Grace, Growth & Gratitude

So very much in so short a time. I can hardly believe there is now less than a week to go! People here seem, at times, steeped in the truth of being His people. I see struggles, stress and sacrifice -- and often I walk away humbled by the responses. I am humbled by what God is doing here, and the profound truth of the words from Matthew 25:21 "Well done good and faithful servant!" I am learning valuable lessons about letting go and about how to really wake renewed in Him. THIS is a great gift! Grace!

Things with the counseling center have been moving along. There have been moments of amazing connection where I have been near tears seeing how God is creating opportunities and provision. I think back to what seemed at the time, a completely bizarre notion about bringing interns to the mission field. What a contrast to a meeting a few weeks ago when I sat in absolute amazement listening as the director of a community organization talked about how much his organization needed those resources and how it could be funded!!! Yesterday dropped off most of my paperwork and items for licensing in Guam. Marci, and many others on campus have been working their tails off getting a room ready. Space is so limited here, and this space represents a clear sacrifice for many. There have been hard moments where God has reminded me to look squarely at my own tendencies to get attached, to turn brittle and forget Steve S's words back in California "flexibility, flexibility, flexibility!" Sometimes God slaps me upside my spiritual head -- remember who you work for, Jo! Growth!

Picture this...its evening, I'm grading papers....I'm at the desk where I squat on campus (thank you Eric), when through the wall comes this torrent of harmony. Of course it took about five minutes before I had to go investigate! On the other side of the wall is the woman's main dorm. There I found a group of young women, looking ever so relaxed, hanging out making music. I joined them at the bench to sit enraptured yet again by the sound. Sometimes being around this, I feel like Saul in the presence of David and his harp. It definitely soothes the spirit! At one point May-May came out and spritzed us all with sweet smelling spray. She explained: "We do this to show our appreciation for them singing!' Wow!

Class remains a shining bright spot in my life here. The students are working hard and I see so much progress even in this short condensed time! I've had some opportunity to speak in an undergraduate class and to help organize a panel for faculty on "confidentiality." Marci is working so hard on her classes and on counseling students! She is definitely the exact right intern to have here for the start of this project. Thank you, God.

I've discovered that hot baths in the evening don't cut it in the tropics. So, for my unwinding I've taken to floating with the fishies --- and try to do so at least once a week. My "promise daughter" Jen, has been a wonderful companion in this, along with many others. Some of us have also had some great "girls night out" to balance the work day. Am I ready to return to California?? Is it REALLY laid back???.....and to think I used to pace myself like a New Yorker! This is just wonderful! Gratitude!

So, enjoy the singing in this video and the montage of things: snorkeling, Dave and Daisy's birthday super bowl celebration, out with the girls, some great photos of the island courtesy of Jen....remember the crosses on Mt. Lam-Lam -- well she photographed them when she hiked the ridge. Blessings to you all! Jo