Ruth's Ponderings on a Friday Night while Sponsoring Late Shift at the Teen Centre

Ruth’s perception of what I have seen around center in regards to the young people here.  As Chad and I sit and watch some teens hang out on a Friday night I was struck by something.  The teenagers and the kids here on center really have the relationship thing down.  Yes, teenagers are social, they love their friends and their peer groups and to hang out.  But as the 21^st century evolves so has social networking, like Facebook and texting and all the other social networks. So while American society as a whole may engage in relationship using digital services, but have we forgotten about talking and 1 on 1, or coming together in a group? Unfortunately it is becoming rare for people/kids just to hang out together. The kids here really have the relationship piece down.  The kids on center are really hanging out on this Friday night and interacting with one another.  Not the yes I am listening to you but I am texting at the same time or having the ear buds in so they can’t hear what is going on around them.  These kids are shooting hoops, playing volleyball, riding bikes and or skateboards and they are in constant communication with one another.  God wants us in relationships with Him and listening and communicating with Him without all the distractions that this world gives us!!  Without the pressures of media everywhere these kids are able to be kids a whole lot longer than in the states.  They are innocent for a longer period of time.  I wonder if there is any way we can get that in the states.  Besides becoming Amish J  Yes, kids will be kids and they all make mistakes even MK (missionary kids).  We are all forgiven by the grace of God and he wants us to be in relationship.   It is so easy to get caught up in the business of life, even on the mission field, that we “forget” to be in constant relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Life is Full, God is Good

Since we've been back from POC, I (Chad) have probably thought every day about updating our blog with some news. But between the pile of work at the office that stacked up while I was gone at the orientation course, the added responsibilities that I've had to take on due to shortage of personnel, the active family life that we have with friends over most nights, little parties and get togethers, and my weekend outings, I haven’t squeezed in a blog post for quite some time.
So this morning in between cleaning up from last night’s party, making a nice omlette breakfast for the family and then going to some yard sales, I think I have enough time to upload a few pics and talk about what’s been going on in the Michael family lately!
POC (Pacific Orientation Course) is a guys paradise! I absolutely loved traipsing through the jungle with Papua New Guinean guides. Indiana Jones style with bush knife in hand, chopping through vines uncovering ancient foot paths that lead to incredible jungle scapes and waterfalls. Basically you spend the first half of your day in class studying language, Melanesian culture, anthropology, PNG history and medical safety. All awesome stuff! Then you spend some time trying out your Tok Pisin with the workmen at the facility before they take you on a hike through the jungle or a swim in the ocean. Basically it’s about the coolest thing I could of dreamed of!