Off to the beach

Off to the beach I go with 6 of the grade 12 seniors. We are going a day early to set up the entire camp for the high school beach trip. Our high school every year at the beginning has a time of bonding and spiritual renewal as we begin the year. I have gone 3 other times in the past but never as the initial set up man, so it should be interesting. Please pray for the students as we begin the school year. Also there is malaria in this area so please pray. We always take all the precautions that we can but there is always that one mosquito that wrecks it for us.

Also please pray for Janna and the kids as they stay home and look after everything here. Jalen is enjoying school and still has a cough.

Thanks for your prayers. Darren from Papua OUT

First week of school is done...

Well the first week of school is done and things are beginning to be worked out. God is good and His plan is perfect. That has been the theme as we have opened up this school year. So many things happening and many of them we do not understand but God's timing is perfect. This concept is a difficult one at times to remember but it is in those times that we must remember it.

This morning in chapel one of the teachers shared with us some of her life story and how when she was young she began building up "theological" walls around her heart. She knew what she believed and so when her husband died suddenly from falling off a roof she had those walls which she knew she had to stay inside of. Very interesting to me, to think that we have to prepare our hearts today with the truths that God has given to us so that when we face difficulties we can hold onto them. We do not suddenly have the truths the second we face hardships if we are not prepared before hand.

Take the moment we have now. So often these past two years I have found myself thinking "Oh when we do this then I will be fulfilled and happy, Oh when I get to Indonesia I will be fulfilled and happy, Oh when our AC is installed I will feel fulfilled and happy, ..." I have been realizing that we never reach that "perfect" time or place. Grab the moment NOW and just decide to be fulfilled and happy.

Rambling thoughts of Darren on this first Friday of the school year. Talk to you again soon.

School Starting AHHHH...

Teachers Orientation is now over and it is time to bring on the students. This Monday school starts and will be a rude awaking to many people. I am excited about getting back into the classroom.

God has been good. Families are now starting to return from furloughs, holidays, etc. and Sentani is starting to fill up again. Great to see friends returning. Yesterday some of our good friends from last time returned after a two year absence and it was absolutely great to see them.

We continue to feel as if we are in God's will and continue to pray for the spiritual battle that is all around us. Thank you for all of your prayers as well. Keep on the armor!

Update on our school...

Want to update you all on our school Hillcrest International School. Please continue to pray for this school, each year before school it is a panic getting everything in place and getting the teachers situated. This year is no exception. Last night one of our administrators (and a friend of mine) found out that he has cancer and needs to return to the US. This will not only leave a tremendous hole in for the school but is also extremely hard on the family. Please pray as this all gets worked out that God's Will be done.

Lord we want to trust you give us the strength to do so.