Day One

Seniors leave Shalom at approximately 3:50 PM on Thursday 5-25-06.

Day Two
By email - sent by seniors at 11:40 PM Friday night.

Greetings from the Class of 2006!

We are all in Eleuthera, staying at the Eleuthera Bible Training Center (EBTC) in James Cistern, Eleuthera. We have had several interesting adventures in our trip down here. We left Shalom Thursday afternoon for BWI where we flew to Florida. Our flight was delayed 10 minutes, but everything else went perfectly. We arrived in West Palm Beach, collected all of our luggage, were assaulted by intense humidity, and headed off to Berean Christian School where we spent the night. We were very thankful for their hospitality, the dark and quiet helped some people sleep, but many of us spent a restless, cold night on 'beds' made from chairs or the carpeted floor. We never knew Floridian air-conditioning was that cold!

We were up and at 'em by 5 am, drove for two hours to Fort Pierce, a very quiet ride because many of us were sleeping. The first flight to Eleuthera left early. The students assigned to the second flight had several hours to lounge around the hangar and wait. During this time the group was able to do some minor service projects for MFI (Missionary Flights International), the flight service that provided our transportation to Eleuthera. The second flight was delayed several hours as logistics were planned, but it took off with all 16 passengers around 2:30 pm. Both flights to Eleuthera went splendidly, and everyone arrived safely.
We were reunited at EBTC and spent the evening unpacking, regrouping, having an orientation session, and adjusting to life in Eleuthera. Almost everyone has made it to the beach; the students on the first flight spent the afternoon there. The mosquitoes are out in full force, as is the humidity. Deet, ice, and air-conditioning are valuable commodities. We are very thankful that we will be sleeping in air-conditioned rooms.

As many of you know, Alex had some health problems. They started with a stomach flu that led to dehydration. This caused some minor muscle problems, but he is now doing much better and will be able to participate in the rest of the trip. Thank you all for your prayers on his behalf. This experience has bonded us as a team in new ways. Today we learned the value of each individual and his or her importance to the whole group. During group devotions many of us took time to share the lessons God taught us through this experience.

And now for everyone's first impressions about Eleuthera (this is the section for parents wishing to hear from their children):
Anna: Beaches
Katie: Relaxed
Ruthie: Friendly people
Kayla: Hot!
Kelly: Bugs everywhere
Brian: Food -- the stuffing at dinner was wonderful [our Bahamian chef served a turkey dinner]
Julie: I'm glad to finally be here
Jon: Oh baby, pretty scenery
Mr. Goetz: Life is a beach
Phillip: Sticky
Holly: Humid but beautiful
Sheila: Gorgeous
Ian: Smells odd
Monty: Sandy, tropical, and muggy
Mrs. Chace: Hot and sticky with mosquitos; we've arrived with Alex!
Joe: Beaches are different from those in the US
Walisa: Many places seems poor and rundown
Dawn: Dirtier than the US
Jesi Tuinstra: Beautiful, hot, and full of mosquitos
Jess Taylor: Everyone is treated like family
Nancy: Awesome
Sarah: Landscape isn't what I thought it would be like
Amber: Kickin'
Lindsay: Few roads, friendly people, lots of beaches
Maria: Wow
Mr. Chase: Glad to see it
Dan: Wet
Amanda: Friendly people
Melissa: Shock when a Bahamian man jokingly offered to carry me off the plane
Mrs. Goetz: Beautiful place with needy people
Alex: Finally!
We are looking forward to an exciting, profitable stay.

On behalf of the senior class,
Melissa

Day Three
By email - sent by seniors at 12:10 AM Sunday morning.

Day two on the 110-mile long island of Eleuthera has been very positive and uplifting for us down here, despite the thick humidity and the pestering insects. This morning, we woke up to a egg casserole breakfast (compliments of Kelly, Mrs. Goetz, and Mrs. Chace) and then we were off to trek up the steep (but small) hill behind the Center to meet Shaun (one of the missionaries) and Wade (an Bahamian man who helps EBTC). Shaun divided us up into groups, gave us instructions, and then we were off to work. Some of us were employed by re-arranging the rather large tool trailer (much like the elementary trailer at school) that was in dire need of some organizational assistance. Another group was put to work on cleaning off rust from the Center's truck; Shaun said this was a regular ritual due to the humid air from the beach. Dan and Joe began to dig up a patch of earth to prepare for a rock wall and flower garden, while several others completed simple maintenance that was needed around the building.

After work, we all congregated inside for lunch (hot dogs, applesauce, and macaroni and cheese). An interesting tradition held here is that after prayer and the "Amen" is exclaimed, everyone says "I love you!" in unison. Some of our students were confused as to whom this was said -- they never came to a conclusion about the matter. After lunch, Shaun took us south on the island to Alabaster Beach, a beautiful white-sand shore with clear blue water (Holly's exclamation on the plane to the island was true: "The clear water's so clear! You can see clear to the BOTTOM!" She said this after Mrs. Goetz had told us several times before that it would be. Senioritis results in loss of hearing, apparently). Some of us swam to a rocky ledge that extended out into the water, some collected starfish and sand dollars, and others threw a Frisbee around on the sand.

Upon turning into the Center's driveway, we were happily greeted by 20 or so Bahamian children, all ages. The boys were eager to play on the basketball (even I played basketball!), while the girls braided hair and painted nails. Some of our Shalom students played the guitar for them (while the kids assisted with the strumming) and others taught card games to the older ones of the group.

Free time followed and many activities were participated in: ERS (a fast-paced card game much like slap jack), journal-writing (parents should be proud!), guitars and song-singing, and snacks were a frequent sight (the swimming, however, will have worked all that munchy-syndrome gain off by the time we come home. We hope.)

Later, after our Bahamian dinner, devotions were held. A few songs were led by Dan, Julie, and Amanda, and then Phillip led a Bible study based on Hebrews 12:14-15 -- Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes shorts of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled. He reminded us that teamwork on this trip must be coupled with forgiveness in order for us to be effective.

And now for little messages from the group! A word from ...

...Alex: Stop worrying. [Alex is doing well. enjoyed the swimming, interacted with the kids, and is looking much better.]
...Julie: We are having fun -- lots of fun, although we are a little burnt and sticky. (sunscreen is in use!)
...Kayla: I'm doing good! I love you, Mom, Dad, Anthony, & Greg. Say hi to you-know-who for me.
...Holly: It is beautiful here.
...Amanda: Mom, I'm making my bed.
...Anna: Rachel, please do Ren. place.
...Dawn: I love Eleuthera, the beach, and the weather!
...Phillip: Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad!
...Kelly: Many will see what He has done and be astounded -- they will put their trust in the LORD (Ps. 48:3).
...Lindsay: the food is good, but that's okay because we sweat off all the weight we gain!
...Dan: Last time I left, you sold the piano. This time, it had better be back.
...Amber: Feelin' good ... never leaving.
...Walisa: I'm having fun ... a lot of fun.
...Jon: Don't you wish you were here?
...Brian: Hey.
...Ruthie: Love you, all.
...Katie: We're having an awesome time -- I love it here! I love you guys!
...Melissa: You da man! Painted toenails.
...Monty: Mom, I love you. I don't have sunburn. And you'd love it here.
...Ian: Dad and Mom, I'm perfectly all right. I'm thinking of you. God bless you.
...Maria: Dad, I saw fish ... but not trout.
...Sheila: I wish for everyone to expereince Eleuthera!
...Joe: I'm not that bad at basketball, although the kids are about 6-10 years old.
...Nancy: I'm having fun here!! Got a lil' bit tanner, but ... it's okay! Love you all!!
...Jess Taylor: I love my family, J.T., and the beach.
...Sarah: Paradigm shift! Infected silver buddy. Pristine Waterscape. LOVE.
...Jesi Tuinstra: I love you, Mom.
...Mr. & Mrs. Chace: Stephanie, miss you, wish you were here ... so many similarities to Samoa!!!
...Mr. & Mrs. Goetz: Send me some AC! It's hot and sticky but we're having a great time.

On behalf of the senior class,
Dan Lawson

Day Four
By email - sent by seniors at 10:50 PM Sunday night.

Greeting from the beautiful, sunny, and extremely HOT island of Eleuthera. Today, we woke up to the noise of Julie screaming about her many bug bites, but you will learn about that later with gory details galore.

We went to a little place called Gregory Town this morning for a church service. It was unlike anything most of us had ever experienced. There were about 10 people that were at the church, plus us. The chorale members sang "Shut de Do" for them and, at the e nd, the girls sang "Great Is Thy Faithfulness."

The worship team learned that Dan could play piano by ear, so they called him up to play. Dan didn't know that the worship team liked to start in random keys and change them mid-song; he was making some pretty grotesque faces up on the stage. The singers were off key, also, but we admired then for their faithfulness and courage to praise God. Joe said at devotions tonight, "The thing is, when you have voices like that, you have to have lots of courage just to get up there and sing."

Sister Weean spoke a message about not letting the devil snuff out your joy. She was very good. We were a ll invited back on Friday for the Annual Gregory Town Pineapple Fest! I hope we can go.

We came back and ate a quick lunch, then loaded up the vans to go to another beach. Man, that was a strain for most of us ... JUST KIDDING! This beach was called "Club Med" beach.

!

It was gorgeous and probably the clearest water we have seen so far. Lots of people went out and saw many kinds of different fish swimming among reefs. There was a barracuda in the shallow water that scared the girls to death. It was swimming right around us! &n bsp; Sheila also got a little sting from an encounter with a jellyfish (or so we think).

Came back for a wonderful meal prepared by Billy the Bahamian chef. Wow, it was good. We had a nice time of devotions tonight led by Alex. He talked about Jer. 29: 10-11 and about God's sovereign plan. This was followed by a sharing/debriefing time.

God's handiwork has been seen a lot on this trip, at least from my perspective. I've seen him answer prayer in so many ways over the course of just a few days. He has repaired friendships, healed the sick, and taken care of us in many situations. We serve a mighty God, capable of doing things beyond our wildest expectations!

And now the bug bite stats taken by world famous pollst er Melissa Sanders. I assure you, these are not exaggerations or fabrications. What you are about to read is real! Here goes ... brace yourself:

Mrs. Chace, Monty, Joe: 0
Sheila, Nancy: 2
Dan: 3
Katie: 4
Maria, Phillip: 5 (Praise God!)
Jess Taylor: 6
Jess Tuinstra: 8
Melissa, Kayla: 18
Amber, Brian: 20
Mr. Chace: 24
Mr. Goetz, Ho lly: 30
Walisa, Lindsay: 45
Ruthie: 55
Amanda: 56
Jon: 60
Ian: 74
Dawn: 75
Sarah: 77
Anna: 85
Alex: 104
Kelly: 127
Mrs. Goetz: "An infinite multitude", but probably not as many as Julie.

And here it is, folks:



Julie has a grand total of 313 (yes, 313, Mr. Roth: the Edict of Milan) bug bites of various sizes on her legs. 160 on the left, 153 on the right, with a few on the arms. "It's not really painful when there's moving a ir. Thank God for Benadryl itch relief!"

And that's about it for today. The real work will start tomorrow at 7:00 AM. Be prepared for an update full of blood, sweat, and tears (and a lot of bugs).

Sincerely yours,
Phillip Johnston

Day Five
By email - sent by seniors at 9:35 PM Monday night.

Today was the first real day of mission work. From 7 am to 11 am work was done around the mission property which included: cement mixing and laying, cleaning debris , prep work for sidewalks, painting, moving boxes, and washing a car, all in around 100 degree heat.
After a great lunch of spaghetti, we rested, napping mostly, and headed out to our after school program in Gregorytown. Despite much planning by our four groups as to what we would do with the kids, in the end all we accomplished was racing, duck duck goose, and a whole lot of face painting. Unfortunately with a lack of easels, we used our arms, and somewhere along the way all of our four paintbrushes were transferred into the hands of 30, 8 year olds. . . I'm sure y ou can imagine what became of that.
After VBS around half the class went to Rainbow Beach, the same beach half the class went to the day we arrived. The other half stayed at the mission and caught up on much needed rest. Unfortunately, those who stayed back missed seeing several manta rays. Despite all the exhaustion however good news is most certainly available. We discovered how to hook our mp3 players up to the missions stereo, so we are almost continuously listening to music. Woohoo!! Fortunately, the girls discovered the possible source of most of Julie's, Kelly's, and Mrs. Goetz's bug bits were infestions in their mattress's which they removed.
Finally came supper. Ribs and fried rice! Absolutely amazing. We also got the chance to taste some authentic Bahamian food, namely fried plantain. After supper came devo's and worship. Devo's were led by Jon Peckman and discussed the impact of our words on people. Later Kelly shared some words which encouraged all of us in our continuing struggle against mosquitoes. And now we are having a few last hours of free time before we go to bed.

These responses are to what the class wishes they had brought with them, if they could bring anything at all.
Phillip Johnston- Oust!
Brian Pensinger- Loving wife and family
Nancy Tanjung- My mom ( for all the good cooking)
Sheila Strite- My room and everything in it
Katie Roth- Sarah Marquiss
Maria Shannon- Mr. Horner
Jesi Tuinstra- Cell phone w/ service
Monty Seaman- Handheld fan
Joe Sturm- Electric guitar
Jon Peckman- Cool air from PA (and happy b-day mom)
Ruthie Platerer- 100% Deet
Holly Dawson- Jet ski
Ian Searcy- My cat, clown
Dan Lawson- Piano
Kayla Butz- Bugless bed
Sarah Teach- my shower
Anna Harbaugh- anti-itch cream
Jess Taylor- My fiance
Amanda Eberly- my guitar
Kelly Kingsley- my own (bugless) bed
Dawn Hawbaker- other snorkeling goggles
Walisa McCleary- nothing
Lindsay Kipp- Anti-itch cream
Mrs. Goetz- my bed
Mr. Goetz- my daughters
Julie Burkholder- major bug relief
Melissa sanders- Laptop w/ internet access
Amber Lehman- more clothing
Alex Brown- pool table
Mr. Chase- daughter Stephanie
Mrs. Chase- cooler shorts

As a intercessor for the Senior class of 2006 painfully serving on the island of Eleuthera,
Alex Brown

Day Six
By email - sent by seniors at 12:02 AM Wednesday morning.

Greetings family, friends, and loved ones from the Class of 2006!

We are all still alive here on the island of Eleuthera and having a great time! This morning consisted of waking up, eating breakfast, and then continuing on work projects. We continued building stone walls and flower beds, painting, putting up cypress boards for a ceiling and laying concrete for a side walk. However, it poured rain for approximately 10 minutes before the sidewalk was totally finished and dry so some of our work was washed away. Mr. Goetz, Mr. Chace, and some of the locals tried to fix it as best as they could.

After our work projects, we had lunch and then we could chill until it was time for our after school program. Today went so much better than yesterday because we knew a little more what to expect. Dawn directed "The Good Samaritan" starring Ian (bad guy), Alex (victim), Sarah(passerby #1), Melissa (passerby #2), Kayla (good samaritan), and Phillip (donkey). The kids loved the fight scene. Directly following the fabulous production Alex led the group in a rousing round of Father Abraham & Hallelu Hallelu. The kids taught us a song or two, which we are excited about sharing with you! Anna and her craft crew passed out pipecleaners to make braclets -- who knew we could have such fun with pipecleaners! The kids ate that up! The Bahamian girls are madly in love with Jon and Alex -- Those girls swarm -- just like the mosquitoes, chiggers, no-se-ums, and BEDBUGS! One little girl asked Julie and me if we had chicken pox -- I think it looks like leg acne, all white-headed and oozing (brief pause for an "aww" please -- they are healing though).

We came back and all but six went to Ship Wreck Beach (the six took naps and played ping pong. Miss Katie Roth is the ultimate ping-pong champion! She takes such delight in beating every single boy except Monty -- once, with a close score). There is an actual old ship wrecked there so that was pretty cool to see, and Dawn, Ruthie, Melissa, and Ian ventured into the old barnicle covered ship.

We came back, ate delicious food, and sat down for our group devotions and prayer time. This has become the highlight of my day. We have gleaned so much wisdom from each other. Relationships once broken have been healed, and we are beginning to see that we will never understand the Lord. Every person is important, and we suffer when one is missing. Below are a few words by the seniors --- things they are learning and want to share with you to benefit the body.

Alex: Patience
Julie: "Whatever you do work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not men."
-Col 3:23
Kayla: Looking pretty and being clean should never hinder you from working for the Lord.
Listen to people when they talk and glean as much wisdom as you can.
Holly: Power tools are NOT just for boys!
Experiencing God's creation is such a blessing -- much more effective than pictures.
Amanda: It is best to be quiet sometimes.
John Bayer was right, this is not what I expected -- it's better.
Anna: I have learned that I will never understand God.
Dawn: Americans are an icon. We are watched. Leech (an island friend) said, "When an
American spits we know it before it hits the ground" Know that you are an example.
Phillip: Mopping can be theraputic.
Kelly: Sharing your struggles, your triumphs and all the things God is doing brings a smile to His
face. God is a whole lot bigger than I give Him credit for.
Lindsay: Everyone has strengths and weaknesses--encourage others in their weakness.
Dan: Encouragement is vital to total team-work.
Amber: Snokeling is cool, everyone needs to experience this (thanks for the snorkel gear, mom!)
Walisa: Tolerance (especially in itching) is so important. We can't change the circumstance, and
we can not allow them to defeat us.
Brian: Bohemians are friendly.
Ruthie: Ask questions. Kids are fun!
Katie: Attitude is a choice. You can have a big impact with something very small.
Melissa: Freezer pops are amazing! Don't sit in inertia. Faith is about action.
Monty: We had big plans, they were drowned. We had preconcieved ideas (working with kids
is not my thing) and those ideas were demolished.
The things we do are so tiny, yet God has His hand in them all.
Ian: I learned to swim!
Maria: The kids look up to us. Did you guys see them watching you pour cement all day?
Sheila: Take time for yourself. God uses it to refresh you.
Joe: I've learned to work as a team.
Nancy: I am used to being hot and sticky.
Jess Taylor: Be flexible.
Sarah: Common courtesy is important when living with people 24/7.
Jesi Tuinstra: Cement does not dry. A chemical reaction makes it hard.
Mrs. Chace: Enjoying the class.
Mr. Chace: Also enjoying the class.
Mr. Goetz: I learned new names.
Mrs. Goetz: The majesty of God is revealed in His creation. He continues to do miracles today.
The members of the Class of 2006 are great workers.

In closing, we would like to thank each of you, from the bottom of our hearts for your prayer. It is a powerful weapon. We experienced this tonight in devotions. Indeed, the Lord is faithful to fight on our behalf -- spiritual battles must be fought with spiritual weapons -- and he has made our hearts mighty and fierce on purpose. Our God is passionate and full of force. Ask for big things, ask for miracles.

Julie and I are off to put on our 'perfume'--no bedbugs are biting tonight! We love you and goodnight!

On behalf of the Class of 2006,
Miss Julie Burkholder and Miss Kelly Kingsley

P.S. Beck, I am proud of you and I miss you. -Kelly
We are looking forward to seeing you Saturday -Your classmates

Mr. Horner--
Mrs. Goetz and I picked up rocks for you. Maria dove for sanddollars. The Lord
IS working, and I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt your prayer and your words have
made a difference. Never tire of doing the right thing. We miss you and wish you were
here with us.

To Curtis, Jonathan, Rachel and Brett--
Your words in our commissioning service were invaluable. Thank you for your preparation,
your encouragement, and your passion for God and his kids. We look forward to sharing
with you. Chapel - Wednesday - June 7th - Be there! Call the school for the time.

Josh --
God continues to surprise us. Thank you for your encouragement -- Also invaluable.
Chapel - Wednesdsay - June 7th - Be there!

Day Seven
By email - sent by seniors at 12:24 AM Thursday morning.

Today is what most of us refer to as a routine day. We got up at around 6:30 a.m. to eat breakfast then begin our morning work. I'm sure you have been filled in on what we have been doing. And yes, we actually work even though we are in the Bahamas.

We are suffering for Christ, so far we have endured extreme temperatures, humidity, and near death by chiggers and mosquitoes! (See Day 4 picture of Julie's legs for details!)

We had steamers (sloppy Joe's) for lunch. Then in the afternoon we get in vans and go to the park in Gregory Town to play with the kids. There is actually a little girl that comes to play with us and we share the same name, Kayla! She is domin antly a big hit because she is so cute!

At the park we first sang songs and we were taught a bunch by the local children! Then we had a skit about the prodigal son. Alex played the part of the son, Phillip as the father, Melissa as the farmer that allowed the son to feed the pigs, me as the servant of the father, Sarah as a pig and Monty as a cow (these actors volunteered for these roles). The craft for the day was decorating tambourines (two paper plates stapled together with macaroni inside). By the end of the day the kids would come up to us and say that their tambourine was filled with macaroni! Some actually dug out the pieces and showed us or tried to eat them!
After ministry with the kids, we followed two of them to their parent's shop to buy pineapple. Tomorrow starts the weekend of pineapple fest! We are looking forward to eating a lot of pineapple in the next few days. After we got back from the park, we went to Twin Cove Beach. It was absolutely beautiful. By far this is my favorite beach. It was a rather overcast day and if we looked towards the horizon, we could actually see rain coming down in the distance. The temperature was so cool, it reminded us of home!
Most of us think dinner is a highlight of the day. Billy, the chef, makes wonderful food! Tonight we had spaghetti with hamburger sauce, broccoli with cheese, and chocolate brownies with raisins and walnuts.
Amber led us in devotions tonight and we learned what freedom really means. Not only freedom in America, but freedom from sin and ourselves. After devotions we had a good discussion about how we have experienced freedom.

Here are responses to the Topic: Free Style (Random Thoughts).
Joe: I'm tan!
Monty: Bahamians are really friendly!
Katie: You were right dad, Eleuthera is closer to the equator...
Walisa: Bug bites teach you tolerance and self control.
Amanda: I'm finally warm!
Alex: Awoooga!
Lindsay: Everything is so much more expensive here! Example the price of gas is $4.90 a gallon!
Ruthie: Snorkling everyday at the gorgeous beaches is wonderful!
Dawn: Speed is best played when tired!
Maria: I feel the need for speed!
Dan: Those who are late do not get fruit cup.
Jonathan: I could not have guessed it to have been like this!
Phillip: I forget what I was going to say...
Amber: There is a hole in the bottom of the sea... Thanks Alex!
Jess Taylor: I'm going Crazy!
Sarah: I'd recommend to anyone biting off more than you can chew... La de da!
Holly: Got beach? We do!!
Nancy: It's weird, it's so much like Indonesia here, but... I don't get used to it (I'm talking about weather and bugs of course).
Mrs. Chase: The bugs are starting to like me. (I used to have none!)
Jessi Tuinstra: I'm going to chop off my feet (bug bites)!
Kelly: Hi sisters! How is dad's leg? I can't wait to hug you mom. I miss you Brett! I hope you are learning lots at your conference
Sheila: I don't know how I could ever survive without my family, I miss you guys, especially you, mommy!
Anna: Happy birthday Bethany! I love you family!
Mrs. Goetz: I've appreciated the devotions at night and the fact that people allow themselves to be vulnerable.
Mr. Goetz: Everyone is getting tired, but God is working among us!
Melissa: Dad, no new war cry? how about "the organized student cleans out her suitcase tonight and finds kissables". Mom, ok I'll admit it, I still have 10 pairs of clean underwear. P.S. love the bathrobe, very handy. Phup calls it the ab ominable snowman costume! I'm taking it to Philadelphia with me too. Love, the sugar plummer
Brian: Forte is pronounced fort when in reference to a skill or aptitude. The musical term is pronounced for-tay. This has always irked me, and I figured this would be a suitable opportunity to spread the fact to the philistines still pronouncing i t wrong. Thank You!
Julie: We are having lots of fun and I 'm enjoying myself, but I'm looking forward to seeing ya'll again. (Especially the cows..just kidding! Dad, flying is so much fun! Love to all!
Kayla: I love it here, but I will also love coming home! Mom it looks like I have just enough bug spray! I love you family!! I miss you, Brian! Talk to you guys soon!

Becky we are praying for you! Keep up the good work!!
I love you! -Kayla

Mr. Horner we love and wish you were here!

We saw an awesome sunset tonight!

On behalf of the class of 2006 serving in Eleuthera,
Kayla

Day Eight
By email - sent by seniors at 11:09 PM Thursday night.

So, here's the update for Thursday, June 1!

We woke up early as usual (6a.m.) to find that the electricity had been out for about 2 hours. Luckily it came back on about 7:15. We made our way up "the hill" at 7. They split us up to let us do more work. We finished pouring the concrete for the sidewalk near the house. We also almost finished the stone wall around it. The ceiling crew continued to put up the ceiling and made some progress. Another group of students went to an old church and cleaned it up a lot! It now looks pretty. Mr. Chace and Joe went to a youth camp and did some electrical work. The rest were put to use by cleaning the center. We came back to the center at 11 for lunch. We had some delicious pizza bagels and some leftovers.

We then loaded into vans and went to the location for vacation bible school with the kids. When we arrived there were not a lot of kids there, but as time progressed, more came. We did a skit of David and Goliath and sang some songs. We gave them the bracelets we had made the night before. While most of us played red rover, Ian and Joe were getting "beat" up by the little kids. We gave them a snack and left.

We then went to Twin cove beach for about 2 hours and had a lot of fun! During that time, Mr. Goetz and Dan went snorkeling. They went around the cove and when they returned they said they saw a 6 foot shark and a sea turtle! This was really exciting. Another team went out to see if they could see it as well. We came back, ate supper provided by the one and only Billy.

We are to be in bed tonight at 11, however, due to procrastination, Jesi and Amber are breaking that rule right now and feel horrible.

The random survey for the night was : What is one thing that you wish you could take home with you?

Amanda - a coconut
Kelly - the no stress atmosphere
Anna - the kids
Julie - devotional times
Amber - Billy (so he can make all my meals!!!)
Katie - a tan
Walisa - the views
Alex - the beach
Holly - a coconut tree
Jess - an everlasting Eleuthera tan
Ruthie - a picture of something deadly (like a baracuda)
Lindsay - the beautiful beaches
Phillip - a coconut
Kayla - twin cove beach
Ian - a lizard
Jesi - the beaches
Sarah - a Bahemian accent
Joe - the beach
Melissa - the daily snorkeling
Maria - the scenery
Dan - ping pong table and infinite amount of freeze pops
Monty - Billy
Mr. Chace - my sanity
Jon - Billy
Sheila - a hermit crab
Brian - Javii - the little boy who claims to be a member of both teams during a basketball game

We are having a great time and are looking forward to tomorrow. Pray we don't leave anyone behind. Also pray that the vehicles we travel in will function properly as the tires in some of the vans seem to be low. Good night one and all... Amber and Jesi

Day Nine
By email - sent by seniors at 12:54 AM Saturday morning.

Greetings from Eleuthera!

Today (considering it's 12:12 am) we leave for home. We're all very sad to see our time in Eleuthera come to an end. We've learned so much from each other and from the new experiences on the trip.

Here is a brief update of what we did on Friday:

We were up and out the door by 8:30 a.m., heading off on a sight-seeing trip. Our first stop was a souvenir shop in Gregory Town where we all bought tons of surprises for our beloved family and friends. Most of us also bought ice cream at Ida's a local ice cream shop with the best strawberry ice cream in the world (at least it seemed that way in the 90+ degree weather).

Next, we went to the Glass Window Bridge which is the narrowest part of the island. The Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea almost touch there. We traversed the bridge and rocky coastline for several minutes before packing back into the vans to go north.
We arrived at Harbor Island (a small island off the coast of Eleuthera) around 11:30 a.m. Here, we were free to shop, visit the beach, and find lunch. Everyone in the group ate at restaurant called Valentine's in a resort. It was beautiful, located beside the ocean, and the food was delicious! We sat and talked for several hours: no one wanted to leave the beauty and comfort of such a wonderful place.

Almost everyone went to the Pink Sands Beach after Valentine's. This beach had actual waves as opposed to the calm waters of all the other beaches we've visited. The breaking surf was lovely against the crystal clear, blue-green water. The shopping was also very nice on the island, but it was a bit expensive. We could tell the prices were set for tourists.

On the way home we stopped back in Gregory Town to visit the Pineapple Fest, a local homecoming celebration to unite the community. There was live music, and stalls covered with palm leaves serving every pineapple-containing food imaginable we re everywhere. Speaking from personal experience, the pineapple upside down cake was especially delicious. The festivities at the Pineapple Fest reminded us of Shalom's Dutchfest.


We arrived home around 4:30 p.m. Our Bahamian chef, Billy, served us our last dinner in Eleuthera. We will all greatly miss him and his cooking. We also started cleaning up the center in preparation for our departure Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m.

Our last ministry on the island was leading a local youth group's service. Kelly, Ian, Sarah, Phillip, and Dan all gave testimonies, and Dan lead some singing. We sang both American praise songs and new songs we learned in Eleuthera with the youth at the service. The service was uneventful, but we did have quite the experience afterward. For the last few days, we've tried to nurse along a rapidly-deflating tire. Tonight, after youth group, nursing failed, and tire death was pronounced. Wow, that tire was flat! A group went back to begin cleaning the center while everyone else waited in the mosquitoes for the tire to be changed. Everyone was very high strung on the way home, and many crazy pictures were taken.

For devotions tonight, we played the 'encouragement game' where everyone sits in a circle and says nice things about each other. It was a very uplifting, positive way to end our time in Eleuthera.

Here are all the favorite memories from the trip:
Jess Taylor: Barbecue fight with Sarah
Holly: Harbor Island; Devotions; Billy's food at dinner
Nancy: Snorkeling with pretty white fish (even though it was scary at first!)
Kelly: Swimming a sting ray
Mr. Chace: Sharing time during devotions
Dawn: Harbor Island; singing in the van
Maria: Working the jackhammer during construction
Sheila: One-on-one time with different classmates
Kayla: Twin Cove Beach; playing with kids during VBS time
Amber: Sitting in the front seat of the van with Mr. Goetz
Amanda: Snorkeling for the first time ever!
Julie: Repeatedly singing the kids's songs we learned in Eleuthera
Ruthie: Snorkeling for two hours at Club Med Beach with Mr. Goetz and Melissa
Anna: Class devotions every night
Mrs. Chase: Sharing time during devotions; the white/pink sand beaches
Sarah: Visiting Harbor Island and working with some other missionaries cleaning out a run-down church
Monty: Van rides and Wednesday night's sunrise
Alex: The view leaving Harbor Island
Mr. Goetz: Talking with Mike Chace and seeing the shark while snorkeling (in that order)
Jesi: Having a real conversation with Alex (the first in 10 years)
Katie: Riding in the van
Walisa: Pictures
Phillip: Dancing with Melissa and Sheila before the bus came
Lindsay: Snorkeling
Ian: Wrestling with Bahamian children
Dan: Snorkeling around with Mr. Goetz and swimming less than 10 feet away from a shark
Brian: Having Enrique show me his special three-legged sea crab
Joe: Wrestling with the Bahamian kids and the beauty of the island
Melissa: Finding a nest of hermit crabs at Twin Coves Beach with Ruthie and late-night dancing with Phillip and Sheila
Jon: Being in the van and learning to run the jackhammer
Mrs. Goetz: Beautiful scenery; class devotions; excellent suppers by Billy

Please pray for safety was we travel home and that we will make our flights on time (we've adapted too well to the laid-back Bahamian lifestyle!). In fact, Ruthie and I have already missed curfew because we're writing this email.

On behalf of the senior class,

Melissa Sanders