The Hawaiian Islands School of Biblical Studies will be starting in Honolulu on April 2nd and I'm gearing up to head over for staff training on March 10th.
We have 18 accepted students and many more still in process. These students are coming from all over the world - Switzerland, China, India, Ghana, USA, The Congo, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Samoa, Nigeria, Korea, and Indonesia. Yeah, I guess you could say it's going to be a diverse mix! :)
I've mentioned before that this is my first time working with a traditional SBS (non-Chronological). I'm getting really excited about starting out in the New Testament, and while I still feel somewhat like its cheating or giving away the end of the story, I am excited that our students will get to study the Old Testament through the eyes of the New. Though I think I'm still biased towards the Chronological approach, I want to understand more why others choose to study and teach the Bible starting with the New.
My first books I will be teaching are Ephesians and Colossians. I'm looking forward to both, as they are some of my favorite letters written by Paul.
But, I still have about 3 weeks until I head to Honolulu, and in the meantime here are some things I have been and will be doing in Kona before I leave:
* Helping with student applications and visas
* Volunteering for Snorkel Day *Tomorrow!*
* Hospitality for a week of meetings being hosted in Kona for the U of N Advisory Board
* Worship team at my church, Central Kona Union Church
* Teaching Sunday School for Filipino Youth on Sunday nights
* Putting together lesson plans for the Filipino Sunday School for while I'm away
I also want to share an awesome blessing I had last week. My cousin Vikki was able to come and visit for a week and it was perfect timing because I have few pressing responsibilities at the moment. We were able to go all over the island (mostly beaches!) and I know had she come during a school, I would not have been able to spend as much time with her as I did. The photo in this post is of her and I at the Pololu Valley lookout. We decided to do a "tourist" day and drive to some pretty places, but upon seeing the trail, Vikki insisted we hike it in our cute clothes and flip flops. It was definitely worth it!
If you ever want to come for a visit like Vikki did, give me a call or shoot me an email! Even if I don't have the free time like I did for Vikki's visit, I can always point you in the right directions and give you some local advice!
- OR - If you're interested in volunteering in Hawaii, check out the Mission Builders program.
I think that's about it for now. Thanks for taking the time to read my updates!
Akua Ho'omaika'i Oe!
Jillian
