Kim's Deep Thoughts (insert melodious tune here...)

We have been taking the kids to Vacation Bible School at Saipan Community Church this week.  The focus of study has been the fruits of the Spirit.  They learned about the first five.  I was laughing all the way home tonight because they kept reminding each other to show kindness.  "You are not being kindness!!"  (Sentence structure and inflection here are very interesting, but I won't bore you with all of my thoughts on that.  I will save that discussion for my fellow English nerd, Summer.)  I was struck by how simple the lessons of the Bible can be.  Application can be as easy as sharing candy with your brothers and sisters, and yet we can also find life lessons that run deeper and deal with more difficult situations in the adult world. 

The kids learned about peace on Wednesday.  They learned that peace is doing your best and trusting God with the rest.  Again, a thought easily applied to a child.  Then, what I will assume was an angel, hit me over the head.  I have been fretting since we decided to come about these Sunday morning worship services that we are supposed to do.  The same lesson (even in its simplest form) applies to me!  I can trust that God will use whatever timid attempt I am willing to give, as long as I do my best.  Don't you just love the peace that comes with knowing it isn't all up to you?

I have also been thinking about how well God has provided for us while we have been here.  Of course we have all of our basic needs covered: shelter, clothing, and food.  We cannot think of anything else we need in these departments.  (Although I am not going to lie, I am anxiously awaiting a package that contains some of Mom's cookies!!)  God has also provided us with some things we were not expecting.  We got to spend a lot of time with Dave and Helen Ann before they left.  As a result, we feel like we can navigate the island as well as our duties for the church better.  We feel more comfortable with this knowledge. 

God has also provided us people to connect with via Dave and Helen Ann's friends.  Before we left, I could not have imagined a group of friends more wonderful than our own.  The circle of friends Dave and Helen Ann enjoy here put up good competition!  We met Owen and Irene who run a christian shortwave radio station on the island.  They make sure we know where everyone is meeting for lunch after church on Sundays.  Owen has offered to take us hiking to Forbidden Island (don't worry it isn't as forbidden as it sounds!)  He is also doing a remarkable job of filling in for my Grandpa's hugs that I have grown to miss in my absence from Lake O.  Sam is a park ranger here and has also volunteered to take us on a hike or two.  He and his wife have two girls that keep us entertained at lunch on Sundays.  Of course, no one could replace the friends and family we have at home, but God's provision of these people has made our seperation easier.

On a mushy note, God has also provided me with a dependable and fun loving husband with whom to share this experience.  It has been fun watching him play with the kiddos and listening as they speak so fondly of him when he is not around.  I believe now more than ever that God knew what He was doing when He put us together in college.  I am thankful for this opportunity that I may not have had the courage to enjoy had it not been for Randy's support.  (This is the part where Wez would orchestrate a collective "Awwwwwww...")

That's all for now!!

P.S.  Hi Mason!!  Aunt Kimmie loves you!!