The World's Best Roommate

Dear Judith,

My first roommate was during my sophomore year in high school. I don't want to name any names, but it did not work out well. My next roommate was awesome and we got along great. However, my college roommates were both disasters. I did not have high hopes for this year, what with coming to Saipan and working with a whole bunch of girls.

Being goofy at Yellow Mango

I still remember that first night in Saipan. I didn't sleep much, despite my extreme jet lag. I was in the big room at the house on the compound, just Megan (office assistant) and me, while Girlie slept upstairs.

Unexpected shot at the beach

A few days later, I came home after work to an empty house. Subee was gone and I felt so incredibly alone. That was the only time all year when I think I would've gone home if I'd been given the chance.

However, that was the night that God gave me the best gift. Rhonda flew in and nothing has been that same since. Throughout every blessing and trial this year, she has been there. We've been angry together, happy together, scared together, and frustrated together. We were even attacked together, which is truly a bonding experience, though not one that I would recommend.

After hiking down to Forbidden,
This picture was taken by Sean Maycock. He wanted credit.

We share all things, and I honestly can only remember one time when I could tell that she was frustrated with me. She cooks for me, she cleans up after me (sometimes), she kicks me out of bed in the mornings when I don't want to go running.

I don't think that I could've survived this year without her, and I'm so thankful that God led her here, to be a part of my life, hopefully forever. She's one of the best friends that I can imagine, and I can't believe how I lived without her and I don't know how I'll function at camp without her.

In the car, on the way home from church

Rhonda went to SAU for her first semester of college, then transferred to WWU for no apparent reason at the time. She worked at camp through Kelli, and planned on going to Majuro for six weeks before returning to WWU. Instead, in Hawaii, she found out that Saipan still needed a teacher, and after a whirlwind day of me begging her, she agreed to come.

It's amazing to see how God works all things for the good of those who love Him, even when we completely don't understand why. It didn't make sense for her to transfer when she was happy at SAU, but if she hadn't, then we wouldn't have met, and my Saipan experience would have been completely different.

Sabbath morning photo op

I hope you still keep in touch with your Saipan roommates, because I believe that they are some of the best friends you could ever have.

I love you Jude!