I'm still excited because...

We're on break between semesters and Cheryl and I are about ready to go to Australia on vacation. So I thought that I'd do a little reflection based on our three semesters at PIBC and list some of the reasons that I'm still excited about Guam and what we're doing through PIBC.

1. Cheryl likes it here, too.

2. We really enjoy the students. They are a pleasure to be around.

3. We really really enjoy the staff with whom we work.

4. We're serving with an underserved group of people who have had substandard educational preparation. Most of our students are not at all ready for college level thinking -- when they arrive. Most, however, catch up -- much to their credit.

5. Most of our students are poor (compared to most people reading this post) -- the very people Jesus would have enjoyed sharing a meal with.

6. Our students are culturally rich.

7. The world needs to hear from the islanders. We are helping them gain a voice.

8. PIBC makes education accessible -- low, low tuition, grants, and scholarships.

9. Education is the key to economic development for the islanders.

10. Education is going to be key if islanders are going to survive the global tsunami and thrive in a globalized world.

11. We have a larger percentage of our students involved in mission trips and activities than what you'd find in most mainland Christian colleges. (Over the Christmas break alone over 20% of our students are on mission trips -- including one organized by the students themselves.)

12. The churches on the islands are generally dysfunctional -- with major issues. There is opportunity for improvement and many of the leaders are taking the lead to address the issues. Sometimes they ask us for our advice.

13. Through PIBC we're working with the future leaders of the churches.

14. Through PIBC we're working with students who because of cultural and ethnic similarities have way more potential to have a significant gospel impact among unreached people groups than Westerners could have.

15. PIBC isn't your ordinary Bible college! Nobody on the faculty fits too tightly into a box -- and the school doesn't require such.

16. PIBC now realizes that a Bible education alone, without a more developed cultural understanding, is less than missionally effective. If we understand the biblical context without understanding our own contexts we're not prepared to lead the church or challenge the culture. PIBC is moving to further develop the general education and liberal arts aspects of the curriculum.

17. Students seem to be learning. We feel like we're effective.

18. Guam is the perfect setting for people who like swimming in a cultural diverse pond. This place is the epitome of cultural fusion

19. Guam is the perfect jumping off point for Asia, Microniesia, and Melanesia.

20. Guam is a great place for Americans -- no visas, few language barriers -- while being way different than the mainland US.

21. We're never cold here.

22. Guam has the perfect climate for growing key limes -- but no one here has figured that out, yet. This could become the key lime pie capital of the Western Pacific -- and beyond! (My other mission.)

:-)

23. In the midst of the chaotic landscape there is a lot of beauty.

24. Guam has improved since we moved here and continues to improve -- power fails less often, the phone signal is clearer, the Internet is now on most of the time...

25. We like the church that we're a part of here.

26. We've made some good friends in the community.

27. We like condo living -- much to our surprise.

28. We still believe that God has called us to be here.