I just realized that I completely forgot to update you on where to follow us :)
Our new blog is http://needgreatersbotswana.blogspot.com/
Please keep following!!!
Wednesday, 25 December 2013
Sunday, 21 July 2013
Long time... no hear... big news...
Hi everyone... I must say that I'm becoming really bad at this... It's amazing how life is becoming more and more frenetic as we get closer to the end.
As the title of the post may suggest to you... we have big news... In every sense of the word!
1. Achievement news
We always wondered if we did the right thing coming to Mexico after spending 5 years in Africa because let's face it, the need in Africa is not comparable with any other continent in the world.... Well let's say that Jah answered. We had (especially I had) the joy of having a "daughter".. After three "boys" I was wondering if a "girl" would ever arrive...
Well Claudia got baptized in May 2013, after only 1 year and 2 months of studying. We finished the Teach book 2 days before her baptism which to me, is perfect timing.
She is one of the most zealous person I have ever met. She loves preaching and wants to pioneer to be able to go once a year on the "ruta" (a 1 to 3 months assignment in either Mexico or any of the countries under the branch, meaning all Central America).
So we have good expectations for next year...
2. Theocratic news
At the Circuit Assembly in May "Safeguard your mind", in particular at the pioneer meeting on the Friday, we received some "new instructions". They're not exactly new, but for people who moved to Mexico recently, they're new. Somehow these instructions got lost in "translation" let's say.
What we've been instructed to do is to act like the apostles in Acts 2:8, to speak to people in the "language in which they were born"...
What does it mean? Well, think about the foreign language groups or congregations in your area/country. Why are they there? Because if someone from another country comes to live and work there, he can still be preached to right? So basically, if someone from China comes to your country, even though he speaks your language, who will preach to him/her? Someone from the Chinese group, right? Right!
So, unfortunately, it's not what we've been doing here for some time now... You see many people from Mexico, at least once in their life, went to the US, for either a short or a long period of time. Most of these, speak good English. But... what is the language they were born in?
So these are the new (actually old but "reinforced") instructions we received. We are not to study with somebody in English unless he's mother tongue or he spent so many years in the US that he can't remember Spanish (sometimes parents would move to US when the children were so small that their first language becomes English, or they end up going to school in US meaning that they will have an american accent and all). It totally makes sense considering that I wouldn't study in Italian with someone who moved to Italy from Romania even though he may know Italian very well. I would have to pass the study to someone in the Rumenian group, right? Right!
Now, we always thank Jah for giving us clear instructions on everything we need to do, especially in the preaching work, but you must agree with us ("us" includes all who moved to Mexico to serve in English where the need was "great") that this changes the way we preach and the size of the English territory in Mexico.
Needless to say, many of us didn't realize the toll the new instructions would have on our ministry, until we started doing territory again... We're preaching to everybody obviously, but while before we would take any level of English as a chance to study, now we have to skip many people according to how our first conversation with them is. The truth has to touch their heart, not only their mind, and to be able to do that, they need to study in their own language. I think by now everybody has seen the video shown during the C.O. week which clearly makes you understand how important it is for people to study in their mother tongue.
3. Organizational news
Something else that we know about Jah is that he's a God of order and organization. We studied in recent articles of the WT about his celestial organization and how everything moves along with his will. Now, although imperfect, we are to reflect in the best way possible that perfect clockwork moving here on earth as well. So the GB is moving toward making congregations more functional as far as brothers, "bigger" (in the case of foreign languages) and with stronger foundations (studying in your mother tongue makes your stronger right? so we can see how Jah is putting all the puzzle pieces together).
Now, Zacatecas came out of Guadalupe a couple of years back, being a group at first and then a congregation. It became a very strong congregation with a ratio of 50% of the publishers being regular pioneers. Now with many going for many different reasons, both congregations found themselves struggling for brothers so (again we see the wisdom of Jah here: perfect action at the right moment) why having two congregations struggling when you can have one strong congregation with more capable brothers and publishers?
So the news here is that Zacatecas and the nearby congregation Guadalupe are becoming one again starting 1st of August.
Obviously, that got many of us thinking... which brings me to the 3rd news.
4. Panduro's personal news
And here we are, the last part of this post. Our personal news. I think you got to know us by now. We moved from Italy to Uganda to be able to help where the need is great. We actually saw how big the need was in Uganda and when we moved to Mexico, as I mentioned at the beginning, the need and the field is different. But again, Jah blessed us with many bible studies and a new "daughter". But that was before the "need" changed. Don't get me wrong there is still need here, but it's very well covered by those brothers who were here before us and/or cannot move to another country for one reason or another. Thanks to these faithful brothers, we have the chance to move on. So... (rolling of drums) we're moving back to Africa. Hhhmm no, we're not going back to Uganda for many different reasons (although we really loved it and still miss it). We are going to Namibia. The name came up some time ago, and we had discarded it because at the time we couldn't afford the lifestyle there. Now, both of us have a job online, meaning that we would be able to live simply in Namibia. What we didn't know is the need there... There are several congregation completely without elders and with few servants who are struggling to do everything. Therefore... after a lot of praying and consideration and obviously after consulting the branch there, we decided to move there. Now, for whoever thinks that getting into a country in Africa is easy, think again!
We thought Uganda was making it tough... well we didn't expect Namibia to be as difficult as the US!!! So basically, yes we decided we're going but now they have to decide if they're going to let us in or not. You see, it's not like in most countries where you can go as a tourist for a period of 6 months and then decide if you want to stay or not (like we did in Uganda and Mexico). You either go as a tourist and then leave and basically don't go back, or you can apply for a temporary resident BEFORE going, and hope they will accept you for a year. Once you have that, it's not likely they will not renew it, but nothing is for sure in this world. So now, if before we were praying for Jah to make it clear for us where to go, now we're praying for him to make them give us the visa. We applied about 2 weeks ago and it can take up to 2 months (and more than $1k) to get it. So we're waiting... trying not to freak out because if they reject our applications... we will just go where the wind take us...
In the meantime we will leave Mexico the 4th of October heading for UK and Italy, visiting our families.
So, stay tuned. I won't promise any post soon. Not until we get news ourselves... Meanwhile.. stay cool!
Wherever you are, whatever you're doing to serve him, may Jah bless your efforts.
As the title of the post may suggest to you... we have big news... In every sense of the word!
1. Achievement news
We always wondered if we did the right thing coming to Mexico after spending 5 years in Africa because let's face it, the need in Africa is not comparable with any other continent in the world.... Well let's say that Jah answered. We had (especially I had) the joy of having a "daughter".. After three "boys" I was wondering if a "girl" would ever arrive...
Well Claudia got baptized in May 2013, after only 1 year and 2 months of studying. We finished the Teach book 2 days before her baptism which to me, is perfect timing.She is one of the most zealous person I have ever met. She loves preaching and wants to pioneer to be able to go once a year on the "ruta" (a 1 to 3 months assignment in either Mexico or any of the countries under the branch, meaning all Central America).
So we have good expectations for next year...
2. Theocratic news
At the Circuit Assembly in May "Safeguard your mind", in particular at the pioneer meeting on the Friday, we received some "new instructions". They're not exactly new, but for people who moved to Mexico recently, they're new. Somehow these instructions got lost in "translation" let's say.
What we've been instructed to do is to act like the apostles in Acts 2:8, to speak to people in the "language in which they were born"...
What does it mean? Well, think about the foreign language groups or congregations in your area/country. Why are they there? Because if someone from another country comes to live and work there, he can still be preached to right? So basically, if someone from China comes to your country, even though he speaks your language, who will preach to him/her? Someone from the Chinese group, right? Right!
So, unfortunately, it's not what we've been doing here for some time now... You see many people from Mexico, at least once in their life, went to the US, for either a short or a long period of time. Most of these, speak good English. But... what is the language they were born in?
So these are the new (actually old but "reinforced") instructions we received. We are not to study with somebody in English unless he's mother tongue or he spent so many years in the US that he can't remember Spanish (sometimes parents would move to US when the children were so small that their first language becomes English, or they end up going to school in US meaning that they will have an american accent and all). It totally makes sense considering that I wouldn't study in Italian with someone who moved to Italy from Romania even though he may know Italian very well. I would have to pass the study to someone in the Rumenian group, right? Right!
Now, we always thank Jah for giving us clear instructions on everything we need to do, especially in the preaching work, but you must agree with us ("us" includes all who moved to Mexico to serve in English where the need was "great") that this changes the way we preach and the size of the English territory in Mexico.
Needless to say, many of us didn't realize the toll the new instructions would have on our ministry, until we started doing territory again... We're preaching to everybody obviously, but while before we would take any level of English as a chance to study, now we have to skip many people according to how our first conversation with them is. The truth has to touch their heart, not only their mind, and to be able to do that, they need to study in their own language. I think by now everybody has seen the video shown during the C.O. week which clearly makes you understand how important it is for people to study in their mother tongue.
3. Organizational news
Something else that we know about Jah is that he's a God of order and organization. We studied in recent articles of the WT about his celestial organization and how everything moves along with his will. Now, although imperfect, we are to reflect in the best way possible that perfect clockwork moving here on earth as well. So the GB is moving toward making congregations more functional as far as brothers, "bigger" (in the case of foreign languages) and with stronger foundations (studying in your mother tongue makes your stronger right? so we can see how Jah is putting all the puzzle pieces together).
Now, Zacatecas came out of Guadalupe a couple of years back, being a group at first and then a congregation. It became a very strong congregation with a ratio of 50% of the publishers being regular pioneers. Now with many going for many different reasons, both congregations found themselves struggling for brothers so (again we see the wisdom of Jah here: perfect action at the right moment) why having two congregations struggling when you can have one strong congregation with more capable brothers and publishers?
So the news here is that Zacatecas and the nearby congregation Guadalupe are becoming one again starting 1st of August.
Obviously, that got many of us thinking... which brings me to the 3rd news.
4. Panduro's personal news
And here we are, the last part of this post. Our personal news. I think you got to know us by now. We moved from Italy to Uganda to be able to help where the need is great. We actually saw how big the need was in Uganda and when we moved to Mexico, as I mentioned at the beginning, the need and the field is different. But again, Jah blessed us with many bible studies and a new "daughter". But that was before the "need" changed. Don't get me wrong there is still need here, but it's very well covered by those brothers who were here before us and/or cannot move to another country for one reason or another. Thanks to these faithful brothers, we have the chance to move on. So... (rolling of drums) we're moving back to Africa. Hhhmm no, we're not going back to Uganda for many different reasons (although we really loved it and still miss it). We are going to Namibia. The name came up some time ago, and we had discarded it because at the time we couldn't afford the lifestyle there. Now, both of us have a job online, meaning that we would be able to live simply in Namibia. What we didn't know is the need there... There are several congregation completely without elders and with few servants who are struggling to do everything. Therefore... after a lot of praying and consideration and obviously after consulting the branch there, we decided to move there. Now, for whoever thinks that getting into a country in Africa is easy, think again!
We thought Uganda was making it tough... well we didn't expect Namibia to be as difficult as the US!!! So basically, yes we decided we're going but now they have to decide if they're going to let us in or not. You see, it's not like in most countries where you can go as a tourist for a period of 6 months and then decide if you want to stay or not (like we did in Uganda and Mexico). You either go as a tourist and then leave and basically don't go back, or you can apply for a temporary resident BEFORE going, and hope they will accept you for a year. Once you have that, it's not likely they will not renew it, but nothing is for sure in this world. So now, if before we were praying for Jah to make it clear for us where to go, now we're praying for him to make them give us the visa. We applied about 2 weeks ago and it can take up to 2 months (and more than $1k) to get it. So we're waiting... trying not to freak out because if they reject our applications... we will just go where the wind take us...
In the meantime we will leave Mexico the 4th of October heading for UK and Italy, visiting our families.
So, stay tuned. I won't promise any post soon. Not until we get news ourselves... Meanwhile.. stay cool!
Wherever you are, whatever you're doing to serve him, may Jah bless your efforts.
Monday, 31 December 2012
Branch letter Theocratic Year 2012/2013
Dear readers,
I know, I know... I haven't written in Ages!!!!
In my defense, we have been working our socks off here. Chris started teaching about 6 months ago which unfortunately means waking up at 6am every morning. I, for quite some times, had 3 jobs (3 1/2 actually) although now I reduced to 2.. still too much. Then obviously field, housework, went to UK for a month to sort out some stuff, came back, District Convention, etc.
I mean, you know how busy a Witness life is right? I don't need to explain it to you... We're all in the same system of things.
And that means that my excuses don't hold up... I know! Sorry!
But if you give me a chance, I'll make it up to you with some news from our neck of the woods!
So first of all:
I guess you remember Claudia? Chris found her in the field in February 2012 and started the study literally on the spot.
After the third study (I think! maybe it was before) she came to the meetings. After the first meeting, she started coming regularly "dressed up" as a witness, which was a great deal for her as she wasn't used to wear skirts.
At the beginning she couldn't come on Mondays as she works as receptionist in a hotel. Next thing I know, she starts coming on Mondays so I thought she changed her shifts (she works PM shifts generally, so I thought she moved it to the AM shifts) and didn't want to ask her about what she did. I was just happy she could come.
After a couple of months, it came out that she moved her shift to the NIGHT SHIFT! So she comes to the meeting and then she goes to work until 7am of the next day... So I was kind of speechless! I feel sorry every time she comes to Monday. But she's happy, so I'm happy.
In the meantime she already took a stand with her family for Christmas and she didn't vote this year. All this BEFORE we actually got to those chapters in the BT.
Anyway, if you think the surprises are done with, you're wrong! Hear Hear....
Not only she's been in the school since October... not only we had our first talk together a couple of weeks ago... SHE'S A PUBLISHER NOW!!!! She started last week and if everything goes to plans, she will be announced when the C.O. is here. WHOO HOOO!!!
Now, you will say, we're happy for you, but what does that have to do with the title of the blog?
Well, give me a minute... I'll get there.
(Chris is been appointed by the way...).
So we received this letter from Mexico Branch encouraging us to try and make a new publisher before August 2013. So the whole point is that, obviously thanks to Jehovah, I made it!!! I got a new publisher in the Theocratic Year 2012/2013 :) What's funny is that she really wants to get baptized so maybe next year either in May or July, I'll finally get a daughter (after 3 spiritual sons...)!
Anyway, we're definitely happy with having this privilege.
Also, do you remember when I posted about HOW SMALL THIS WORLD IS? Like, how in the truth everybody knows everybody? Okay, so listen to this.
In 10 days we will get the C.O.'s visit. The NEW C.O.'s visit. Now some time ago we heard that our new C.O. is from UK. Which is unusual to be honest. Anyway... at the same time we remembered that John and Agnetta (couple who took our house in Uganda) told us about his cousin being a C.O. in the English field in Mexico.
Guess who our new C.O. is? Him! Guess who is he staying with? Us! So anyway, it's funny sometimes how we can still find people who know people we know in two different sides of the world.
(Did I mention that Chris has been appointed as an elder :) ...? )
So that's it. Now I'm really done with the news. I will update when something "new" comes out, I promise.
But this month will be super busy, so I'm not sure I will be able to write before February. Let's see...
Thanks again for following...
I know, I know... I haven't written in Ages!!!!
In my defense, we have been working our socks off here. Chris started teaching about 6 months ago which unfortunately means waking up at 6am every morning. I, for quite some times, had 3 jobs (3 1/2 actually) although now I reduced to 2.. still too much. Then obviously field, housework, went to UK for a month to sort out some stuff, came back, District Convention, etc.
I mean, you know how busy a Witness life is right? I don't need to explain it to you... We're all in the same system of things.
And that means that my excuses don't hold up... I know! Sorry!
But if you give me a chance, I'll make it up to you with some news from our neck of the woods!
So first of all:
I guess you remember Claudia? Chris found her in the field in February 2012 and started the study literally on the spot.
After the third study (I think! maybe it was before) she came to the meetings. After the first meeting, she started coming regularly "dressed up" as a witness, which was a great deal for her as she wasn't used to wear skirts.
At the beginning she couldn't come on Mondays as she works as receptionist in a hotel. Next thing I know, she starts coming on Mondays so I thought she changed her shifts (she works PM shifts generally, so I thought she moved it to the AM shifts) and didn't want to ask her about what she did. I was just happy she could come.
After a couple of months, it came out that she moved her shift to the NIGHT SHIFT! So she comes to the meeting and then she goes to work until 7am of the next day... So I was kind of speechless! I feel sorry every time she comes to Monday. But she's happy, so I'm happy.
In the meantime she already took a stand with her family for Christmas and she didn't vote this year. All this BEFORE we actually got to those chapters in the BT.
Anyway, if you think the surprises are done with, you're wrong! Hear Hear....
Not only she's been in the school since October... not only we had our first talk together a couple of weeks ago... SHE'S A PUBLISHER NOW!!!! She started last week and if everything goes to plans, she will be announced when the C.O. is here. WHOO HOOO!!!
Now, you will say, we're happy for you, but what does that have to do with the title of the blog?
Well, give me a minute... I'll get there.
(Chris is been appointed by the way...).
So we received this letter from Mexico Branch encouraging us to try and make a new publisher before August 2013. So the whole point is that, obviously thanks to Jehovah, I made it!!! I got a new publisher in the Theocratic Year 2012/2013 :) What's funny is that she really wants to get baptized so maybe next year either in May or July, I'll finally get a daughter (after 3 spiritual sons...)!
Anyway, we're definitely happy with having this privilege.
Also, do you remember when I posted about HOW SMALL THIS WORLD IS? Like, how in the truth everybody knows everybody? Okay, so listen to this.
In 10 days we will get the C.O.'s visit. The NEW C.O.'s visit. Now some time ago we heard that our new C.O. is from UK. Which is unusual to be honest. Anyway... at the same time we remembered that John and Agnetta (couple who took our house in Uganda) told us about his cousin being a C.O. in the English field in Mexico.
Guess who our new C.O. is? Him! Guess who is he staying with? Us! So anyway, it's funny sometimes how we can still find people who know people we know in two different sides of the world.
(Did I mention that Chris has been appointed as an elder :) ...? )
So that's it. Now I'm really done with the news. I will update when something "new" comes out, I promise.
But this month will be super busy, so I'm not sure I will be able to write before February. Let's see...
Thanks again for following...
Saturday, 5 May 2012
Zacatecas News...
Ok people, so listen up...
We have had many new things happening in these past weeks.
First of all obviously the Memorial. Zacatecas and Guadalupe rented a really beautiful place in an old hacienda where now Silver is the main business. Between the two congregation we have about 50 publishers and we were 90 in attendance. I was super happy as I had 2 interested ones coming. My super study (that's I will call her from now on) came and then another study actually surprised me as she came on her own.
Then my parents arrived and they're here for a month. My mom is having a lot done on her teeth. As you might know, here in Mexico dentist are super cheap and super good! So my parents decided to kill two birds with a stone by coming all the way here to see me and have their teeth done. My dad in the meantime is having some massages done to fix his sciatic nerve.
In the meantime I had something done to my teeth as well... I put on braces!!! Two years now... but the result will make them worth the sufferance.
Then... let me see...
Well my super study is making super progress. I just found out that to come on sunday and mondays for the meetings, she works 16 hours straight on saturdays. Last week she actually went to the Spanish meeting after getting off work (without going to sleep), went home, slept a couple of hours, got changed and came to the English meeting. And she doesn't miss a meeting now... she prepares, she contributes and she cleans the kingdom hall when it's our turn.
Ah yes, the Circuit Assembly is coming up soon... next weekend actually! It's going to be fun to drive down with Meg and Tay, Chad and Tania, be in the same hotel (which has a pool by the way)... I'm actually looking forward to that...
As for now, there is nothing else going on here... a part from the rain last night!!!
Anyway, keep you updated!
Ciao for now
We have had many new things happening in these past weeks.
First of all obviously the Memorial. Zacatecas and Guadalupe rented a really beautiful place in an old hacienda where now Silver is the main business. Between the two congregation we have about 50 publishers and we were 90 in attendance. I was super happy as I had 2 interested ones coming. My super study (that's I will call her from now on) came and then another study actually surprised me as she came on her own.
Then my parents arrived and they're here for a month. My mom is having a lot done on her teeth. As you might know, here in Mexico dentist are super cheap and super good! So my parents decided to kill two birds with a stone by coming all the way here to see me and have their teeth done. My dad in the meantime is having some massages done to fix his sciatic nerve.
In the meantime I had something done to my teeth as well... I put on braces!!! Two years now... but the result will make them worth the sufferance.
Then... let me see...
Well my super study is making super progress. I just found out that to come on sunday and mondays for the meetings, she works 16 hours straight on saturdays. Last week she actually went to the Spanish meeting after getting off work (without going to sleep), went home, slept a couple of hours, got changed and came to the English meeting. And she doesn't miss a meeting now... she prepares, she contributes and she cleans the kingdom hall when it's our turn.
Ah yes, the Circuit Assembly is coming up soon... next weekend actually! It's going to be fun to drive down with Meg and Tay, Chad and Tania, be in the same hotel (which has a pool by the way)... I'm actually looking forward to that...
As for now, there is nothing else going on here... a part from the rain last night!!!
Anyway, keep you updated!
Ciao for now
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Zacatecas booming!
So, hear hear!
We're having amazing experiences here in Zacatecas. Do you remember I told you about the new study Chris found for me? Well I didn't know the whole story behind it.
That day after Chris knocked on her door, her mother came out and when asked if someone in the house spoke English, she quickly said no. So Chris obviously thanked her and left, walking towards the next house. In those few seconds the daughter, with her mouth full as she was eating, ran outside the door thinking that Chris needed help. Anyway, all this to tell you that had it been a fraction of a second more or a decibel less (if Chris had spoken with a lower voice, she wouldn't have heard him), we would have lost her.
AND HEAR HEAR...
...she's making an amazing progress already. We haven't even finished chapter one yet and she already changed her schedule completely to come to the meetings in English on Sundays (and that costs her all her saturdays evening). And now that she knows about the Memorial, she has already organized to attend both the Memorial and the Sunday meeting. And you should see how ready and prepared she is when I go for the study.
Now the thing is...as I said before her family is catholic right? When we first started the study the mother was really nice to us, but eventually it came out from the daughter that she was kind of opposing her.
Then, one day, the daughter decided to show her what she had learned that morning studying with us and she showed her Exodus 20:4,5 about idols from her Catholic Bible. The mother's jaw dropped. She couldn't believe it. She had never seen that scripture in the Bible. Well after talking for long with the daughter, finally the mother decided to start the study in Spanish with the brothers who were visiting her bringing the magazines.
Can you believe it?
Then, again, one day the daughter shared with her mother God's name as she had learned it that morning. Now the mother calls God only Jehovah and prays using his name AND....
... AND... she got rid of a baby Jesus which was on the table where we used to study and today she told us that she wants to give it away because she doesn't believe in idols any more. And she also told us that she's grateful to Jehovah that she can see the truth now.
Only problem is that the husband now doesn't want her to study so the only way she can learn is by listening to the daughter explaining what she study with us.
Soooo... yeeeaaahhh.... cool huh?
And, last Sunday we had 8 interested ones at the KH and it seems that they're all regular. One of them found our service overseer and his wife in Starbucks and heard them talking about the Bible, so he walked up to them and told them that he thinks he should have a study with them. Never missed one ever since and he's coming to all the meetings. Another one, wrote to the Organization and asked for some books in English so when our COBE went to deliver the package it came out that he used to study a lot and that he had a rough life but he talks of Jehovah like a close friend and father. Never missed the study or the meeting ever since.
Well well well... Jehovah is blessing Zac that's for sure!
So if you're wondering where to go and want to ask any info, go ahead!
By the way, we have got our VISA!!! Officially visitante non inmigrante. I guess we have to stay here now.... What do you say? :-)
We're having amazing experiences here in Zacatecas. Do you remember I told you about the new study Chris found for me? Well I didn't know the whole story behind it.
That day after Chris knocked on her door, her mother came out and when asked if someone in the house spoke English, she quickly said no. So Chris obviously thanked her and left, walking towards the next house. In those few seconds the daughter, with her mouth full as she was eating, ran outside the door thinking that Chris needed help. Anyway, all this to tell you that had it been a fraction of a second more or a decibel less (if Chris had spoken with a lower voice, she wouldn't have heard him), we would have lost her.
AND HEAR HEAR...
...she's making an amazing progress already. We haven't even finished chapter one yet and she already changed her schedule completely to come to the meetings in English on Sundays (and that costs her all her saturdays evening). And now that she knows about the Memorial, she has already organized to attend both the Memorial and the Sunday meeting. And you should see how ready and prepared she is when I go for the study.
Now the thing is...as I said before her family is catholic right? When we first started the study the mother was really nice to us, but eventually it came out from the daughter that she was kind of opposing her.
Then, one day, the daughter decided to show her what she had learned that morning studying with us and she showed her Exodus 20:4,5 about idols from her Catholic Bible. The mother's jaw dropped. She couldn't believe it. She had never seen that scripture in the Bible. Well after talking for long with the daughter, finally the mother decided to start the study in Spanish with the brothers who were visiting her bringing the magazines.
Can you believe it?
Then, again, one day the daughter shared with her mother God's name as she had learned it that morning. Now the mother calls God only Jehovah and prays using his name AND....
... AND... she got rid of a baby Jesus which was on the table where we used to study and today she told us that she wants to give it away because she doesn't believe in idols any more. And she also told us that she's grateful to Jehovah that she can see the truth now.
Only problem is that the husband now doesn't want her to study so the only way she can learn is by listening to the daughter explaining what she study with us.
Soooo... yeeeaaahhh.... cool huh?
And, last Sunday we had 8 interested ones at the KH and it seems that they're all regular. One of them found our service overseer and his wife in Starbucks and heard them talking about the Bible, so he walked up to them and told them that he thinks he should have a study with them. Never missed one ever since and he's coming to all the meetings. Another one, wrote to the Organization and asked for some books in English so when our COBE went to deliver the package it came out that he used to study a lot and that he had a rough life but he talks of Jehovah like a close friend and father. Never missed the study or the meeting ever since.
Well well well... Jehovah is blessing Zac that's for sure!
So if you're wondering where to go and want to ask any info, go ahead!
By the way, we have got our VISA!!! Officially visitante non inmigrante. I guess we have to stay here now.... What do you say? :-)
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
How's life??
That question brings back a lot of memories. So let me see... how are we doing...
We're actually doing ok. Our papers finally arrived from Uganda so we're OFFICIAL in Zacatecas now. And tomorrow was our return ticket. I was supposed to do our check in online now...
And now it's going. I can hear it taking off... No flight back for a year now!
Anyway, the field is going great! Chris found a new study for me. She lived in the States for a long time and went to the KH a couple of times there but never really studied although she read the whole teach book in Spanish. So in one of our field day asking "Alguien en la casa habla ingles?", she came out and explained everything to Chris, including that a couple of days before brothers from the Spanish Congregation visited but she hid because, as she said it, "my family is catholic and I don't want to fight with them".
Fair enough... but then she told Chris that because he knocked again, she felt like Jehovah was telling her something. And now she's been studying for 2 weeks and she already came to the Kingdom Hall on Sunday and loved it. Now for her to come to the Kingdom Hall she has to swap her shift at the hotel where she works with another colleague so that she can attend the meeting. It worked out last Sunday so now she's hoping Jehovah will make it work again.
So funny enough, last Sunday, we had three interested ones at the meeting, which was great. One of them studies with Patrick (Service Overseer) in Starbucks every week and has really good and deep questions.
And another is a girl who was going to the Spanish congregation because one of her relative is studying, but she wasn't studying and her English is really good.
So we're having really good results considering that as a congregation, we're only 6 months old.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond their control, Cedie and Annie had to leave to return to their homes. It was really sad but I'm sure Jehovah will bless them wherever they are. Now we're waiting for Kentucky girls to come back. Can't wait honestly. We miss them a lot. I miss them a lot.
Not long for them now. And their parents are coming to visit with them.
So it will be nice to meet them and to show them how all crazy we are.
And we're waiting for my parents in exactly a month from today. And that's going to be lots of fun. And they're bringing me a lot of Italian goodies so... and we're going to PV when they come. I miss the sea sooooo much you can't even imagine. And then Assembly time. And then back home... So looking forward to that!
That's all for now!!!
Thanks for reading
PS. Check out my Flickr to see our crazy elders ;-)
We're actually doing ok. Our papers finally arrived from Uganda so we're OFFICIAL in Zacatecas now. And tomorrow was our return ticket. I was supposed to do our check in online now...
And now it's going. I can hear it taking off... No flight back for a year now!
Anyway, the field is going great! Chris found a new study for me. She lived in the States for a long time and went to the KH a couple of times there but never really studied although she read the whole teach book in Spanish. So in one of our field day asking "Alguien en la casa habla ingles?", she came out and explained everything to Chris, including that a couple of days before brothers from the Spanish Congregation visited but she hid because, as she said it, "my family is catholic and I don't want to fight with them".
Fair enough... but then she told Chris that because he knocked again, she felt like Jehovah was telling her something. And now she's been studying for 2 weeks and she already came to the Kingdom Hall on Sunday and loved it. Now for her to come to the Kingdom Hall she has to swap her shift at the hotel where she works with another colleague so that she can attend the meeting. It worked out last Sunday so now she's hoping Jehovah will make it work again.
So funny enough, last Sunday, we had three interested ones at the meeting, which was great. One of them studies with Patrick (Service Overseer) in Starbucks every week and has really good and deep questions.
And another is a girl who was going to the Spanish congregation because one of her relative is studying, but she wasn't studying and her English is really good.
So we're having really good results considering that as a congregation, we're only 6 months old.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond their control, Cedie and Annie had to leave to return to their homes. It was really sad but I'm sure Jehovah will bless them wherever they are. Now we're waiting for Kentucky girls to come back. Can't wait honestly. We miss them a lot. I miss them a lot.
Not long for them now. And their parents are coming to visit with them.
So it will be nice to meet them and to show them how all crazy we are.
And we're waiting for my parents in exactly a month from today. And that's going to be lots of fun. And they're bringing me a lot of Italian goodies so... and we're going to PV when they come. I miss the sea sooooo much you can't even imagine. And then Assembly time. And then back home... So looking forward to that!
That's all for now!!!
Thanks for reading
PS. Check out my Flickr to see our crazy elders ;-)
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Leon and Guanajuato
So, last weekend we went with Chad, Tania and Damaris (Tania's sister) to Leon, leather capital of Mexico, and Guanajuato, where Tania comes from.
Well, I don't think I need to tell you how lost I was in the leather capital... I was literally drooling... We went to this street where shops are ALL ABOUT LEATHER. Paradise for a woman basically (or a man to be honest). Then when you think you're entering this little tiny shop, you take two steps more toward the back of the shop only to find a massive leather market. Bags, belts, wallets, shoes, boots... ALL FOR DIRT CHEAP!!!!
Anyway, do you think that's cool? Check this out... Leon is the capital of all outlets of any shoe/bag/belt/leather brand you can imagine. Nike, Sketchers, Hush puppies, Lobo Solo, etc. They're all there...
Can you see this picture on the right? Look behind us... can you see the end of the street? No?
Well, this is the outlet plaza. Every single shop you see left, right, up, down... they're all outlet of shoes. They even have a Crocs outlet!!
Well I couldn't believe it!
Anyway, moving on... we had Chinese buffet before we drove to Guanajuato. It was about 3$ (2.5 GBP). And it was brilliant... all you can eat!
So at around 9pm, we drove to Guanajuato, to Tania's parents house. We got there and we were welcomed like family. Tania's mom was cooking tacos for us, but we were so full from the Chinese that she kept it for breakfast. So we stayed at Tania's brother, who is married to a Japanese Sister. They have the cutest girl, Airi.
So anyway, we had a nice night sleep. Then we had a BIG MASSIVE breakfast with tacos. At first I thought "Hmmm tacos for breakfast...too heavy for me". But then you watch everyone stuffing their faces, and you start drooling. And you give in... and I have to say they were absolutely DELICIOUS!!! I thought I would try only one, and I ended up having three and I had to stop myself...
So we hit the road to drive down to the center of Guanajuato. We parked and we walked nearly the whole city. Well, I have to say that it was absolutely stunning. The buildings, the streets, the smells, the colors... I mean, everything was nearly magic.
We had the best coffee ever... I have never enjoyed a day so much. And that's not only thanks to Guanajuato, but especially thanks to Chad and Tania. You can be in a beautiful place, but it's the company that makes the whole experience perfect. We had so much fun going into shops and just saying "Bartledoo" (I know... one day I'll elaborate) and taking funny pictures always saying "Would you look at that" (again... one day...). The last time I had that much fun was... was... hmmm... I can't remember!
After a whole day walking we went back to the house, to find lovely food, lovely company, lovely... everything!!!! Ate again, slept again...woke up and went for another wonderful coffee and... the best gorditas I've had since I've been here. Again you think "Hhmmm gorditas for breakfast...I don't know about that", but then you go to the stand and you see this wonderful food full of colors and you smell this mixtures of cheese, tomato sauce, peppers, chilli... and you can't say no. And you find yourself eating three instead of one. Best breakfast ever...
So we hit the road again, listened to the WT in the car, had a lot of fun again, got depressed as the lovely weekend ended (sigh), arrived home, went to the KH to help with the general cleaning, went home, had a shower, got dressed, went to the meeting, nearly dozed off (ooppsss)...went back and slept like a baby!
Well, people, if you ever visit Mexico, you need to visit Guanajuato...and don't forget Leon if you want a pair of shoes or a nice leather bag for the field...
Soooo... that's it... we're back to normality (sigh...) looking forward to next time we can hit the road and visit again.
Ciaaaao!!!
Anyway, do you think that's cool? Check this out... Leon is the capital of all outlets of any shoe/bag/belt/leather brand you can imagine. Nike, Sketchers, Hush puppies, Lobo Solo, etc. They're all there...
Well, this is the outlet plaza. Every single shop you see left, right, up, down... they're all outlet of shoes. They even have a Crocs outlet!!
Well I couldn't believe it!
Anyway, moving on... we had Chinese buffet before we drove to Guanajuato. It was about 3$ (2.5 GBP). And it was brilliant... all you can eat!
So at around 9pm, we drove to Guanajuato, to Tania's parents house. We got there and we were welcomed like family. Tania's mom was cooking tacos for us, but we were so full from the Chinese that she kept it for breakfast. So we stayed at Tania's brother, who is married to a Japanese Sister. They have the cutest girl, Airi.
So anyway, we had a nice night sleep. Then we had a BIG MASSIVE breakfast with tacos. At first I thought "Hmmm tacos for breakfast...too heavy for me". But then you watch everyone stuffing their faces, and you start drooling. And you give in... and I have to say they were absolutely DELICIOUS!!! I thought I would try only one, and I ended up having three and I had to stop myself...So we hit the road to drive down to the center of Guanajuato. We parked and we walked nearly the whole city. Well, I have to say that it was absolutely stunning. The buildings, the streets, the smells, the colors... I mean, everything was nearly magic.
We had the best coffee ever... I have never enjoyed a day so much. And that's not only thanks to Guanajuato, but especially thanks to Chad and Tania. You can be in a beautiful place, but it's the company that makes the whole experience perfect. We had so much fun going into shops and just saying "Bartledoo" (I know... one day I'll elaborate) and taking funny pictures always saying "Would you look at that" (again... one day...). The last time I had that much fun was... was... hmmm... I can't remember!
So we hit the road again, listened to the WT in the car, had a lot of fun again, got depressed as the lovely weekend ended (sigh), arrived home, went to the KH to help with the general cleaning, went home, had a shower, got dressed, went to the meeting, nearly dozed off (ooppsss)...went back and slept like a baby!
Well, people, if you ever visit Mexico, you need to visit Guanajuato...and don't forget Leon if you want a pair of shoes or a nice leather bag for the field...
Soooo... that's it... we're back to normality (sigh...) looking forward to next time we can hit the road and visit again.
Ciaaaao!!!
Sunday, 12 February 2012
C.O. Visits
So we're having our C.O. visit here in Zac. The first as a congregation in 9 months... And we had our last C.O. visit in April in Uganda. So it was quite exciting. Shane and Misty Fleming are missionaries and after 8 years in Panama they have been given the privilege of the circuit work here in Mexico.
They are a very funny, down to earth, very encouraging couple with so many interesting experiences.
Funny enough they were in the same class as Gary and Angela Rappeneckers (do you remember them? in Uganda?).
So it was nice to relate to them. And we have so many things in common with them thanks to all the years we have been in Uganda.
His talks are really encouraging. I can see how the faithful and discreet slave, and therefore Jehovah, is keeping us up during these distressing times.
I love the way Jehovah keeps on letting us know that HE'S WATCHING and HE KNOWS what is going on down here to all of his servants. I am so appreciative.
And I loved the way he expressed zeal or being zealous at the pioneer meeting. We create a "space" around us to be able to pioneer in this crazy world and we don't allow anything to pierce that bubble. That's what being zealous/jealous mean.
And another thing I learned that I want to put into practice is to become a better teacher and this involves not talking. It involves limiting ourselves to the question in the teach book and if we need to add something, it should be like Jesus: illustrations, experiences and questions. Nothing more.
So something for me to work on as I like to talk a lot. ;-)
Anyway, today is the last day of the visit unfortunately. It was very busy, out morning and afternoon and with a meeting everyday of the week. So yes, "We are pressed in every way, but not cramped beyond movement; we are perplexed, but not absolutely with no way out; we are persecuted, but not left in the lurch; we are thrown down, but not destroyed."
So from tomorrow is back to normality. We're thinking of taking a weekend off... let's see!
So today is the public talk and I'll probably have a study coming... Jehovah I'll leave it up to you!!!
They are a very funny, down to earth, very encouraging couple with so many interesting experiences.
Funny enough they were in the same class as Gary and Angela Rappeneckers (do you remember them? in Uganda?).
So it was nice to relate to them. And we have so many things in common with them thanks to all the years we have been in Uganda.
His talks are really encouraging. I can see how the faithful and discreet slave, and therefore Jehovah, is keeping us up during these distressing times.
I love the way Jehovah keeps on letting us know that HE'S WATCHING and HE KNOWS what is going on down here to all of his servants. I am so appreciative.
And I loved the way he expressed zeal or being zealous at the pioneer meeting. We create a "space" around us to be able to pioneer in this crazy world and we don't allow anything to pierce that bubble. That's what being zealous/jealous mean.
And another thing I learned that I want to put into practice is to become a better teacher and this involves not talking. It involves limiting ourselves to the question in the teach book and if we need to add something, it should be like Jesus: illustrations, experiences and questions. Nothing more.
So something for me to work on as I like to talk a lot. ;-)
Anyway, today is the last day of the visit unfortunately. It was very busy, out morning and afternoon and with a meeting everyday of the week. So yes, "We are pressed in every way, but not cramped beyond movement; we are perplexed, but not absolutely with no way out; we are persecuted, but not left in the lurch; we are thrown down, but not destroyed."
So from tomorrow is back to normality. We're thinking of taking a weekend off... let's see!
So today is the public talk and I'll probably have a study coming... Jehovah I'll leave it up to you!!!
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
First reunion!
So Steve and Sandra have arrived and we just realized how much we missed them. And we have also realized how small our big family is. So get this.
We met Steve and Sandra in Uganda in 2010. They came for a couple of months, invited by a Jonathan Gubser from Alaska.
They left. When asked, Steve told Trevor from Alaska to try Uganda. So he came for 6 months. Then he left.
When we decided to leave Uganda, we asked Steve if he knew of a place in need in Central America (everyone asks Steve...he's THE GUY). He put us in contact with Sam from Alaska living in Zacatecas. When we told everyone in Uganda that we were leaving, it comes out that Jonathan knows Sam as they worked together for the "prodigal son" drama just before Jonathan came to Uganda.
So anyway, we decide to come to Zacatecas while Trevor decides to go to Italy. When we arrive to Zacatecas, Sam is gone and Steve and Sandra agree to come and visit us in Mexico. In the meantime, while we are here, Megan and Taylor are here (Kentucky girls, do you remember them?). They stay in Sam's house after we move into our new house. They leave to go back home (they're coming back don't worry) and Sam's friends from Alaska, Don and Dolores Colman, arrive. They bring friends from Oklahoma with them. It comes out that Colmans live 30miles from Steve and Sandra in Alaska and they know each other very well. It comes out that Colmans know Jonathan. It comes out that Colmans know Trevor. In the meantime Trevor arrives in Italy and in his congregation is Luca, a brother who was in our English Congregation in Verona when we were serving there.
Steve and Sandra finally arrive and it comes out that Marshall, Megan and Tay's dad, used to go to Sandra's house when he was young and that his sister (or brother? not sure) was in Bethel with Steve and Sandra and it comes out that Steve remembers the Griggs family from when he was living in Kentucky before he was married to Sandra.
NOW... COME ON!!!!
Madness right?
So anyway...
We're sooooo happy to have Steve and Sandra. Unfortunately for them, Zacatecas decided to greet them with the coldest, darker, wetter (is that even a word?) weather... As soon as we told them that they wouldn't use their raincoat, it started pouring down. For the past few days it was raining, thundering, hailing... I couldn't believe it. So I hope that is going to change to the normal nice warm Mexican weather.
And now the house is really cold. Why are there not heating systems in the houses in Mexico????
So WELCOME STEVE AND SANDRA. Now we have a whole month to convince them ;-)
Updates soon...
TTFN
We met Steve and Sandra in Uganda in 2010. They came for a couple of months, invited by a Jonathan Gubser from Alaska.
They left. When asked, Steve told Trevor from Alaska to try Uganda. So he came for 6 months. Then he left.
When we decided to leave Uganda, we asked Steve if he knew of a place in need in Central America (everyone asks Steve...he's THE GUY). He put us in contact with Sam from Alaska living in Zacatecas. When we told everyone in Uganda that we were leaving, it comes out that Jonathan knows Sam as they worked together for the "prodigal son" drama just before Jonathan came to Uganda.
So anyway, we decide to come to Zacatecas while Trevor decides to go to Italy. When we arrive to Zacatecas, Sam is gone and Steve and Sandra agree to come and visit us in Mexico. In the meantime, while we are here, Megan and Taylor are here (Kentucky girls, do you remember them?). They stay in Sam's house after we move into our new house. They leave to go back home (they're coming back don't worry) and Sam's friends from Alaska, Don and Dolores Colman, arrive. They bring friends from Oklahoma with them. It comes out that Colmans live 30miles from Steve and Sandra in Alaska and they know each other very well. It comes out that Colmans know Jonathan. It comes out that Colmans know Trevor. In the meantime Trevor arrives in Italy and in his congregation is Luca, a brother who was in our English Congregation in Verona when we were serving there.
Steve and Sandra finally arrive and it comes out that Marshall, Megan and Tay's dad, used to go to Sandra's house when he was young and that his sister (or brother? not sure) was in Bethel with Steve and Sandra and it comes out that Steve remembers the Griggs family from when he was living in Kentucky before he was married to Sandra.
NOW... COME ON!!!!
Madness right?
So anyway...
We're sooooo happy to have Steve and Sandra. Unfortunately for them, Zacatecas decided to greet them with the coldest, darker, wetter (is that even a word?) weather... As soon as we told them that they wouldn't use their raincoat, it started pouring down. For the past few days it was raining, thundering, hailing... I couldn't believe it. So I hope that is going to change to the normal nice warm Mexican weather.
And now the house is really cold. Why are there not heating systems in the houses in Mexico????
So WELCOME STEVE AND SANDRA. Now we have a whole month to convince them ;-)
Updates soon...
TTFN
Friday, 20 January 2012
New House
Sorry, people, I know the "I'll write once a week" went out of the windows this month!
We've been moving into the new house, scrubbing because it has just being painted, got the furniture, made the curtains, fixed the backyard...together with working, preaching, SAD etc etc etc.
So I'm exhausted at the moment, but happy to be into a house that I finally feel as mine.
If you go to the Flickr album you will see some of the photos, but we still haven't finished.
We're still waiting to finish the guest room with a mattress, bed linen and maybe a desk. We'll see. We will have to finish it before the end of the month because STEVE AND SANDRA ARE COMING!!! WHOOHOOO!!!
But it's frustrating, especially for a woman, to have to wait and buy things a bit at a time, but what can you do?
So anyway, I'll take some more pictures later even of the lovely park we have opposite the house.
The field is going great. I found a girl who apparently studied a bit when she was young and didn't pay much attention until, and I'm quoting her here, "I saw the signs coming true". She was referring to Jesus' words obviously, but she remembers scriptures that I didn't expect her to remember. She mentioned the Maya prophecy about the end of the world but then she said "how's that possible if Jesus said that no one knows, neither the angels, nor the Son but only the Father?".
I was gobsmacked! She also has a lot of interesting questions about Revelation like "Why will Satan be released at the end of the 1.000 years?" or "Why is God going through so much trouble to save the great crowd?". I mean, she actually gives me a challenge every time without doing it on purpose, but I love it because I'm actually exercising my brain more.
So, this is it. More updates very soon.
In case you don't know, Spooky Trevor is in Italy as of the 18th of January for 3 months. So we hope he's going to enjoy his new need greating experience, the food, the wine and the landscape... and be careful not to come back too fat or engaged ok?
Ta ta for now
We've been moving into the new house, scrubbing because it has just being painted, got the furniture, made the curtains, fixed the backyard...together with working, preaching, SAD etc etc etc.
So I'm exhausted at the moment, but happy to be into a house that I finally feel as mine.
If you go to the Flickr album you will see some of the photos, but we still haven't finished.
 |
| The Dining Room |
But it's frustrating, especially for a woman, to have to wait and buy things a bit at a time, but what can you do?
So anyway, I'll take some more pictures later even of the lovely park we have opposite the house.
The field is going great. I found a girl who apparently studied a bit when she was young and didn't pay much attention until, and I'm quoting her here, "I saw the signs coming true". She was referring to Jesus' words obviously, but she remembers scriptures that I didn't expect her to remember. She mentioned the Maya prophecy about the end of the world but then she said "how's that possible if Jesus said that no one knows, neither the angels, nor the Son but only the Father?".
I was gobsmacked! She also has a lot of interesting questions about Revelation like "Why will Satan be released at the end of the 1.000 years?" or "Why is God going through so much trouble to save the great crowd?". I mean, she actually gives me a challenge every time without doing it on purpose, but I love it because I'm actually exercising my brain more.
So, this is it. More updates very soon.
In case you don't know, Spooky Trevor is in Italy as of the 18th of January for 3 months. So we hope he's going to enjoy his new need greating experience, the food, the wine and the landscape... and be careful not to come back too fat or engaged ok?
Ta ta for now
Monday, 26 December 2011
Updates
A couple of updates for you:
1. Chris' dad is home now. He's feeling better and as long as he takes it easy for the next couple of months he should be fine. He gave us a big scare, but we're both happy he's fine.
2. We're changing house in the next few weeks. We found a house closer to the KH, in the territory and smaller. It's really nice, very oldish Italian style, in a privada (estate) enclosed with a beautiful park at the front where we can relax, use the swing or bbq some meat and have great parties with the brothers. It has 3 bedrooms (difficult to find it smaller than this), 2 and a half bathrooms (perfect for guests) big kitchen, dining and sitting area all open space (which I love). Now we need to buy the furniture. We'll move in the 15th of January after the SA.
3. We need to think about how we can renew our visas. We can either try to get the yearly kind of resident visa or we can decide to go out of the country in March. To go out, we need to either fly to Chicago or maybe go with some friends over the border in Feb. But we're still evaluating all options. The thing is, we need to do something by March.
4. My parents are coming next year for a month. My mum need some work to be done on her teeth and Italy is crazy expensive. So they decided to come here, have the teeth fixed and have a little holiday with us. That is also because we're not going home until March 2013 so I suppose they wanted to see us. So that's is going to be fun.
5. My dearest Kentucky girls, Megan and Tay, are going home in few days until March so I'm quite sad. We have a great time together. I never thought I would meet such spiritual and "crazy" girls. We love them dearly. They're like sisters to me. So I hope nothing will make them change their mind. They're probably going to stay with us when they come back while they look for a house. In the meantime, we'll miss you girls. Please come back.
6. More people are coming. A MTS (BSSB) brother is coming with his wife in January as assigned from Bethel which means the elders here will be able to relax a bit. I believe it's been hectic for them being only two in a newly formed congregation. Then a couple of couples (do you like the wording :] ) are coming from Alaska. We still don't know if they're going to stay in Zacatecas or not but if not, they will still need great somewhere else in Mexico.
7. We insured the car!!! (Ok... wtv...)
Seriously, that's it more or less. If something else comes up I'll update again. The field is still going fine. Obviously with Christmas celebration is more difficult to find studies available to do the actual study but that's normal.
If you ever have any questions about what's going on down here or how's Mexican food, just ask ok?
Got to go now...
See ya!
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Jehovah the God of all comfort
The WT for this week has proved to be true (obviously right??!!).
You see, last week Chris' dad got pneumonia and ended up in hospital. We knew something was wrong because that was the day we generally call them to hear how they are. But this time their computer was off and there was no one at home. But we didn't want to be paranoid right?? The computer can be broken and they might have gone to do some shopping.
Then we called again the next day at a time we knew they would be home and still... no answer! Then we knew something was wrong (and to be honest with you I had that feeling the whole night). So Chris called his brother who told him that his dad was in hospital with pneumonia.
Imagine the panic. Here we are millions of miles away (ok only 5500 but still...) and we can't do anything about it. And we always promised ourselves and Chris' parents (and we always meant it and we still do) that we would be going back pronto if anything ever happens. So I feel desperately guilty and start looking at flights and Chris... well... you can imagine right?
So Chris calls his mum and obviously she's worried sick and tired but she can't sleep as well because she doesn't know anything yet because the doctors won't say much and Chris' dad had a problem with his kidneys since a couple of years ago so the infection attacked the kidneys as well, and he can't breathe properly so he has an oxygen mask, and the antibiotics are not responding... Then I obviously start thinking about his mum as well, not being able to sleep or eat and running to and from the hospital. And I feel even more terrible. I felt like I needed and wanted to be there to help her in the house so that she wouldn't have to worry about that as well.
So again... imagine the panic! Flights website again...
She kept on telling us not to panic and to wait before booking a flight back just to see if he would stabilize.
And he did for a couple of days. But he wouldn't eat. And that's worrying.
Then last Thursday we don't call because we're out in the field all day (one of our 10-hours day) and we forgot to tell Chris' mum. Anyway, the next day Chris' calls his brother in Italy and it comes out that hid dad got worse Thursday and he was coughing up blood and he couldn't breathe and that his mum was crying on the phone worried. PANIC!!!! We call Chris' mum and she explains everything and yes, his dad had a bad turn but not apparently the antibiotic started working properly and he was feeling better. Still not eating though...
Anyway, Chris' younger brother arrives from Greece as he anticipated the flight from Christmas so he could help his mum and when Chris talks to him it comes out that his dad was getting really depressed between being tired from not sleeping, being in the hospital and medications like morphine. So then I saw Chris checking out flights websites and then I REALLY GOT WORRIED!!!
We talked about it and we found a flight to Los Angeles and then we checked how to move the return flight forward. Anyway, we were ready to book it today for January the 12th.
This morning Chris calls his mum mobile while she's in the hospital with his dad and he talks to his dad and finally he can hear from his voice that he's doing well. He's eating, he's smiling and he doesn't need the oxygen anymore. Obviously he probably has another week in the hospital but the simple fact that he's eating is a relief. When Chris told me about it this morning he also said "I prayed about it last night". Well obviously we're not saying it's a miracle (we know better than that) but at least this gave us sort of peace of mind. Even just knowing that Chris' mum is doing better is a lot. And with her son there helping, she can obviously have some rest now (I hope).
Obviously we're still worried and ready to book the flight at any time but is in moments like these that we realize how close is Jehovah to us. He can give us the strength to keep calm and not panic completely.
In the meantime we're obviously trying to go on with our daily activities like working and preaching.
And we found a house. What? Yes we do have a house, but we're moving closer to the kingdom hall and in a smaller place. The house where we are served its purpose of letting us decide if we want to stay. So we didn't have to buy any furniture etc etc. But now that we decided (kinda of...) we looked for a smaller place where we feel at home. We'll move in on the 15th of January and then I will start posting photos.
We're also having some really good experiences in the field. One of my studies asked me about Christmas and its origins so I went back with the magazine from a couple of years ago. She still remembered what we talked about the previous time (idols and stuff) and she quoted the scripture we read PS. 115:4-6 from memory and she said that if it's in the Bible we must obey. I was kind of shocked. So now I'm going to go back on the Christmas subject next time and then start the systematic study with the TB.
Well, that's it for now. We'll keep you updated.
You see, last week Chris' dad got pneumonia and ended up in hospital. We knew something was wrong because that was the day we generally call them to hear how they are. But this time their computer was off and there was no one at home. But we didn't want to be paranoid right?? The computer can be broken and they might have gone to do some shopping.
Then we called again the next day at a time we knew they would be home and still... no answer! Then we knew something was wrong (and to be honest with you I had that feeling the whole night). So Chris called his brother who told him that his dad was in hospital with pneumonia.
Imagine the panic. Here we are millions of miles away (ok only 5500 but still...) and we can't do anything about it. And we always promised ourselves and Chris' parents (and we always meant it and we still do) that we would be going back pronto if anything ever happens. So I feel desperately guilty and start looking at flights and Chris... well... you can imagine right?
So Chris calls his mum and obviously she's worried sick and tired but she can't sleep as well because she doesn't know anything yet because the doctors won't say much and Chris' dad had a problem with his kidneys since a couple of years ago so the infection attacked the kidneys as well, and he can't breathe properly so he has an oxygen mask, and the antibiotics are not responding... Then I obviously start thinking about his mum as well, not being able to sleep or eat and running to and from the hospital. And I feel even more terrible. I felt like I needed and wanted to be there to help her in the house so that she wouldn't have to worry about that as well.
So again... imagine the panic! Flights website again...
She kept on telling us not to panic and to wait before booking a flight back just to see if he would stabilize.
And he did for a couple of days. But he wouldn't eat. And that's worrying.
Then last Thursday we don't call because we're out in the field all day (one of our 10-hours day) and we forgot to tell Chris' mum. Anyway, the next day Chris' calls his brother in Italy and it comes out that hid dad got worse Thursday and he was coughing up blood and he couldn't breathe and that his mum was crying on the phone worried. PANIC!!!! We call Chris' mum and she explains everything and yes, his dad had a bad turn but not apparently the antibiotic started working properly and he was feeling better. Still not eating though...
Anyway, Chris' younger brother arrives from Greece as he anticipated the flight from Christmas so he could help his mum and when Chris talks to him it comes out that his dad was getting really depressed between being tired from not sleeping, being in the hospital and medications like morphine. So then I saw Chris checking out flights websites and then I REALLY GOT WORRIED!!!
We talked about it and we found a flight to Los Angeles and then we checked how to move the return flight forward. Anyway, we were ready to book it today for January the 12th.
This morning Chris calls his mum mobile while she's in the hospital with his dad and he talks to his dad and finally he can hear from his voice that he's doing well. He's eating, he's smiling and he doesn't need the oxygen anymore. Obviously he probably has another week in the hospital but the simple fact that he's eating is a relief. When Chris told me about it this morning he also said "I prayed about it last night". Well obviously we're not saying it's a miracle (we know better than that) but at least this gave us sort of peace of mind. Even just knowing that Chris' mum is doing better is a lot. And with her son there helping, she can obviously have some rest now (I hope).
Obviously we're still worried and ready to book the flight at any time but is in moments like these that we realize how close is Jehovah to us. He can give us the strength to keep calm and not panic completely.
In the meantime we're obviously trying to go on with our daily activities like working and preaching.
And we found a house. What? Yes we do have a house, but we're moving closer to the kingdom hall and in a smaller place. The house where we are served its purpose of letting us decide if we want to stay. So we didn't have to buy any furniture etc etc. But now that we decided (kinda of...) we looked for a smaller place where we feel at home. We'll move in on the 15th of January and then I will start posting photos.
We're also having some really good experiences in the field. One of my studies asked me about Christmas and its origins so I went back with the magazine from a couple of years ago. She still remembered what we talked about the previous time (idols and stuff) and she quoted the scripture we read PS. 115:4-6 from memory and she said that if it's in the Bible we must obey. I was kind of shocked. So now I'm going to go back on the Christmas subject next time and then start the systematic study with the TB.
Well, that's it for now. We'll keep you updated.
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Sorry...
Sorry it's been so long. I promised myself I would write at least every week but to be honest now our life is kind of "normal" (although we're not normal, so that can raise some eyebrows) and we're working and going out in the field all the time... So I am barely at home, and when I'm at home I'm either cooking, cleaning, teaching, preparing for the meeting, ironing, washing my hair (it takes time ok????) or hating the computer because I'm using it a lot.
Anyway, we don't have much news around here to be honest. We're waiting for December to go by, for the cold to leave us alone, for the new year to arrive, for the special assembly day in January and for Steve and Sandra (dear friends who got us here) to arrive and spend some time with us.
In the meantime, Chris started two studies. One of them actually said that after the first call, he went to do research online about us and found (thanks to the wonderful work of the bros in Bethel) our website. He has an interesting belief as he was obviously raised catholic but doesn't believe God is the one causing suffering and doesn't believe in hell and all that stuff. So he really wants to study and he wants to do it in a proper way, peaceful setting, sipping a cup of tea.
The other guy was in the US for a long time, had houses, cars, family...until he was kicked out and the wife doesn't want to know anything about him anymore. He can't even see his kids. Anyway, he obviously has a miserable life at the moment. If you pass him on the street, you wouldn't probably stop him as he looks kind of a "rapper" guy, so you wouldn't think he's interested in the Bible. But Chris started the study using chapter 3 of the TB (teach book) and he was really impressed when he learned about how this miserable world will soon end.
Wait, I just realized Chris has 3 studies. This other guy sells electronic stuff in a local market (they sell everything in these markets...even their old underwear). Chris offered a magazine the first time and the guy went off at once saying how "messed" up is the world (the word between caption is been edited to be suitable for a younger public) and how life is complicated, bla bla bla. Well Chris started with him as well. Three or four paragraph at the time, but it's constant. And he's always carrying the book with him.
Ok enough of that. I started two studies too.
The first is a young girl, 19 years old who is still at school because she lost 2 years after getting pregnant at 15. She loves her daughter and wants to give her a better future and that's why she's been thinking about going back to spiritual things lately. Last saturday we had an appointment and she was waiting for me with the Truth tract on her own doorstep. Next saturday I'm going to start with the TB.
The other is a woman, around 30, who lived in the US for 5 years. We found her reading her Bible inside her own coffee shop. When we asked if she wanted to know more, she was 100% for it so I promised to go back with a TB. In the meantime the sister who was with me, Dinah, met her while doing some shopping around town and finding her a bit down, shared a couple of scriptures to encourage her. When I went back, last Tuesday, she was outside her shop looking at the infinite queue of people waiting to enter the Cathedral where the Pope's body/remains were (I know...). So after talking for a bit about this, that and the other, I gave her the book and made arrangement to study once a week.
So we're quite happy about that. Getting BS here is more difficult, but it gives more satisfaction because you have to work to get one, but if you work well, you'll actually get it.
So anyway, these are the only news. Ah no, wait. I have another news. I made pizza!!!!
And it came out perfect! (Yes Trev, better than Uganda). We had a party Sunday night, so I made pizza and some of the girls experimented making different type of margaritas. Hard life!!!
That's all folks.
Anyway, we don't have much news around here to be honest. We're waiting for December to go by, for the cold to leave us alone, for the new year to arrive, for the special assembly day in January and for Steve and Sandra (dear friends who got us here) to arrive and spend some time with us.
In the meantime, Chris started two studies. One of them actually said that after the first call, he went to do research online about us and found (thanks to the wonderful work of the bros in Bethel) our website. He has an interesting belief as he was obviously raised catholic but doesn't believe God is the one causing suffering and doesn't believe in hell and all that stuff. So he really wants to study and he wants to do it in a proper way, peaceful setting, sipping a cup of tea.
The other guy was in the US for a long time, had houses, cars, family...until he was kicked out and the wife doesn't want to know anything about him anymore. He can't even see his kids. Anyway, he obviously has a miserable life at the moment. If you pass him on the street, you wouldn't probably stop him as he looks kind of a "rapper" guy, so you wouldn't think he's interested in the Bible. But Chris started the study using chapter 3 of the TB (teach book) and he was really impressed when he learned about how this miserable world will soon end.
Wait, I just realized Chris has 3 studies. This other guy sells electronic stuff in a local market (they sell everything in these markets...even their old underwear). Chris offered a magazine the first time and the guy went off at once saying how "messed" up is the world (the word between caption is been edited to be suitable for a younger public) and how life is complicated, bla bla bla. Well Chris started with him as well. Three or four paragraph at the time, but it's constant. And he's always carrying the book with him.
Ok enough of that. I started two studies too.
The first is a young girl, 19 years old who is still at school because she lost 2 years after getting pregnant at 15. She loves her daughter and wants to give her a better future and that's why she's been thinking about going back to spiritual things lately. Last saturday we had an appointment and she was waiting for me with the Truth tract on her own doorstep. Next saturday I'm going to start with the TB.
The other is a woman, around 30, who lived in the US for 5 years. We found her reading her Bible inside her own coffee shop. When we asked if she wanted to know more, she was 100% for it so I promised to go back with a TB. In the meantime the sister who was with me, Dinah, met her while doing some shopping around town and finding her a bit down, shared a couple of scriptures to encourage her. When I went back, last Tuesday, she was outside her shop looking at the infinite queue of people waiting to enter the Cathedral where the Pope's body/remains were (I know...). So after talking for a bit about this, that and the other, I gave her the book and made arrangement to study once a week.
So we're quite happy about that. Getting BS here is more difficult, but it gives more satisfaction because you have to work to get one, but if you work well, you'll actually get it.
So anyway, these are the only news. Ah no, wait. I have another news. I made pizza!!!!
And it came out perfect! (Yes Trev, better than Uganda). We had a party Sunday night, so I made pizza and some of the girls experimented making different type of margaritas. Hard life!!!
That's all folks.
Saturday, 3 December 2011
Zacatecas refugees
The cold is increasing.
More people is sleeping outside in the streets as it's warmer than inside the house.
Food is scarce.
Diseases are spreading.
You can help!!!!
More people is sleeping outside in the streets as it's warmer than inside the house.
Food is scarce.
Diseases are spreading.
You can help!!!!
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Important Message for All!
In the past few days, here in Zacatecas, the temperature has dropped drastically! It fluctuates between 2C (35.6F) and -1C (30.2F).
Many are finding it difficult to cope with!
Most of us don't even have the right clothes!
Majority don't have any heating in the house!
This is a call for all of you people!
Thursday, 24 November 2011
To stay!!!
Dear readers,
it's official! We're staying. At least for a year. Unless something bad happens that is...
Anyway, we're settled in our new house which is enormous, I finally got a job and the field has been great so far.
Have you ever had a 10 hour day in the field?
Well I've never had one until today. We finally organized our typical week:
Mondays we work all day and then we have the meeting in the evening;
Tuesdays I work early morning and then off for a long day in the field, which means either up to 5pm or 7pm;
Wednesdays I work early morning, off for a short day in the field which means up to 1pm, and then I work until evening;
Thursdays same as Tuesdays but longer so it's up to 8pm;
Fridays FREEEEEE!!!!
Saturdays same as Wednesdays (but generally there's a party or a gathering of some kind in the evening);
Sundays is field in the morning up to 12.30pm and then meeting at 3.30pm and then probably another gathering which generally is girls night watching a chick flick and boys night watching a comedy.
So today it's Thursday and we just got home from this morning at 9.30.
10 and a half hours people!
We're ready for bed but the satisfaction has no price! And what a funny and productive way. Chris started a bible study and found a new call and I found a very interesting call (a woman was reading her bible and it happened she knew english because she lived in the US for 5 years).
Well, so I think you all get my point.
We're staying!!!
it's official! We're staying. At least for a year. Unless something bad happens that is...
Anyway, we're settled in our new house which is enormous, I finally got a job and the field has been great so far.
Have you ever had a 10 hour day in the field?
Well I've never had one until today. We finally organized our typical week:
Mondays we work all day and then we have the meeting in the evening;
Tuesdays I work early morning and then off for a long day in the field, which means either up to 5pm or 7pm;
Wednesdays I work early morning, off for a short day in the field which means up to 1pm, and then I work until evening;
Thursdays same as Tuesdays but longer so it's up to 8pm;
Fridays FREEEEEE!!!!
Saturdays same as Wednesdays (but generally there's a party or a gathering of some kind in the evening);
Sundays is field in the morning up to 12.30pm and then meeting at 3.30pm and then probably another gathering which generally is girls night watching a chick flick and boys night watching a comedy.
So today it's Thursday and we just got home from this morning at 9.30.
10 and a half hours people!
We're ready for bed but the satisfaction has no price! And what a funny and productive way. Chris started a bible study and found a new call and I found a very interesting call (a woman was reading her bible and it happened she knew english because she lived in the US for 5 years).
Well, so I think you all get my point.
We're staying!!!
Monday, 7 November 2011
To stay or not to stay...
... that's the big dilemma! In a way, it's like we have decided we're going to stay. But at the same time, we don't know for how long we're going to stay.
In the meantime we found a really nice furnished house. It's BIG!!! And that's not necessarily a good thing, especially when you're only in two people. But here it seems that a two bedroom house is something "inconceivable" (as Vizzini said). You can either find a studio apartment, which would be too small for us, or a 3/4 bedroom house with 2 sitting rooms and 3 bathrooms and a massive terrace at the top of the house.
Anyway, it was a good deal and I'm sure Jehovah had something to do with this as we received a massive discount on it just because we're staying longer than the usual tenants. And as an additional blessing, the landlord is a car dealer.
The moment we met to agree on the house, a car turned up for a very cheap price. He offered to fix whatever is wrong with the car, whatever is wrong in the house and he's installing Internet for us. Which will be indispensable since Chris still works with websites and I'll soon start teaching online.
So that's it people... I think we're staying. Probably for at least a year.
In the meantime we're realizing how much need there was in the congregation. Chris is being used at every meeting for one thing or another. Which makes him very happy.
And I will never repeat this too often: the people here, especially the brothers, are simply AMAZING! Friendly, easygoing, helpful, hospitable, always smiling or cracking jokes and always in the field.
Well what else can I say? Our main worries were the house, the job and the car. Jehovah answered positively to all. It seems that everything is on the pro side of Mexico! And how can we say no to that???
In the meantime we found a really nice furnished house. It's BIG!!! And that's not necessarily a good thing, especially when you're only in two people. But here it seems that a two bedroom house is something "inconceivable" (as Vizzini said). You can either find a studio apartment, which would be too small for us, or a 3/4 bedroom house with 2 sitting rooms and 3 bathrooms and a massive terrace at the top of the house.
Anyway, it was a good deal and I'm sure Jehovah had something to do with this as we received a massive discount on it just because we're staying longer than the usual tenants. And as an additional blessing, the landlord is a car dealer.
The moment we met to agree on the house, a car turned up for a very cheap price. He offered to fix whatever is wrong with the car, whatever is wrong in the house and he's installing Internet for us. Which will be indispensable since Chris still works with websites and I'll soon start teaching online.
So that's it people... I think we're staying. Probably for at least a year.
In the meantime we're realizing how much need there was in the congregation. Chris is being used at every meeting for one thing or another. Which makes him very happy.
And I will never repeat this too often: the people here, especially the brothers, are simply AMAZING! Friendly, easygoing, helpful, hospitable, always smiling or cracking jokes and always in the field.
Well what else can I say? Our main worries were the house, the job and the car. Jehovah answered positively to all. It seems that everything is on the pro side of Mexico! And how can we say no to that???
Monday, 31 October 2011
Well well well... Need Greating in Mexico
So let me see, where do I start...
Less than a week and I think we really like it here. The field is good. Although totally different from the African field, I like it because even having 12 bible studies can be monotonous (I know what you're thinking,"oh boo hoo!!" but you should try it first).
So what we do is go to door to door asking if anyone speaks English and if they say yes, we'll leave a tract or a magazine with the person. If they say no, we'll just thank them and leave. Reminds me a bit of a research type of field. But we like it.
So anyway, the brothers here are really like a family. We've been invited already 4 times in less than a week and apparently it's always like this here.
At the field service meetings, we have an average attendance of 12. Out of less than 30 publishers, we're 16 pioneers from California, Kentucky, Japan, Canada and us. And everyone wants to stay here long term. The kingdom all is beautiful with 2 halls and 5 congregations sharing them.
The town center is absolutely beautiful. Reminds us of Italy in the 50's. And we're in a valley surrounded by rocky hills which were old silver mines. There is also a typical roman aqueduct (although I'm not sure the Romans have anything to do with the original design) and an old bull fight ring, arena-style, which has been turned into an amazing (and expensive) hotel.
The people is really friendly. Sometimes we can't believe how much friendly they are. Do you know the saying: "Mi casa es su casa"?. Well we're realizing how true that is for the Mexican culture.
And the food? Well don't get me started on that... Quesadillas, Tacos, Tapas, Gorditas, Fajitas, Enchiladas... We're going to have problem not putting on weight while we're here. At the same time we're still adjusting at the altitude (more than 8000ft) so we generally feel breathless going up a easy hill. The temperature is perfect as well. Hot and dry during the day and chilly and cool when the sun goes down. The sky is always clear blue without clouds.
We'll start looking for a car this week and for a house in a couple of weeks. Who knows... if Jehovah directs us like he always does, we might end up here long term as well.
While we wait for his direction, we'll keep you updated on any development.
Ta ta for now
Hasta luego
Less than a week and I think we really like it here. The field is good. Although totally different from the African field, I like it because even having 12 bible studies can be monotonous (I know what you're thinking,"oh boo hoo!!" but you should try it first).
So what we do is go to door to door asking if anyone speaks English and if they say yes, we'll leave a tract or a magazine with the person. If they say no, we'll just thank them and leave. Reminds me a bit of a research type of field. But we like it.
So anyway, the brothers here are really like a family. We've been invited already 4 times in less than a week and apparently it's always like this here.
At the field service meetings, we have an average attendance of 12. Out of less than 30 publishers, we're 16 pioneers from California, Kentucky, Japan, Canada and us. And everyone wants to stay here long term. The kingdom all is beautiful with 2 halls and 5 congregations sharing them.
The town center is absolutely beautiful. Reminds us of Italy in the 50's. And we're in a valley surrounded by rocky hills which were old silver mines. There is also a typical roman aqueduct (although I'm not sure the Romans have anything to do with the original design) and an old bull fight ring, arena-style, which has been turned into an amazing (and expensive) hotel.
The people is really friendly. Sometimes we can't believe how much friendly they are. Do you know the saying: "Mi casa es su casa"?. Well we're realizing how true that is for the Mexican culture.
And the food? Well don't get me started on that... Quesadillas, Tacos, Tapas, Gorditas, Fajitas, Enchiladas... We're going to have problem not putting on weight while we're here. At the same time we're still adjusting at the altitude (more than 8000ft) so we generally feel breathless going up a easy hill. The temperature is perfect as well. Hot and dry during the day and chilly and cool when the sun goes down. The sky is always clear blue without clouds.
We'll start looking for a car this week and for a house in a couple of weeks. Who knows... if Jehovah directs us like he always does, we might end up here long term as well.
While we wait for his direction, we'll keep you updated on any development.
Ta ta for now
Hasta luego
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Nadie escarmienta en cabeza ajena
...or Nobody learns in the head of someone else!
So here we are, in the middle of nowhere (again) but this time in Mexico... the other side of the world for us, learning! Learning about a new culture, learning a new language and learning from past experiences which should have helped us to mature (without taking the fun away).
We just been in L.A. for a couple of days, visiting Hollywood Blvd, the walk of fame bla bla bla (nothing special, just a street with different tiles on the pavement) and we've been trying to catch up with the time difference, but now it should be easier as we're only 6 hours behind GMT while L.A. was 8 hours behind (I was up at 3am as it would be already 11am in UK).
So I have some sleep to catch up with. And some laundry. And some ironing.... Sigh!
The flight from L.A. to Zac was very pleasant actually. Nice spacious plane, very quiet and half empty. Never enjoyed a flight so much to be honest.
We landed at around 5pm local time and the sun was still scorching. But what struck me was the amazingly blue sky (el cielo azul). There were NO CLOUDS at all. And keep in mind that we're coming from rainy season in Uganda and the beginning of winter in UK so for us to see such a clear sky it's something!
Some brothers kindly came to pick us up and drove us home, which is next to theirs.
From what they say, things looks much easier here than Uganda of course but the field is still the same! And, this is official, there is great need in the English field... so much need that Bethel decided to send an MTS brother to the congregation (that's why I say it's official...because it is).
A couple who was living here and left recently kindly offered their house as they had paid rent in advance. This will allow us to look for a place suitable for us.
So we're here, ready for a good night sleep and the start of a new adventure!
Tomorrow we'll go around to get used to the place and I'll take some pictures so to give an idea of what Zac looks like.
Buenas noches a todos
Ve hablo luego
Ola
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