I want to be your hands.

I want to be your feet.

And go where you send me,

Go where you send me.

And I'll try, yes I'll try,

To touch the world,

Like You touched my life.

- song by Audio Adrenaline

May 25, 2003:Graduation of the Class of 2003 - another successful send-off for a great group of kids.I will miss this class of students for a number of reasons.

About a quarter of them were in my grade five classroom in 1995-96.They were a wonderful bunch of kids.We enjoyed reminiscing about the projects and science experiments that we had done.It has been a joy to see them grow into fine young ladies and gentlemen.As a teacher, this is the first time I have experienced seeing my former students walk across the graduation platform.

At the end of each school year, I would pray that they would all be successful and that the time they spent with me would help in that success.It has been a blessing to watch the successes that many in the class of 2003 have already had.Our Praise and Worship band has a few of these success stories.One young man, Trinajit, who was in my grade 5 class in 1995-96, didn't start out playing in the band.He wasn't sure he was good enough, or had the time, or if he was wanted.I had to coax him into coming to the rehearsals, remind him when the band would be leading worship, and let him use my guitar so he could plug into the sound system and play in tune.He didn't always make it to rehearsals, but he did form a dream during his time at Kodaikanal International School.A few days before graduation, I sat and talked with this young man for quite a while; asked him what his plans were.He wasn't sure what college or university he would be going to, though he had some ideas, but he knew what he wanted to do in his life.He simply said, "I want to help my people."His goal wasn't to be rich or famous or save the whole world.This young man from Mizoram, in NorthEast India, wanted to get the education and find the resources to help his home community.

Trinajit and his twin sister attended KIS since the third grade.They were active in school and church activities during their ten years here.It is our prayer that many, like Trinajit, will also dream of making a difference in the world they are moving out into.It is a goal of our school that students leaving KIS, whether by graduation or at other times in their school career, will make a marked difference in the global community and that the training and education they have received at KIS will reflect the school philosophy that the life of Jesus Christ and His teachings are the foundation stone for achieving any objectives.

We are blessed to part of the work of our Lord Jesus Christ at Kodaikanal International School, through the support of International Ministries.

• Please pray for all the graduates, as they move out around the world, but specifically for Trinijit, that his dream becomes a reality and that he is blessed with the resources to make it happen.

David and Betsy Perkins

Kodaikanal International School
Kodaikanal, TN INDIA