Grant

Grant was the only male missionary out of eight girls this year. What a lucky guy, eh? One word that would describe Grant: solid. I admire his dedication to serve God and his leadership in church. He's a doer. When he saw an area in the church that needed improvement, he didn't complain about it. He did something about it and brought life to the ministry especially with our prayer meetings. He's passionate about God and it shows.

Grant's an adventurer. If he isn't relaxing on his hammock on some remote beach he was off exploring the cliffs, caves, or jungles of Saipan. I think he's pretty much seen it all in Saipan.

Grant is the kind of friend that you could call if you were in a jam. He never judged you and he was always there to pray with you whenever you were discouraged. One of the reasons why I am here in Saipan for a second year was because of what he said to me one day when we were hiking on the cliffs in Dan Dan. I wont' say though until later.

Grant left Saipan this morning, but the good news is that he will still keep up with his blog wherever he goes. I'll miss our tank swims. I'm just happy that God managed to bring our group together at the right time and at the right place. All the best to you Grant n Georgia.

Britni

I hate “goodbyes”. I was never really good at them. It is the end of the school year and the student missionaries are leaving Saipan one by one this week to continue on with their education and to pursue other dreams.



Last night we had a farewell party for them at church. We had a potluck dinner, played a couple of games, and watched a slideshow dedicated to the “Dream team”. They put their heart and soul into the school year and towards their kids. Mai and I are the only ones coming back for another year. A new set of missionaries will come out in the fall. This is usually what happens every year at the SDA elementary and junior high school.


I’m sad that they are leaving but I am thankful for the time we had together. They changed me. Our love for Jesus keeps us connected forever and the memories . . . well they’ll last a lifetime.

Britni is the first one that has left Saipan:

Crusin' in the back of Grant's truck, Rusty.

Britni is the youngest and the heart of our group. She’s what I would call a free spirit. She’s fun and energetic. I loved hearing her lead out in praise songs during church service while Grant played the guitar. She was my first dive buddy. We traveled and explored Guam together. We had heart to heart talks about our dreams and where God was leading us. I’ll never forget her laugh that you could hear a mile away. Britni will be moving to California to pursue her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy at Loma Linda University. I love you Brit and will miss you.

Guam Trip March 2007

Insomnia & Smoothies

I drank coffee way too late last night and I am up posting at four in the morning=( Since I have to get up to run in an hour anyway, I wanted to post some pictures from our Smoothie Night this past weekend that was hosted by the Pierson's.

All of the missionaries came to hang out and we sampled four different smoothies: coffee ice cream, tropical blend, wild berry, and pina colada. My favorite smoothie was the tropical blend which by the way had fruit and tofu in it! Yes, tofu and the best part is I couldn't even tell the smoothie had tofu in it. The smoothies reminded me a place that I use to frequent much in the states, Jamba Juice.

The school year is coming to an end in May and most of the teachers will be leaving back home to the states. I feel like it was just yesterday that we started this journey together. I remember them being there at the airport to welcome me and pick me up at one in the morning. Such a great bunch they are and I am going to miss them this upcoming year.



Missionary life has surprised me. It has been everything but boring and predictable. I admit that sometimes it can be down right lonely at times. But during the times that I most feel alone is when I'm leaning on God the most. The friendships I have made, the work of the church, and the adventures I have shared . . . they continually remind me that I am exactly where I need to be right now in my life.

Thank you Crystal and Ken for a great night and thank you to Ken's parents who gave them the Vitamix blender!=)

Holidays In Saipan

I love living in Saipan because we not only get government holidays but we get the Catholic holidays as well! Thanks to the Cathollics I get a three day weekend. In the years I have worked I have never had Good Friday off in the states.

So Friday instead of sleeping in like a normal person would, I woke up at five o'clock in the morning to watch the sunrise with Grant and the other missionaries at Bonzai Cliff. It wasn't too long ago that Grant saw a whale and her baby surfacing up near Bonzai Cliff. We were hoping we'd catch a glimpse of them again. We weren't so lucky this time but I did enjoy having an early breakfast hearing the waves crash on the rocks below us while watching the sun light up the morning sky in pink and coral hues.

Life is good.