Rain forest: Lots of plants that are all very green. It rains about once a day, and it's just really humid. That definition of a rain forest comes from 13-year-old Kirsten Olson, who recently traveled with a group from Indianapolis to see the Amazon rain forest. Kirsten went with Rick Crosslin, a fourth-grade teacher in Wayne Township, who takes interested students and adults to the rain forest. T

In the United States, the war in Iraq has generally increased patriotism and support for troops. For one Indiana youth, the patriotism has a more personal tone. Keith Fromme, 14, Ferdinand, last saw his father, Patrick, in February, when he left for Iraq to serve as a command sergeant major in the National Guard. "I'm proud that he is serving our country," Keith said in a recent video-conference c

When Ben Allen moved to India a year ago, he left behind his older sister, his grandparents and his friends. But Ben wasn't resentful; he was enthusiastic. "I'm excited, a little nervous, but I think it'll be a great experience for me," said Ben, then 15, before he left Indianapolis in August 2001. Ben's parents were going to India to fulfill their dream to be missionaries. "My mom and dad asked b

Jessica and Chelsea Berryman are living in Maputo, Mozambique, with their parents, Glenn and Kris, who are setting up an English as a Second Language program with the help of OMS International, an evangelical, interdenominational faith mission based in Greenwood. In October, the girls shared their first impressions of Mozambique and the adjustments they have made since moving from Greenwood in Aug

Christmas in Mozambique falls in the middle of summer. The temperature can easily top 100 degrees on Christmas Day. So, unlike our winters in Indiana and Oregon, we will not be spending Christmas with sweaters on, and we know for sure it will not be white. It is hard at times to get in the mood for Christmas because of the hot weather, but playing Christmas music definitely helps. As we learn more