Welcome to Jamaica Mon!

   Jamaica. Just saying the name conjures up images of sandy beaches, cool breezes, and a tall drink with a little umbrella sticking out of it. Ahh, yes Jamaica. Or as they say here Jah-maay-cah; gotta love the accents here.

   Moving to Jamaica means a return to the childhood home of Suzanne. It's so cool to see her in her "native environment", to hear her speaking patois and remembering things long forgotten since leaving the island nearly 30 years ago.   

we arrived early and got good seats

         

     We have survived the first month and are adjusting to a new routine, new congregation and new territory in the ministry. Helping to ease the transition was attending the Special Assembly Day our first weekend here. The assembly hall is an open air hall, so for us this was a different experience attending. 

   Of course for us being here is not just a return home but we want to keep busy in Jehovah's service. We have been active in the ministry and Dani is the first one to "strike gold", starting a Bible study with a young girl she met way up in the hills.

   

   Our congregation's territory is made up of two very different parts. We have a section near the Kingdom Hall that is in the city. It is a typical city territory and is worked frequently. There is another part that is more rural; it is up in the mountains just outside the city and worked less frequently because of the distance. We go up here once a week to preach and each time it is a workout. We climb and  climb and climb some more to reach all the homes. We have been covering this area more intensely during our Memorial campaign. There are lots of trails and homes off the beaten path so there is plenty to keep us busy here.

   Besides the ministry, we have also received some assignments that are keeping us occupied as well. For my part I have received a special  assignment. Something with which I can utilize all my talents, experience, skills and abilities (smile):

Lessons That I Have Learned

   As I reflect upon the past few months we have spent at home, I am very happy how things have worked out. Although we did not want to leave Mexico, things have worked out for the best as we I have learned some valuable lessons which shall remain with me for some time to come. What are they?

I) It's hard to let go.
   Even though we have "simplified our lives" we somehow still managed to keep some things in storage. When it came time to make a decision, you know: "are we using it? No? then it has to go..." we are having a hard time ridding ourselves of some things. In comparison it was easy to sell the house and furniture. The remaining items are different. We know for example we can't use a couch but that portable heater we bought as newlyweds; it kept us warm on those freezing winter nights as we were living in an unheated basement apartment. Or the framed picture that was a first anniversary gift from Suzanne's folks, how can we toss them? They are much more than things, there is so much emotion, so many memories attached to them. They are a part of us, like a  fabric that is woven from a  lifetime of  shared experiences. So for now we have decided to put off the inevitable. Goodwill has to wait a few more months before we hand it all over. We are for now keeping a few select items in storage, at least until we can find good homes for them :-)

II) No fear.
   I dreaded coming back to Florida. After being in Mexico for the better part of 16 months, I had grown accustomed to the culture there; very kind,  almost everyone listens when you preach. Certainly you never get yelled or swore at in the ministry. In my mind I remembered many negative experiences here in the ministry. I imagined we would be yelled at,  at every door. True to my fears within the first weeks back we experienced several negative experiences in the field. In one particularly difficult week, three days in a row we had really bad incidents. Some of our sisters were cursed out, we had the police called on us, a man threatened a young brother and I if we didn't leave his door.  I began to grow fearful, I did not want to go out and preach. "Oh, the sky looks gray, I think I felt a drop. I'll stay home and write letters today. After all, we don't want people to think we're fanatics!" But no matter how much I tried to convince myself there was one simple truth: I was succumbing to fear of man. How could I overcome this?
   I prayed earnestly for Jehovah's help. I used WT Library to research. A scripture in 1 John 4:18 came to mind: "there is no fear in love but perfect love casts fear out." I began to reason with myself : Do I really love Jehovah? Do I believe this is his will for us today? Do I love him enough to experience some hardships in his name? Was I experiencing anything that a faithful servant of old did not face? Hadn't the prophets, even Jesus himself faced the same? If they treated God's son that way why should I not expect the same? What will I do when REAL persecution sets in, how can I be faithful then if  some harsh words are making me wither?
   I had to get tough with myself and learn to TRULY rely on Jehovah. I prayed as never before in the ministry; at every door or encounter. I stopped worrying about rejection and thought about the people and how much they needed the message. I received encouragement from experienced pioneers. As these things occurred, I slowly regained my joy. As I continue to work at overcoming my fears I deeply appreciate what a loving, patient and generous God we serve.

III) It's okay to have fun.
   This one was a bit of a surprise. I thought I was pretty balanced but soon learned otherwise. I used to be of the old school mentality, you know, you go in service all day without stopping, no matter what. Hot or cold, rain or shine. You've gotta use the restroom? Hold it until we're done!  A coffee break, what is that? If your feet aren't hurtin' then you ain't preaching hard enough!!!
   Remember those experienced pioneers I talked about? They have helped me to appreciate the power of the coffee break. It's okay to refresh yourself. Oh yeah and it's okay to tell jokes. And to laugh. And to have fun while you're in service. And to enjoy the company of one another while we are out. After all, we serve a happy God. Did I mention it's okay to take a coffee break? But do you know what else I learned from them? That man must not live on bread alone... he must have DOUGHNUTS!!!

"mmm, doughnuts..."

I tell you these friends don't know what they have started. Have you ever felt the rejuvenating power of a warm glazed doughnut? Can you say HOT NOW? I have been imagining of late what the manna  must have tasted like? It is described as being fine and flaky like hoarfrost. Yep, sounds like a hot glazed one to me!

So, I hope that these lessons remain with me for a long time. After learning about some of my weaknesses and working on them, I am eager for our next assignment. Speaking of which...

 
   For the better part of a year now we have found ourselves traveling back and forth to Jamaica to visit my wife's father. Some recent developments have led us to decide that due to some serious ongoing health issues he has, it would be best for us to be near him, to help care for him. So we have decided that we will be moving to Jamaica next month and to continue serving there. Although we had in mind serving in some other countries with a greater need in the field than Jamaica, how can we say we "are serving as Needgreaters" when our dad needs us but we aren't caring for him? And if we had any doubts the March 2014 study edition finished them off as the study articles talk about honoring one's parents. So although this isn't quite as exciting as crossing a river or jungle somewhere in Central America, we are confident that Jehovah will be pleased with our decision.
   Now I know some out there are thinking: "Jamaica? Woo-hoo!" But trust me, we aren't sitting on the beach sipping on a rum punch with our feet planted in powdery white sand. Nope, we'll be in the city, trying to adjust to the crazy left hand side driving and such. But we are looking forward to the experience. A new congregation of friends to get to know, a new territory to work in and who knows, maybe more lessons to learn in this journey called life.

Our Nicaragua Trip

   We've been back from Nicaragua for a couple of weeks now and after reflecting on our trip and my "meltdown" mentioned in the previous post I now ask myself: "what was all the fuss about?" In the end I must say it was an enjoyable trip.
   We spent the majority of our time on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua, as unique a place as I have ever visited. The coast differs greatly from the the majority of Nicaragua. While the Pacific side Nicaragua is Puro Espanol,  the coast is like a spicy gumbo; a lively blend of Creole and Indigenous cultures with a flourish of Spanish sprinkled in. English is the dominant language here but almost everyone we spoke to was multilingual. Reggae music and Bob Marley images coexist side by side with 1980's Country & Western music. Caribbean influenced foods like Rundown and Patties share the table alongside rice and beans and plantanos.. Surrounded by water we enjoyed beautiful views of sunsets and tranquil(relatively) evenings and star filled nights sitting by the pier of our hotel.
   Our main reason for going there however was the preaching work. The congregation in Pearl Lagoon has about 12 or so publishers and a large area of territory, some of which has not been preached to in years. We were privileged to share in the work and enjoy several nice experiences while there. On more than one occasion we had people come up to us and ask us for literature while we were in the field. Our most exciting day was visiting Kakabila, an indigenous (Miskito) village about an hour away by boat from Pearl Lagoon.
   The people of Kakibila live in modest homes with wells and outdoor wood stoves. Many are fishermen and cows and horses roam about freely. As we made our way from house to house through the village everyone stopped whatever they were doing when we reached their house, invited us in and listened to what we had to say.

   One woman named Adelia was busy working in the kitchen when we called. She invited us in to the outdoor kitchen that all the homes have. It is a small wooden room outside the home. There is a place to keep a fire going (they use wood to cook there) and a small sink area. Usually a work table or small chair is here as well. When we visited her she listened intently as I shared with her the tract on suffering and read Rev. 21:3, 4 from the Bible. As you can see above her bird was also curious as to what we had to offer!
   We also visited a young couple named Mariano and Maribel. We shared the December magazines "Do we still need God?" with them. I guess the sight of foreigners was a novelty to Maribel because she kept smiling at Suzanne and I the whole time we were there. As we left Suzanne noted Mariano's demeanor and said he had a sad look about his face. We returned to the house and talked some more with them. He listened intently as if what he was hearing was very important to him. We showed them the Good News brochure and reviewed lesson number five, summarizing the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve and how Jehovah's purpose for the earth has not changed. Although Mariano seemed to have much on his mind, he thanked us for coming telling them these things and that he did not know them. As we left the two of them sat on their porch reading the literature we left with them.
   It occurred to me that these people although they live simple, humble lives listen to the Kingdom message. We hope that in the coming weeks the friends in PL will be able to visit them and cultivate the seeds of truth that were sown.                                                  

"all aboard...next stop Kakabila"

they're "out" of the "house"

Dani living out her "Needgreater Dream"

"Bacon and Eggs"

a "kitchen"

they've got satellite??!!!

we preached until the cows came home...

...but in the end we were happy!

 

Confessions Of A Middle Aged Drama Queen

    I surprised myself. I didn't know that I had it in me. I never knew that I could be so fickle. We had planned this trip for quite a few weeks and finally it is here. As I write we are now in Nicaragua; Pearl Lagoon to be exact. We are checking things out, "sp**ing out the land" (want to avoid any issues with the NSA so I don't use the S word :-). The trip started out smoothly but then things went awry and out it came, the DQ in me.
   Our flight to Nica could not have been better. We arrived in Managua this Tuesday morning, even landed earlier than expected. We got our luggage and one of the bags was ripped up when we got it from the carousel. Hey, no worries it's just a bag, it can be replaced. We arrived at the hotel early but no worries they checked us right in. The first sign all would not go well was when we tried to book tickets for our flight to Bluefields the next morning we were told that it was sold out, we had to book on the 2p.m. plane. Slight problem because that meant we would miss the afternoon panga(boat) to Pearl Lagoon, meaning we'd arrive there a day later than planned. No worries still, a quick call to Br. Donovan in Bluefields and he found us a comfortable room in a hotel and we'd leave for PL on Thursday morning.
   Then came the meltdown moments. Arriving in Bluefields my first instinct was to chase the plane down the runway and get back on it. I did not like what I saw. There were crowds of people just standing around as if they had no where to go. There were lots of casinos and bars around; It felt like a scene out of an Indiana Jones movie and at any moment a bar fight would break out and we'd be caught in the crossfire.
   Reaching PL did not ease the pain. When Br. Hendershot met us at the docks he said " welcome to the ends of the earth!" as we got off the panga. He was kidding of course, but in a short while I would begin to wonder if he really meant it. As we walked to the hotel I noticed how hot and humid it was. There were again what seemed like thousands of people just hanging out on the streets, drinking beer and talking loudly. "What kind of place is this?" I thought to myself. When we reached the hotel we would be staying in I was a bit bummed out, it sure looked better on TripAdvisor than it does in person. To make matters worse the power was out, as it regularly is here, so there was no a/c in the room. As we tried to rest up a bit from our journey we were sweltering. I had to step outside to get a little breeze and cool down. It will get better I told myself. 
   So we started out in the field this morning and we walked. And we walked. And we walked. And just when I thought I couldn't take it any longer we walked some more. Yes this is a walking territory; I don't think I have ever walked so much in my life! To make matters worse there is a small village of Miskito speaking people that we went to in the afternoon. To reach it there is about a thirty minute walk down a road that is partially submerged in water, about ankle deep. So off come the socks and through the slightly murky water we go; drain out the shoes when we reach the other side and keep on walking. By the time we ended the day in service my feet were blistered, my ego bruised, and I was seriously doubting if I was at all cut out for this Needgreatering thing.
   But then it happened. Our brotherhood is such a wonderful thing. I began to feel the support of the  brothers who are serving here. We stopped by a home of one of the sisters in the congregation. She invited us in, we sat down, had a cup of coffee and she began to share her experiences with us. Later we went to have dinner with the Hendershots and after a nice meal and upbuilding conversation, I began to feel differently. I had my meltdown but I began to feel ashamed. I am not the only one who is out of their comfort zone. There are other Needgreaters here with us. Each of them has left something behind as well, surely they have their moments and make it through, so can I. 
   I also reflected on my day. We preached all day and not once was I turned away, told " I'm busy or I'm not interested". I actually had a few good conversations and at least two return visits to follow up on before I go. As I thought about the encouragement we received, the ministry we enjoyed, and the reasons we are here, I had a change of disposition. I had to put away the DQ and just enjoy the ride. Yep, it's gonna have some bumps in the road but with Jehovah's help I can deal with them. So over the next week and a half I'm gonna work on my attitude. From here on out it's all going to be copacetic! Now if I can learn to just go with the flow...

Finishing Up With A Flurry

Over the past few months it had seemed as though things just dried up so to speak in the ministry. In house to house we found a number of English speakers who flatly said they were not interested or not religious at all; highly unusual for Mexico. Some of our Bible studies moved to other places, some just stopped studying for one reason or another. We have had trouble locating many of our return visits, work or other pursuits suddenly became available and there was little time left to study the Bible. Still though, we have had a few good experiences recently in the ministry, such as the following:

While working in house to house Tonya and I met Vianney, a woman who only spoke Spanish. She was on her way to work and told us she had lived in Phoenix for a few years. She used to study and attend meetings  there but had done neither since she returned to Guasave. She also had a twelve year old daughter who spoke English. She expressed some interest and said she would like for her daughter to study as well. We were able to arrange for a Spanish speaking sister to follow up with her.

*****

Earlier in the year back in March or April Suzanne and I were doing census work and we came across a woman who told us her husband spoke English but was working abroad in the U.S. She had expected him to be home some time later in the year. So last month we were working returns near there and remembered the woman we spoke to. We went back to the house and she warmly invited us in. She told us her husband was still in the states and would be home she hoped by the end of the year. She stopped doing her housework so we shared a brief thought with her from the Bible and left with her the only Spanish tract that we had. She excitedly told us that her husband had co-workers who were Witnesses in the U.S. He has been reading the magazines and sharing with her what he was learning. We asked her if she would like to learn more as her husband was and she agreed. We got one of the Spanish speaking sisters from the car group and a study was started with her on the spot. We later mused among ourselves what a coincidence that both husband and wife were now studying and hoped they would be able to continue to do so as a family when the husband returns home.

*****

On a Saturday morning late in September Suzanne, Dani and I were working together and passed a house with a sign offering English lessons. There we met Luis an English teacher who had lived in Las Vegas for ten years. He told us he was suffering a number of health issues and his mother was sick as well. We were able to share with him the magazine on the topic of "Why So Much Suffering?" and also read to him Psalms 46:1. We reasoned with him that one way Jehovah helps us is with the meetings. We associate with others who love Jehovah and face their own struggles. As we do we encourage one another and are helped through our own difficulties.
Later on that day Lizeth, one of the pioneers in our congregation, was attending her English class in school. She said the topic of religion somehow came up. She told us the teacher began to speak highly of Jehovah's Witnesses and encouraged the students to "listen to them when they come by your house because they only want to help you and just talk about the Bible." Who was the teacher? Yep, it was Luis whom we had spoke to that morning.
Sitting in the class and listening to all of this was a student named Leo. He has family who are Witnesses and used to attend meetings with his mother. He attended the Sunday and Thursday meetings that week, and has been a regular attender since; even commenting during the WT study. We were able to have a several nice conversations with him after the meetings and he said he looks forward to calling his mom and telling her he is attending meetings again.

*****

So you may wonder what's with the title of this post? Well as I mentioned back in one of my August posts there were some changes underway in the English field in Mexico. One of these changes was the dissolution of the English congregation in Guasave. So for now we are back in Florida, considering our next step from here.

Say Hello To:

I thought it would be a nice idea to  interview some of the friends who are serving here in Guasave, to hear their expressions first hand. Each of us whether we are foreigners or locals have a different story of how we came to serve in Guasave. What motivates us to leave behind home and family and come to this small city on the Pacific coast of Mexico and serve? What preparations did we make to come here? How has the experience been for us? So, to answer these and other questions this edition of "Say Hello To:" proudly presents.... 

Barbara Alaluf  is a regular pioneer from Mexico City who now serves with us in the Guasave English Congregation.

How long have you had a goal to serve where the need is greater and why did you make this a goal?
I have had this as a goal for about 10 years now when the English field in Mexico started to develop. I was serving as a pioneer for 3 years and wanted to experience work in another part of the country. I wanted to do more with my life, more than I could while serving in my local congregation. Some mature friends in the congregation who had served where the need was great encouraged me as well, they told me of the blessings they enjoyed. I saw their joy and  I wanted to experience that.

How did you choose Guasave?
I wanted to serve in the English field specifically. When I wrote the branch asking about congregations in Central America and Mexico and they assigned me to Guasave.

How do you support yourself financially while here?
I have a job working online evaluating websites and search engines. While I have done this for the past year I have learned to be able to do whatever to support myself. In the past I have sold clothes, sold desserts door to door, and taught English. I view whatever job I have as a provision from Jehovah to help support my ministry. At times my family has also assisted me.
I made the move to Guasave without having a job here. I lived on savings for two months as I planned to find a job when I arrived here. "I was trusting in Jehovah, very sure I would have a job." Some may view that as risky- to quit a job to come here to serve- but I was confident that with Jehovah's help I would get a job.

What are some positive things you have experienced/learned while here?
I have learned how to trust in Jehovah more: "I've seen his blessings many, many times." At times I have had anxieties over wants, but I have always had what I needed. As a single sister I feel very useful. It's the best gift I can give to Jehovah- using my singleness to further the good news.

What are some challenges you have overcome?
Dealing with my own anxieties and worries, reminding myself that Jehovah cares for me. Loneliness is a challenge. I am away from my family; this is my country but not my hometown.
At times criticism from brothers and sisters who may have good intentions but their comments have been less than encouraging. "Why don't you stay home with your family?" or " It's dangerous..." You expect more from the friends so that can be a danger and discouragement.

What have you learned about yourself?
I have learned to trust in Jehovah, he knows your potential. I may think I can't make it but if he gives you an assignment he it's because he knows you can do it. I am more aware now of what I am capable of. I have also learned to be brave, sensitive, tolerant and modest.

What encouragement can you give to someone who is thinking about serving where the need is greater?
"Just do it, don't think too much." You don't have to worry much, don't question yourself; if you do you will end up not going. Jehovah will take care of you, always trust him.
One of the great joys is getting to see your Bible students make progress. This is a most rewarding experience, you will help many people.
I want to do this as long as I can. My circumstances may change but as long as I am able to I want to do this.

Always Listen To Tyler

"Shrewd is the one that has seen the calamity and proceeds to conceal himself, but the inexperienced have passed along and must suffer the penalty." - Proverbs 22:3

The Guasave River

   Rainy season is upon us and it is taking it's toll on the roads here in Guasave. Almost every day it is raining heavily. The roads are flooding and when they dry out massive craters are left behind, only to fill up with water during the next rainfall. Check out the view from our front door after a recent rainfall. I thought I saw the Harvard Rowing Team taking practice out there! 
   This week during service I have been trying to find a woman we called on earlier in the year during the Memorial campaign. After a nice conversation she accepted an invitation. Unfortunately we have not seen her since but lately she has been on my mind and I've been unsuccessfully trying to find her at home. So today while doing RVS I mentioned I have a call to try and we should go. Her home is located in a far corner of our territory but no problem; I know a shortcut! "This road looks like Tyler getting out and pushing" said Tyler, one of our pioneers. "Don't worry, I've been down here before" I replied just before I felt the rear tires spinning and the back of the car sliding away. I was in deep, a good 4 or 5 inches of mud and sinking. Exiting the car Tyler and I began looking for branches, rocks, anything that we could put under the tires for some traction. We pushed from the front as Suzanne manned the wheel but it was no use the car barely budged; we were dead in the water. 
   Salvation came in the form of a couple of guys who were working on a house down the road. They were watching us for a little while trying to make our way out and I guess they took pity on the Americanos. A most beautiful sight is was, a navy blue Ford F-150 4X4, backing down the road. After hitching up, they began to pull our car out slowly. Tyler and I pushed from the front and walked through the muck that had entrapped the car. Finally we were free! We thanked our heroes and as we futilely tried to clean off our shoes and pants we explained to them what were doing and where we were headed. "There is another road that is better than this on the other side of the canal" one of them said. " Yeah, I know but this is my shortcut to Colonia St. Maria" I replied. "Oh, no you won't make it. The road gets worse as you go farther in that direction" he told me. Great! Some shortcut!
   So after finally getting ourselves de-mudded, we climbed back in, gingerly made a u-turn and took the long way around to the RV in Colonia St. Maria. Of course she wasn't home. Oh well, I finally did get to have a "yearbook experience" in the ministry. And I learned a lesson: always listen to Tyler.