Grading, Pigeon-English, Grading, Living Water & Banda de Hermanos!

Dear Friends and Family,

Well, the end is definitely in sight, a fact which is a bit painful to realize. Of course I look forward to coming home to see friends and family, but am beginning to understand just how difficult it will be for me to leave this place. All the parents in the village are beginning to approach me saying, "Creez, do you know how painful it will be for our children when you leave?" I simply say, "It's going to be hard for me as well." Currently my days are spent grading and playing with the village munchkins--bible studies and Makam (their version of "tag"). All grades must be submitted by Friday, which I assure you will be no easy task. As I look at the stacks of theology papers and exams on my kitchen table I am reminded of the summer when I climbed Mt. Washington with two of my best friends, Matt Ramsey and Brigham "the OG" Lee. As I stood at the base of the mountain I remember looking up thinking, "Wow, this is not going to be easy!" I have the same feeling concerning the K2-sized paper stack on my kitchen table. Always by God's grace! Concerning the heading "pigeon English" I find myself speaking this odd language more and more as of lately. Even some of the older youth have taken notice saying, "Creez, you are learning to speak Pigeon?" "I guess so," I reply. A quick story: Last week I was down at the stream gathering water with a large group of children who were busy doing the same thing. As i made the journey from the valley back towards my home, I notice that a whole host of children began to follow me. i looked back, smiled, and continued on my journey. When I arrived back at the house i counted about 16 kids on my heels. I said, "Bible study?" And they said, "Yes." We sat down on my front porch and I took them through John 4, the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. It was awesome. I think more than anyting, well, besides teaching my seminary students, I will miss bible studies with the children. Another story: last week, specifically on Thursday, after administering my final exam for gospels I left the classroom and was approached by a few of my students. One of them said, "Pastor Chris, I have been greatly challenged and influenced by our gospels class this semester. I now read the gospels in light of the Old Testament and feel equipped and confident to teach the gospels." I report this for the glory of Christ. This has been my prayer for my students all semester, and to hear such comments from my students is a wonderful testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness. It is such a blessing to be used by the Almighty for His kingdom work. Throughout this semester I have realized my inadequacies, which has caused me to see that only in Christ can we be effective for the kingdom. Please keep me in your prayers as i continue to grade, prepare for my final class beginning on June 7 and prepare for my transition back to the States. To God be the glory. Oh yeah, after finishing with exams last week i began to watch the mini-series, "Band of Brothers." Wow, it is quite wonderful and made for a nice break.

In Christ,
CT