THE GUAM ADVENTURE
2012 has certainly brought new and exciting things for the Judds! I am sitting on a couch in our temporary home for two months on the island of Guam in Micronesia. If it sounds like it may be a long way from mainland USA, it is. Fly your five-or-so hours to Hawaii and then keep going another 7 hours and you’re there. Japan is right above us, the Philippines are to our left, and Papua New Guinea and Australia are below us. The Mariana Trench is to our right – the deepest part of the world’s oceans – deeper than Everest is high. In fact, if you put Mt. Everest at the bottom of the trench, there would still be over a mile of water above Everest’s peak!
We are enjoying all the wonders and beauties of God’s creation, for sure. The sunsets alone are amazing. But what a great opportunity this trip is for me and my family. How did we find ourselves here? God had seemed to be leading us here on medical missions 3 years ago, but then He abruptly nixed it. Last year we again sensed God bringing us a transition. After 9 good years of urgent care work in the Conejo valley, it was the perfect transition. The Guam Seventh-Day Adventist Clinic here frequently brings in outside doctors to serve, and they graciously brought me with my family to work for 2 months.
It was kind of a strange feeling to turn off our cell phones in Hawaii and realize we were losing that instant connection with family and friends. And then to take off heading even further into the Pacific looking for a tiny speck of an island that would be home for 2 months. We crossed the dateline just as the sun was setting. I get quite captivated watching a sunset like that. It just strikes me that I am looking at clouds and colors and beauty that perhaps no one else will see that night. For a world that is so full of bustle and concrete and ugliness, there are serene, majestic moments like this that happen every single day. If a beautiful sunset over the middle of the Pacific declares God’s glory and no one sees it, does it still declare God’s glory? Yes it does! (You know. The whole if-a-tree-falls-in-the-woods thing? Whatever.) :)
We landed just after 7pm on Sunday night here – to a slow drizzle and some good mugginess. But it actually didn’t feel too different from how Hawaii can feel. A friend who is working here as an ophthalmologist picked us up, and also one of the clinic administrators who was driving the little Toyota Yaris that would be ours to use while we are here. Very kind. So it was dark when we got to our little place. But air conditioners worked (a separate wall unit for each room), water ran, at least 1 toilet worked, there was hot water, and three bedrooms with beds and pillows were ready to go. We all felt the weight of two months here. This was no vacation. Plenty of fun to be had, for sure. But it certainly felt like we had left America (I know, not technically) and our adventure had begun. We paused as a family to thank our Father God for His blessing on our travel. We asked for His help and provision and strength for us while we were here. But we also asked that WE would be a blessing to the people we came to serve and work with. And that has been our prayer every day.
I am so thankful for this jump out of the rut. Having to ask our God for new things. Getting to see and know Him in new ways as He comes through for us. Seeing my kids have opportunities to be gracious and thankful when things aren’t just the way they’re used to. No TV for 2 months. Seeing my wife become friends with geckos. Walking to work. Not carrying a cell phone. Plenty of time for my Bible reading plan – and seeing my kids doing theirs too. Our Father is in it all, and He is good, so it’s all good. :)
January 26th, 2012 at 6:01 am
Wow! What an awesome opportunity! Praying good health and safety for you all for the adventure.
January 26th, 2012 at 9:43 am
What an opportunity and what an adventure. These two months, unlike most before, will forever be etched into your memories. I can’t wait to hear some great stories when you get back!
(Did Onnie actually touch a gecko?!) :)
January 26th, 2012 at 10:28 am
Mark what a thrilling way to serve the Lord! His continued blessings to you and your family. Your kids will so appreciate this opportunity as they grow and thrive. You will all be in my prayers!
January 26th, 2012 at 11:00 am
Wonderful report! So glad to hear things are going so well. Enjoy this experience!
January 26th, 2012 at 10:05 pm
Hey Marcus, thanks for the blog. Your mother and I are proud of you, Onnie, Jeremy and Ella Grace. We pray for you daily that God will keep you safe from accident and disease and that he will use you to His honor and glory in a special way. We have every confidence in our God that He will richly bless you all. Love, Mum & Dad (Judd)
January 27th, 2012 at 1:15 pm
Beautifully written! We are also so very proud of you, and Taryl especially is thrilled for your dear children, as she was an MK until age 16. Of course you know that Gabe is keeping your home & cars in impeccable condition. Prayers abound your way.
January 28th, 2012 at 7:28 am
Thanks for painting a picture that helps us share this great adventure with you! To God be the glory as you do His work so very far from home.
January 29th, 2012 at 10:17 am
Wow, so proud of you guys!! My God make this an event that will be remember d for a life time and have a life time of memories for your family!
January 30th, 2012 at 2:35 pm
What a wonderful opportunity to be God’s hands and feet and to grow in Him. Amazing when we shut out all the distractions of technology for awhile how clearly we hear His voice. Thanks for sharing.
January 31st, 2012 at 3:07 pm
Great geography and zoology observations, and a sense of mission and purpose– you write well so please do so often and continue to bring your ‘prayer family’ into your experiences– blessings to you all!
February 1st, 2012 at 9:20 am
Wish we could visit! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and impressions. Praying God will bless and grow you all.
February 9th, 2012 at 4:10 pm
Thanks for the kind words, everyone!