Because it has been 75 degrees and sunny here for the past week, this break that we have from school almost feels more like summer break than spring break. Regardless, I am very happy to be on break after several hectic weeks of testing, working at a fund-raising bazaar, finishing up third quarter, helping to coach track, grading research papers, and many other school related activities. I am looking forward to a time of refocusing and recharging to prepare for the last quarter of the year. Yes, we only have one quarter (7.5 weeks) left to this school year...hard to believe.
Since it's been two months since I've written anything on here, I'll just share a few highlights:
We had the opportunity to go out in a boat for a day to some of the islands about 20 miles from here. We enjoyed a beautiful, albeit cold, snorkeling experience. Then, we floated a grill to one of the islands and grilled some burgers on the beach. Then, after doing a little deserted island exploring and seeing wild goats, we headed back home to our own island. What a privilege to get to explore deserted islands on the weekends.
One student that I would like to ask prayer for is an Indian student that is in my 8th grade English class. I tutor him on Thursdays after school, and last week, he and I talked for an hour and a half about questions that he has about God and the Bible and how we can know whether or not it's all true. He is seeking for answers and asking good questions, and God has already begun to reveal Himself to this young man. I just pray that God will convict his heart. It's so hard for some of these students to take that step of faith because it means rejecting the religion of their parents for what they see as a religion that is "foreign." Thanks for praying.
Another highlight continues to be the Capoeira class that we are taking. It has been fun to get to know some people outside of school while learning roundhouse kicks and how to properly do cartwheels and handstands. Although we're getting better, I wouldn't say we are very good yet, but I like the workout that it is and the laughter it provides as we try to learn new moves.
Some of you are probably wondering if we have been affected at all by the earthquake and tsunami disaster that hit northern Japan a month ago. Okinawa is about a thousand miles south of where the earthquake hit, so we did not have any effects from that or from the tsunami, for which we thank God. Please continue to pray for the country of Japan though that God will bless the long rebuilding process ahead and that this will be a turning point for the gospel in this dark country.
