And now, we continue with our story...

Well, hello to all! It surely has been a while. I have meant to keep up, writing one report a month, but time has gotten the best of me. So much has happened since I last wrote. I ended my last report about the middle of April, so I will pick up from there.

During the days April 17-21 I had the pleasure of participating in a youth camp as a councilor. The camp was held in the campus of Cebu Bible College (the students are all on summer field work) and the Talamban Church building. We had almost 100 campers attend, and everyone enjoyed it. Kids from the ages of 12-17 attended. The theme of the camp was "Youth Dream Academy", based on a show we have over here similar to "American Idol" called "Pinoy Dream Academy". There were talks on the topics of "how to be a diligent student", "how to be an obedient child", and "how to be a considerate friend". This is the third year for this camp, and each year it has been getting better. I, however, have only been able to attend the second and third years. It is a positive way for children in the different congregations to get together and have fun, with a focus on God.

We also have started our next session of classes. I am only teaching one class, Archaeology and the Bible, meeting on Wednesdays at 5:30. I have 5 students and am enjoying teaching them. I decided to teach only one class this session due to our impending trip to the US and my school coming to an end. Things have been getting really hectic, and I have only been to the BSC at most 3 out of the 7 days in the week, when I used to be there everyday.

Speaking of hectic: the date of our departure is June 8, and is coming closer and closer. I feel as if there's this deadline heading towards me and I'm not gonna be able to make it. We have less than three weeks till our departure. Like I have said before, I have mixed feelings about the trip. We have so much going on right now, it's such a shame to leave in the heat of it all. We already have plans for the members who are teachers to continue teaching while we are gone, so there will still be classes, but it will be weird not to be a part of that for three months. BUT, there is the other side of the situation, in that we will be going to see all our family (blood relations and extended) and supporters. It is something to look forward to, no doubt about that :D.

We have been having family meetings in preparation for our trip, meeting and planning for things to be taken care of. We already have someone to stay in our house, and bills will be paid. It is really happening.

Along with the camp I mentioned above, I have also been able to attend a camp for the ages of 17 and above on May 15-19. Also held in the Cebu Bible College campus, the camp was focused on training for evangelism and training on reading music notes and singing songs. The turnout was small, only about 30 total attendance, but that made it so we all were able to get close and for the classes to be personal. I enjoyed it very much, most likely because it was fashioned for MY age group. :D

Oh yeah, how could I forget?!? Yours truly turned 18 on the 3rd of May! I am... um... legal? hehe, with my graduating from high school and turning 18 comes MORE responsibility. It's a clock I can't turn back. But I'm not worried. For a while I did worry, but Jesus tells us not to worry about anything, so I've resolved to look forward to it. I am excited about what the Lord may choose to do through me and the people I may be able to help find him. It's amazing to be a part of something so great!

Because it has been so long since my last report, I probably have forgotten something, but I've let you know the gist of what's been going on in my life. The next report I write will most likely be either right before we leave, or right after we arrive in the US of A. I hope you are all well, and am looking forward to seeing you all!

In him...

Sara Murrell