While in Palau, Mike and I took a day trip out to one of the rock islands near Koror with the Palauan PIU alumni. Alumni ranged from current students, to PIU, PIBC and MIBS alumni from over 30 years ago. We were next to the island where Survivor Palau 2 was filmed. It was a beautiful, sunny day with just enough cloud cover to keep us from getting sunburned badly. Actually this is one of the few times I have been to the rock islands and did not get sunburned at all. We pretty much had the whole little island to ourselves for the whole day. It was a wonderful day, swimming, snorkeling, eating and hearing what the alumni have been doing and how their time at PIU changed their lives.
The highlight of the day was the sharing time in the afternoon. We sat in the shade of a large tree and just went around the circle and had the alumni share about their days at MIBS, PIBC and PIU and how God has been working in their lives. We started with the alumni from the very first group that went to Chuuk back in 1976 and continued up to current students. Each person shared that their college experience was a profound shaping and directing experience for their lives that made them a better mother, father, teacher, pastor, principal, businessperson etc. But most important was how each one shared how Christ touched, and continues to touch, their lives through what they learned and experienced at PIU. The common theme was that the close relationships with faculty and fellow students were used by God to make them who they are today. It was very encouraging for me to hear their stories and, if I am still around, I am looking forward to hearing these kinds of stories from current students 30 years from now.
Of course another highlight was the excellent Palauan food. We had a good time of singing and prayer before we dug into it. There are few better eating experiences than biting into fresh sashimi out in the islands.
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