we just returned from nine-year-old Noelle's soccer game where, again, I have come face-to-face with the differences between soccer games on Guam and soccer games in California. Here are a few:

In California, umbrellas come out when it's raining. In Guam, you see more umbrellas when it's blistering hot than when it's pouring rain. Today was one of those hot umbrella days. The sun was beating down and the humidity was high, so out came the row of umbrellas, which is to a Guam car what lipstick is to a woman's purse.

Of course, the umbrella does serve its designated purpose as well, because rain or shine, the game goes on. I suppose this is because Guam is a rain forest, so not much playing would be done if games were canceled due to rain. During one of Noelle's games, it was raining so hard that her shoes filled with water. We literally had to "empty" her shoes so she could continue playing. I was in hysterics on the sidelines, thinking of all the games in California that had been canceled because it was sprinkling. If those soccer moms could see me now!! :-)

The Chamorro (Guam natives) spectators are, by and large, very quiet compared to mainlanders. Last year, we had a scheduling conflict so we had Christian (age 17) deliver Noelle to her game and we arrived about thirty minutes later. As we approached the field, I was immediately surprised by all the "noise" coming from the sidelines. I could hear parents shouting, clapping, and cheering. I remember thinking, "Wow! That's kind of obnoxious!" About 15 minutes later I noticed a large number of haoles (caucasians) playing on the opposing team. It was then that I put two-and-two together and realized Noelle was playing one of the military base teams. How quickly I had grown accustomed to the more quiet and reserved spectating style of the Chamorros. (By the way, I'm sure Noelle's team parents have raised their eye brows more than once at the excited shouts coming from my direction!)

On Guam, all teams whose players are 14 and under play co-ed. The reason they are co-ed is that Guam is too small to have enough kids to make up enough segregated teams. This I really dislike, especially as Noelle gets older. In some games, Noelle is not only nearly three years younger than other players, but the boys are nearly twice her size. This is certainly true in weight. Picture a quarterback trying to tackle a lineman or vice versa. This isn't only a problem with the opposing team, it also creates problems with one's own team because, obviously, there is a greater advantage to pass to the big "linebackers" (which are never girls). However, Noelle has had to learn to be assertive and to compete with very difficult odds which will strengthen her character.

What's in a Name? A University!

2009-03-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

At first, it seems rather odd that a little institution like ours should be called a university. After all, even older, bigger institutions in the States are not universities. For instance, our son studies at Westmont College, which is (intentionally) not a university. Why then would the PIBC board vote to rename our school Pacific Islands University? Actually, the answer to the question lies in the story of what's happening way out here in this part of the world.

A university implies that there are several colleges within its overall program. No matter how big or small, when a school creates different colleges, the overall school becomes a university. Our board's decision to do so reflects growth in vision. Initially, PIBC was founded to train Micronesians for pastoral ministry, thus we have always offered one degree: the B.A. in Bible. Later, when PIBC was accredited, students with other career intentions flocked to the school and now outnumber pastoral-minded students probably 10 to 1. Most of our students want to go back to their islands and teach or work in government, for which a degree in Bible is not the most fitting. Recognizing this, a team from the college has been carefully putting together a new program for a degree in liberal arts (with a minor in Bible), which will become a yet-to-be-named college for liberal arts. Those desiring church-oriented ministry will continue to study toward their B.A. in Bible through Pacific Islands Bible College. However, I am pleased to announce that the first "college" officially underneath the banner is "Pacific Islands Evangelical Seminary," headed by a rather odd fellow hailing from California. This graduate school is the fusion of an increased awareness of the need for seminary-level training in Micronesia and the original vision to train Micronesians for pastoral ministry.

So don't be surprised when, starting this summer, the change goes into effect and we start referring to our little island college as a university, and our fledgling graduate program as an official seminary. So, what's in a name? In this case, three colleges are in a name.

Here is our president, Dave Owen, holding the letter he received from our accrediting agency informing PIBC that an institutional name change has been approved. Pacific Islands Bible College will become Pacific Islands University effective July 1st.

The Guam Hyena

2009-03-07T07:10:00.000-08:00

On the first day we drove to the house we are renting, a dog that looked like a hyena who had lost a battle with a lion, came meandering up with hopeful eyes. Conveying in writing how grotesque this poor boonie (wild) dog is would be impossible. She has patches of missing hair and is constantly scratching herself. Undeniably, she stinks to high-heaven! Obviously, she's had more than one batch of puppies and shows the wear and tear for her troubles. At first, her repulsive appearance made me want to have nothing to do with her and I wished she would go away. In time, neighbors informed us that the former renters had abandoned "Monje" when they moved. It amazed me how long this mongrel held out hope that her owner's would return. Every time we would drive up to the house, Monje would wander over with high expectations that her "long-lost family" would step out of the car. Our neighbors across the street don't want Monje because they already own two dogs; but, being soft-hearted they have taken-up feeding her so she won't starve to death. Nevertheless, she still favors our house--her original home. We give Monje scraps of meat and other assorted leftovers and so, in a way, she is used to us. In spite of this, she is terrified of humans and will allow NO ONE to pet or touch her. Cowering in terror, Monje whines if you reach your hand in her direction. It's actually quite heart-breaking as clearly she has a history of severe abuse. Sessions with a pet psychiatrist would probably be beneficial for Monje as she is so conflicted over her desire to protect herself and her desire to allow herself to bond with us. She's to the point where she will take food from my hand, but if I slowly reach toward her to pet her, she will immediately cower and cry pitifully. If I call her with my hand extended, she will get close enough to smell my hand, but then become too frightened to take the risk of allowing me to actually make contact. In mental anguish she slinks away, softly crying, and dragging her back feet on the ground! The battle within her as to which she yearns for most, self-protection or connection, couldn't be more apparent.

It hit me one day as I watched Monje agonizing between self-protection and connection, that I have met many people who are like Monje. Some are students at PIBC, some are friends, and others are found on every corner of every continent. Tragically, because they have been wounded and betrayed by those who should have been trustworthy, they cannot comprehend a God who is wholly good, and incapable of evil. One of the reasons we LOVE our work at PIBC, is that we are passionate about helping others discover the true nature of God. PIBC gives us endless opportunities to convey the absolute goodness of God; whether it's communicated through intellectual lectures in a theology class, through practical application in a counseling class, or simply by hanging out with students on the volleyball court, basketball court, or in a dorm room, opportunities abound. And, you cannot imagine the joy we feel as we watch students moving closer and closer to the out-stretched hand of our loving Savior.

For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the Lord,
plans for wholeness and not for evil,
to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29: 11

Hanging out with students in the dorms. Lucy braids Noelle's hair--she's amazing with hair!

Sensory Overload

2009-02-26T07:08:00.000-08:00

Sensory overload. That's perhaps the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Bangkok. As a battering ram is to a fortress, so are the sights, sounds and smells of Bangkok to the senses. No subtlety exists. Only extremes on the sensory spectrum.

The pungent odors of street vendors lining every available space.
The gut-wrenching sight of barely-clad beggars with missing limbs and facial features distorted from leprosy, accidents and birth defects.
The acrid smell of pollution-filled skies and resulting sting to the throat and eyes.
The shrines of other gods and the devotion of the masses to their icons.
The shrill whistle of traffic directors and incessant honking of impatient drivers in every conceivable form of transportation.
The saffron gowns of monks among the throngs.
Stifling heat emanating off asphalt roads and wall-to-wall sky-scrapers blocking any possible breeze.
Touching bodies pushing and weaving in an attempt to navigate congested streets.
Terror at the thought of losing a child in the swarm.
The indescribable but inescapable smell of poorly managed sewage.
The ever-present signs of the magnitude and tragedy of the sex-trade industry.
The obvious fact that Jesus is not the God of Thailand.
Sadness that I cannot speak their language to share His love. Admiration for those who work throughout Asia with unimaginable challenges and little "to show" for their labor of love.
The gravity of the thoughts of what my life could have been like had I been born in Thailand.
The awe I feel that amongst the millions of people on this planet, Jesus called me.
My passionate desire that everyone could know the peace and love found in Jesus' arms.

Thailand

2009-02-17T20:37:00.000-08:00

After 48 hours with no sleep, our family arrived in Bangkok, Thailand where we spent one night in a local hotel. Before bedding down for the night, Karyn and I walked 45 minutes to a mega-mall. We noticed that we drew very little attention, indicating the very international atmosphere present in Bangkok. We knew we needed to capture this quintessential American fast food restaurant (McDonald's) and the Thai flair they added.

The following morning, we headed 3-1/2 hours southeast to the coast. There we joined over seventy Covenant workers from all over Asia. The Covenant arranged to have a team of helpers from a Covenant church in Alaska come and work with all the children. The kids are having a blast and the parents are able to relax and fully plug into the conference. Karyn has been helping to lead singing and has really enjoyed working with many extremely talented musicians. (Notice in picture Brad Boydston one of our collleagues at PIBC playing the ukulele). We are so grateful to Covenant World Missions for providing the funds for us to participate in this inspiring and encouraging conference!

P.S. We are especially relishing the delicious fresh fruits and vegetables.