Day 1 is behind us and jet-lag, at least for me, is barely noticeable! I give credit to all of you, my dear friends, who are praying for our adventure. Thank you!
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22
The weather forecast called for inclement rain and dark clouds for Sunday. “This is supposed to be Guam’s dry season,” everyone tells us. “It’s the wettest dry season we’ve ever had.” Yet, God greeted our morning with a magnificent double rainbow, right outside the kitchen window, announcing that He had planned a special surprise for us. By the time we got out of church, blue skies and distant puffs of fluffy clouds greeted us. Thank you, Lord.
New Friends, Praise, and Fellowship
That was the theme for Sunday. We attended Agana Heights Baptist Church and met some of the warmest and welcoming people I have met. The message was casual but inspiring, reminding us of God’s heart for music and worship. The pastor, who preached the entire message from a stool, bass guitar in hand, interjected chords of Christmas songs because “every day is Christmas for the Christian.” Then a soft hum and melody of Amazing Grace began to erupt from his guitar… one by one, instruments… then voices, from sits among the congregation, joined in until instruments and God’s people serenaded the heavens with heart-felt praise. Beautiful!
Creation Declares His Glory
Indeed it does! Joyce Owen, our lovely hostess, drove us to Ritidian Point, an unspoiled treasure of God’s handiwork. White sandy beaches framed by Guam’s National Wildlife Refuge, it is a heaven on earth facing the Philippine Sea. It was truly medicine for our wilted minds and souls. Thank you, Lord. You are a Master artist and a generous Father.
Nice to Meet You, PIU
The day culminated with the first prayer & potluck dinner of the semester on the campus of Pacific Islands University. What a trip to walk into a room full of familiar, friendly faces! We met on Skype last August when I conducted a full day of virtual professional development workshops. Now, in the same PIU classroom where they sat as I taught from my San Diego home office, we comfortably continued the conversation. “We are so excited you are here,” they kept on saying. How humbling. What an honor to be invited to be their colleague and guest for a few days. But I’m not surprised… their praises and prayer requests opened a window into the labor of love they all do here. That’s how we concluded the evening… everyone sitting around a giant circle to praise God and ask Him for His blessing.
Today, Monday, we’ll begin to put the final touches on the Story Crafting Conference. But first, we’ll meet again for faculty in-service training — the theme: “Sticky Teaching…” May the lessons I bring bless them as much as their heart for the school, their mission, and the students have already blessed me. That is my prayer for today.
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14
And don't forget to join my community here to connect with me and other budding authors and leaders.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
What a privilege to read and see the exciting days that are upon you, Maria!
Thank you, Sharon.
I am reading…watching…and faithfully praying…as I miss you!