At my final destination!!

It’s been a whole week that I’ve been in Palau and I am loving it!! I’m actually writing this blog using Microsoft Word because the internet is extremely slow and in fact there are times when it just doesn’t work at all. This is the one and only down point that I found so far in my first week here in Palau. I’m preparing myself for more, like our lack of hot water. It’s sad to say, but I’ve actually been getting used to the cold water and lack of water pressure. I just keep reminding myself that I’m in the mission field, I’m in the mission field.

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been away from home for a week and a half. It feels like so much more time has gone by! I guess it’s a combination of the water, sun and fun with my fellow SM’s (Student Missionaries). Here in Palau we have a total of 20 SM’s; 9 girls and 11 guys. Seven of the girls, those that are teaching at the elementary school (Koror SDA Elementary or SDA), live on the campus and we can see the elementary school from our front door. Those that teach at the high school (Palau Mission Academy or PMA) and the guys that teach at SDA live on the campus of the high school. It’s not a lot of fun with the whole group separated, but we’re surviving.

Speaking about having fun! The very first Sunday that we were here we went to the Rock Islands which Palau is famous for. (For more information Google – Palau Rock Islands) It’s the most amazing sight that I’ve ever seen in my whole life! The water is perfectly clear and the sun is perfectly warm. I’m starting to look like the natives with all the sun I’m getting! (Just kidding!) Any way... while we were at the Rock Islands we went snorkeling all day long. I saw everything from millions of types of fish to beautiful coral, and did I forget to mention the sharks?! Don’t worry, they are non-aggressive here in Palau. They have white tipped and black tipped sharks and it was amazing to swim with them.


This past Monday and Tuesday myself and 9 other SM’s have been getting our scuba diving certifications. The reason for this is because Palau has one of the best diving in the world. On Friday we’ll have our first open water dive at 40 feet and then on Sunday we’ll have our second dive at 60 feet. Please don’t worry about me! The chances of any thing threatening happening is very slim. It was fun in the pooland in the small lagoon (12 feet) and I’m looking forward to seeing all the amazing animals and coral at 40 feet!

I know this is getting long, but hold on I’m almost done. Today (Wednesday) we had our first day of orientation even though school doesn’t start until the 24th. I know, doesn’t make much since! Any way... it was a decent amount of information, but I definitely feel almost ready! I also got the key for my classroom and oh my!!! I have my work cut out for me! It’s very dusty and not clean at all. The main “up” about my classroom is that it has air conditioning!!! Yipee!! I think I’ll survive. Any way... It’s about time that I “sign off”. We’re heading to prayer meeting at the principal’s house and supper is included. It’s amazing how much you appreciate free meals when you’re buying your own.

I miss you all very much and I appreciate all your prayers more and more each and every day! Please pray that I can get internet on my computer so that I can talk to every one of you!

My mailing address is:
P.O. Box 1166 Koror Palau 96940
(Postage is still the same since it’s American Protected.)