Beacon Blog

Grab the Bumper and HANG ON!

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:22:00 +0000

BY BEN HOLSCHER

BUSY!!! That's the name of the game around these parts lately. But it's a fun busy. A satisfying busy and an anticipatory busy, as well as some other busies that I'm too busy to list right now. In fact this may be shorter than the enormously long posts that you, the reader, may be getting used to.

Things started off well on Monday, although some of us were a bit tired from our wild Thanksgiving breaks. We all started right off with new classes. The first year class began Beulahology with Lisa Adams, the third years began the book of Joshua with Dan and we, the second years, began "The Seven Laws of the Learner" with Neil Sandford and Bruce Wilkinson. Unfortunately Wilkinson wasn't actually there in person, which would have been amazing, but his movies were really top notch. I must say that he is a wonderful teacher and I learned a lot from him.

Besides beginning new classes, there has been much Christmas activity going on. One activity is Angels and Earthlings, where we each end up with a person to dote upon in anonymity as a result of drawing names from a hat. Most likely you will hear lots more about that in following posts so I'll keep mum.

Also, this year Mr. Sandford encouraged each of us to make every other student a handmade gift this Christmas. He has his garage set up with saws, sandpaper, hammers, glue, etc. and at certain times during the week he is there to help those of us who don't have woodworking experience. I've really enjoyed working with my hands, and it will be interesting to see what creative objects people come up with.

One big activity which has taken up work time on several occasions and many multiple hours of memorizing and rehearsing is the Christmas Dessert Banquet being held next Sunday evening. For the program Craig has written a wonderful play all by himself. It's been exciting to work on it. I won't spill the beans as to what it is though because I don't want to ruin the surprise (and it would take me too long to type it out).

Another fun activity was going to see A Christmas Carol at Saint Anselm College in Manchester. Last year just the guys went with Craig, but this year the whole Bible school was able to make the trip and see it. It was done by a professional traveling group and many of us picked up some good tips to use in acting our play. We all, as far as I know, had a nice time and a big "THANK YOU!" goes to Craig and Mrs. Sandford, who made it happen this year.

Well, that about wraps it up. This has been a brief post, and I assure you there is more to tell, but I think you have enough to hold you over to next week. Then Jane will sweep you off your feet and blow you away with wonderful details and tell you how everything that I already told you about is going. YAY! May the author of hope, joy, and love give you an extra dose this Christmas season. Signing out,

Ben

Another Week Bites the Dust

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 01:35:00 +0000

BY BOBBY GODFREY

Ahhh, the sigh for another week behind us. It has been a great week though. Just so you wouldn't think that I was sighing for relief. Many good things have happened this week and I'm happy to tell you all about them.

Hmmm, well, I supposed I should start with the beginning of the week right? So I shall. (Since I, Bobby, am writing this, I will do so in the first person. Just so you know.) Sunday was the normal Sunday here at Fairwood. We all woke up! Yes! Hurray that God gave us all another day to live for him! Then we all went morning class before church started at 10:30 am. The first year students have been taking "Paul's Life and Letters." You all probably knew this from last weeks post, but I thought I'd refresh you on their current status (smelly first years, as Dave would say. Haha). And my class, the second and third years students have been taking, "All Israel Restored," an interesting class let me tell you. If you never studied the subject before, be ready for your eyebrows to raise and almost pop off your face. Haha! (Sorry for all my humor, I can't help myself.)

I feel though I should explain my class a little more to you all so you're not in the dark about what the class is about. The class is exactly what it says, all Israel restored. Meaning, all the lost ten tribes of Israel being restored back to the land of Israel. So we've been learning where the lost tribes were last known to be in history, and where they might be today, and who they might be. So yeah, if you'd like to know more, come to class! Except that it ends tomorrow, Monday, so... too late!! But there's always next year, so there is still hope.
Also on Sunday we had the dreaded night class (music* bum, bum, bum, bummm*). But really, it's not as dreaded as I'm making it sound. It is in fact, quite interesting. We're learning how to be better teachers. Learning how to use different teaching styles, get over our fears, and be more interesting when we speak.

Monday... Hmmm... well I can't really think of any significant things that happened, except for the normal, so I will move on to Tuesday. Tuesday we did our regular morning routine of classes and meetings, and then our weekly wood drive. And the wood drive is what I will talk about. All the men of Fairwood, students and staff, joined forces against the woods. Some were called to battle on the roadside, and some to battle in the thick of the woods. With there chainsaws, sledge mauls, wedges, tractors, truck, and trailer, we went out to wage war against our outnumbering foe. For hours we all cut, hacked, and hauled the wood back to the huge woodpile behind the men's dorm. And at the end of the day, without any casualties, we had sent another blow to the woods forces. But for us, more heat in the winter. We are thankful for the woods' sacrifice. I would also like to add that the crew on the road, Gerry, Aaron, Brandon, and I, had the opportunity to halt cars on their journeys, by having trees fall into the road, and making them wait for us to cut them up. My favorite part I must say.

Then we played sports that evening, which were fun also, but I won't go into length about them. We played soccer and volleyball, and that's really all you need to know. So now I would like to move on to Thursday, which was a very full day, and tell you the best news of the week! Thursday was outreach day for the students, in which we all do some ministry for the community. Most everyone when to elderly man's house to rake leaves, but Ben, Stephen, Josh, and I, all went evangelizing. Ben and I teamed up and headed for the Keene State College to do some surveys, which at the end brings them to spiritual questions, and therefore leads them into spiritual discussion.

Well, our first attempts were hindered greatly by the freezing weather, and most of the students were in a great hurry to get moving. So no luck there. Our next move was to try the Wal-Mart plaza. As we were heading over we saw the McDonald's in town and decided to hit that also. Upon arrival Ben and I spotted an elderly man and targeted him. We should have noticed the hearing aid in his ear, and thought to ourselves, "He is going to talk quite loud," but we didn't. So we went over to him and asked him if he would take the survey, only to find out he was an atheist. But he took the survey and talked some with us. It was a good experience, except that, since everyone could here every word we were talking about, they knew what we were up to and didn't want to take the survey knowing what it was.

On we went to Wal-Mart. On our way over, we were going by a Burger King when I spotted a young guy standing outside on his break. I then boldly approached him and asked if he'd like to take the survey, and he said he would. I went through the first two sections of the survey as usual, but on arriving at the third section things started changing. The third part of the survey is where we ask them spiritual questions. The last three are the main questions and usually make people think, and they are as follows:

If you could know and experience God personally, would you be interested?
Have you come to the place in your spiritual life where you know for sure (100%) that, if you were to die today, you would go to Heaven?
If you were to die tonight and stand before God and He were to say to you, "Why should I let you into my Heaven?" What would you say?

Our friend Matt answered "Yes" to the first question. And then "Yes" to the next question. But when we asked him the last question he fell under conviction from the Holy Spirit. He said to us, "Wow, I don't know what I'd say to Him. So I guess I'm not 100% sure I'd go to Heaven." With that, Ben went right into telling him how we knew we were sure and how he could be too. As Ben was finishing the plan of salvation I asked Him, "Is this something you would like to do?" And he replied, "Yes, I would." I was thrilled! I made sure he knew what he was really doing and then led him in the prayer of salvation. Praise the Lord! We have a new brother in Christ! I can't even begin to tell you all how much joy I felt. So I gave him my contact info and he said he'd keep in touch. If you think of it, please pray for Matt that he will grow in the Lord and have a deep relationship with Him.

Now that I've told you that, we'll move on to the next biggest thing of the week, at least to me anyway: Thursday night basketball. This is the time when a bunch of guys from the school and around the community come and play some intense basketball. I could go on and on about the play, and how much fun it was, and how we got really intense, but I think I'll save it for the next time I post.

So we've come to Friday. Not too much to say about it except it was good to get to the end of the day and have the church Sabbath meeting, where people from the church here came and had Sabbath meeting with the students. It was a nice, quiet evening, which no one complained about at all.

Well, now we've come to the last day of the week. I can't really say that it was a blast, because it wasn't. Saturday at school is the day where no one does much, because it is the Sabbath. And seeing that I'm an active man, I get restless quite easily. But enough with the complaining, I will tell you that this Saturday had it's upside to it. Yes indeed it did. Diane, Jane, and Mr. and Mrs. Randall cooked for us a delectable Thanksgiving meal. It was a feast that I'm sure even the angels wished they could have attended. It was full of delicious food, and smoothies, and some yummy desserts. If only you all could have attended, then you would truly understand how great a meal it was.

I guess that about wraps up the week. I hope you enjoyed reading about it. Until next time folks, this is Bobby Godfrey wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving! Peace out!

The amazing... the incredible... the weekly update!

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:02:00 +0000

BY STEPHEN ADAMS

[Editor's note: Due to a miscommunication, the update for the week before this past one was skipped. This past week, however, is about to be covered in stunning detail. Behold...]

Cough, cough. OK, right. So, on Saturday we set forth in full battle dress with our weapons (signs) held high. We drove to Keene and disembarked from the big red van on Main St. and we (most of the students, Craig, and Andrea) marched toward the intersection of Main St. and Rte. 101 like an army with banners. Actually, McCain/Palin signs. [Editor's note: Fairwood Bible Institute does not officially support or endorse any candidate, but every one of the students happened to be rooting for the same candidate. Surprise, surprise.] Once on the battlefield, we commenced waving our signs and screaming and yelling out such slogans as, "McCain for President!" and "Charisma is not leadership!" Obama supporters trickled in until we were well outnumbered, but we still firmly held our ground and cheered for truth. We came home hoarse and tired, but happy and triumphant.

Sunday we did the normal things one does on Sunday, such as go to church. We also had a good time of fasting and prayer for the elections. Then we set forth again, this time to Peterborough where McCain supporters were lining up en masse for a McCain rally. A nearby intersection was full of protesting Obama supporters and a very large caricature costume of Obama. We stood our ground again, and cheered for the right until some of us were dragged home for Mary's birthday dinner [Editor's note: Happy Birthday, Mary!]. Others stayed and stood outside town hall to catch a glimpse of McCain himself! After waiting quite a while, he came! He saw! They saw, and boy was it exciting! (So I'm told.) Around 8:30 or 9, they came home tired and happy to scrape together a dinner. Bobby lost his voice big-time.

On Monday, I can't remember what happens, so we'll just skip that.

Actually, Ben and Bobby had a meeting on David's mighty men, generally, and specifically Shammah, who held back the Philistines in the middle of a field of lentils.

On Tuesday, after lunch, we voted! [Insert Beethoven's Fifth theme.] On Tuesday, after sports, we sat glued to the television set and watched with horrified fascination as Obama pulled ahead for a win. But you all know this already. Everyone in the WORLD knows this by now. Argh!

Parenthetical testimony by Aaron:

I took the election rather well, I think. I was certainly not hoping for the outcome with which we are all now only too familiar, but I was not surprised in the least. Far more reassuring than my own realistic pessimism, however was the fact that I - and many of the others here at Fairwood, as they testified the following morning - was blessed with the reassurance that despite all, God was in control. As if my own knowledge of the fact was not enough to keep me from succumbing to a dour depression that could have lasted weeks had I poured into it the kind of energy that I expended in campaigning for what became the losing side - as if that wasn't enough, I came across a really relevant and comforting passage in my Bible reading the following morning. I was reading Lamentations - it seemed appropriate for the times - and I found that the first two chapters are all about what I think of when I think of Lamentations: dying children, wars, and whatnot. When I came to chapter 3, however, it was a different story altogether:

The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"Therefore I have hope in Him."
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him.
It is good that he waits silently
For the salvation of the LORD.

For the Lord will not reject forever,
For if He causes grief,
Then He will have compassion
According to His abundant lovingkindness.
For He does not afflict willingly
Or grieve the sons of men.

Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass,
Unless the Lord has commanded it?
Is it not from the mouth of the Most High
That both good and ill go forth?
Why should any living mortal, or any man,
Offer complaint in view of his sins?

These passages were very encouraging to me throughout the day, and even until now. God is still in control, praise the Lord, and his lovingkindness is still ceaseless, unfailing, and new every morning no matter who is going to be in the White House come Inauguration Day.

End parenthetical testimony by Aaron. Resume report by Stephen.

The next day, we had a wood drive. It was also the fateful day on which Aaron tried to chainsaw his finger off. Also Josh fell of the wagon. Literally. Also Katie Sutton hurt her back. And other bad things happened. Obama! Argh! It was all his fault!

Thursday was the usual affair. We had morning meeting and class, and then went to men's meeting (the male students, that is) in which we were reminded of the importance of purity. Gerry had each of us do a mini Bible study to find verses on the subject and share some of what God had spoken to us through what we had found.

Friday was not the usual affair, as young people streamed in for the upcoming youth weekend. I looked on while splitting wood and my finger behind the men's dorm with Mr. Murray's help (on the wood that is; I did the finger all by myself. And it isn't really split, although it's bruised enough that I wouldn't be surprised if I lost the nail.)

The youth weekend went pretty much as planned. There were good meetings, there were good sports, there were good games. There was good fellowship, and then we went to bed. Repeat.

On Sunday, the weekend was capped off by a message given by the famous Lance Lambert from Jerusalem. He spoke about God's use of a lowly thorn bush to speak to Moses, and how God works through thorn bushes, not stately palms.

After the youth left, things wound down to normal, and that brings us to the present. And here we are.

Kind of Weekly Update

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Sita) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:24:00 +0000

BY MARY SUTTON

The week of October 20th was pretty good, except that several of us students were sick. Some people had colds, just sneezing and coughing and sounding like a bunch of barn yard animals. Others had a fever, headache, and/or sore throat.

Tuesday was apple sauce day. Yea!!! Everyone had a job and worked together. We ended up with about 650 quarts of applesauce. It was a busy but extremely fun day.

We also had a free weekend (Oct. 24-26) which for me was great. Not that I really wanted to leave school, I love school. But I got to see my family and our animals. I love animals so living on a farm, like my family does, is wonderful for me. But living at school I miss getting up early to go out to the barn and feed and take care of them. I also got to see some friends while I was at home. All in all it was a wonderful week (even if we were sick part of the time) and I am glad God is go good!!!

Return of the Rare and Endangered Weekly Update

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:53:00 +0000

BY AARON SANDFORD

Well, it's another year, and, finally, another Beacon update. It's hard to believe that a whole month and a half has passed since school started, but here we are, and now you non-Fairwoodians can finally be in on the action.

It's shaping up to be a really good year. The student body is small, but that doesn't mean it is not awesome. Oh, no, this is a dynamic group of students if ever there was one. From mighty third-years Josh and Kate, to wicked awesome second-years Jane, Ben Bobby, Stephen, and Aaron, to fantastic first-years Amy, Mary, and Heidi, this is a group of stout-hearted youths that's going to change the world!

Speaking of change, one thing that's different this year is that Amy has taken over the responsibility of the Beacon, very good news for you. With a choleric at the helm of the website, I am willing to guess that more people will end up posting than ever before, despite the decreased number of students.

This article is billed as a weekly update, and so far I have said nothing about the past week. That is about to change. Unfortunately, however, I don't have a whole lot to say about the first half of the week due to an insufferable head cold that left me bed-ridden from Monday evening to late Tuesday afternoon. In fact, a sizeable percentage of Fairwood residents ended up being affected by the virus, and sniffing and coughing are still common pastimes. Your prayers are welcome.

One significant event that took place this week (after I was well enough to be aware of it) was Ben, Bobby, and Craig's visit to Keene State College to pray for the students and the campus. Keene State has been the subject of much heartfelt prayer ever since we went there last Thursday (the 9th). Gerry had organized survey evangelism for outreach that day, and all the students (except Mary, who was on dinner) piled into the van to spread the Good News. No one was actually led to salvation while we were there, but we planted some really good seeds and enjoyed some really good conversations. It was quite eye-opening to hear people actually say that they believed they could get to heaven by virtue of their own...virtue - as almost everyone did - and to talk to people who had no idea of what Christianity is really all about.

"I'm a good person with well-rounded views," one guy answered when I asked him why Jesus should let him into heaven. This guy, whose name was Mike, also told me that he had never thought an impure thought because "he defined his own morality." Another student I spoke with said that economics was that basic problem of humanity, and that he did not believe God existed. After talking with people who are so blinded by lies and misconceptions, I came away feeling simultaneously more grateful that the truth has been revealed to me and far more deeply desirous that others come to know the truth. I think it would be safe to say that the other Bible school students felt the same.

Back to this week. Bobby, Ben, and Craig went to pray for the students at KSC for a couple hours. They walked around the perimeter of every building on campus, praying for the covering to be removed and people to know the truth of the Gospel, and sang songs in faith for that to be accomplished. "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." (Mat 21:22)

One subject that has been foremost in the thoughts of many minds recently, particularly those who follow sports, has been just that of the world's greatest baseball team: the Red Sox. The 2007 World Champions were in the playoffs again this year, and at the start of the week things were not looking pretty. The Sox won their first game, but that was followed by three successive - and substantial - victories by the AL East champion Tampa Bay Rays. Thursday night, true fans of Boston's team listened to Game 5 with dismal discomfort as the Rays racked up the runs - 1, 3, 5, and finally 7 - while Boston remained completely scoreless. The situation seemed hopeless.

It struck me later that that scenario bears several strong similarities to the life of the Christian before he is saved. The world, the flesh, and the devil keep crossing home plate while you watch helplessly. Sure, you do your best to stop them, and you try to make progress yourself. Maybe you make a couple hits in a while, but in the end, "All is vanity, saith the Preacher."

Nevertheless, that's not the end of the story! Suddenly, in the bottom of the seventh, out of the blue the Red Sox - the real Red Sox, the team that makes us love being Red Sox fans so much - show up. First a couple singles, then an RBI double, then a 3-run homer, and so on, until in NO time at all, Boston has pulled ahead and defeated the Devil Rays (we will call them by their old name under artistic license) 8-7!

OK, I admit it. There is basically no parallel to the story of salvation in the story of the Great Red Sox Comeback of October 16. Trying to make a good analogy out of it is like trying to describe how a peppermint patty is like a rainbow. It's comparing apples and the fruit of the tree of life. But there is one parallel that could hardly be truer, and that is the feelings before and after the score has turned around. First dismay and hopeless depression, but then! Oh, but then such joy, such excitement, such feelings of redemption and hope as can hardly be described!

And then the Sox lost in Game 7. But as my sister Bria put it, "Not ignominiously."

Next year, baby!

Victory Is Ours!

noreply@blogger.com (brilynne) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:52:00 +0000

A visit from Rev. Koilraj from India was a highlight from this week. Rev. Koilraj applied to the Bible School in 1989 and in several of the following years , was accepted each time, but was not allowed to come by the U. S. Consulate. He completed his education elsewhere, became a pastor and Bible teacher, and this week, nearly twenty years after his first attempt, came to visit. While here, both from the pulpit and in person, he inspired us with his fresh testimony of Jesus' work in his life and in India.

During one nine o'clock hour, he taught us the following chorus:

Victory is mine!
Victory is mine!
Victory is mine today!
God told Satan,
"Get thee behind me."
Victory is mine today!

Subsequent verses were, "Miracles are mine," "Jesus is mine, "Holy Ghost is mine," "Blessings are mine," and, "Evangelism is mine." The Holy Spirit used this song to speak fresh life and encouragement to us and to inspire us with the reality of God's power. Since then, as the catchy tune has been sung in both meetings and in the kitchen, it has reminded us again and again of the truth that victory is ours in Jesus.

Spring seems to be having victory as well! We saw a lovely stretch of warm, sunny weather that saw off most of the snow this week. Something about fresh air and sunshine seems to add new energy to the inhabitants of snow-bound Fairwood, and spirits were high for most of the week.

Other highlights of the week:

We welcomed Toria Abram back to Fairwood while she is on leave from her mission work in Thailand.
We prepared for and hosted a Women's Retreat here at Fairwood. God miraculously held off the heavy rain forecast on Saturday and blessed the time with marvelous weather. "
A new van for the Bible School arrived as an answer to much prayer. God provided the money for a maroon twelve passenger van. (Forgive the feminine lack of knowledge as to the make and model.)
The first-year class continued Psalms class, the second-years Kingdom History, and the third-years Exodus.
Not a highlight exactly...Bobby's and Katie's grandmother passed away suddenly this week. Several of the students and staff were able to support them by attending the funeral, which went well. Please keep the Sutton family in your prayers.
Ben Holscher returned from his trip to Israel! He was much missed while he was away, and we're glad to have him back, along with his many tall tales of adventures in the Holy Land.

Blessings are indeed ours. Thank you for your prayers for the Bible School! They are deeply appreciated.

~Bria Sandford

Why Is This Week's Update Late?

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:15:00 +0000

That I can tell you in one word: sickness!

Indeed, some kind of flu or cold has conquered the vast majority of the student body at Fairwood, and some of the staff as well. I am slowly recovering, but Kate Sutton, whose assignment it was to write last week's update, is just coming down with it. The update just might be a long time in coming. Looking on the bright side, perhaps you will get two updates for the price of one come next week!

In the meantime, your prayers are more than welcome for the protection of the healthy and the healing of the healthless. We can use them.

- Aaron Sandford

Weekly Update - Jane Turner

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:10:00 +0000

Continuing our classes in the books of the Law, we took an exam Tuesday on the book of Leviticus. Not wasting any time, the following day, we started Numbers. It has been fascinating to see how God cares, protects and provides for his people. It as also been challenging to see that just as he was particular in His commands towards the Israelites, He is also particular in His commands towards us. When He tells us to do something, we need to do it, no half-way jobs here!

Perhaps one of the most exciting things that happened this week was the return of the third-year students. They arrived bleary-eyed and travel-worn at approximately 12:30 AM Wednesday morning. After catching up on as much rest as they could, they acclimated themselves back into the normal FBI schedule around noon the same day. Though their presence was sorely missed while they were away, the lack was not fully realized until they returned. We are now unified and whole! Ready to take on the world!

Our first opportunity for conquering said world came on Thursday. Banding together, we made our way to the nursing home in Peterborough. Cracking open our Great Hymns, we sang until our voices were hoarse. Afterwards, we talked and visited with the residents.

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we were able to practice hospitality during the Youth Weekend. All was going well until on Saturday a hideous crime was committed. Pastor Green was found murdered. The young people broke into teams of detectives and the game of Live Clue commenced as they made efforts to discover the killer, weapon and location of the homicide. We, the Bible School students were chosen to be witnesses and suspects for the day and had a grand time playing our parts. Finally, when all hope seemed to be loss, the stupendous sleuths revealed the culprit to be none other than Ben the chef, with the bowling pin, in the Small Laundry.

And so, with the mystery solved, the week draws to a close. Until next time, Adieu.

- Jane Turner

Weekly Update - Aaron Sandford

noreply@blogger.com (Aaron) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 03:36:00 +0000

This is the first drop in what I hope will soon become a steady flow of information from the Fairwood Bible Institute campus. Ever since I became responsible for the Fairwood Beacon, I have had some vague idea of starting a weekly update newsletter, and it has finally begun.

The week at Fairwood was a good one on the whole, but it certainly was not perfect. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. But rather than continuing to be vague and cryptic, I will now explain myself with some concrete facts.

Sunday was a fairly normal, quiet day. Dan Murray had the church service on how God can use the "messy middle," and he used Psalm 3, the song David wrote while running from Absalom, as an example of how we can find God in the midst of hard times. The rest of Sunday afternoon I spent mostly in my room working on a project for the upcoming youth weekend, so any interesting events from that time have escaped my notice. At five we had a normal dinner; at seven we had a normal night class; but at eight, we had a landmark event: the very first Student-Only WFCB and Beacon Committee meeting. The result of this counsel (among others) is that you have this splendid report before you today.

Monday morning, Stephen, Katie K., and Virginia led Bible studies, for 9 o'clock hour. Each did a good job digging into the passage he had chosen and leading discussion on its meaning. The rest of Monday was really cold. Really REALLY cold. Frigid though the temperatures were, however, brave Katie K. endured them in order to produce the one thing that made Monday most remarkable: Grilled Steak Dinner. It was SO good.

We finished our study of Exodus with a test during Tuesday's class time. We are now delving into the book of Leviticus. Tuesday afternoon, the Fairwood men had a work drive that was atypically productive. Most of our previous wood days had been marred by chainsaw failure, sickness, or injury, but this time was a glorious exception. Gerry had just bought a new chainsaw, and each of the staff men and the young men was able to participate. Four guys ran the trailer constantly the whole time, but the wood was being cut and split faster than it could be hauled out. We ended up with seven full loads stacked in the woodshed.

Wednesday was when the week's biggest con was observed, and that was the weather. Overnight, about eight inches of snow had accumulated. It was still falling in the morning. This was a very icy snow, almost like miniature hailstones, and it slowly got wetter and wetter as the morning progressed. By noon, it had turned into a frigid (but not quite freezing) rain that drenched the snow and covered Fairwood with half a foot of slush. The conditions were pretty miserable, but some roofs needed shoveling, some walkways needed clearing, and some wood needed moving. So shovel, clear and move we did, and rarely have I been so glad when a workday was finally over. (Ben and Bobby, fascinatingly enough, reported that they had actually enjoyed the challenge, and they tackled the Fairwood roofs with an alacrity that inspired both admiration and gratitude.)

Thursday was Valentines Day, and the dining room was decorated accordingly. Even now, the ceiling is still bedecked with hearts and snowflakes. We had a special Valentines breakfast of orange-glazed crescent rolls, and dinner was pink shepherd's pie with a pink cake. It was most delicious and festive. We had a special night class on Thursday because Mr. Murray had been gone on Wednesday and had given us the morning class time for assignments.

Friday was a busy day for the guys. We had to clean our rooms as usual in the morning, but then we had to pack as well for what became the highlight of my week, at least: a weekend trip to Rhode Island for the weekend. I had so much more to do that morning that I actually forgot to dust the back of my flatscreen monitor, and as a result I got a 9/10 score on room inspections. This was my first imperfect score in fifteen weeks, and it was a Very Bad Thing. It was not enough to ruin my day, however, by any stretch of the imagination.

By half past three, Josh, Stephen, Ben, Bobby, and I had piled into Craig's family's van with him and our stuff, and we headed out for our grand weekend in Rhode Island. We had a five minute prayer meeting over the time, and our prayers were really answered, as the rest of this narrative will demonstrate. The drive was fun and relaxing. We listened to a lot of Craig's music, worked on testimonies for Sunday, and slept. We had a really good Sabbath meeting on the road and a great time of sharing things we were thankful for. The traveling part itself was excellent, but how was the stay in Rhode Island? We shall see!

We arrived at the home of the generous and hospitable Paul and Laura Brown around six, and shortly afterward were joined by Andrea and one of her students, Ethan, with whom I and several of the other guys are very good friends. We hung out and talked for a long time, and then we tried to watch a movie. This did not work out very well, because the DVD player there was not working with TV-Guardian - basically a prerequisite for watching the majority of movies. We needed an unknown three-digit code to unlock the parental settings of the DVD player and turn on the TV-G, and no matter how many times we tried we could not guess the combination. Instead we watched a number of Ethan's pictures and movies and then went to bed.

Saturday morning, Ben, Bobby, Ethan, Craig, and I joined Mr. Brown in going to a men's breakfast at a church in Smithfield. The chaplain of the Red Sox (and formerly that of the Patriots as well) was there, and he gave a lengthy talk on how he works with these athletes and how God is working among them. That was quite interesting, and combined with the excellent food, was worth getting up for at seven on a Saturday. The rest of the day we divided between a watching a movie, tossing a football, playing basketball in the local park, perusing Facebook, and simply relaxing.

Sunday morning Ethan left, and the rest of us got ready for church at Woodhaven Chapel. We each gave a short testimony or mini-sermon on something God has shown us or done for us recently, and we sang I'd rather have Jesus as a group. God's blessing was evident on the time, and it was amazing how satisfying the testimonies of response were. As a little side note, I can now say from experience that telling your pastor or teacher when you really appreciate something he had to say can be a huge blessing.

After church, we packed, cleaned, and threw the football around some more before finally packing into the car again and heading north. Several hours later, we found ourselves at Fairwood again, and thus a wonderful weekend - and a good week overall - came to a happy conclusion.

- Aaron Sandford