Saturday, August 04, 2007

Daybreak

It was a tough week for me and I'm so happy its the weekend. The teachers and I watched daybreak this morning at Bonzai Cliff. Its the start of a new day and I have learned to leave yesterday behind me.

We got there around five in the morning. Its been raining alot lately and the clouds were out. Still the fresh air and the sound of the waves crashing below were worth getting up. We spotted one small turtle below just floating at the surface. This is what Bonzai cliff looks like from the top. Sunday morning I will be diving Bonzai and Spot light sites on the Aqua Jet Dive boat! I'll take pictures from below=)



So everyone asks me do I really have church all day on Saturdays? And I say, "yes". The typical Sabbath day starts from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. My Saturdays are really busy with church activities and fellowship. Today the choir put on a great mini concert for us. The new student teachers were introduced to the congregation and we got to hear about why they decided to teach for a year in Saipan. Each SM (student missionary) was very passionate about serving God and working with kids.




After church we usually have a potluck lunch and fellowship gathering. One thing that I have grown to love about our church are the kids. They're always climbing all over us and hugging us once we get in the door. They really know how to warm you up!



So I have moved into my new apartment which I still have to post for my family and friends back home. They think I live in a hut or something. One thing I love about my apartment is that it has an oven! Even though CUC is charging an arm and a leg for electricity I will still be baking. I made some peanut butter and hershey kiss cookies for Rosana's farewell party. I'll blog more about her and her experience in Saipan later.

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Welcome Saipan SDA School Teachers!


One of the things I love about being a Seventh-day Adventist is knowing that we have church "families" all over the world. So no matter what country you travel and work at there is always someone there to welcome you and to take you in as their own.



Perhaps one of the hardest things I have had to endure living here in Saipan is being away from my family. The members of the church and school have stepped in my life and have been my family away from home. Its a great feeling being loved and supported by so many.



Its that time of the year again to welcome the new batch of Saipan SDA school teachers. There are a total of five school teachers: Ricci, Eva, Veronica, Jessica, and Amy. We are still needing someone to teach our fifth graders and are hoping to find one soon since school starts in a week!



We welcomed them at the airport. Some of the places they have come from are California, Washington, Texas, and even Spain. Their a sweet and energetic bunch and I'm looking forward to another great year with them.



I have to say that it was weird sitting across from them earlier tonight. It felt weird that Grant, Layla, Brit, and Missy were missing. I miss them!