Here We Are

Alas, we have finally reached the point that I thought was so distant. The school year is over here. My first year of full time teaching is complete. I've been in the Philippines ten and one half months now. I'm coming home in a few weeks. As my mother and little sister can tell you, that car ride to the airport back in May seems like millenia ago. There was so much uncertainty then, accompanied by the flat out fear that comes from finally letting go of the reigns and watching God drive for a while.

Aparri Bible Seminary celebrated graduation on Wednesday March 15, 2012. We had eight graduates this year, two received Bachelor of Theology degrees, one received a Bachelor in Christian Education degree, three received Associate degrees in Church Music, and two received Associate degrees in Christian Education. We had some Amerikano guests for graduation: Clarence Hogan who was the guest speaker at commencement and Some members of the Campbell family that I met when they were here last June. I enjoyed meeting Mr. Hogan and seeing the Campbells again.

The night before commencement was the candidate's banquet where the faculty and parents of the potential graduates enjoy an evening of "fooding" together as well as some other activities. I was asked to be the speaker for this event and it went very well. When they first asked me to speak I wasn't really high on the idea, I'd spent the earlier part of the day dealing with immigration issues and really wasn't in any kind of mood worth being in. I reluctantly agreed and God just took that and ran and the results glorified Him.

The next few weeks are going to be spent running around Luzon trying to make immigration arrangements for next year and teaching some Greek refreshers at a sister school of Aparri, Philippine Bible Seminary in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Please pray for both of those activities. The immigration especially because it has a huge potential for frustration.

This past year has been such a blessing. It is difficult to describe it, but it has been truly amazing to see God work in such personal ways. The year wasn't completely problem free, but by and large the lack of issues, conflicts, and difficulties was also truly amazing. I treasure that sense of divine purpose.

Please continue to pray for me. Please continue to consider supporting this mission again next school year. To my friends in the United States, I look forward to seeing you.