We are getting used to living the Hawaiian life. Today we went to the beach (finally) for the first time, and it was pretty fun. After initially being quite frightened of the waves, Sam and Katie were jumping and screaming and having a good time. I, as a mother, was very cautious with my little chicks, as the waves occasionally got very big. I actually took Sam out a little too far with me and we got caught up in a big wave. I never let go of him, but we did go under for a minute, which really upset Sam (and me!!). Sam and I both got a little shook up and that gave both of us a bigger respect for the ocean!
We are excited for this coming week as it will be the first "regular" week that we will have. The past week was full of meetings and orientations, and social gatherings to meet and get acquainted. It was exhausting!! Ben has also started his new work duty with the Campus Services Department which includes about 2 hours per day. Approximately 2 days of the week he drives people in a van to town to the local Walmart, Costco, and Longs Drug Store. The other days he helps with the upkeep of the campus (yes, that means cleaning the vans, dumping garbages, washing windows, and even cleaning bathrooms!) Sam and Katie get out of their school at 3pm at which we come home for snacks, then either play at the park or go to the pool to swim.
We have enjoyed our lectures, especially hearing from Loren and Darlene Cunningham (founders of YWAM). Darlene was my favorite. She is very dynamic, and she was so encouraging. Her main topic of focus was that God has given each of us unique gifts. But just as important is that the gifts He has not given us are still a part of His plan in order to develop those gifts or work with others who have those gifts. She encouraged us to seek God to discover who we are in Christ and that He will direct us. She also reminded us that God puts dreams in our hearts and he is faithful to fulfill those dreams. In between our lectures Ben has been having fun interpreting some words and ideas to our Korean classmates that they were not able to understand during the lecture.
In our classes we have received journals in which we will be having "homework" every week. We actually have to turn them in!! We also have a book report to do ! I haven't had homework in 10 years! I'm not very excited about that.
We are so glad to be here with each other, in this beautiful paradise. I cherish every morning I wake up to sun, sit and look out at the ocean and drink my coffee. God is so good to us.
Sam and Katie are continuing to adjust to their new surroundings. They are having a lot of fun and making a lot of friends. They do occasionally get homesick, (which is hard on me and Ben). Usually it is when they are very tired, and need to go to bed.
Thank you for continuing to pray for us. We feel God has brought us here to grow with each other, and also to grow closer to God. God is working in Ben and my life, and also Sam's and Katie's.
We miss you all! Thank you for your emails, keep them coming!
Angie
P.S. Sam lost his 3rd tooth on Friday night!
Sam, proud of his missing tooth.
Enjoying the beach
Watch out for the waves!
Sunset from our room
