Just like an old shoe.....

As I began to write this update, I found myself reflecting on the thoughts I had soon after arriving back in American Samoa. I would like to share one of my early journal entries. “ As I sit here, eating my lunch after Sunday morning service, I feel kind of like I am on a roller coaster ride. I think back on the past couple of days since returning to American Samoa, I feel extreme joy and humbleness at God’s provisions in getting me here; I feel a great anticipation of all that He has in store in the coming months; and, yes, I also feel a bit of homesickness as I think of family and friends back in the states. Yet, while reading from a book of prayers that I received from a dear friend a few years ago, I was reminded that the God who brought me here, also watches over them and loves them even deeper than I do….what a beautiful and blessed thought!!! Everyone keeps asking how it is to be back and here are my thoughts on that. Part of it is like slipping into one of your favorite, comfortable pair of shoes. It just fits…….like picking up where I left off with Fola, Finau and Sam, watching Tim and Rachel play in the yard, experiencing the joy of seeing Demetrius smile and hearing him say “Hi, buddy” as he reaches his little arms up for me to lift him and give him a kiss and a ride and sharing my homemade chili with Pastor, Mrs. Lucy, Sam and the new teachers all around the dinner table last night!!! At the same time, part of it is the new pair of shoes….looks great, feels o.k., just needs to be broken in. New living quarters, new set of volunteer teachers, new schedule, Brian and Brandon being off island for their trip home to TN….coming in two weeks behind everyone else and trying to find my “spot”…..none of it bad, just different. And, just as with the new pair of shoes, there will be a few blisters along the way, but in the end God’s purpose and plan will be revealed and fulfilled and all of this will become the “familiar, comfortable pair of shoes” as well!!!” Well, two more weeks have passed since writing that entry and wow, what God can do in just a few short days. Being back here continues to be a blessing and a challenge, but when you think about it, isn’t that how life is anyway?!! Getting to re-connect with my students from last year has truly been a blessing!! I am amazed how much they have matured over the summer. Seeing their excitement at my return has truly been such a blessing!! I feel honored to be their teacher and pray to be worthy of the calling and responsibility!! On my very first day back in the classroom, I had two students come in during break and ask me “how do you know God is real?”…..leave it to God to start things off with a bang!!! Ha,ha Brian and Brandon have also returned to the island and it has been so great re-connecting with them and sharing stories, laughs and ministry. Things continue to be wonderful with Ethan, Julie and Mandy, our new volunteer teachers, as we all get to know each other better through teaching, serving and just daily living!!! God is very present in each of their lives!!! Several of you have also asked if I have been able to see “J” since returning and yes, we were finally able to re-connect this past week!! It blessed my heart so much to see him and sit down and catch up on life and re-new the friendship God started last year. So, over a bag of popcorn, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, some fruit and some water, we have once again started the journey toward who God is and wants to be in his life!! Please keep us both in your prayers as this journey continues to unfold!!! So, to each and every one of you that prays, sends cards, emails and facebook messages, gives financial support and just lets me know you are there……THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!! Thank you for playing such a large part in how God brought me back to American Samoa to continue/complete the work He began in me here last year. While my thoughts still daily drift to family and friends in the states, I take such comfort in knowing He has brought me here, He will never leave nor forsake me and He who began a good work within me will be faithful to complete it!!!! God bless you all as we walk this path hand in hand and as we serve together!!!! Larry Prayer Requests: 1. Please pray for continued and strengthened unity among everyone on campus and at the school. 2. Pray for all our students that they would see Christ in all of us as we teach them on a daily basis. 3. Pray for the Samoan people who we come in contact with everyday. 4. Pray for other Americans teaching and working a variety of jobs here on the island that we will be able to reach out and minister to them as well. 5. Pray for Tafuna Baptist Church as we seek to serve not only American Samoa, but all of the South Pacific. 6. Pray for the new church plant in Hawaii and for the start up of one in New Zealand. 7. Pray for the continued financial and other support needed to stay on the mission field!!!