July in Kona!!

Hi Friends,

We are safely in Kona, Hawaii! Although it was a bit of a frustrating journey to get here, we are happily settled and have been here for almost 3 weeks. The weather is consistently very hot and humid, and Kona is very beautiful. We are living just off campus (2 minute walk from the YWAM base) with Meagan and Nic during our time here. Here is what’s going on:

Classes:

Isi and I are both taking a course called Principles of Redeeming Culture. The course is so much better than I could have imagined! We haven’t even had 2 weeks of lectures yet and already we are learning a lot. The 27 students in our class represent more than 11 different nations so we have a very diverse group (which by the way, everyone else on campus here wishes they were a part of!). Our group is loud and fun, and its very obvious that each student has come here to learn all they can in this short time.

Our daily schedule looks like this:
7:00am – I give Silina to Meagan and get ready for classes
8:00am – Classes start at the campus and we have a different speaker give lectures each week on various topics (so far: Orientation and Worship)
12:00 – We eat lunch at the cafeteria on campus
1:00 – We have small groups, discussion groups, or one-on-ones (depending on the day)
3:00 – I go home to Silina and Isi does work duties on campus until 5:00
We have a moderate amount of weekly homework and extra events on some evenings. I’m very happy with the schedule, which allows us to still spend some time as a family while we are here.

Silina:
Silina is adjusting well to life here in Hawaii and has bonded wonderfully with Meagan and Nic who take care of her while we are in classes. She loves stroller rides in the great weather and also enjoys swimming in the pool close to our house. At almost 8 months, she is on another growth spurt and yesterday she learned a new word “papa” which should make my dad very happy J We are still waiting for the arrival of her first tooth.

Prayer Requests:
- Please pray that Isi and I will get the most out of this course possible and that we will be open to all God has for us in this time.
- Please also pray that Silina will start sleeping through the nights. This has been a constant struggle for us when we travel.
- Please pray for continued good health and safety for all of us.

Thank-you:
Thank-you so much for all your prayers and support. We appreciate it more than you will ever know! We couldn’t be doing what we are doing without your help. It is truly a blessing to us. Our prayer is that God will continue to bless you and your loved ones as you serve Him!!

Blessings,
Tessa, Isi & Silina-Kae