Farnsworth Forum

On Saturday our PIBC community group took an outing to Marbo Cave. We hiked from the parking lot down to the cave entrance. Inside the cave is a natural swimming hole. Joel and Jeff were a big help in getting our kids to climb down the rocks to the water, but they decided not to swim themselves. Joel was able to show off his swimming techniques to Chelsea and Maybelline. He navigated his way around the cave by kicking his legs. He was so pleased with himself. Leeman took a break from holding his breath underwater for me to take this picture. You can see how clear the water is in this picture of Marisol and Amelia with Urte. The last part of the outing, other than the ride back to campus, was eating the food that our c0-worker Urte prepared for us. From left to right you can see Urte, Leeman, Maybelline, Chelsea, Stella and Joel. As you can see, we have two Joels in our group, our son and the student pictured here.

On Friday, October 31, the PIBC helped to present a Halloween alternative for kids at the Palauan Evangelical Church of Guam. They called it a "Blessed House," and I was impressed at our students for volunteering their time to organize such a fun event. Joel and Amelia really enjoyed themselves. One of the activities, in addition to the games, was a visit from one of the 12 apostles. He told the story of Jesus' feeding the 5000 men and their families. Johanna helped the kids "fish" at the Fish Pond game. Amelia knocked down some of the cans while Marisol and Miuri offered encouragement. Micah and Joel waited their turn in line for one of the games.

Last weekend we had a nice time at the first wedding we have ever attended during our two years in Guam. PIBC colleague Cristel married Ben, who she met at her church. We are so happy for them. They will leave in February for England, where Ben will spend his next military assignment. Some of the PIBC ladies also smiled for the camera. From left to right: Melody, Joyce, Christel, Marisol and Amelia.

On Tuesday we went to the University of Guam Field House and exercised our right to vote in Guam, for the first time. Marisol voted for her first election as a citizen of the U.S. Here we do not vote for president of the U.S., but we did vote for senators for the Guam Legislature. Some of our choices won, and others lost. The Prop A initiative which would have allowed casino gambling here on the island failed. We were happy about that.

Last month our church, Bayview Baptist Church, celebrated her 50th anniversary. We joined the fun at the carnival on Saturday and the special service and luncheon on Sunday. Pastor Greg took his turn in the dunk tank complete with long haired wig. Here his son tries to dunk him. I didn't see if he was successful or not. Joel and Amelia rode the train together. Amelia tasted cotton candy for the first time. Perhaps you didn't know we have a plumeria flower and a gecko in our family! Joel especially enjoyed the moon walk. On Sunday a mango tree was planted to commemorate the first 50 years and to remind everyone to press on with faithfulness for the future. On hand for the planting was charter member Miss Essie (far right) and former member Opal (far left), who traveled to Guam from the States for the special event.

Joel and Amelia's friend Micah has been joining us on Wednesday nights for Awana at Bayview Baptist Church. Here her is receiving his vest and Jumper book from Cubbie director Miss Jan. Welcome to Cubbies, Micah!

Here is more information about the earthquake we reported in a previous post! Thanks for your concern and good wishes. Magnitude 5.1 Date-Time Sunday, November 02, 2008 at 05:33:57 (UTC) - Coordinated Universal TimeSunday, November 02, 2008 at 03:33:57 PM local time at epicenter Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones Location 13.51N 144.99E Depth 37.5 kilometers Region GUAM REGION Distances 25 km (15 miles) E of HAGATNA, Guam75 km (45 miles) SSW of Rota, Northern Mariana Islands205 km (125 miles) SSW of SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands325 km (200 miles) SSW of Anatahan, Northern Mariana Islands Location Uncertainty Error estimate: horizontal +/- 7.2 km; depth +/- 9.9 km Parameters Nst=59, Nph=59, Dmin=15.6 km, Rmss=0.85 sec, Erho=7.2 km, Erzz=9.9 km, Gp=76.1 degrees Source USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)RemarksFelt (IV) at Agana, Barrigada and Santa Rita. Also felt at Yona and Mangil.Event IDusyxay

We just experienced the strongest earthquake since we arrived here in Guam. Marisol was in the kitchen watching dishes, and Joel and I were doing handwriting homework in the office. Joel said that his desk was shaking so hard that he couldn't practice writing his numbers (14 and 15). Amelia slept through it, so we'll need to tell her all about it, when she gets up, that is. Don't know the measurement of the quake was yet. Will report that later.

Thank you to those who have responded to my political posts. Please understand that I am trying to encourage positive dialogue regarding political issues. Personally I know that many Christians have been told to vote for certain candidates by high-ranking evangelical leaders and pastors based on certain important issues because I have been present at some of those meetings. While many Christians may take time to reflect on these endorsements before going to the polls and voting, others may not. May we as Christian citizens be informed about ALL of the issues and vote as our conscience tells us to, not because someone else tells us to vote a certain way. That is my prayer for the body of Christ on November 4.