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The Serendipitous Warrior Blog

"Guys, we live here."

a smattering of my life...

 

I run past this, during my jogs.

 

Crafting time in Mangilao--plants, crayon shreds, wax paper, and creative minds

 

Finished product

 

testing time

 

Crowding around the laptop...

 

They make my heart smile.

 

Hillbilly Harvest Party (Tamuning)

 

Hobo stew : )

 

Some of them weren't so sure...

 

dancing and games

 

These two are dears.

 

One of my favorite pictures ever. These two young men (I believe) have a true calling of God on their lives.

 

Harvest Baptist Church Singles Retreat

 

My sister

 

Yoh caught a fish with his spear!

 

Ladies' devotional time

 

best "sanctuary" ever

 

Here we call them "slippers" or "zories"

 

beautiful Abigail being baptized by her daddy

 

The whole family was baptized! Praise the Lord!

More photos coming!

Keep the faith, 

Audrey Ann

"What's she doin' over there on Guam?"

I am truly sorry for the lack of updates.

In November we closed my location in Mangilao and combined the schools—we’re all in Tamuning now. It’s wonderful to be reconnected with all the staff and students. Running the school by myself was a lonely but very necessary four months of my life. I’ll never be the same—and that’s good. For the first time, I realized that life is simply not about me, and when you give your life to others (in the name of Jesus), the joy surpasses all other comforts or luxuries. It was a special season, and my students fondly reminisce about our times there: “Remember in Mangilao when we…?”

After the move to Tamuning, I took over a class (we call them “learning centers”), ages ranging from eight to sixteen. Currently I am coordinating English Composition, Music, and the volleyball team for our regional student convention, here on the island of Guam. We are excited to be taking a group (representing Guam for the first time) to International Student Convention in Pennsylvania this May!


When I think about my students, my heart swells with love—it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

I love the ministry of Providence International Christian Academy, not only because I am a teacher, but because I am an observer of how it has blessed children’s lives. Several of our students have previously encountered severe mistreatment at other schools, and find P.I.C.A. a safe haven, where they are free to enjoy learning and true friendships. Through the individualized program we offer, I have seen insecure students flourish and gain personal dignity and respect, along with a well-rounded education. It is a church school run by volunteers who love Jesus Christ and deeply desire to serve the families of Guam, no matter their color, background, or financial capabilities. It is an honor to be a part of such a special little school.

Recently we have encountered much opposition with regard to permits and regulations for operating our school. Without going into undue detail—let’s just say that God is doing something awesome at P.I.C.A., and there are a few trying to stop it, along with a news media that wants an allegedly “scandalous” story. Yes, we’re practically famous, haha! The kids actually groaned today, when I told them the news reporters were here again. They’re so used to it, now. Nothing like being on television, right? But actually, I’d rather just be with my kids.

On a personal note:

As much as I like Shakespeare…

Love is not a sonnet.  In my undergraduate work, I majored in English Literature and enjoyed it greatly. Stories teach lessons by utilizing both the mind and the emotions. But I am learning that as much as I appreciate language finely arranged, love is not flowery words.
Love is early mornings, when all you can do is stagger out of bed.
Love is a bandaid and a prayer.
Love is moment-by-moment flexibility.
Love is giving your attention to a little face and a conversation that seems small, but is important to the person behind those brown eyes.
Love is making them do their work correctly.
Love is volleyball practice when you’re exhausted and feeling like poo.
Love is repeating directions and explaining something 15,782 times.

Love is being His hands and feet. Going. Touching. Doing. Take me, Lord Jesus.

Picture post coming soon (now, now, don't doubt me, haha!)

Does it get any cuter than this? I contend that it does not.

These two have my heart.

Happy birthday, Mama!

A tribute to a dear gift from God: my mother, Barbara Lynn

(And as I have to tell my little boy students, it's not proper to tell a lady's age...so I won't)

A few months ago, my tribute to my mother would have been entirely different than the one I bring to her today. Back then, I would have written about how she is so fun, my best friend, a great teacher, and has always “been there” for me. And all of that is still very true. However, I've discovered (even just a tiny glimpse) through carrying the burden of young ones, while having my own school, that the most amazing thing about my mom is that she did so much for me with no applause. She did so much that no one noticed. Day in. Day out. Every day. And not only was she not bathed in praise, but many times she was jeered at, snubbed, and ridiculed for her amazing profession as a homeschool mom.

Sometimes these days the word “homeschool” is used as a joke—even I do it, occasionally. But the education my mom gave me was not a joke at all. When I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bryan College, there's a reason I handed her my cord—not because she wrote my papers—not because she took my tests, but because SHE was the one who pushed me to be my best and put that fire to my behind and said, “Do it.”

My mom went against the raging cultural current in order to protect me from the wicked ideologies of this age, whether they be obvious, or subtle. Ideas have consequences. She didn't pretend to have all the answers, but she pointed me to the One who does.

And with that, I'll leave you with a few things I learned from my mama, funny and stoic. :) Enjoy.

• It's totally okay to tell your children that their dad won a trip to Disney World, and while they're jumping and shouting in sheer glee, say, “April Fool's Day!”

• “A Walk to Remember” is the worst and saddest movie in existence.

• Math, math and more math.

• Mowing the lawn is alone.time.for.mom.donotdisturbher. “Yes, you can have a popsicle, now go away.”

• Socks and shoes are essential for proper homeschooling.

• Shoes and coffee are essentials of life.

• Summers should be lived outside.

• It's cool to be best friends with your daughter and do crazy things like dress up your large dog in people clothes.

• Financially supporting missionaries is a must. 

• Learning is fun!

• The Bible is the most important book you'll ever read or study. Period.

• Dishonesty is disgusting and whining is not tolerable.

• It's important to dress classy—how you dress is how you'll feel, and how you feel is how you'll act. 

Our song: "Together" with Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli

She is...

beautiful—has been called “chocolate eyes," and I had to [angrily] remind my college guy friends that she is 1. married and 2. WAY out of their league  ;)  Want to make my day? Tell me I look like her. : )

dedicated—to the Lord and His Word, to my dad, to my family, and to developing as a photographer.

A firecracker—my mom knows what she believes, and if necessary, she will defend it. 

hilarious--her impersonations are the best. "Nemo's swimming out to SEA!"

honest and sensitive to the Holy Spirit—Mama will tell me the truth, even when I don't want to hear it. She protects me from one of my worst enemies: myself. And even though she was sad to see me go, it was so wonderful to hear her say, "It's time."

As the little poem goes, "Mirror, mirror on the wall, I am my mother, after all." I find that in teaching, I continually say things that my mom said to me. I'm thankful that she didn't let us get away with things, and she encouraged us to continue our education...to be lifelong learners.

Sorry for all the times I ran off at Walmart. Thanks for all the walks, coffee, dancing in the kitchen to Abba, and being real with me...especially with regard to young men. We've raised our voices; we've clashed. But in the end, I know that you're the one who is indeed my best friend and will always be there for me. I hope you have the happiest birthday. Wish I could be there. Finally, thanks for having a worn Bible, and thanks for reminding me that it's all about God's glory. I love you.

"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." ~ Albert Einstein

bowling pins found in the trash + $5 bowling ball from the Salvation Army Store =

our very own bowling alley! :)

the day of the toad...

Well, at least he's being creative. ; )

Chapel with Pastor Bill (He's a great pastor and principal!)

Theatre Class with Miss Audrey

hilarious drills...these are moments of gold

"This is a towel, or this is a..." theatre class game

This is that dimple under the eye I was telling you about.

Honor Roll trip to Chuck E. Cheese--where we almost didn't get in, because they didn't think I was eighteen...one day I'll like that...at least, that's what people tell me. ;)

Aren't they beauties? I love my girls. May they be handmaidens of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

Oh, these two are the cutest.

Submariners came to visit--I was so proud that my students used proper protocol. :)

Let's raise those funds! Car wash time.

This picture makes me laugh for many reasons. HA!

Art class with Ms. Michelle

Jesus, I pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal Himself to all these students and their families,

and they would surrender and live for You. Thanks that many do, and thanks for the immense blessing they are to me. Mostly, thanks for teaching me what it means to love...by giving me them.