Farnsworth Forum

Joel took this picture of a gardenia that we are watching so it doesn't die during the summer break at PIBC. When we brought it over to the house, it was almost dead from lack of water. Two hours later the same flower was completely open like this. It smells beautiful. Ned's mother would be proud. She has a gardenia plant in PA.

Joel has a new friend who regularly visits his family, who live next door to us. The friend's name is also Joel, which can be a bit confusing. He pronounces his name JOE-el, which is the common pronunciation here in Guam.

Here is a picture of Gisela, Marisol's sister-in-law. Gisela and Marisol's brother, Wilo, serve at the Iglesia Emanuel in Atuntaqui, Ecuador. Please pray for their ministry there. Gisela is expecting their first child in August. Marisol's parents are thrilled, and so are we!

Currently I am reading Julie Andrew's autobiography about her early years, entitled Home. I can imagine her reading her story out loud with her impeccable diction (maybe I should buy the Audio Book). She offers her impressions of World War Two as a young British girl growing up as well as her contributions to the British version of vaudeville, appearing for the King and Queen, etc. She does not gloss over the sad parts of her family life, including her parents' divorce and her stepfather's (and later mother's) alcoholism. The other book I am making my way through is The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis. I had hoped to have The Chronicles of Narnia finished by the time Prince Caspian came out, but alas, I am only in the third book of the series. We hope to watch the movie as a family, having recently watch the BBC version which came out a while ago. Marisol read The Voyage of the Dawn Treader for Freshman English. My friend Lori sent me I Am David by Anne Holm for my birt...

PIBC was blessed this semester by a group of dedicated men and women who volunteered to teach free music classes on Tuesday afternoons. Not only did they teach music, but they brought snacks to share each week. Ned took guitar lessons and advanced quite a bit in his ability to play. However, he must make considerable progress to catch up to Phil Keaggy.

I was pleased to pick up Mac from the airport. Although he graduated in December, he came back to Guam for his graduation ceremony. Currently Mac is serving the Lord as youth director at his church in Yap. We miss him and were glad to see him for a few days.

The Student Council (STUCO) held a party in honor of the graduating seniors. A highlight for all of us was watching the Yapese students (and some friends) perform a traditional stick dance. Look at the beautiful grass skirts that Mac's grandmother made. We spent a lovely time of fellowship together. PIBC chose me to be the Master of Ceremonies during PIBC's Baccalaureate ceremony. I tried to keep things moving. I guess I'll know how well I did if I am asked in the future. I must admire the graduates for their patience and stamina during the Baccalaureate program. By that point they really want to have the graduating activities over with. A tender moment occured when the ordained pastors among the PIBC staff prayed for the graduates. During graduatiion the underclassmen sang a special number. I played "Pomp and Circumstance" and the hymn "Wonderful Grace of Jesus" without making two many mistakes. That hymn is very difficult because of the counter melod...