Run with Hope: August 2011

"Ms. Audrey Ann, what was it like during your childhood?"--as if it was sooooo long ago.

boy student: "Ms. Audrey Ann, how old are you?"
me: "Now, you know that I've told you boys, it's not polite to ask a lady's age."
boy student: "Are you thirty?"
me: *big smile*

little boy attempting to recite the NT books: "...Galatians, Ephesians, the Philippines, wait, is that right?"

same little boy: "But Ms. Audrey Ann, I hate minusing!"

An ESL man at our school car wash: "You a teacher? You don't look like a teacher."
me: "Yes, I am a teacher. And yes, I know I look young."
him: "No. You don't look like normal teacher. You looker better than normal teacher...you go on dates?"
me: "Well, we have church at 10am on Sunday."

from a facebook message: You're a GREAT Teacher! I just feel so comfortable with you and that does NOT always happen with me & my teachers! You kinda remind me of my sister that's why, but she's not on Guam. So being with you every day makes it seem as if she was here with me, & I thank you very much for your warm kind heart. God has REALLY blessed me with such a person as You. Looking forward to seeing your BRIGHT pretty smile.

Once upon a time, I was a dreamer. One of my dreams was to have a one-room schoolhouse overseas, where I could share Christ's love and truth as well as quality academics. Through a series of events, the Lord entrusted me with one in the village of Mangilao, Guam. It is additional to the larger location in Tamuning (which is a large house--I live on the second floor).

Sometimes it overwhelms me. Some days I've been so internally terrified that when I get home I can barely function. But as I've been told by those who love me enough to verbally spank me, it's time to grow up and step into the destiny the Lord has given. I've been shuffling foward with my head looking back, my heart beating for yesterday.

My students are gems--gifts from God--each one in their own way. Chills come over me, when I step back and watch them. Somehow the Lord entrusted them to me. And I love them all so much. Currently I have fourteen students ranging from seven to eighteen. What a joy it is to teach them, play with them, laugh with them, and seek to encourage them in the Lord. Oh Lord, lead me, please.
And though I'm no Cinderella, dreams do come true. Enjoy a few snapshots of my life.

One of my students was in the Asia Pacific Little League tournament! Guam beat Hong Kong, the Philippines, and the surrounding Micronesian islands.

A darling, local fruit stand

She was so sweet and let us try her delicious fruit for free!

But then I bought some, of course.

A balanced diet? Why, of course. ; )

The crazy things girls do to style their hair...

Look who we saw at the mall!

Honestly, the parfume did smell good...but I just couldn't bring myself to wear it...

It's all a gift from God. Remember?

Crazy hat day!

She wanted to wear Ms. Audrey Ann's hat.

My current home: PICA Tamuning

Japan! (on my way back)

Japanese students

Guam Liberation Day Parade! Biba Guam!

A lady I met at the parade--people just welcome you into their family--it's great

I love this family.

Messy Game Day!

Oh the fun I had filling this pool with oatmeal and leftover picnic foods! We played a relay where the students had to search for spoons in this mess with their toes! Haha!