Life takes radical turns in the Pacific. The day was beautiful, but still we were warned not to cross the lagoon. So we didn’t. Now, as I write a canopy of gray is unfolding across the lagoon, mighty winds are screaming through every crack and soon pelting rains will fall.

Not long ago, however, I photographed the following pictures from the balcony of my room.

A fisherman walking along the shore with his net flung over his shoulder.

A Chuukese fishing vessel coming home from the open seas.

Speed boats racing to distant islands trying to outrun the advancing storm.

The world is beautiful out here but life is hard, especially in light of the lifestyle that has never had the opportunity to rocket into the modern world. This is largely the result of a threadbare economy and inadequate education. So, the pleas for us to help are intense. Again, I need God’s wisdom and guidance. I cannot make any commitments that God will not support, even though my God-given love for the Chuukese tugs deeply at my heart.

Of this I am certain, if it is God’s will for me to become involved, it will not take away one thing from the commitments God has already led me to make. So, part of what I am thinking and praying about is this: How can this be done while giving my all to present commitments. If it’s God’s will, then it can be done.

So, thank you for praying.

God be with you!

Ron