tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23415494847063655182024-03-21T22:30:15.467-07:00Granada GirlsAlanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-78102713941797520912014-01-18T02:28:00.000-08:002014-01-18T02:32:59.180-08:00Safe in ThailandSo I arrived in Pattaya, a few days ago on Tuesday evening. Tired and coughing from Yangon, Myanmar, Caroline, Camille and I pulled up a seat at the local soup street food joint. I ordered Pad Thai from a neighboring vendor. Though a smaller portion than at home, it was delicious and only cost 40 Baht or $1.22 for dinner. Awesome! I might get used to this place.<br />
<br />
We've gone out in service 3 times so far. I've met people from France, Russia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Finland, India and locals Thai of course. We attended the English meeting on Thursday night and shared the hall with the thriving Russian group. Last night we attended the Thai meeting and we joined by the lively Sign group. There's much work to be done here.<br />
<br />
Service consists of hopping on the back of a motorbike and heading to the territory which can be between 5 and 20 minutes away. We do everything: the houses, business, restaurants, shacks, you name it. We end up speaking more Thai than English but there's a lot of interest to cultivate. Many people do not know who Jehovah's Witnesses are, so it's not uncommon to introduce yourself as a Witness and refrain from using the words volunteer or Bible, quite different than home.<br />
<br />
So far the lowest I've paid for a meal has been 10 Baht or 30 cents and the highest was $2.74 for a large pork and noodle soup and a Bubble Tea, obviously a splurge. The beach about 20 minutes away is beautiful. I haven't seen the close one yet. <br />
<br />
Currently we're staying at a guest home for 7000 Baht, however I am praying to get into a 2500 Baht single room with bathroom and back porch still within walking distance of the Kingdom Hall. So far I've met 2 Thai people that have given me their emails and I've placed literature electronically with them. I've written down at least 12 people to return on next week. A decent percentage were Muslim. I've sat in on one study so far conducted by a Korean brother whose been serving here for 4 years and speaks Thai fluently. It was with an 82 year old man and his 10 year old grand daughter from the Good News Brochure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczArPa2v_9OB07u1ugGcLy3Eq5buSgwbTFCIQ2LUEtjIl-lnafqWOrqLddmQodMnnjxTf0E-QNxci_syophcpABJ0h3xLhaTd1TryP_l6R47XwdpN0rmwC22iHtIC391pq8l1egpV7DY/s1600/20140115_103847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczArPa2v_9OB07u1ugGcLy3Eq5buSgwbTFCIQ2LUEtjIl-lnafqWOrqLddmQodMnnjxTf0E-QNxci_syophcpABJ0h3xLhaTd1TryP_l6R47XwdpN0rmwC22iHtIC391pq8l1egpV7DY/s1600/20140115_103847.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thai service partner</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1CAGHcTHI5-olbSxYJP-3bbqmpOIgFiAgOP3RPj0H47aUVEQHA7sorLuXg5e9_VnFEIxCANidSDo2Mgfc-h80ya2xgnkEict58Dy5D7t9pr9WOVF4sQ2n-vRtqenwgFEp9R4-I1IM8E/s1600/20140115_113230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1CAGHcTHI5-olbSxYJP-3bbqmpOIgFiAgOP3RPj0H47aUVEQHA7sorLuXg5e9_VnFEIxCANidSDo2Mgfc-h80ya2xgnkEict58Dy5D7t9pr9WOVF4sQ2n-vRtqenwgFEp9R4-I1IM8E/s1600/20140115_113230.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some yummy fruit</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdubuiKgVoPXh_sPz2yrGba7fJyzOHRmk-EVd6oO7EctXgUhvSpcom2oourOLIICZTRN-_Hu9XaOC1ZY33j0beBGftvT6URm2mFHW_4hZBHRdevGS504tOGwXrY1OST8Tjye6jpNsMlTc/s1600/20140116_103505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdubuiKgVoPXh_sPz2yrGba7fJyzOHRmk-EVd6oO7EctXgUhvSpcom2oourOLIICZTRN-_Hu9XaOC1ZY33j0beBGftvT6URm2mFHW_4hZBHRdevGS504tOGwXrY1OST8Tjye6jpNsMlTc/s1600/20140116_103505.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My RV</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXta9D85bZRUYtVzJ8zTg0WiGE1MvFs0qJtAafXDsbYWLARXvXbYaFOCdYaJUM3W3eOx53Dgdc90mx6Tv8T1ktNMdgqar6QnFz0qk8kB4xIcZWoGe9DvKubb-L8TcSrFMsrGQPYqbSRvE/s1600/20140116_104837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXta9D85bZRUYtVzJ8zTg0WiGE1MvFs0qJtAafXDsbYWLARXvXbYaFOCdYaJUM3W3eOx53Dgdc90mx6Tv8T1ktNMdgqar6QnFz0qk8kB4xIcZWoGe9DvKubb-L8TcSrFMsrGQPYqbSRvE/s1600/20140116_104837.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another RV</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnuTyHnaLUyJYSJryVS6d0dgiQIKRRmD4I0V2RUgW-ni1F_YwZmPkaP-KirE988nTtURi3AzPv7P9nFzZFMDWomvd2DtOOWAC4zvrvmSfBUB30CCRvkpOIxviWQx7hndxuzgGShynWXo/s1600/20140116_114700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnuTyHnaLUyJYSJryVS6d0dgiQIKRRmD4I0V2RUgW-ni1F_YwZmPkaP-KirE988nTtURi3AzPv7P9nFzZFMDWomvd2DtOOWAC4zvrvmSfBUB30CCRvkpOIxviWQx7hndxuzgGShynWXo/s1600/20140116_114700.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sleeping ?pig? ?wild boar?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5565UUdccWdxhyphenhyphenezFoIYzXNbKkGxN8AHli4hjALLbEec5BdYypBSuGGOzhF_mJKvJhv2N6W8o3bnEqfxSb02Y0UAs3G0Mv9yVMAosuZBe4sKhYYt2hjOjWmZLr6tAmFvRDqeIuqE9F4/s1600/20140116_120439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5565UUdccWdxhyphenhyphenezFoIYzXNbKkGxN8AHli4hjALLbEec5BdYypBSuGGOzhF_mJKvJhv2N6W8o3bnEqfxSb02Y0UAs3G0Mv9yVMAosuZBe4sKhYYt2hjOjWmZLr6tAmFvRDqeIuqE9F4/s1600/20140116_120439.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
An idea of what language I will be learning..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm excited and hopeful for the future. We'll see how everything unfolds!Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-3366887876996647032013-10-30T19:02:00.003-07:002013-10-30T19:07:02.822-07:00Calm and Cool<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today was cool.
Benedetto attended the meeting and afterward we did one hour of
telephone witnessing. After this we
(Naomi, Francesco and I) traveled to an elder’s house for dinner. We enjoyed lasganga, veggies and a lovely
fruit salad dessert. It didn’t end
there- we enjoyed a consideration of the Jeremiah book for the coming week’s
Congregation Bible Study and a rock-classical concert on DVD. Before we knew it- it was 10:30PM! We had
spent all day with the couple. We
graciously thanked them and headed home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
This morning I went out in Portuguese service for an hour
before feeling sick and needing to go home.
I slept until 2:30pm. I woke up
just in time to head to the beach for public witnessing. For some reason today everyone was CRAZY. I found out later- that it was a National
Holiday- Teacher’s Day or something.
Anyhow, I encountered numerous drunk people- a high hippie who wanted to
impart positive energy to me and a homeless Argentinian lad who was the only
one In his right mind to actually receive the magazines.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tonight we had meeting since the English had their C.O.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spent the night with Thiane so I went out in Portuguese
service with her. We met an evangelical
woman who wanted to teach me rather than listen to sound counsel from the Bible
and a sad ex-drug addict for has a disabled son and has spiritism
problems. After unsuccessfully searching
for an Italian couple, I sat in on an 85 year old study of Thiane. All in all it was a good morning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After service we ate a typical Brazlian lunch of rice, beans
and meat and took a much-needed nap.
Thiane called me at 4pm and woke
me up- she had a “present” for me.
Thiane owns a clothing shop next to her aunt’s beauty parlor. Her aunt sat me down in her chair and washed
me hair, conditioned it and blow dried it. Up until this point everything was
fine. Once she pulled out the flat iron-
I should have stopped her. But I didn’t.
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span> She DID not get my
hair straight and I had the English meeting to attend in less than 2 hours!
After a panic attack I settled for a black scarf. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Somehow I got compliments at the meeting. One brother said he liked my “Pirate Look”, I
don’t know what that was supposed to mean… shrug</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The English meeting was excellent and the Circuit Overseer
was from Holland.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we went out in Italian service in the morning. We did addresses and left some magazines at
hotels and did return visits. It was a
nice morning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lunch was interesting- while I was suggesting $7RL a plate
places somehow we end up at the fancy smancy place and guess what gets orderd.
FILET MIGNON! I almost hit the floor!
Somehow I didn’t have to pay- but I still shuddered at the thought of
how much money just got blown an a random lunch on a Wednesday…sigh…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After I met up with Claire and Alex and Francesco at 4:45pm
and we did return visits. One visit in
particular was my UK Missionary from last week!
He buzzed us in…strange. I go up
and he’s at the door with his baby in his arms…he thought we were his wife.
NOPE! But anyways he lets us in and we
consider the 2<sup>nd</sup> paragraph about death and resurrection. He has the question: how do the ones that get
to go to heaven- know that they have that hope.
Great! I show him the Bible Teach
and offer to return to answer his question. One more visit like this and I can
count a STUDY!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later, we go to a sister’s apartment to consider the
Watchtower together. We leave at almost
midnight. Not only was the study great
but the association was even better! WE
shared how we came into the Truth and stories about our home congregations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I ventured on my own to Thiane’s house. I got LOST. The 30min trip took 90 min! Finally I reached the supermarket by her
house. WE arrived at the Couple’s School
exactly at 8:15am PERFECT! WE washed and
washed dished until lunch. Then we
washed some more! The experience was
great however and I can’t wait to go back next week!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later, I attended the C.O. visit with the English while the
Italians friends had a CRAB PARTY. Man was I upset when Naomi forgot to bring my
crab home. Grrr!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning we went out to Italian service only to find
that it was just Naomi and I. Therefore,
we met with the English who had the C.O.
WE enjoyed a nice morning and 2 sisters and ended around 11am. I spent the rest of the day
chilling…sewing..grocery shopping..and cleaning…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We met the Italians at 7:30pm at the beach. We have a new couple! Claudio and Sarah from London who are
Italian. They are a young couple who has
previously served in Sierra Leone and now are here in Fortaleza for 6
months! Awesome!! After 9pm we went to a return visit who
part-owns a Pizzaria and enjoyed Fortaleza’s Best Pizza. IT wasn’t bad. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning I worked with a group that did local
calls. Today was a little bit crazy
because there was a Catholic concert at the beach so traffic was crazy and
people were excited.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For lunch we went to an elder’ house and Naomi made pasta
while I made a salad. IT was delicious!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After we met up for the afternoon group. I ended up with Alex and Ederlando without a
GPS. After 2 calls- we went to
McDonald’s and then gave up on searching for the next address in the dark since
it wasn’t in a great area.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We went to a brother’s house after to eat Pastels. IT was great!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week was calm cool and collected!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarvytmcCv_PCK2vjo_K3n4QD9_w2V-E1NH9pXLynUW7X0lVtcopRV9h3Qz2cucYFkkajZ6TBzn2TzWpTQju5waSL7-eGVdYW9gnHfEgODDyokG5k40cZNuoPwhcqLbYXw8ShNjDjGSJg/s1600/20131026_180512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarvytmcCv_PCK2vjo_K3n4QD9_w2V-E1NH9pXLynUW7X0lVtcopRV9h3Qz2cucYFkkajZ6TBzn2TzWpTQju5waSL7-eGVdYW9gnHfEgODDyokG5k40cZNuoPwhcqLbYXw8ShNjDjGSJg/s640/20131026_180512.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AHjZdV8n8ug/UnG7MbPL7xI/AAAAAAAADf4/s1600/20131024_122038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AHjZdV8n8ug/UnG7MbPL7xI/AAAAAAAADf4/s640/20131024_122038.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk91ljUki10B7CsUdXTD3DQzU5amZMHDSstWouN4xoxIalqhZXtRk3-75W6LXd_9bCOw7SGSoL85bW9jImF5wLJXCzqdZAHI5S8-NeEB64Wj8t-S8BgrUaNO-f4zd6rj1wad-20j99_fg/s1600/20131021_223727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk91ljUki10B7CsUdXTD3DQzU5amZMHDSstWouN4xoxIalqhZXtRk3-75W6LXd_9bCOw7SGSoL85bW9jImF5wLJXCzqdZAHI5S8-NeEB64Wj8t-S8BgrUaNO-f4zd6rj1wad-20j99_fg/s640/20131021_223727.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRLOoKJDGL_ZQGCYTY4n_3_O8gV2NT6Yh5VG62v8EjknWJv0xPTdpH3PUm-IBlFWzDFuRHopMEGwQHDzz48JYPUJiGYWXfWT9g5wfK7KyrMB_lq5o-Kd3_DGVBT_eyc8EfnjqojBnWDg/s1600/20131024_110208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRLOoKJDGL_ZQGCYTY4n_3_O8gV2NT6Yh5VG62v8EjknWJv0xPTdpH3PUm-IBlFWzDFuRHopMEGwQHDzz48JYPUJiGYWXfWT9g5wfK7KyrMB_lq5o-Kd3_DGVBT_eyc8EfnjqojBnWDg/s640/20131024_110208.jpg"> </a> </div>Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-77844867064058930422013-10-19T20:33:00.000-07:002013-10-19T20:43:48.233-07:00Molto Occupato<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, we attended the meeting and listened to an exhilarating
talk given by our one and only Francesco.
It was great! After, we enjoyed a
Watchtower study consideration from our newly returned elder, Mauricio. He and his wife just got back from a tour of Italy
and France that lasted 3 weeks. They were
celebrating their 25<sup>th</sup> Wedding Anniversary- how sweet. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After I skipped out on telephone witnessing (sorry folks)
and went to a 1 hr away beach with the sisters from the Spanish
congregation. We enjoyed fried fish and
huge waves!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After I returned home and rested up a bit and rejoined the
girls at a local beach and we played Mafia.
Guess who was the narrator? Me! I
barely speak either Portuguese or Spanish- but somehow everyone enjoyed the
game and they successfully beat the Mafia.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later I went to work online and ended at 10:30am Monday
morning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Obviously I slept for a bunch of the day. I managed to make it to the beach for Public
Witnessing with Marcia at 4:00pm. Later
Marcia got traded for 1 sister from the English and another from the Italian
group. During all this switching around-
I met Benedetto. He is here on vacation
from Italy and I simply said Bouna Sera.
Since I was with the trolley which is stuffed with our publications- he
knew why I was greeting him. What I come
to find out is that he prayed to Jehovah that morning for help… Long story
short, he used to study and wanted to attend meetings here and had no idea
there was an Italian group here in Fortaleza.
I invited him to the meeting and offered to pick him up. Hope he shows up! We ended up staying at the beach until 9pm!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning we did Italian territory and found an Italian
man who’s lived here for 70 year. Dare I
say he’s more Brazilian than Italian?
Turns out that is the case- after a misdirected conversation with
Francesco, we leave him with the magazine in Portuguese. However, the man was very kind and invited us
in and attempted to consider chapter 2 of the Bible Teach Book. (Side note: Don’t ask me why home boy has the
Proclaimers Book, Insight Book and loads of our publications in Portuguese,
Spanish and Italian, lol) After service,
since we were exhausted from the heat and no-one wanted to cook- we ate at a
delicious Sushi Buffet near our home that cost $2.29 or roughly $1USD per 100
grams. I ate abundantly for about
$6USD! After I went home and napped and
was back up by 2:30pm to join a pioneer sister on her studies. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While waiting for her study who works in a dress-shop the
nearby shop-owner from Spain invited us in.
We sat down and chatted about the bible and listened to his reasoning
about the human spirit and reincarnation.
He said he would welcome another visit- so we’ll definitely direct the
Spanish brothers to him. After we went
to conduct Marcia’s study. The trouble
is- I almost blacked out from I guess heat exhaustion so I ended home by 3:30pm
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span> I don’t know what happened! But I felt
extremely weak, hot, I had a head-ache and my vision went dark. Obviously I drank water and slept for the
next 3 hours straight. I woke up just in
time to do a little Italian homework and head off to the Italian class at
7:30pm. It was a fun class since we were
back up in numbers, last week was 6, today was 10.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After class we enjoyed pizza with the returned coupled from
Italy and listened to perfectly timed and much-needed encouragement. The wife simply asked: “How are you girls
doing? Are you happy here? Is everything OK? I know its hard being in a space that’s not
your own, do you need anything?” That’s
all I needed to express myself, because while the ministry, landscape and local
friends are amazing, I was feeling neither physically well- obviously- nor
emotionally well. *Note* Think carefully
before planning an EXTENDED stay in a small space…I know this is all we can
afford- but I might work the extra day if I need to – in order to have a just a
tad bit more space….if you know what I mean…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I had the privilege of working at the couple’s
school! I had the same responsibilities as
last time except I knew everyone already so I enjoyed a relaxed and fun work atmosphere
with great sisters! Lunch was stupendous! Thanks to my little episode yesterday I was told
to rest. So I went outside to sit in a
rocking chair to do some Bible reading.
As a result I ended up meeting a special pioneer couple that was
visiting the Assembly Hall. They were so
sweet. They were in their 5<sup>th</sup> assignment and had only been married 8
years. The sister explained that they
both were single-appointed special pioneers from different areas and someone suggested
that they meet. So they wrote letters to
each other and ended up getting married and continuing to serve together. That’s about the most romantic thing I’ve
ever heard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At lunch though, I heard something even better. A couple who spoke English explained that the
brother had made a list and served as a single person up until age 28 in a
foreign language field. When he met his
wife who was 10 years older than him, he knew she was the one because she was the
list and they dated, got engaged and married within 6 months after having known
each other for over 1 year and 1/2. Now
they are together at the Couple’s school awaiting their assignment. So cute!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then my friend, who brought me to the School, tells me her
marriage story. She got married at 16-
but had already been attending meetings and had gotten baptized while her
parents went inactive. She was basically
alone in the truth and was already working to support herself. Therefore she wasn’t a naive 16 year old but
a rather mature one. She and her husband
have 2 daughters serving Jehovah and they now serve in the Italian field, him
as an elder and her as a pioneer. 3 very
different ways or finding mates and 3 great outcomes. Interesting…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the school I washed clothes, painted my nails and made
a delicious salad with my veggies from last week. I combined beets, carrots, onions, an apple,
honey, vinegar, salt, pepper, olive oil and lime juice and zest for a tasty yet
healthy treat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thiane joins us this morning and we do territory and return
visits. Honestly something awesome
probably happened by I really CANNOT remember!
I only remember leaving magazines at hotels in various languages such as
German and English.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later I met English at 3:15pm. There were only 2 sisters and they were going
to walk to do territory. Good thing I
showed up with the car. Everyone was not
at home or away in their home country today.. WHY??? Between a few addresses we
looked at a few apartments- prices ranged from $600RL/month with no furniture
to $1200RL with everything (flat screen TV, Panini grill- you name it)… Finally we reach our last address since it
was getting dark. The address was 1 such
and such street with an apartment number.
There was no #1, the lowest number was 31. After asking at 3 buildings we were thinking
to give up…finally at a 4<sup>th</sup>- a passerby overheard us say the name of
the person. She knew him and pointed out
the building across the street- it was number 263…so odd! Any who, we go and ring the bell- at least
the apartment # is the same as what we have written. A man answers- I take the door because he’s
from the UK, a missionary and supposedly nice.
The last time he was contacted was in March by Special Pioneers who no
longer serve in Fortaleza. For whatever
reason- I switch up my presentation. Beeepppp.. “Hello. Do you speak English? My name is Alana and I am working with a
local group that reaches out to foreigners in the area, Do you think you will
ever see your dead loved ones again?”
Hey – it just happens to the topic on the back of the Oct. WT. He says, “1 minute..” Seconds later he
appears at the gate. We consider the 1<sup>st</sup>
paragraph and read all the scriptures.
He asks but where will we be resurrected to? As his wife and 3 kids pull up- I point out
the next sub heading- What will the resurrection be like… He agrees to another visit
to answer his question. Just like that I
got my first English speaking visit! How awesome was that!?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the girls from English head to the beach for night
witnessing and I head home. I have a
talk tonight and guess who’s coming to the meeting and needs a ride?
Benedetto! Francesco, Naomi and
Priscilla join me to pick him up. He’s
ready with white shirt and tie, clean-shaven and tennis shoes. But he made
it! I give the Number 2 talk and guess
what my setting is? Beach witnessing.
Pretty realistic- I think.. Thiane was an awesome house-holder and when
I didn’t stick to the script- she kept it going!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During the meeting we have an announcement that Paira
Central, our congregation, has received a new special pioneer couple that will
be handling the Chinese field. They are
a bright-eyed young couple from Brasilia.
After the meeting they join us for gelato with Benedetto. Of course we choose an Italian place to
satisfy our sweet tooth. At 11pm or so
the couple bids us goodnight as the owner of the place pulls up a chair. For over an hour we have a bible based
discussion all in Italian about the current state of affairs- increase in violence,
the economy and overall shift for the worst on a global scale. At midnight we wave good night and the owner leaves
with the brochure A Book for All People.
What an amazingly LONG DAY!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Somehow I actually wake up in time to do service at 8:45. This morning we hit a gold mine of Italians
at an Italian café. We encountered 4
upon arrival. 1 was depressed due to the
death of a sibling and was near tears and listened intently to Francesco. He agreed to attend a meeting and said he
would like to receive a visit to speak further.
We noted his residence info and promised to stop by before Sunday. After we realized that we needed 15 more
minutes to make 3 hours. So what do we
do? We head to the beach. Literally as we step foot on the beach 2
young Italians walk by… After a pleasant interchange and leaving a tract and a
magazine, guess what time it was? 12! Lol</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The English group was at 3:30pm and we went on the hunt to
find hidden or badly- recorded addresses.
I abruptly had to stop when I received a call from the insurance company
for the car that I am borrowing. They
needed to take pictures of the car- so I stopped before 5pm. After that got sorted out I accompanied
Francesco and Alex on a bible study of the owner of the best Italian restaurant
in Fortaleza! Tonight was the 3<sup>rd</sup>
time- you go head Francesco! After we
met the friends at the beach and divided into pairs. I was with Alex and I
bought my first Fortaleza keepsake- a huge hammock for only $35RL. In the meantime we found a few Italians and
bunch of misses- sometimes my hunches can be SO OFF. Lol</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After service we ate at Habib’s. A fast-food like restaurant that serves
middle-eastern style food and </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
burgers- weird combination if you ask me. I don’t have to do back…<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, we had enough people to have 2 car groups! We do far away territory and don’t find
anyone <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span> After lunch at the Japanese Market, a new
photo for my CAN you NAME the FRUIT collection, and a rest we regroup at
3:45pm. This time we have 10 people wow! We find an Italian man who owns a restaurant
that combines Brazilian and Italian food- definitely made a note to go back-
not to preach but to eat. He was working
that churassco like a native and he’s only been living here for 1 and ½ years! We try to visit the depressed man to confirm
for tomorrow’s meeting- but he wasn’t in <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span> At 7pm we regroup for beach witnessing and we
end up eating Subway(not met for crying out loud) and shrimp!! I totally
suggested the shrimp! $12RL for 500
grams of garlic soaked shrimp!! YUMMY! A funny incident was Clea-one of the
sister was convinced not 3 but 4x that certain people were Italian- but instead
we met people from Sao Paolo, Portugal and Fortaleza! Yikes! Lol</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tonight I will sleep well!
It has been a full week! Only 30 something more days to go!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Sad note- today I went to wash the car and dropped my
Samsung Galaxy in the bucket of water- WHY??) It is resting in a container of
rice. If I can revive it, I can post the
pictures from this week!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYepNkvS7pu-QYbJXz6n93iD3RadhqFvUcqx-m2gl6r04XmaB0T4TuT2ilMJaDNhSvUbUaFRhekxRjphpv15YlFI1BeK0LovFdyocJ9ExWe1LfJfaHcEYLug11nH2jYVmV9QLW14KY_AQ/s1600/20131016_130157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYepNkvS7pu-QYbJXz6n93iD3RadhqFvUcqx-m2gl6r04XmaB0T4TuT2ilMJaDNhSvUbUaFRhekxRjphpv15YlFI1BeK0LovFdyocJ9ExWe1LfJfaHcEYLug11nH2jYVmV9QLW14KY_AQ/s640/20131016_130157.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
sisters working at couples school</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAfye9zdaW38Rl8448-O4n7s_q1VM8Kl2ts_bJ_mz3_L8A-Hdt93xXVyqnSQI0M4C7Zv6Yry5Dj1lUKRNyBs-VbUbf5gbFtjQ_u2LSzg8CpliQrdks_t2sylHTKsIn3e2hr0pLyFWNqU/s1600/20131016_113235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAfye9zdaW38Rl8448-O4n7s_q1VM8Kl2ts_bJ_mz3_L8A-Hdt93xXVyqnSQI0M4C7Zv6Yry5Dj1lUKRNyBs-VbUbf5gbFtjQ_u2LSzg8CpliQrdks_t2sylHTKsIn3e2hr0pLyFWNqU/s640/20131016_113235.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
me and special pioneer I met on my break</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCkEsPxUUgvS3r88-R8lpC021CTivFrnIa7Pvd9iQZUNrIfQDkkZGHGtaqUkAZ0LozCicLmhq-xPuV2mlHucF4o3nGzhxEk88qGQasUsSfwC7zPx16MWdeP6Sqvgz5LWPBtGuFZU7rR4/s1600/20131016_122433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCkEsPxUUgvS3r88-R8lpC021CTivFrnIa7Pvd9iQZUNrIfQDkkZGHGtaqUkAZ0LozCicLmhq-xPuV2mlHucF4o3nGzhxEk88qGQasUsSfwC7zPx16MWdeP6Sqvgz5LWPBtGuFZU7rR4/s640/20131016_122433.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
food at couples school</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaarlDdUA-nwyNapIxUT5aT_Gv6Cp8M_f36U9eMxNCG7j6HHsTCa0659FYgf_mOQn2EDlFLPoa-lXo5tGRjuR0GtpYkY3zRwlfdT78Wg8hgem_LZnOJDBC2NUnn3b-Mk_j6AYrDmDPd4/s1600/20131016_121755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaarlDdUA-nwyNapIxUT5aT_Gv6Cp8M_f36U9eMxNCG7j6HHsTCa0659FYgf_mOQn2EDlFLPoa-lXo5tGRjuR0GtpYkY3zRwlfdT78Wg8hgem_LZnOJDBC2NUnn3b-Mk_j6AYrDmDPd4/s640/20131016_121755.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
lunch at couples school. we get to sit with the couples! and listen to morning worship!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqCO5okrgP1n8o3xeAe7ATmmJu_8j4W3IconcVGoLo_N52ZOO53_BwDwiswc11vcJQGz-jlzZSLzLUN_V1I69QabwcZq3UNzsmKg1ZhLQ3r1RwzJXnEXyVxcoN_rCyIPg1LCnf8zQqaE/s1600/20131016_072413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqCO5okrgP1n8o3xeAe7ATmmJu_8j4W3IconcVGoLo_N52ZOO53_BwDwiswc11vcJQGz-jlzZSLzLUN_V1I69QabwcZq3UNzsmKg1ZhLQ3r1RwzJXnEXyVxcoN_rCyIPg1LCnf8zQqaE/s640/20131016_072413.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDpW0IOCq-hTK8yoov2EDbv-px0OZrJ7QuCkzWt5Ke5jvOyamDjyDo6bEuJFI__n0mAuZc7HgvV2JDD6WRRVrWn9WOoEKU8JW4_gHxl8eAk3NFYFeXyFOZsX2XDK2UCmkRPNCQzsnF-U/s1600/20131016_071534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDpW0IOCq-hTK8yoov2EDbv-px0OZrJ7QuCkzWt5Ke5jvOyamDjyDo6bEuJFI__n0mAuZc7HgvV2JDD6WRRVrWn9WOoEKU8JW4_gHxl8eAk3NFYFeXyFOZsX2XDK2UCmkRPNCQzsnF-U/s640/20131016_071534.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
young brother who took the lead in the absence of the couple who usually does</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPUzYKFxS036e9g-9gRj1kk9nH_SOrkZgMVW-Il0bqKkj7pBAMintgFQgFdPVzXlUkM4E_uefngwZF9243TU1IKOkH319qP3L53Wyvr3276mto0MMNGRaRM9jr0qJUqyH69LIzfj6vXM/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPUzYKFxS036e9g-9gRj1kk9nH_SOrkZgMVW-Il0bqKkj7pBAMintgFQgFdPVzXlUkM4E_uefngwZF9243TU1IKOkH319qP3L53Wyvr3276mto0MMNGRaRM9jr0qJUqyH69LIzfj6vXM/s640/beach.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
beach day on Sunday</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywswTlBhejnjnRFDoCfcjfILyqTehW0QIz6MqwnkxMoy4xUhN_J2h5J1VQvkhOHTxWm3q7rSZ7F51bpBFizNSTJpEXTsGgGbWQMCnHkChgEP4dmFZrdU8AwsBY1b8TPDTTpverDLjVD4/s1600/mtg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywswTlBhejnjnRFDoCfcjfILyqTehW0QIz6MqwnkxMoy4xUhN_J2h5J1VQvkhOHTxWm3q7rSZ7F51bpBFizNSTJpEXTsGgGbWQMCnHkChgEP4dmFZrdU8AwsBY1b8TPDTTpverDLjVD4/s640/mtg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meeting Thursday night, guess which is my beach buddy...</div>
<br /></div>
Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-86721168800832517132013-10-12T18:09:00.001-07:002013-10-19T20:37:04.455-07:00Were on FIRE!<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last day of the C.O. visit, so we met as a group in the
morning for service. Today I drove and used my nifty map to find the streets!
Woo hoo! No GPS needed! They were all not at home- but we were successful. The only problem was that after service when
I decided to “feel” my way home I almost gave the native sister a heart attack
because I we took a highway that had NO END and then I had to turn around in a
Farvela! Yikes! But we made it out OK. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After lunch and a nap I joined the sisters in the Spanish
congregation for what I thought would be a stroll on the beach, instead we
roller bladed at the beach. Not necessarily
my strength- but I survived and made it in time for our evening meeting with
the abbreviated WT and encouraging talk from the C.O. (Honestly I am going in
English again in a few weeks- because I was lost most of the time).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I started working online at midnight and finished at 8am whew!
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I woke up in time to do trolley witnessing with Marcia at
3:30pm. Today was interesting because we
had 3 very interesting interactions. The
first was with 2 young Italian guys from Sardania on vacation. I was rolling the trolley to sunny spot so
the sister and I could take the photos below.
What ended up happening was I walking behind the Italian with the
trolley. <span lang="IT">So I said in Italian “ Boun giorno. Non sono segiendo voi, sembra, pero non e
vero.” </span>Then 1 of them turned and
said are you speaking to me? I replied,
yes you speak Italian don’t do? (This was all in Italian) She I parked the trolley and we chatted for a
few minutes. We talked about traveling,
Italy America, places he had visited that I hoped, the differences between
Fortaleza and Miami, everything except the bible. That’s why I like the trolley- it’s clear as
day who we are. After a few minutes,
Marcia asked him would he like something to read in Italian, he quickly refused
and said he knew all about Jehovah’s Witnesses from being in Italy and that he
was all good. That pretty much shut down
the conversation, but I can’t remember how but somehow his friend ended up with
the Pornography magazine in his hand.
After this I waved goodbye and told them to enjoy their stay here in
Fortaleza. (See Friday to see how this
interaction continued…)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another funny interaction was when the sister went to buy 2
green coconuts for us to drink- a guy passed by the trolley and waved. I waved back.
He approached me and asked for a picture with me. (In English). I asked him why? He then started fiddling with the magazines
on the trolley saying he has them at home.
They were September magazines, so I reached into my personal bag and offered
him October. As I was reaching, he ran
away! When the sister returned I
remarked that unordinary things always seemed to happen at the trolley when she
stepped away lol.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That night I stayed at the beach until 7:30pm when the
Italian met up with us. We preached at
the beach until 9:00pm. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning we went out in Italian and did search work near
the beach. We left magazines in the
buildings and hotels where Italians lived or would frequent. On the street I see a foreigner and ask him what
language he speaks. Then I immediately
realize that he has an Italian Watchtower in his hand- oh no the only sister
have already talked with him! He engages in conversation about being a
foreigner here and the low level of security and in general life in
Brazil. Meanwhile the other sisters
catch up to us. Then through conversing
he reveals that he has studied the Bible before and was stumbled because someone
told him that only baptized Witnesses would be saved in Armageddon. We compositely share scriptures with him,
show him the website www.jw.org, since one sister had her Tablet, and another
sister shares her personal experience about when she had stopped serving
Jehovah and how she came back…it was amazing!
And the whole conversation was in ITALIAN! He really was listening and I hope he really
examines the scriptures and can come to the true conclusion not just what
someone said. He seemed to be really sincere.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later, after lunch and a nap I met with Marcia and did her
Portuguese bible studies. Later we had
Italian class and although we were only 6- we had a great time. Naomi upped the ante with a power point based
game to help practice feminine and masculine words. Man, there are so many exceptions! Whew! And we started the verbs essere and
avere and ALL the 16 tenses! Crazy!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another nice morning in Italian service. This morning we did weekday not at
homes. We go to one building and the Italian
guy is actually home and what’s more, he invites us up! We meet in the hallway and Francisco starts a
study. Just like that! They discussed the entire first chapter of the Require
Brochure and read ALL THE SCRIPTURES!
There are 6 scriptures in those 3 paragraphs. Matteo was super friendly and said that he
wanted to continue! After that
experience we were “done” in terms of if everyone else slammed the door on us-
we were content. But the day doesn’t
stop there! We do a call kind of far
away in Paira del Futuro- and when we were about to finish I remember a lead
that someone at the mall gave us- when we first did census 2 weeks ago. There was a Pousada called Alegria. Lo and behold we meet Andrea. Rough at first but kind in the end. While he didn’t except anything he invited us
for pizza- which we definitely will do! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Afternoon service was at 3pm- we do 2 hours, and 1 entire
hour was spent waiting in the car with another sister. Why? Because Francisco
started ANOTHER STUDY with an older Italian man in the Bible Teach Book! Today we were just on fire!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of the day we go on first night-time outing. I try for the first time draft wine- it’s a
combo of beer and wine that only 1 restaurant has on tap. It was interesting… <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> But the Parmesan sausage was
definitely on point. We also met a
couple and sister from the Spanish congregation. Nice way to end a spiritually exhilarating day!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We hit the streets again, and this time we do search work
again. Francisco and I literally
encounter Italian after Italian and the majority listened. He is going to have so many visits and
studies- hopefully he won’t leave! In
1.5 hours we met 6 native Italians.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the morning we do a mix of Italian and Portuguese. When Naomi broke off to do her study I
visited the local fruit and veggie market.
So much better than the supermarket!
There was so much variety and for $4.09 I bought a bag of cashews, beets,
peppers, and Macaraua (the sleep inducing fruit).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At 12’o’clock we get invited to lunch with an elder and his
wife and it was SPECTACULAR! It was a
Rodizio restaurant. We just did the
buffet- but for $2.99/ 100 grams which is $1.35 USD, we ate seafood, salad,
sushi, rice dishes, pasta dishes, pickled stuff, fried stuff, you name it they
had it! Then we got to the meats! I had lamb, sausage and rare meat. SOOO GOOD!
Then the dessert cart came- that Cashew cake was sooooo delicious! After, I barely wanted to go back out-
lol. But I met with the English and
drove for them since no one had a car. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At 7:30 we met with the Italians at the beach and guess who
we see basically at 7:30 on the dot? My 2 buddies from Monday. They immediately approach me and the group
and shake hands and introduce themselves. Whoa! I was in shock. Guess who starts talking about the bible? The one who rejected the magazines! He and his friend talk for over an hr! His friend sort of hung back while Fabio
approached me. He dives into a
discussion about why God permits suffering and he wants 5 minute answer. You know that didn’t happen. 40 minutes into the conversation, I walk over
to his friend who had pretty much wrapped up whatever he was speaking about
with 2 brothers from our group and I tell him it’s going to be awhile because
his friend asked a deep question. I tell
him that Fabio wants to know about suffering, and then he explains to me that it’s
the hand on the “Who Really Controls the World” tract. I was impressed- he had actually learned
something well enough to tell others! 20
minutes later Fabio waves good bye and I notice that he has the Bible Teach
Book in hand and we overhear his friend ask him as they walk away- so what they
say? They were bound to have some deep
conversation later on that night! Mind
you all this was in Italian! You tell me
if there’s need in Fortaleza in Italian or not..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today was different.
We met at 8am because we actually worked WITH the Portuguese
congregation. Why? Because we combined to do census work all together! With 50 people out- we definitely covered way
more than our measly 16. Later we’ll
hear about the ones found from this concerted effort- but I am confident it
yielded fruit. We also were instructed
to ask for foreigners in general- not just Italians since we received a couple
who are here specifically to start up the Chinese and Korea field! Awesome!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
After service we had a “festa” with pasta, guacamole (me), a
cake, sausage, rice, a pool, brief samba lessons and lots of laughter and Italian. It was great!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Hmf5x6Z9PMSs_mPGAOoBVk_dhVo0Cg_i3gQxxJxWh9VQ-WI7BN1ZyiVuc4_flZTzGwpsrbnGOaAAyNSEDudmWcCiD8460MUe0YUioAkCnAmyzJOjKOFtgJvQQ4l7ushzZEG2qNSXVKQ/s1600/20131012_234254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Hmf5x6Z9PMSs_mPGAOoBVk_dhVo0Cg_i3gQxxJxWh9VQ-WI7BN1ZyiVuc4_flZTzGwpsrbnGOaAAyNSEDudmWcCiD8460MUe0YUioAkCnAmyzJOjKOFtgJvQQ4l7ushzZEG2qNSXVKQ/s640/20131012_234254.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the fruit of sweet dreams</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwW3C43w0MJz-IBnWZSizowVovahyPmjKVEet10RgTlE1l01juA2tL24vqQQpnkHrFhVYId40DggOzifz69cTr1un9IUNK-DKAJkbL9gEE4OHEsUIbUieLikXncmu4agqhcQMnLme6oQ/s1600/20131011_222006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwW3C43w0MJz-IBnWZSizowVovahyPmjKVEet10RgTlE1l01juA2tL24vqQQpnkHrFhVYId40DggOzifz69cTr1un9IUNK-DKAJkbL9gEE4OHEsUIbUieLikXncmu4agqhcQMnLme6oQ/s640/20131011_222006.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my treats from the market</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplpgtfWxH3IBc9oeBysJyXGZJ2pU-AimhXKccZEst_RGErOGyPiBjPTHWwQHUhDlWdhvBPYyaiTANGBqAKKuJnHMGxx_fIFM-jjfMeI99uBW_Ov0V3ZO4T08NCohrNbJr7EL3OPStS2s/s1600/20131011_134618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplpgtfWxH3IBc9oeBysJyXGZJ2pU-AimhXKccZEst_RGErOGyPiBjPTHWwQHUhDlWdhvBPYyaiTANGBqAKKuJnHMGxx_fIFM-jjfMeI99uBW_Ov0V3ZO4T08NCohrNbJr7EL3OPStS2s/s640/20131011_134618.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
elder and wife who invited us to lunch</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgV6ECD7FJP99asGd7_xesiCsObvs8MyfdGietuf6pd7PJkoW1S0zjc4WjsWuXeONt9hSsYnt3Q1nYPkKLJ0J7ghw177_mHzUKDPFxlLhR3f0uAzLxbKkVyzI16yxAgwauAmlxxFGm6No/s1600/20131011_103305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgV6ECD7FJP99asGd7_xesiCsObvs8MyfdGietuf6pd7PJkoW1S0zjc4WjsWuXeONt9hSsYnt3Q1nYPkKLJ0J7ghw177_mHzUKDPFxlLhR3f0uAzLxbKkVyzI16yxAgwauAmlxxFGm6No/s640/20131011_103305.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
market</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPFZjKILGPotjzewPO9UBow57ctPp9W-pp1TcMUKOKDZcv3KawfxbUUmRJCzuYhfwf8vkWvqmeimRVWPvKlH6IAF0qHiUy_KrlA3D3asZx-eS46OjxhB8arhA6-B7lV3LWeMJ6vE6ILk/s1600/20131011_102720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPFZjKILGPotjzewPO9UBow57ctPp9W-pp1TcMUKOKDZcv3KawfxbUUmRJCzuYhfwf8vkWvqmeimRVWPvKlH6IAF0qHiUy_KrlA3D3asZx-eS46OjxhB8arhA6-B7lV3LWeMJ6vE6ILk/s640/20131011_102720.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
market</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-nyb05BNPZvGIfZ04-PG2NKj00HlJZjIVp3DPrYk9LIu_pzKVpjuxVVAS5nS__YfKoSXJcSWOI35AGVA5Z6vzFp1dMcPtX3vOaMRcm3Ubpy7rhlnLtCSH0DgEtcohm0lnx6DjT1KQd0/s1600/20131009_210711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-nyb05BNPZvGIfZ04-PG2NKj00HlJZjIVp3DPrYk9LIu_pzKVpjuxVVAS5nS__YfKoSXJcSWOI35AGVA5Z6vzFp1dMcPtX3vOaMRcm3Ubpy7rhlnLtCSH0DgEtcohm0lnx6DjT1KQd0/s640/20131009_210711.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
draft wine</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBk37ljGVK_Qtr2SbuX6rhlQkC5ydkfsskpOP9IbHS8_8nndqrlK_g-PMFQj-vlbXqeDRbz8pxki9aXFL5nyKpzZAACa6zmqrDOXOFkRJhSjXTAHyqcRJQrC0reHn-7_BUbd8qqphCDs/s1600/20131007_160046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBk37ljGVK_Qtr2SbuX6rhlQkC5ydkfsskpOP9IbHS8_8nndqrlK_g-PMFQj-vlbXqeDRbz8pxki9aXFL5nyKpzZAACa6zmqrDOXOFkRJhSjXTAHyqcRJQrC0reHn-7_BUbd8qqphCDs/s640/20131007_160046.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
public witnessing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6eTt2Btiez0RsCJsA9mrn_ggVGrYYPEJqn_M3kcEGf0nQJvZu3gz99-c7GPepd0-Qikbj0VnaNretkT5fP7shqKrWmoLb16leIzPBX-ko3B4CbsVwshVy48aXLqx-GonyKURtlLJuG8/s1600/20131006_200629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6eTt2Btiez0RsCJsA9mrn_ggVGrYYPEJqn_M3kcEGf0nQJvZu3gz99-c7GPepd0-Qikbj0VnaNretkT5fP7shqKrWmoLb16leIzPBX-ko3B4CbsVwshVy48aXLqx-GonyKURtlLJuG8/s640/20131006_200629.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my and CO wife</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAx_RjxtyAHMJVUJAPRiay93yJwz_8JJu_Nplu-JS7Q8EIU4Jkbx1gC1kw47WEA_4807Ob06pb3lpJtyVEyMyVx651UKUGDS2sq2ttQseBxAARgWc0TTQPUb3ilN-Y3yYPtZwejgJxw6s/s1600/20131006_101206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAx_RjxtyAHMJVUJAPRiay93yJwz_8JJu_Nplu-JS7Q8EIU4Jkbx1gC1kw47WEA_4807Ob06pb3lpJtyVEyMyVx651UKUGDS2sq2ttQseBxAARgWc0TTQPUb3ilN-Y3yYPtZwejgJxw6s/s640/20131006_101206.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
francesco in service</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXk6JbM_hCTzGWnYV75JflcVKHS_Dq_xhnTNnyy8zvqU-WlWN9-MIHCs9OpNjiZmjEXiCQINMI6i8z0g168c-1euZLZ-YtDCXi4ZnHkcl4fGtj4fHDvGjNayLoe2xM_IbyWukZjYfE7M/s1600/20131006_101050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXk6JbM_hCTzGWnYV75JflcVKHS_Dq_xhnTNnyy8zvqU-WlWN9-MIHCs9OpNjiZmjEXiCQINMI6i8z0g168c-1euZLZ-YtDCXi4ZnHkcl4fGtj4fHDvGjNayLoe2xM_IbyWukZjYfE7M/s640/20131006_101050.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
territory if you look close you can see the ocean</div>
Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-56441806363802832502013-10-06T10:51:00.000-07:002013-10-07T04:28:12.589-07:001 Month Already!<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we went out in service as usual in Italian. We found a lot of not at homes, but the work
just keeps pressing forward! At night we
did our Watchtowers together at a couple’s house and after we went to a brother’s
home who serves a Brazilian treat. It was basically chicken soup over
rice. I thought it was very tasty- and
here we met a couple that is very interested in learning and supporting the
Italian group. We invited them to the
meeting tomorrow. Hope they make it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we had a wonderful meeting and we surprisingly had a
speaker from Italy. No-one knew this
particular family was in town- we happily accepted the brother’s invitation to
give our public talk! After the meeting
we had a small meeting as a group to discuss service plans. There is a need to do census, so we were
trying to figure out days and times.
Basically we have support in the morning but the afternoons when more
people are home- we don’t have a car<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span>. Oh well… After this we went to the beach with
the couple who were invited last night! They made it! We went to Plaia Futuro and enjoyed food and
drinks right on the sand and after took a dip into the strong waves! What a delightful evening!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we had service, service and more service. I did telephone witnessing in Portuguese and
we conducted a Portuguese study with a woman who is married to an Italian. We watched the 1<sup>st</sup> part of the
Guiding Light series. Cathia had many
questions and was amazed to learn that the Watchtower has been in print since
1879! We have a long theocratic history
indeed! After as we was giving us a ride
to our home so did the most incredible and gracious gesture I have ever
experienced! Since she in going to Italy
in 2 days and will be gone for a month, she offered us her car to use in the
Italian field. What a blessing from
Jehovah! That was literally just the
thing 24 hours ago we were saying that we needed! We gladly accepted and can’t wait to do more
census of Italians in the coming month!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today was the first day of the Circuit Overseer visit in
Portuguese. So I went out with the
English congregation in the afternoon and we had our visit at 7:30pm instead of
the Italian class. The C.O. and his wife are from Sao Paolo and boy does he
speak FAST!!! I didn’t understand a
thing! But they seem to be very friendly,
zealous and laid-back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today was such a privilege!
I was able to company a pioneer sister to help serve and prepare food
for the COUPLES SCHOOL that they are holding here in Fortaleza at the Assembly
Hall. At 6am she picked me up and at 7am
we were working! Our crew consisted of 7
sisters and 1 brother. For breakfast, we
ate bread, ham, cheese, coffee, a cake the brother prepared and Papaya. Simple yet delicious! The awesome thing about Couples School is
that it is just like Bethel! So the
helpers were able to sit and eat with the couples. This included prayer and morning
worship. They read the text and 2 people
were assigned to give a 1 minute comment.
After eating for a little, we considered a portion of the Year Book. I met a couple who speaks English! The
husband is from the UK and the wife is Brazilian. They were going to move to Fortaleza to
assist the English congregation in our hall, but were called to the school instead! After the 2 months of intense training, they
hope to return to their original assignment.
After breakfast we cleaned and started getting ready for lunch. We served meat, beans, rice, salad and
carrots. Yum! After lunch I received a
tour of the Assembly Hall. It can seat
over 2000 people and next door was the property of a brother whose house they
converted into “dorms”. Here the couples
who attend the school stay during their training. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the hard day’s work we returned to the city and I
picked up the car. Whoa! I almost died like 4 times on the short 8
minute drive home! First of all there
are too many 1-ways for no reason! Second, everyone is in the biggest
rush! No wonder Carbone drives the way
he does! No one respects the lanes and
stop signs. After almost having a heart
attack I parked the car in our garage and didn’t touch it for the next 2 days!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At night we had an all-girls Watchtower study with the girls
from the English congregation.
Afterwards, Naomi made pesto pasta and we giggled until midnight. (Our
poor neighbors..)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I did service with the Portuguese and the C.O. We only used the new tracts that we received at
the District Convention. At the last
door we reactivated a young man’s study.
Those long 2 hours in the sun were worth it! In the afternoon I went out with the
English. I took the bus for the first
time! It wasn’t too crazy and I arrived
to the group only 5 minutes late. After
service I decided to forego the bus and join the sister’s on their walk to the
beach and then catch a bus from there.
That never happened!!! I ended up walking half-running the 45 minute
walk home and it was getting dark! I was
so nervous but determined to not give up and hire a taxi. I made it just in time for a quick shower and
then the meeting. But man did my legs
hurt!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The talk was about sleeping spiritually, that’s all I
understood lol. Obviously I will be
attending the English C.O. visit in 2 weeks.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we did more Portuguese service. The last door we met a Universal religion adherent. The woman was very excited about the Bible and
“preached” to us. After literally
discussing Geneses to Revelations my companion left the husband with a question
about Daniel’s vision of the statue of the world powers and what each part
stood for...that got his attention. Then,
we excused ourselves, since we were there for an hour. I can’t wait to go back with the sister and
see the man’s reaction when he learns about Daniel’s prophecy. After preaching with this sister, who has
been baptized since the 70s I was moved to do more deep research. What a great example she is!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later today I joined the English group briefly before
attending the Portuguese Pioneer Meeting.
We found a French speaking man at the beach. Also while waiting I was tempted to buy some
Tapioca from the vendor in front of the Kingdom Hall- it’s less than 1 RL for
1! (That’s less than 50 cents!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The meeting was great!
I actually was able to take notes.
The C.O. planted the idea in my mind of a sort-of personal
territory. Here they don’t take
note-at-homes. So what you can do is
note the houses that were not at home and return the same day at a later
hour. In this way- it’s your personal
territory. I never thought about going
back in the same day before. I will put
this into action this week!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the meeting we did some beach witnessing looking for
Italians. It was a long yet fulfilling
day!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we met only with the Italian and did far away
territory. During the meeting we were
urged to really focus on bible studies.
Since Francisco is with us, practically every door was a potential
return visit for him- since our territory is 99% men. It’s great to have him here- hint hint for
any brother who speak Italian regardless of age- there’s SERIOUS NEED here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After service we decided to continue and do some search work
at the mall. Guess who was the driver?
Me!!! Oh Deus! First, we ate at buffet
that was 7RL or $3.18 for a plate that you could stack as high as you could and
glass of fresh mango juice. Of course
somehow I manage to choose the one meat dish that is cooked with chicken
blood! Gross! To avoid compromising obvious Bible principles
I got the owner to let me throw it away and I replaced it with yummy
sausage! Then it was off to the
mall. These crazy Brazilians, Thiane to
be specific <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>
had me doing all kinds of crazy maneuvers.
One was they had me drive over a highway divider! Mama mia! At the mall we spend 2 hours looking for
Italians. We found a few leads and Francisco
even found 1 guy. It was fun and a
break from the hot sun.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
At night we went to a brother’s house that serves
Pastel. Yummy! Yummy! His driveway and backyard were stuffed with
brothers. At $3RL a pop or $1.36 I
couldn’t complain. I was full from just
1 and a half! We met many new brothers
and sisters and enjoyed the evening.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKrYoSqLJ62MzHRhvA0zAXUMVG5q5tcpzK2ZFBQHdBPJMqK_prOlCDiAkomQV59Jr7scHh93QPPj1cTAznXw7hniJi7QU_R8ye9sSETJ7Aj5YrdyAA_R_lJxUnyuJNZ_qeEM_xQobB24/s1600/20000101_024433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKrYoSqLJ62MzHRhvA0zAXUMVG5q5tcpzK2ZFBQHdBPJMqK_prOlCDiAkomQV59Jr7scHh93QPPj1cTAznXw7hniJi7QU_R8ye9sSETJ7Aj5YrdyAA_R_lJxUnyuJNZ_qeEM_xQobB24/s320/20000101_024433.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Beach Day<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3SANr4wiVumJT9lpg0XamwRMnG2TyoFVXMf-7ygRfpskBd348xS0QRWt8SDnV_6wiFpMJWGe3VBefGHYtiHBGTvy-JrZpP149RmbXa3Gc-ddxsqTTYzc7l9rLZB_7TwZX77bKR2GGJ0/s1600/20000101_025633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3SANr4wiVumJT9lpg0XamwRMnG2TyoFVXMf-7ygRfpskBd348xS0QRWt8SDnV_6wiFpMJWGe3VBefGHYtiHBGTvy-JrZpP149RmbXa3Gc-ddxsqTTYzc7l9rLZB_7TwZX77bKR2GGJ0/s320/20000101_025633.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Fish we Ate at the Beach<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4lOu6catY34kko2BKXKIuitc3aNAA8m6BpuViZddIYw5uxozlULGybZ8YulvxBJ_ShBuEKMCENReAeqjLHtv0NuGLgaduoUZMYFp6N46MVnUPlGl97UvCGqhQhrGanyJ1AcHgygWQL0/s1600/20130927_192713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4lOu6catY34kko2BKXKIuitc3aNAA8m6BpuViZddIYw5uxozlULGybZ8YulvxBJ_ShBuEKMCENReAeqjLHtv0NuGLgaduoUZMYFp6N46MVnUPlGl97UvCGqhQhrGanyJ1AcHgygWQL0/s320/20130927_192713.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Grocery Shopping with Francisco, Thiane, Vera and Naomi</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MKmEF4Qu-8E0389pLlkQKEWW9xBFJ1UE8ceKoNHc-1gA8LiZaNerSNq9mNusnTmHBHQod5EJSUsEF4LGBOCAiNfJMR9KgWryGqXNdBdj9JKNUo40vjWAk7r9WCZtby_qmq080UhDZmU/s1600/20130930_174754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MKmEF4Qu-8E0389pLlkQKEWW9xBFJ1UE8ceKoNHc-1gA8LiZaNerSNq9mNusnTmHBHQod5EJSUsEF4LGBOCAiNfJMR9KgWryGqXNdBdj9JKNUo40vjWAk7r9WCZtby_qmq080UhDZmU/s320/20130930_174754.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
View from the Bible Study's house who gave us the Car</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUV3as33O7107IYD3zCfdIU36lnOiwQ5M_fMakBaVEQ5BIgfIdk3sT7-OQTIWYNp6n04WkRvUImtMgDt7ByCEqHwuHqXumpRlgQjXLYcNscay6bLkiYG_UtyGBLNCFIV801Snr1QA5qU/s1600/20131001_170826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUV3as33O7107IYD3zCfdIU36lnOiwQ5M_fMakBaVEQ5BIgfIdk3sT7-OQTIWYNp6n04WkRvUImtMgDt7ByCEqHwuHqXumpRlgQjXLYcNscay6bLkiYG_UtyGBLNCFIV801Snr1QA5qU/s320/20131001_170826.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marcia conducting her portuguese study</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMld41J1QHtdQLxDzyt2tO8WB54zKi5zRj5ZoG7oJpflGFRlKz0-i0ELMG6mv1IIUv8xyaZPeqnYIU4DZP2dbXf48HklolQEOlPKlUKZFIyeJFS51pnZjR4VTiXJqnphmhxzsqf7otKjI/s1600/20131002_074531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMld41J1QHtdQLxDzyt2tO8WB54zKi5zRj5ZoG7oJpflGFRlKz0-i0ELMG6mv1IIUv8xyaZPeqnYIU4DZP2dbXf48HklolQEOlPKlUKZFIyeJFS51pnZjR4VTiXJqnphmhxzsqf7otKjI/s320/20131002_074531.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me at Couples SChool (sorry it's dark)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpecWATw4c_10cxstDPYB1qD9eMMm3B7Amf0iRTUuATY04D4bsAtmhA-1UqZSKhgTrD0GOGRmbU_lrKMHAhDH_k9b6iS-ZpWNTvY_SRtjnOJhp0jZi5BmY9rMijOaZDI5J32Q9G4Dc3D4/s1600/20131002_221312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpecWATw4c_10cxstDPYB1qD9eMMm3B7Amf0iRTUuATY04D4bsAtmhA-1UqZSKhgTrD0GOGRmbU_lrKMHAhDH_k9b6iS-ZpWNTvY_SRtjnOJhp0jZi5BmY9rMijOaZDI5J32Q9G4Dc3D4/s320/20131002_221312.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
All girls WT study<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpBW_WBxLD7IDsCyD6LtkJl5m7qUl9Dk8lgEsfy0XNbTNf23XABhSWzKf7HyDAIAwV728LzcWSTgYOLodcvxKV46uBI4XnPD_uMAgHvifNItOsltwIQCMkfQ6yBhBimaTQ5WhNzCIiKQ/s1600/20131002_222724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpBW_WBxLD7IDsCyD6LtkJl5m7qUl9Dk8lgEsfy0XNbTNf23XABhSWzKf7HyDAIAwV728LzcWSTgYOLodcvxKV46uBI4XnPD_uMAgHvifNItOsltwIQCMkfQ6yBhBimaTQ5WhNzCIiKQ/s320/20131002_222724.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
NAomi made Pesto<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3G1vTVV61kZnchTEvoSPCqkyRrwD2Ff1_OY39Rq_b6jMIz2rVJU8Z9GPgXbUosmn25hI2cLFyLRRh_upc8db4AtF8FTqAz0yb3jpO40D0k0xIRo514WPc_EbJjU-Tnf-mKqVO0aPRK8/s1600/20131003_095041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3G1vTVV61kZnchTEvoSPCqkyRrwD2Ff1_OY39Rq_b6jMIz2rVJU8Z9GPgXbUosmn25hI2cLFyLRRh_upc8db4AtF8FTqAz0yb3jpO40D0k0xIRo514WPc_EbJjU-Tnf-mKqVO0aPRK8/s320/20131003_095041.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Service during CO visit</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3hHsDsQFaUPNbK1PGssvwJjqQoquMoBflu37rcWrbyqhvfvDR_aDCCRjr6iT6BDz6e2oWTdCO1A2QeSwqnsbExrDP9e6CI789vtgXhZLcQEqTfT4f4d7QruEtQgRP-Sl44s3RxphBL4/s1600/20131003_101804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3hHsDsQFaUPNbK1PGssvwJjqQoquMoBflu37rcWrbyqhvfvDR_aDCCRjr6iT6BDz6e2oWTdCO1A2QeSwqnsbExrDP9e6CI789vtgXhZLcQEqTfT4f4d7QruEtQgRP-Sl44s3RxphBL4/s320/20131003_101804.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sister I worked with in Portuguese Ministry</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUL9xEZwcdK8uLZesTFUByYPP8mp6cySwZqUYXMVtLOT6SkmAfvEPa6i3WcmkoyAxOdoMJwlwvddhZBZ_rOzCnmLZBgyeR8FG27k2Mh6YPARVC1Deuu77bwWVw2X7W7oOcVKtTvzL-Tc/s1600/20131004_152058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUL9xEZwcdK8uLZesTFUByYPP8mp6cySwZqUYXMVtLOT6SkmAfvEPa6i3WcmkoyAxOdoMJwlwvddhZBZ_rOzCnmLZBgyeR8FG27k2Mh6YPARVC1Deuu77bwWVw2X7W7oOcVKtTvzL-Tc/s320/20131004_152058.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tapioca on the street</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE5lUHm1TpyLtphgZ8SwViT4euBz1sv9z17JFMLr6f_ra7hsYLuepMjoqMkBuDJlQcyPczP9o3M1ELCzacbhOg-Mh0aoPP-Kr-W8pW5grW72mNwxxZC7306NjfE86LsCpTZbYFoXiLxE/s1600/20131004_211153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSE5lUHm1TpyLtphgZ8SwViT4euBz1sv9z17JFMLr6f_ra7hsYLuepMjoqMkBuDJlQcyPczP9o3M1ELCzacbhOg-Mh0aoPP-Kr-W8pW5grW72mNwxxZC7306NjfE86LsCpTZbYFoXiLxE/s320/20131004_211153.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Brother frying up some Pastel<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWJ9LySC6nwMxkPyX6RyANmSIs4Q9vtkhR8-Z3ezIKoQhdZXxEvOnCqCVGGaKuYeuWgJQbRETmRsCqq3Q7E1E1y0M_1KyyS6q9g7kU8FZOnTFX9Khk6bFZt7XLFWHl3AJj0cS85_ov6g/s1600/20131004_211405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWJ9LySC6nwMxkPyX6RyANmSIs4Q9vtkhR8-Z3ezIKoQhdZXxEvOnCqCVGGaKuYeuWgJQbRETmRsCqq3Q7E1E1y0M_1KyyS6q9g7kU8FZOnTFX9Khk6bFZt7XLFWHl3AJj0cS85_ov6g/s320/20131004_211405.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The pre-made Pastel</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwxPYH4YK5UVJ4lZk_qPao3Gwcw-ZUD8H1zEA7X4UUMKstpJp9nDS7ER-0DWPSSL87qsnCrvTFZMeC8CykCRqOX9kWyPTRCz266Bm6U_fQQwXhglWE2BV1OmG6ho3m7_llLcRxM1A_L4/s1600/20131004_213258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwxPYH4YK5UVJ4lZk_qPao3Gwcw-ZUD8H1zEA7X4UUMKstpJp9nDS7ER-0DWPSSL87qsnCrvTFZMeC8CykCRqOX9kWyPTRCz266Bm6U_fQQwXhglWE2BV1OmG6ho3m7_llLcRxM1A_L4/s320/20131004_213258.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Enjoying the Pastel with Fransisco, Thiago, Alex and Naomi</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-62000773595967156782013-09-28T10:48:00.000-07:002013-10-07T04:14:49.712-07:00The Balls Keeps Rolling<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today was awesome! We
did service in the morning and ate and shopped at a Japanese market for
lunch. Here we had sushi, crab, fried
cheese, salmon sashimi, you name it, they had it and it was fresh! After we
went grocery shopping at the accompanying market. Here I discovered new fruits and vegetables
such as the 2 shown below. I still don’t
know what that green fruit it, but the red and yellow one is cashew (caju), the
fruit juice I discovered exactly one week ago, and it’s delicious! I bought some fresh ingredients for the
upcoming week. After a nap we met the
afternoon group. The first call we go to
do is an Italian woman who answers the door in a towel. She invites us in and we sit and talk for at
least an hour. We drink coffee and share
our beliefs. Literally share. She’s agnostic and a materialist. After pleasant conversation and a few
scriptures, which she read and compared with her bible and the New Word
Translation, we parted ways. But before
saying goodbye she gave us her email to help Naomi teach the Italian course
because she has years of experience translating from Portuguese to Italian
since she has lived in Fortaleza for 24 years.
This woman has also established 2 schools in Farfalas. I will try to take a picture of this type of
area so you can see. But it is an area
that is very poor and snakes back and forth behind properly built storefronts
or housing. It is sort of an unseen
world that is very dangerous and I would not even be permitted to speak English
inside of, much less take a picture.
We’ll see what I can manage.
Since it became dark we did one closer visit and then ended for the
day. We received a phone call that Vera
and Thiago were waiting for us at our home.
Naomi helped Thiago with his pronunciation since he has to do the
reading of the Watchtower tomorrow. We
went out for Gelato after, yum!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today has been nice and relaxing. A brother from Bologna gave the talk about
God’s eye’s seeing everything. Very
deep! After we had a festa at Marcia and
Dima’s house. I made my secret punch to
share. Any in my home congregation knows
what that entails. Of course this one
was Brazilian style and featured fresh young coconut water, mango pulp and
coconut gelato… We talked and laughed
over tons of Brazilian treats, sausage, red meat, rice and beans with cheese,
salad, white rice and 2 delicious homemade desserts. I don’t know all that ate; I just know that I
was very satisfied afterward!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later, in my poor Portuguese I made plans with a delightful
couple that is visiting from Sao Paolo to go out to dinner with some in the
Portuguese congregation after the meeting.
Here I got to try a Pastel, a Brazilian “fast food” that is like a fried
hot pocket that you can fill with all sorts of treats. For about $3.50 USD you can have a Pastel
filled with 3 items, I choose Carne de Sol and cheese only, and a natural fruit
juice, I got my Caju! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally a day off! A pioneer sister we worked out in service
with on Friday, picked us up at 7am and brought us to the house of a sister who
drove us to Beach Park, a famous water-park in Fortaleza. But we didn’t go to Beach Park; we were right
NEXT TO it. We hung out at a 4 star
resort, sun bathed, tested out the strong waves of the ocean, participated in a
water-aerobics class and basically chilled ALL DAY. It was great!
After we went to Tapioca Land, (that’s not really what it’s
called). But it’s a place where there
are 20 Tapioca Restaurants all in one area.
I got shrimp and cheese tapioca, Naomi, chocolate and the sister, Tuna.
Yum!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later, we went to dinner at a bible study’s home who is
married to an ITALIAN! This was huge because the sister who studies with her has
never even met the husband before! So we
were friendly and ended the night on a nice pleasant note! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back to the hit the street!
Today we had a nice group of Italians out! We canceled a ton of business addresses and
did return visits in the afternoon. Italian
class was at 7:30pm. Naomi did an
awesome job and everyone was so engaged that when the English meeting finished
with prayer at 9:15pm- we were still going!
We played a game where we used our homework assignment to find
theocratic words for each letter of the alphabet to compete with each other to
see who found the most unique words. My
last minute attempt to find words using the Watchtower Library did not help us
win. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span> Man, did it get competitive! Also we learned Italian definite and
indefinite articles. Not as easy as in
English, I can assure you that!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we did Portuguese service and I started a study, this
time with a girl! I used the Good News
Brochure and we did the first question about God’s Purpose for the Earth- she
chose the topic herself! Let’s hope I am
able to communicate with her as the study goes on! We ended up at an elder’s home to wash
clothes and were treated to a surprise anti-typical Brazilian dinner-
SASHIMI! It was soooooo good and so
simple! We had Salmon and Tilapia! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I did Portuguese in the morning and English service in
the afternoon. Both were great! In Portuguese we did a lot of businesses and
Naomi started her first Portuguese study with a shop-keeper. Later in English I met a sister from Holland
who speaks Dutch and helps out with the English congregation here. (See there’s need for all language in English
because they cover ALL the foreigners.) A
funny story from English service was that the brother asked me if I could speak
with a guard in Portuguese to ask for this Dutch guy, and I assured him that I
could. I get to the complex and ask to
see Joao Walter. I ask him several times
in fact. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I started to get a little
frustrated because I’m pretty sure that my pronunciation is pretty good, I find
out that Joao Walter is the STREET that we’re on! Pretty embarrassing, then to make things
worse, when he asks what apartment number, I keep repeating 2200, but guess
what? That’s the # of the building that we’re at! I was a hot mess but he took the territory
from me and figured out who we were trying to reach. Whew, just when you think you know a
language, the rug gets snatched out from under you!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tonight at the meeting, I commented for the first time in
Portuguese. Since we only have the
Jeremiah Book in Italian I refuse to keep silent for the remainder of the
meeting for I got myself together a simple bible-highlights comment and I said
it! Ironically it was on 2 Corinthians 10:13, which I’m not exactly applying
since we’re preaching in Italian, Portuguese and English lol. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 new changes have occurred to allow us to have our own
meeting for field service in Italian…Francisco a brother from Napoli arrived
and Alex, has moved 13 blocks from the Kingdom Hall, a far cry from the 40
minutes away he used to live. So we did our
own thing today. We did census at 2 shopping malls and found Italians! It was a
bit different but fun and productive none the less. Later we did our usual beach witnessing at
night and afterwards got to experience Brazilian Pizza! Way different than Italian style. The Brazilians like to heap tons of toppings
on their pizza which requires you to eat it with a knife and fork. Some toppings were egg, ham and cheese, while
another pizza had potatoes, broccoli and cheese. Very tasty!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1HfKSzkhfudPNaGJd0DG5wMfxPg0LmobAoRd6sY4W2m9cGG5A61uuo32dkNlaAWgpWaQwhVY0AM2XShaoyUt7yzEQOpX7yripLLu-WSe6R_AO-tIzrdKuEEkcwk6SN1t5CauZW3J2fg/s1600/20130928_144935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1HfKSzkhfudPNaGJd0DG5wMfxPg0LmobAoRd6sY4W2m9cGG5A61uuo32dkNlaAWgpWaQwhVY0AM2XShaoyUt7yzEQOpX7yripLLu-WSe6R_AO-tIzrdKuEEkcwk6SN1t5CauZW3J2fg/s640/20130928_144935.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Italian Homework</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKLXp7v-XmlmWnhPI2i-QafpOiMtzqrTePYcohTzs-kkNtCzR_1Vc3jyJ3ps1E8AB5ALA2QwXIHEWptAq6IJvuABs-XYWaMdLmQ5tSiby6hO4JJjFtyDQ0BK0NBD_Yq54pAWxJYvulIs/s1600/20130925_212247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKLXp7v-XmlmWnhPI2i-QafpOiMtzqrTePYcohTzs-kkNtCzR_1Vc3jyJ3ps1E8AB5ALA2QwXIHEWptAq6IJvuABs-XYWaMdLmQ5tSiby6hO4JJjFtyDQ0BK0NBD_Yq54pAWxJYvulIs/s640/20130925_212247.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sushi Dinner at Dima's house</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9WyW7u6puAp2j7EK4wza8HwR-NFYsTYub2bRIZFMrQBPmtxsxt7b8wyYCIUVHW08GueR9kY8J4fQzlgT4dJx0rM7r-8ZKF0r7K5a5duPywHLO34nHFBvY95chKP1Xw8MjRtR-4ACn2g/s1600/20130923_172031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9WyW7u6puAp2j7EK4wza8HwR-NFYsTYub2bRIZFMrQBPmtxsxt7b8wyYCIUVHW08GueR9kY8J4fQzlgT4dJx0rM7r-8ZKF0r7K5a5duPywHLO34nHFBvY95chKP1Xw8MjRtR-4ACn2g/s640/20130923_172031.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tapioca</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRQATh9GLA6mouR4FwuzVLBi0_tlXsyRPaVVOODX5cHTc4zMwzcbTLfT7qLqW0BW7nyL7eH5LJoiH3UfhM1X7LKpCr9iPszKXMAcOOsT5Q46tVYAf3LM5WyvQS40h3QhoFaDsZoR62mo/s1600/20130923_165623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRQATh9GLA6mouR4FwuzVLBi0_tlXsyRPaVVOODX5cHTc4zMwzcbTLfT7qLqW0BW7nyL7eH5LJoiH3UfhM1X7LKpCr9iPszKXMAcOOsT5Q46tVYAf3LM5WyvQS40h3QhoFaDsZoR62mo/s640/20130923_165623.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tapioca Place</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JZonz0o6u7uZVZ5sK4gAjeNPysn3vfsRrktbxezBhypd7YWtPrK4WmxKZqn0G82tLhE2oAR6bViBN45FsZpWUybky7AbMtH1juUJmbFuZtDVJpp1ZI0mk9A0dq_0ZwUZOFx0UmzPd7s/s1600/20130923_111101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JZonz0o6u7uZVZ5sK4gAjeNPysn3vfsRrktbxezBhypd7YWtPrK4WmxKZqn0G82tLhE2oAR6bViBN45FsZpWUybky7AbMtH1juUJmbFuZtDVJpp1ZI0mk9A0dq_0ZwUZOFx0UmzPd7s/s640/20130923_111101.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Resort we hung out at FOR FREE</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk4lxCtD6q2zFIqhF5azpjCtJwFPcjXvLSrdmage2rC8MzAZ2Jn-RX8Rmy-39Ayt8OLTHznOR13EJSU4cNi_fy4UpvE2Eaaz6s3OCKU2PglD1_1Qved5WSdqkYdFIVNBCYBdGo1hVFok/s1600/20130922_124102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk4lxCtD6q2zFIqhF5azpjCtJwFPcjXvLSrdmage2rC8MzAZ2Jn-RX8Rmy-39Ayt8OLTHznOR13EJSU4cNi_fy4UpvE2Eaaz6s3OCKU2PglD1_1Qved5WSdqkYdFIVNBCYBdGo1hVFok/s640/20130922_124102.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Festa after brother gave talk</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqP4mJfr8Oy6cB5NY9rngnBOBuGZwQKhwTM5vjeOhnX5DojOuQ38CQn0_O7vDeTJlNe__0FL3r2wvBxdOs346I6eQ_WmarMc2SJNSW48_20xc_tvgiqapwLDl940euuJYwZplUkLxsvEI/s1600/20130922_122550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqP4mJfr8Oy6cB5NY9rngnBOBuGZwQKhwTM5vjeOhnX5DojOuQ38CQn0_O7vDeTJlNe__0FL3r2wvBxdOs346I6eQ_WmarMc2SJNSW48_20xc_tvgiqapwLDl940euuJYwZplUkLxsvEI/s640/20130922_122550.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Festa</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yzR88fU40CBmHnjK2Ju3aKmbZcUJff5r3CTdDMTbDExT7_uW2lFFPhKSukXV6Yo6bZqVcBOIuyYtBkI6zqrFSlrTolMHy2SXTaXZr2Lld6RR4YdwyubfNnO5dqMueQnH5sQBZ3ZZpjA/s1600/20130921_210846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yzR88fU40CBmHnjK2Ju3aKmbZcUJff5r3CTdDMTbDExT7_uW2lFFPhKSukXV6Yo6bZqVcBOIuyYtBkI6zqrFSlrTolMHy2SXTaXZr2Lld6RR4YdwyubfNnO5dqMueQnH5sQBZ3ZZpjA/s640/20130921_210846.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thiago praticing WT reading</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFV-qqDiv8XwEI2oACjco8_gq8r3bQnu2v2SgRPsziArk7epxCuqETgqvaATIv6xQHb85aDZYY4gNOqqNXMJWm84hMk7KMccDHqwRakaM7H9lblXrkVeg4qHMDIO6GeyvYNovN70Q_I28/s1600/20130921_124323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFV-qqDiv8XwEI2oACjco8_gq8r3bQnu2v2SgRPsziArk7epxCuqETgqvaATIv6xQHb85aDZYY4gNOqqNXMJWm84hMk7KMccDHqwRakaM7H9lblXrkVeg4qHMDIO6GeyvYNovN70Q_I28/s640/20130921_124323.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cashu</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9AfvPYd_8DXAZ4bJIemjoMBOctHnxZk8Y9Y5_YVTgTYxV8muYHdnJVup9UOFq5l5RG5MwoSZozqTJbRV_fSxNcu9z4bucHsdTeZpE6ZSmCoIFUuLcT3gKnQ8z2L1h-ALxEeduS72P60/s1600/20130921_124339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9AfvPYd_8DXAZ4bJIemjoMBOctHnxZk8Y9Y5_YVTgTYxV8muYHdnJVup9UOFq5l5RG5MwoSZozqTJbRV_fSxNcu9z4bucHsdTeZpE6ZSmCoIFUuLcT3gKnQ8z2L1h-ALxEeduS72P60/s640/20130921_124339.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Unknown fruit</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WDXvWztI7rVTJARB45nzM9kcejypvpstUxLaep5LaumsBk9B7TJqz-810vhOCCBLXQtOcahusFGvOwF7_UpPQ2i2uDmkT-1NTaOAdpBQ90goSqHqAY_Tnp6mRBOVlKjnwKL7Q3YKt5o/s1600/20130921_115310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WDXvWztI7rVTJARB45nzM9kcejypvpstUxLaep5LaumsBk9B7TJqz-810vhOCCBLXQtOcahusFGvOwF7_UpPQ2i2uDmkT-1NTaOAdpBQ90goSqHqAY_Tnp6mRBOVlKjnwKL7Q3YKt5o/s640/20130921_115310.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eating at Japanese market</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinebAlaNWkHb1GTiDLX1zo9qJUB4thOpcQ4GJMvchGrRUXbPqnYnhc51Ce6jLx8y_5MHDG2MRaMW0pSvFQ0LEglWt6ua4J8jrEqsChjTBsCg0g9TBLg_BGxvl2egLMWS2FPMqnF36y874/s1600/20130923_173317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinebAlaNWkHb1GTiDLX1zo9qJUB4thOpcQ4GJMvchGrRUXbPqnYnhc51Ce6jLx8y_5MHDG2MRaMW0pSvFQ0LEglWt6ua4J8jrEqsChjTBsCg0g9TBLg_BGxvl2egLMWS2FPMqnF36y874/s640/20130923_173317.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Woman making Tapioca</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iYTeLDN1YRJqeYoxBhR5h8ZG4cugIyUih_fnbOomQhC1REq5pVQCi7zi3vA2YOPBzE-lnYRqjO0wLlVH6OZ1gLHaOELo-DyFDViiETDih5nXBX687NfArkMNH76IeP2M49X2TkezECY/s1600/20130923_171609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iYTeLDN1YRJqeYoxBhR5h8ZG4cugIyUih_fnbOomQhC1REq5pVQCi7zi3vA2YOPBzE-lnYRqjO0wLlVH6OZ1gLHaOELo-DyFDViiETDih5nXBX687NfArkMNH76IeP2M49X2TkezECY/s640/20130923_171609.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KyUDFKJxjx96q_ngaJIGl-HenYaxe2Z3e69AAJNCOX4RUVsy0twcnrYFckJoOwaJXKtPSndz4rK-eDrwfYfuaMijyMFkH-X1iLPbO4ZP3eZ0OSJJjWRUjWVwsW-keC_om2jor_3XU1c/s1600/20130923_095106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KyUDFKJxjx96q_ngaJIGl-HenYaxe2Z3e69AAJNCOX4RUVsy0twcnrYFckJoOwaJXKtPSndz4rK-eDrwfYfuaMijyMFkH-X1iLPbO4ZP3eZ0OSJJjWRUjWVwsW-keC_om2jor_3XU1c/s640/20130923_095106.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKWAff1zgYNvc7_YRULh3U0H6FMaLaOkj1Hwd8aCQUOwDzqvEEJj2VrQWFn5VVAOZnXtR39ja9xbzW2E7vzmyH2eRGTdjoherzvgqjnEiJCKodBDhscKnscTKigoBklBF9Yw3pUmxF-E/s1600/20130922_122652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKWAff1zgYNvc7_YRULh3U0H6FMaLaOkj1Hwd8aCQUOwDzqvEEJj2VrQWFn5VVAOZnXtR39ja9xbzW2E7vzmyH2eRGTdjoherzvgqjnEiJCKodBDhscKnscTKigoBklBF9Yw3pUmxF-E/s640/20130922_122652.jpg" /> </a> </div>
Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-2562874991442399822013-09-21T18:22:00.001-07:002013-10-07T04:17:46.096-07:00Getting settled inFriday we ended up having the unexpected privilege of helping out with the public witnessing trolley. We jazzed out up a little but by adding Italian, English, Spanish and and Arabic magazines. We had an awesome few hours at the beach. While people strolled and exercised we displayed the Suffering poster and attracted many different possibilities to the trolley. We placed 2 Bible Teach books, over 30 magazines and potentially started 2 Bible studies. We even met some.Italians! At 7:30 pm we were joined by the Italian group and they walked the promenade while Marcia and I held down the trolley and.got too know each other better. <br />
Today I got to try two new foods. One was simply a young green coconut that is sold for $1 and the vendor chops off the top and sticks a straw in for you enjoy the sweet water. Then you can bring the coconut back and they cut it in half with a machetti. I took mine home, scrapped out the coconut meat and added sugar , milk and ice and blender it..yummy! <br />
The other tasty treat was called..<br />
Saturday was another service oriented day. At 8:45 we met and split into 2 car groups and covered the known Italian addresses. We didn't find anyone in my car group but were able to add new names thanks to friendly doormen.<br />
after the morning we ate typical Carea food. Bbq beef that is brought on a still lit grill with onions and cheese, rice, yucca fries, beans, shredded beef and pico di gallo. It was delicious! after that we needed a nap. Then it was back to the hall at 3 pm for evening witnessing at the beach. We stayed out until 7 pm. My feet hurt but we had 2 very nice conversations with nice Italians. On the way back to home, we stopped for a snack of fried cheese balls and cashew and apple juice.. sounds like a weird combination nut its actually quite tasty. Then we said goodbye to Priscilla and Aldehelando since they had up to an hour commute back home on the bus.<br />
Sunday we had the meeting all in Italian and did phone witnessing in the back while English had their meeting. I take back English needing help..lol. They had like 50 people whereas we had 15. <br />
After service we were invited to a friends house for a cookout/ pool party. There I had so much meat that I'm actually taking a meat break for a week.lol. It sure was good though...<br />
One of the sisters who really had helped us get set up is actually a newscaster so we accompanied her to a fashion gig she had to cover. We browsed through designer booths and Naomi found some "killer" shoes she couldn't resist. You know cheap ol me didn't buy anything..lol. I just looked. I was mad when the $5 bathing suits were dental style. If you don't know what that means, it refers to the style of the bottom of the bikini..dental floss.nuff said , that ain't gonna work for a Christian lol.<br />
We ended the night with a MPS fashion show. MPS stands for Miss Plus Size...interesting.<br />
Monday I over slept and missed the 8am group..told you it was gonna be hard... But I meet the 3 pm group for phone witnessing. The sister how invited me however failed to inform me that the preaching was in a Portuguese!! Lol I did my best but eventually defaulted to letter writing after several episodes of having to pass the phone over. But the other sisters had nice long extended conversations. We had endless territory due to all the gated buildings. <br />
Tuesday after Portuguese service Naomi and I started making Italian Business territory by searching on the internet for Italian restaurants. So far we found 80 but I know there are many more since there are over 2 million people in Fortaleza. At the Gelato place where we used the wifi I tried Tapioca for the first time. Its a snack here made into a sort of crepe that you can fill with many toppings. I tried the simple one with just butter. There was some green sauce on the side, sadly I found out that is was mayo after I asked for more..gross!<br />
Later Naomi taught her first Italian class! It lasted 2 hours and comprised of 3 parts. Grammar, culture and Italian for the ministry. Interestingly it was held during the English meeting so we couldn't clap but we laughed ALOT!!<br />
Wednesday we did more service and after getting desperate for internet Naomi asked a neighbor for a password for their wifi, and surprisingly they gave it to us! So now the 2 American girls, (us) look even crazier because we sit outside at night in our courtyard on our laptops. Lol <br />
Thursday we were invited to a sisters house for lunch! Everything is here house that is related to art was hand painted by her, even the plates we ate on! She's good!! Now she pioneers and closed her studio where she used to teach. What sacrifice! Later we had our Italian meeting and Naomi gave her first part! <br />
Friday I started my first Portuguese Bible study! I was with another sister and as we approached a man working as a guard for an apartment building he was reading his Bible. She receives a phone call and then I'm left speaking with this man about Psalms 37:29. So<br />I turned to chapter 3 of the Bible Teach Book and we did the first paragraph together and i asked him to respond in his own words, and he did<br />! After service, we searched for tapioca and found some at<br />Pao De<br />Acuzar, a grocery store. <br />This time I was more adventurous and tried<br />Romeo and Juliet which is<br />Guayana fruit with cheese. It was a sweet and filling combo. <br /><br /><br />I did telephone witnessing again in Portuguese and this time people understood me<br />! :<br />) After we did beach witnessing and after enjoyed.<br />BB<br />Q on the beach. What a satisfying day<br />!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfETnHCtyK-cLCoCcGHSajiqKgZa0LaQzVTgW2kdgdbpylGHEZMFp6k2cgcY6_FURCl8Auf22gOBlwYiPuR2vVXbJ-lt542F-9ImqNXcKuseGED2v0yUeqBl36-U048wNNqB5un54vWQ/s1600/20130915_183052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfETnHCtyK-cLCoCcGHSajiqKgZa0LaQzVTgW2kdgdbpylGHEZMFp6k2cgcY6_FURCl8Auf22gOBlwYiPuR2vVXbJ-lt542F-9ImqNXcKuseGED2v0yUeqBl36-U048wNNqB5un54vWQ/s640/20130915_183052.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Naomi's designer shoes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9FszJWnoMkjYaEUwkMNoAhmGLBzLKPB9mb-DdxiVLXq5UcXrmUv85BpDuO6lFuAlZdY9hSAF9cel6x_Cuw2kZsojPkKi9qo6Iip0NmovvtUgMSc1XmUSvYXxoTWJu-ljRUr25x4kHkA/s1600/20000101_101501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9FszJWnoMkjYaEUwkMNoAhmGLBzLKPB9mb-DdxiVLXq5UcXrmUv85BpDuO6lFuAlZdY9hSAF9cel6x_Cuw2kZsojPkKi9qo6Iip0NmovvtUgMSc1XmUSvYXxoTWJu-ljRUr25x4kHkA/s640/20000101_101501.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Vera's sweet parents!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHuZ9ooYMr6cleyot9SmbbYYHbeHZDvqiNvJBPYky1PKEyyn7ayjEyY2UqQg9KtCaSDwYZtbTKHyKnlamp66zWU5-Jakgv4NvXO-f104MzuoMIMZd2f4QTEnkm8YDswjLKhqAscjwMEM/s1600/20000101_102128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHuZ9ooYMr6cleyot9SmbbYYHbeHZDvqiNvJBPYky1PKEyyn7ayjEyY2UqQg9KtCaSDwYZtbTKHyKnlamp66zWU5-Jakgv4NvXO-f104MzuoMIMZd2f4QTEnkm8YDswjLKhqAscjwMEM/s640/20000101_102128.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The yummy meat Vera's dad cooked</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPr-DJYyepu5U4Zc-1fOnU98m8pCTeCy8iTVWLWEW5kmU0UnPRIEadD9hgSEmR8bRNJMsG6k1EH_Bazm-RzEYube1m6TTzgEM3THr3SdEPgygKoo_QaQStJc5YKumOulSKielYuMPvW4/s1600/19991231_222912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPr-DJYyepu5U4Zc-1fOnU98m8pCTeCy8iTVWLWEW5kmU0UnPRIEadD9hgSEmR8bRNJMsG6k1EH_Bazm-RzEYube1m6TTzgEM3THr3SdEPgygKoo_QaQStJc5YKumOulSKielYuMPvW4/s640/19991231_222912.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Adhlelando and Priscilla after service</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t96U8fsTAZjomijrXEhHWObYxVc7wf6WGfdUfZ2XOdl2wc_L_XiBoFgz_pMr7t3CW1H4NwgwZlBGGCO1E9oHWBVoQzSxzT0RHYo6RbutbQ81BYqD4ZsuskHS-5XeyPBmAMA9rHcybW8/s1600/20000101_070609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t96U8fsTAZjomijrXEhHWObYxVc7wf6WGfdUfZ2XOdl2wc_L_XiBoFgz_pMr7t3CW1H4NwgwZlBGGCO1E9oHWBVoQzSxzT0RHYo6RbutbQ81BYqD4ZsuskHS-5XeyPBmAMA9rHcybW8/s640/20000101_070609.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Phone witnessing and letter writing in Italian</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFVPeWY0V8KEJU0vWjNm32M5rW2UHEiNeBASMlvF0mTzvqHzugQKkqju8EEvWFIGc94iM7SAxaw-Pyx0cGaXtoBV5jLYfC9Mt8UFkl_vvYl_iCai-SQhguZv00IwS-mjhvzW27ubpZgs/s1600/20130920_144258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFVPeWY0V8KEJU0vWjNm32M5rW2UHEiNeBASMlvF0mTzvqHzugQKkqju8EEvWFIGc94iM7SAxaw-Pyx0cGaXtoBV5jLYfC9Mt8UFkl_vvYl_iCai-SQhguZv00IwS-mjhvzW27ubpZgs/s640/20130920_144258.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Phone witnessing and Letter writing in Portuguese</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5gNENz-5Y1Gz4QGhKzNZdCmaUF9RFo9AuhYeON6t4_yHnjY8WKI8yojTm0wJNYyelNmqP012LgViUH_vQlJCuSPygBkaE72SV1sBZZXdctM320ZAa-JnVpdAHvlU4BhCSRldOKVBHlo/s1600/20130919_114946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5gNENz-5Y1Gz4QGhKzNZdCmaUF9RFo9AuhYeON6t4_yHnjY8WKI8yojTm0wJNYyelNmqP012LgViUH_vQlJCuSPygBkaE72SV1sBZZXdctM320ZAa-JnVpdAHvlU4BhCSRldOKVBHlo/s640/20130919_114946.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A plate that MArcia hand-painted</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8m7JMsvuCc_Gb-tAN4SbQmwNx-5ahoUAmxI2d3bca_qhSDcrLZ8-lVUqPDpwVsx00cjNpAj4eJ4knjld9YV106cwfU5yIdkGh7euY7grw9CmjCEthepuqRMRFcEnRrOhGDkIBODAs71o/s1600/20130918_112955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8m7JMsvuCc_Gb-tAN4SbQmwNx-5ahoUAmxI2d3bca_qhSDcrLZ8-lVUqPDpwVsx00cjNpAj4eJ4knjld9YV106cwfU5yIdkGh7euY7grw9CmjCEthepuqRMRFcEnRrOhGDkIBODAs71o/s640/20130918_112955.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My first tapioca</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPAYjo9HK1GVX8nkc1fHzhZOLjBrsIrNUwfERIFWwGKDVRQl27R_2jaj-yY9aGXtDzkpoPS72xGCKzjCkm3JzzDCZ91ZYFAiIPlv0d6Zh5zWUFvqD1s-H-QCbnF-IvibU1J-dxJ2V1r0/s1600/20130917_093833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPAYjo9HK1GVX8nkc1fHzhZOLjBrsIrNUwfERIFWwGKDVRQl27R_2jaj-yY9aGXtDzkpoPS72xGCKzjCkm3JzzDCZ91ZYFAiIPlv0d6Zh5zWUFvqD1s-H-QCbnF-IvibU1J-dxJ2V1r0/s640/20130917_093833.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Portugues Service (the brother on R baptized 3 yrs, in his 80s and pioneering)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03gKxv-3UZt7P7c789Qjvu-ZXczWPd5onfNutpxjyCPY5xKgDySkfnNMMMSAVsLW_-IW3UMdxSibAMdRzHEFKUULxdwTKDMamJP6Moy5_OMHU1EiIY543vV4FwmHPOOLhaSvWAmwrfQE/s1600/20130917_163638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03gKxv-3UZt7P7c789Qjvu-ZXczWPd5onfNutpxjyCPY5xKgDySkfnNMMMSAVsLW_-IW3UMdxSibAMdRzHEFKUULxdwTKDMamJP6Moy5_OMHU1EiIY543vV4FwmHPOOLhaSvWAmwrfQE/s640/20130917_163638.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marcia's Portuguese bible tudy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCGlFLB6i3hgx3seGTP04cI3OWAK2B7AZCPfmxGa42V_t_-hTVBiJe5ZEOUhk_4UvgQ-5hSamDrfFwUcVvgS4bEgE4H5QCZ0uyErOGwaFBQ3jnXdEIWMo9Qat4gPjhUkr5zHDRPPLSGI/s1600/20000101_011938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCGlFLB6i3hgx3seGTP04cI3OWAK2B7AZCPfmxGa42V_t_-hTVBiJe5ZEOUhk_4UvgQ-5hSamDrfFwUcVvgS4bEgE4H5QCZ0uyErOGwaFBQ3jnXdEIWMo9Qat4gPjhUkr5zHDRPPLSGI/s640/20000101_011938.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Romeo and Juliet Tapioca</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlljfOwQeyEDoLOFMZHWt9niTsJzF8fB1tHR0Atcgfyd4PsiWzzjNzzlq5F2walOP_I_yu8WGJV1NEJojkCzYXq3bIMjU5t5uHuc3z-jh8qvzDNbsadbyh2_Ek0EQJoLbCXlZke2lAPM/s1600/19991231_234545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlljfOwQeyEDoLOFMZHWt9niTsJzF8fB1tHR0Atcgfyd4PsiWzzjNzzlq5F2walOP_I_yu8WGJV1NEJojkCzYXq3bIMjU5t5uHuc3z-jh8qvzDNbsadbyh2_Ek0EQJoLbCXlZke2lAPM/s640/19991231_234545.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Italian Class-Rosa teaching Culture</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2BuKOMLO2YkdzQmOCX0en-n_iWMI_lIAw1HPtiYD-EIPqM5PZojhvjyCVxf4t1Y7qxjUfi431ttKhfN8MkPOi0J-Bw0NbB-D-3Xmb4x1o-qK3YT-o6Sb_hbUt7WCqrxCjTqQzd-8LnU/s1600/19991231_230946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2BuKOMLO2YkdzQmOCX0en-n_iWMI_lIAw1HPtiYD-EIPqM5PZojhvjyCVxf4t1Y7qxjUfi431ttKhfN8MkPOi0J-Bw0NbB-D-3Xmb4x1o-qK3YT-o6Sb_hbUt7WCqrxCjTqQzd-8LnU/s640/19991231_230946.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Italian Class</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3zlrXYN1BUOSMMQ2CYMsBwp8QxzClrryjUkAk1RYYDDVh47MSc1BxpErcFUWPB7dMmD4oZNaQ4wXp5Ja1IATl6fB02zBtRNHS4h_6_wJmrQP_v-lbDUSedVzSyXkXhXpZYJfd2wtbh8/s1600/20130919_115541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3zlrXYN1BUOSMMQ2CYMsBwp8QxzClrryjUkAk1RYYDDVh47MSc1BxpErcFUWPB7dMmD4oZNaQ4wXp5Ja1IATl6fB02zBtRNHS4h_6_wJmrQP_v-lbDUSedVzSyXkXhXpZYJfd2wtbh8/s640/20130919_115541.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marcia</div>
Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-73876713256476057072013-09-11T04:27:00.000-07:002013-10-12T18:09:54.710-07:00BRAZIL!!!Hello everyone back at home! My first post from Brazil! So I've decided to post once per week! Lets rewind to last week when I arrived on Thursday morning at 6:30 am. I was greeted by a gracious couple that I had never meet before, Sheila and Dom Gonzales. They were so cute holding a plain white sign with my name printed on it. Quickly I discovered that Sheila does not speak English and clearly I don't speak Portuguese. But through google translate she told me how she was an auxiliary pioneer and is a stay at home mom. She has 2 children a 15 yr son and a 12 yr old daughter who would get baptized the upcoming Saturday. As we snaked through the streets of Sao Paolo I started to succumb to motion sickness and gave in to much needed sleep. I woke up in an unknown Barrio and followed the couple inside a rather nice home. Here in S.P. is where I met my first Brazilian friends, pictured below. They taught me many new words through gestures, pointing and lots of laughter. The 2 on the left are twins and serve in a sign language congregation and the one next to me is an engaged pioneer serving in the Portuguese. Later in the day Naomi, my travel companion and future roommate from London, and Priscilla, the ex-model Brazil native who has been learning Italian over the past 2 years, arrived. We sat down to a delicious hand prepared meal of stew with generous portions of beef.<br />
<br />
To arrive to Congreso (the convention) we left at 6:30 am and waited for a bus full of happy witnesses that took us to the Assembly Hall in Vargem Grande in 90 minutes. The convention was beautiful and up to 5000 attended on Sunday. Over 30 were baptized in Portuguese, including our new friend Esther. The Italian was located in the B hall and almost 200 attended. Speakers came from Rio, Marceo, Fortaleza, Sao Paolo and various parts of a Italy. We exchanged.information with to many new friends to count. <br />
Sunday evening I rode with a newly wed Bethelite couple to a hotel directly across from Bethel. There I enjoyed the "best" Brazilian meal yet, microwaved cheeseburgers with friends from Fortaleza, my future home. Lol The next morning we toured Bethel and enjoyed close association with brothers from Marceo. After the tour, the Fortaleza group set out to catch our flights. After a harrowing experience being apart from our luggage, including my passport and money, we happily reunited at the airport and parted ways. There we met an awesome Bethelite couple who were in transit to Chile to check in on kingdom hall.building work in that country. They lovingly treated us to dinner, which truly was my best Brazilian meal so far, a buffet with everything you could dream of on it! After sharing encouraging words of wisdom and amusing stories not only did we exchange information, but the coupe invited Naomi and I to STAY AT BETHEL for 2 days!!!!! We were elated for the invitation because w had foregone lunch at Bethel in order to make it to the airport on time. We'll see if we get to accept this wonderful invitation. This dinner was pivotal because Carla planted in my mind the need that Brazil Bethel has for English teachers, hmmmmmmm :)<br />
<br />
In Fortaleza, we were welcomed by Brother Mauricio and he drove us to our new home! Its cute and very small yet practical. He also endowed us when a care package from his wife with tons of treats from a coffee maker to new pillows. How thoughtful and loving! The next day we explored, visited the beach and attended an English meeting by accident. There we realized that the need in Fortaleza is not just in Italian. So any who have the circumstances can consider helping the English! The next day we went in service with the English and guess where the first return visit was? The Mormon headquarters! Mama mia! Elder whatever his name was, accepted the pornography magazine and was very respectful, although he wasn't the English speaker we were searching for. Later while preparing for the meeting, we for a surprise visit from a young couple in the Italian who have been learning for 6 months. They took us shopping! At the mall we encountered Mauricio, his wife and an elderly sister who was staying with them. Turns out she attended Gilead in 1957 and had been serving Jehovah full time ever since as a single woman! You go head girl! Now she's a Bethelite. She was so cute! Today we went out in service with the Portuguese and I did my first presentation. I didn't do too badly if I say so myself. The group meet at 8am, whew, and we stopped at 1030am, go figure... This service schedule us going to take some getting used to.<br />
<br />
We had a meeting last night. Most of the meeting was in Portuguese. In fact the only part in Italian was the Jeremiah book. The theocratic ministry school is only every other week. I got my first talk assignment for October yay!<br />
<br />
Today we did service again in Portuguese. We preached in high rise buildings close to the sea. Most of them were inaccessible so we preached to the guards. I found a lovely couple from far away in Brazil that have come here to get kidney transplants. They invited me to sit down and share the message with them. In my horrible Portuguese I was able to share Revelation 21:3,4 and offer the Suffering Watchtower. Then I shared Isaiah 33:24. My companion wrote down all the information so we can back. Also the man couldn't read, so were going to bring back the Listen to God brochure.<br />
<br />
Tonight we preach at the beach with the Italians at 7 pm!! Fun times ahead!#<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIn2rqjxa2zG8uBza-a9tiSDqf_40M_qa4n9t6BPEe8LWEYAdiZ-_rx9Ht6Jo0UzRbPJDqZBzFFlLYUJQtoyDEvGkgI_lCRYx9u36yFJT6cISKV7zH6K3ANQ6a0GWKJcXVVx_BEZHdZvE/s1600/20130912_101006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIn2rqjxa2zG8uBza-a9tiSDqf_40M_qa4n9t6BPEe8LWEYAdiZ-_rx9Ht6Jo0UzRbPJDqZBzFFlLYUJQtoyDEvGkgI_lCRYx9u36yFJT6cISKV7zH6K3ANQ6a0GWKJcXVVx_BEZHdZvE/s640/20130912_101006.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Portugues service</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATcFeyubCSigx6zFoBf1t9tOjAlPqWtDCXjol3az96LAYtseVmYvn7NXewvSf-NryjwiRNYiQIGt89Mn6xIUXHY_RcGhFHuA6gJ7iUGxzcOEmS0zvQasP1Ublcm6f3lC51aA0WJRWp9Q/s1600/20130911_203636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATcFeyubCSigx6zFoBf1t9tOjAlPqWtDCXjol3az96LAYtseVmYvn7NXewvSf-NryjwiRNYiQIGt89Mn6xIUXHY_RcGhFHuA6gJ7iUGxzcOEmS0zvQasP1Ublcm6f3lC51aA0WJRWp9Q/s640/20130911_203636.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mall Day (older sister with headwrap is Missionary who attended Gilead as a single woman in 1957)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0SfMwwozSV41kY1nN3CL-7WmezOHDvW7usrjbToGU3VINclq9ZjvLEcndA7Dh-IyL3aVgDHw9x2ielE5UQQXx4aNVrBH67-bgqTHekCTOsuefUiRE-4kUudyDrC81ceKz32SmnEHjIQ/s1600/19991231_190133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0SfMwwozSV41kY1nN3CL-7WmezOHDvW7usrjbToGU3VINclq9ZjvLEcndA7Dh-IyL3aVgDHw9x2ielE5UQQXx4aNVrBH67-bgqTHekCTOsuefUiRE-4kUudyDrC81ceKz32SmnEHjIQ/s640/19991231_190133.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
New friends in Sao Paolo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjem3ZIRKMJMOq3RK_xwHWWmHoOC9_324C-Ed_PIOpnZhbt73M7wbFSOtzBZ8aM0RfO6Un6kLvMXG985hIsSQGkFpUEfEBN9z3qjn3oHmPAs7vWcX_vuLjHm__CLdbql4XHQZyuUEK_Tzo/s1600/20130906_074644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjem3ZIRKMJMOq3RK_xwHWWmHoOC9_324C-Ed_PIOpnZhbt73M7wbFSOtzBZ8aM0RfO6Un6kLvMXG985hIsSQGkFpUEfEBN9z3qjn3oHmPAs7vWcX_vuLjHm__CLdbql4XHQZyuUEK_Tzo/s640/20130906_074644.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Girl in red got baptized, 12 yr old daughter of our host familiy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqad640XYzj5Rpnjzdz1V8G8f6n3Uuo3e5VnA_4gKP16Ugns0PLZOSFv1LbyrO2eCnqsAN96mFcZMsud42qHEia6_SKXfV_JK4GFWHHDx9-WlRdQWxNkO7a7ySE16BeyaVf8D470FEKk/s1600/20000102_042656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrqad640XYzj5Rpnjzdz1V8G8f6n3Uuo3e5VnA_4gKP16Ugns0PLZOSFv1LbyrO2eCnqsAN96mFcZMsud42qHEia6_SKXfV_JK4GFWHHDx9-WlRdQWxNkO7a7ySE16BeyaVf8D470FEKk/s640/20000102_042656.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Italian group</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwsNDyBswpO66B9Wib7HV5BSY3MxUD4PWPFVT0qTkdUypLZYcBsjA-HgxBjnTY4cruYD0cHQLKA1Vlr-5PcvH4z9R8-a_kCbeNy9N1sMJ1ikFx5v60Yz6jedlMInUY51wDYn71csbOJQ/s1600/20130912_082016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwsNDyBswpO66B9Wib7HV5BSY3MxUD4PWPFVT0qTkdUypLZYcBsjA-HgxBjnTY4cruYD0cHQLKA1Vlr-5PcvH4z9R8-a_kCbeNy9N1sMJ1ikFx5v60Yz6jedlMInUY51wDYn71csbOJQ/s640/20130912_082016.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our KH</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggllMeRQkvUF9ZLQ_KpuRt7km9FJItJydkxFDQ_ZzRvTppN0iEowTuU2KvFH210qNyyljmzZoYlwxBZxP8LwL7HJitAvJX2l1mAXeRzkJiaoJeJSflrjDxCf0ajxcQ5nPmlLAXwq8XoI8/s1600/20130911_143657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggllMeRQkvUF9ZLQ_KpuRt7km9FJItJydkxFDQ_ZzRvTppN0iEowTuU2KvFH210qNyyljmzZoYlwxBZxP8LwL7HJitAvJX2l1mAXeRzkJiaoJeJSflrjDxCf0ajxcQ5nPmlLAXwq8XoI8/s640/20130911_143657.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The beach we can walk to near our house</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjnMRNxB8Bp_-MDoRlJOoAzNW6fFQ0EZSnj2IBRe2JwPjuFHjLhGxgZagugql-pSd9Slfds3DNhiO8Cv5oCT5z_ge4wKU73s18tOq9lyAAt4dG13fbRfAl87BU7Xtwo2KYwTAhLllHSE/s1600/20130906_052901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjnMRNxB8Bp_-MDoRlJOoAzNW6fFQ0EZSnj2IBRe2JwPjuFHjLhGxgZagugql-pSd9Slfds3DNhiO8Cv5oCT5z_ge4wKU73s18tOq9lyAAt4dG13fbRfAl87BU7Xtwo2KYwTAhLllHSE/s640/20130906_052901.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our group to ride the bus with in the morning(I know Im looking crazy, it's because it was SO COLD, I have to last minute come up with an outfit.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tI5KKkM6hvdkovlxc2TnJwatjcV9C6Ox6AqW7rN7V6-lcEyqxu67RGkewr6wuTJTkUb4_qZ3UJnNP3B768sPmv_HvSCGqK_u2IGUm0H65yyBZCcCMdyYJhVLViN_BDNfk3L7Eq7GDDM/s1600/20130906_195758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tI5KKkM6hvdkovlxc2TnJwatjcV9C6Ox6AqW7rN7V6-lcEyqxu67RGkewr6wuTJTkUb4_qZ3UJnNP3B768sPmv_HvSCGqK_u2IGUm0H65yyBZCcCMdyYJhVLViN_BDNfk3L7Eq7GDDM/s640/20130906_195758.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sheila- our gracious host provided homemade lasgna.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13WcOrzhlr2X47zB93X5pebxRzFU3I1ok0c2ixn_3h7L2QKnoJoeZW1Rm_nmwp_0-3ZtvKJCShsLn1Lnlqer773-dzyCgpOjZKUgxPEWmCoSiOkmMWTJYXW9zR1j_G4gaZx8OSixKHIo/s1600/20000101_001403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13WcOrzhlr2X47zB93X5pebxRzFU3I1ok0c2ixn_3h7L2QKnoJoeZW1Rm_nmwp_0-3ZtvKJCShsLn1Lnlqer773-dzyCgpOjZKUgxPEWmCoSiOkmMWTJYXW9zR1j_G4gaZx8OSixKHIo/s640/20000101_001403.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Congresso</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9nlfZmME5w-R6g6Q74OaJGqMKA8H4m-ZQ6uKTg-pCg4Meb6iyp15a9iabxhvu3B45LDeX53sUKEYAEBAI0pDQCD0xswe2IdhgJQWxZyheF_d12Rym5NnAdfYmKW6dwPtsHc91eGuJu4/s1600/19991231_220509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9nlfZmME5w-R6g6Q74OaJGqMKA8H4m-ZQ6uKTg-pCg4Meb6iyp15a9iabxhvu3B45LDeX53sUKEYAEBAI0pDQCD0xswe2IdhgJQWxZyheF_d12Rym5NnAdfYmKW6dwPtsHc91eGuJu4/s640/19991231_220509.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bethel</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnxdrNXih14onGtuTF_nkVLz-LqHzcvcgbwx_1KkiNyzrMyceAwScneQErP6N28T4UuEbBH_7WdJWaaSpA4n5SwGLdJBKjuvnY39UcIF4HsMPTUAQhW8SdpinES73UlhkbgFWERKmTJc/s1600/19991231_213434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnxdrNXih14onGtuTF_nkVLz-LqHzcvcgbwx_1KkiNyzrMyceAwScneQErP6N28T4UuEbBH_7WdJWaaSpA4n5SwGLdJBKjuvnY39UcIF4HsMPTUAQhW8SdpinES73UlhkbgFWERKmTJc/s640/19991231_213434.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bethel</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtykoHZydYT2j9GZaXdBEnYeRP1g9-F-ErpadidFL0g5NSpNAgnmXnnrjQqzODXlYgEuaMqYCPTloGhFyTdkyh849dWzoKiMNb04dcVuzth3CzBlT1dEhAhZzcl0u_5_on9_YoOy-XwA/s1600/19991231_195613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtykoHZydYT2j9GZaXdBEnYeRP1g9-F-ErpadidFL0g5NSpNAgnmXnnrjQqzODXlYgEuaMqYCPTloGhFyTdkyh849dWzoKiMNb04dcVuzth3CzBlT1dEhAhZzcl0u_5_on9_YoOy-XwA/s640/19991231_195613.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Posusada we stayed- It's like a hotel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPLfxNnT2KfyJCm6a3hBi3myae_3FKsW1aiOfulsIdwzwAFcy1riEDLRf5QINNuVqLW4tWpDtwRYGwwV-2t2duAA_IClcoXp1WyzILkS4qVSD98rZSL8OvF5dsVMBr3oikknOujF9lUY/s1600/19991231_190136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPLfxNnT2KfyJCm6a3hBi3myae_3FKsW1aiOfulsIdwzwAFcy1riEDLRf5QINNuVqLW4tWpDtwRYGwwV-2t2duAA_IClcoXp1WyzILkS4qVSD98rZSL8OvF5dsVMBr3oikknOujF9lUY/s640/19991231_190136.jpg" /> </a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sao Paolo</div>
Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-64165207782290193342013-03-02T13:13:00.000-08:002013-03-02T13:13:46.978-08:00Day 1 of the CampaignToday was the first day of the campaign to give out invites for the Memorial. The territory here is sooooo different. First my partner and I conducted a study over Skype with a young sister in Italy. Then we used the territory of confirmed Italians to map our walk. The addresses are written like Street A Between 2 and 3. There may or may not be a description of the house or the name of the business. Sometimes there's even a name. So we did the first visit which was a woman who works in an Italian Cafe. Since we wanted coffee anyways, we sat down and ordered a Cappachino. YUM! The server was the Italian we were looking for- perfect! The others were not at homes from we enjoyed our morning none the less. We ran into some brothers from Mexico City who were here on vacation. The onlookers probably were confused my our repeated attempts to communicate in broken Spanish and hugs as we departed. <br />
<br />
Tonight we went to a brother's house who is from Puglia. He made the best dinner EVER! Gnocchi with shrimp and Zucchini! Then we had shrimp wrapped in bacon with his famous sauce. Then we had 2 desserts. Then we had teqiulla. Then we had a cocktail made by me: Watermelon Mojitos. We laughed and enjoyed each other's company. I love Mexico!<br />
<br />
<br />Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-82515656131150877222013-03-02T13:06:00.000-08:002013-03-02T13:18:55.992-08:00Going Away PartySo if you have never heard of it- Mexico has a special arrangement for pioneers who want to increase their ministry. Basically these pioneers can sign up to brand new territory from 1-6 months. These assignments can be in rural Mexico all the way down to Panama. So this is an awesome opportunity. A sister in our hall has had the opportunity to be selected to go to a rural part of Mexico. She had her going away party today. She will be preaching in Spanish for 2 months! It was sad to say goodbye but she's going to have the time of her life! We can't wait to hear of her experiences!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnU9dIgk1-29R5Zo0dFCJ3w8RvpBqZaQy48SnyRh89zTP8rmPRLGnbbzGfu10d1vI_IuRdZP1W6ZLyvm9mXAy7ts4qbk7OJWqgONPxnXsCOkhrO4Hzf1WS3ex1krE3Fx52BTWTK3EMoc/s1600/IMG_9865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnU9dIgk1-29R5Zo0dFCJ3w8RvpBqZaQy48SnyRh89zTP8rmPRLGnbbzGfu10d1vI_IuRdZP1W6ZLyvm9mXAy7ts4qbk7OJWqgONPxnXsCOkhrO4Hzf1WS3ex1krE3Fx52BTWTK3EMoc/s320/IMG_9865.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-N3nze1rbvVBKcxSGtI3bJRSF70RO5QU2PL0t0yTyymRh92EPl43mqqX1IUX3GFpVt2FAFZcfp_knZYGcfHeCErHWKG19b3ZJJxPNkegqsD11tzJYf9sT14mqz6IGhqYr50uSjsL9iYY/s1600/IMG_9852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-N3nze1rbvVBKcxSGtI3bJRSF70RO5QU2PL0t0yTyymRh92EPl43mqqX1IUX3GFpVt2FAFZcfp_knZYGcfHeCErHWKG19b3ZJJxPNkegqsD11tzJYf9sT14mqz6IGhqYr50uSjsL9iYY/s320/IMG_9852.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-9602718808337901502013-02-25T08:18:00.004-08:002013-02-25T08:18:59.759-08:00Merida<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Merida</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Such as an awesome city with such awesome friends!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stayed in Merida for a few days after the assembly. What was supposed to be a day and half turned
into 4! But it was amazing. I met my
friend Linda in Nicaragua last year. She
had friends from Nicaragua visiting too this weekend. So we all hang out together!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monday</b> we literally just chilled and recovered from a crazy
spiritual weekend. We attended the meeting for Merida English. I was surprised at the mix. There were people from Belize, USA and
Canada. There even was a lovely older
missionary couple who have been serving many years in English. We clapped after every part- I loved it. After we made mango margheritas and sang songs
together. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tuesday</b> we went to see 3 Cenotes. These are underground sources of water that
somehow connect to the ocean. The first one
was completely underground. There was a
huge tree that stuck up from under the ground.
You go down like 100 steps and then at the roots there’s dirt and water
surrounding the dirt. I can’t really
describe it but it’s dark and the water is cool and very deep. But it’s crystal clear and fish live in the
water. The next one was open on the top
but EXTREMELY deep with a rope swing. By
extreme I am talking 80 feet. It’s a
little scary. The last one was the most
adventurous. You hike through a cave and
step over rocks and duck cave formations to get to the cenote. It was beautiful. There were so many bats in that cave
through. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After swimming in cenotes all day we ate a restaurant that
specializes in pork. Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm is
all I can say. It’s grilled and you add
fresh squeezed orange juice and make it into tacos! That’s some good eating.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The next day </b>we went into Merida to see downtown and shop a
little. We then came home and make
Jalepeno Chicken, Miguel the native Nicaraguan ‘s specialty. He showed us his recipie.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1-Chop a ton of onions</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2-Deseed and devein a ton of jalepenos. I am talking like 2 pounds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3- Clean and debone a few chicken breasts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4-Chop like half a head of garlic.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5- Heat oil in big pot and add some finely chopped onion.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6-After 5 min add rice.
After 5 min add Water and cook rice as usual, don’t forget to salt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7-In another pan warm oil and garlic.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8- After 5 min add chicken.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9-After 5 min add onions. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10- After onions go down in size add jalepenos.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
11-Next add salt and pepper to taste and heavy whipping cream.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
DONE!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So simple yet so yummy!!!! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We brought the food to a friend’s house and then enjoyed it
together. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Last day</b> in Merida we go out on a yacht in Progresso, a
beach town 40 min. away from Merida.
Awesome! We tour the Marina and
then eat beachside. Get a load of
this. You order a drink, let’s say for
40 pesos. They bring you free food! Fish ceviche, octopus, tamales, tacos,
taquitos, potatoes, the list goes on!
All you do is pay for your drinks.
Incredible! Mexico is WHERE it is
AT! Lol We say goodbye to our new Merida
family and head back to Playa- time for some service! (To get an idea of distance, the bus took 4
hours to get to Cancun and from there it was 1 hour to Playa. Wasn’t so cheap like 350 pesos in all, $30
USD)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqEpkcJUvbp4moHBcLsFt4AdRYo_xO-lrmJ0lEST7gNxgC6M4QWJFJ5MJhNUxEuDi-7bTHr5OfIoxV_fCA_KRhhb_vd0NQpoGZwmqrx7ssm3pYF06WhcY-ersqeYuTj0EB5pdzKSkNP4/s1600/IMG_20130217_214539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqEpkcJUvbp4moHBcLsFt4AdRYo_xO-lrmJ0lEST7gNxgC6M4QWJFJ5MJhNUxEuDi-7bTHr5OfIoxV_fCA_KRhhb_vd0NQpoGZwmqrx7ssm3pYF06WhcY-ersqeYuTj0EB5pdzKSkNP4/s320/IMG_20130217_214539.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No explanation needed.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBBAJovm99dQbOOtjc4Xvc3wpOBQ548B1l3JXDzDiGoiOk_Q3iyeFHeNS97zjiWi_jtE8CJVb0MZROP0FcAm8M_P3MPtkT5KCymm0X7IzNFEr5U-c3AxzIA5OSTSek5qokNon7WXjm-8/s1600/IMG_20130217_192748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBBAJovm99dQbOOtjc4Xvc3wpOBQ548B1l3JXDzDiGoiOk_Q3iyeFHeNS97zjiWi_jtE8CJVb0MZROP0FcAm8M_P3MPtkT5KCymm0X7IzNFEr5U-c3AxzIA5OSTSek5qokNon7WXjm-8/s320/IMG_20130217_192748.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dinner after Mtg</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwnWA8sRRo4FDCXOi62z-UiIFRzVI02elIT4a4qa6ri203gJt0iMwKUBeWD6DnNnDFcWkyiGxo279GNdYptByzpEve14IbFxP9XO5OvUEECcDgMZYCiK4B9NcqzO-JoMTtkI5RzT48Gg/s1600/IMG_20130217_222154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwnWA8sRRo4FDCXOi62z-UiIFRzVI02elIT4a4qa6ri203gJt0iMwKUBeWD6DnNnDFcWkyiGxo279GNdYptByzpEve14IbFxP9XO5OvUEECcDgMZYCiK4B9NcqzO-JoMTtkI5RzT48Gg/s320/IMG_20130217_222154.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Linda doing what she does best.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1ZtG3zJj4ylWB87m8vpGYfeQeOFGNzXHfgGvPQyqw2TP-XrkhCqaMB_a_Nu5rbg2mS4BTEOpnxHfKdh_MWp4ZhHiLfrBkxkL88TZdJgWGHvodWdPmot9KhJH2mMu-PSzrflNXM0SYOQ/s1600/IMG_20130219_135748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1ZtG3zJj4ylWB87m8vpGYfeQeOFGNzXHfgGvPQyqw2TP-XrkhCqaMB_a_Nu5rbg2mS4BTEOpnxHfKdh_MWp4ZhHiLfrBkxkL88TZdJgWGHvodWdPmot9KhJH2mMu-PSzrflNXM0SYOQ/s320/IMG_20130219_135748.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Entrance to Cenote with big tree.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuPKF-eZ44U2OTclO_njBkh2T2Z3psSNWlRYNUrJZ17KzwgSEo__5jRyIufiwrbvQoaHhfg9aGkjg-kdc9WUq41P9MLrcEsr6k4iF-Vpc8DR3I4rPj84TPgu6lUVV553wpNUtwmxNPjI/s1600/IMG_20130219_140500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuPKF-eZ44U2OTclO_njBkh2T2Z3psSNWlRYNUrJZ17KzwgSEo__5jRyIufiwrbvQoaHhfg9aGkjg-kdc9WUq41P9MLrcEsr6k4iF-Vpc8DR3I4rPj84TPgu6lUVV553wpNUtwmxNPjI/s320/IMG_20130219_140500.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
View from bottom</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1qEULvAlunkzmZZ3SAs_T2IZR0a9o1MpXxrK4giJeAZLUqoE5styJi_0Mxyf9D4pi1s5NLFDlP1z__4O5LmZZn1moskHt9TBwTF1T-DDvHjfqSIjzlfKHwHDSi00DR3dEoPVNyoOYqA/s1600/IMG_20130219_162617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1qEULvAlunkzmZZ3SAs_T2IZR0a9o1MpXxrK4giJeAZLUqoE5styJi_0Mxyf9D4pi1s5NLFDlP1z__4O5LmZZn1moskHt9TBwTF1T-DDvHjfqSIjzlfKHwHDSi00DR3dEoPVNyoOYqA/s320/IMG_20130219_162617.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Open topped Cenote</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2tK9smuVFtZO1fiPKI6-96kc2i-9MNIf-XS5upYy3A8SYiZXfhaFHInmHp45Is0YGe-qUKb-9Hu2cG-r-ByKSpP-o7-Q9bsPktS5zIW_gHs0ijlIUws0FOkGkx1FDb1wyeoI8Ar3iEQ/s1600/IMG_20130220_141141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2tK9smuVFtZO1fiPKI6-96kc2i-9MNIf-XS5upYy3A8SYiZXfhaFHInmHp45Is0YGe-qUKb-9Hu2cG-r-ByKSpP-o7-Q9bsPktS5zIW_gHs0ijlIUws0FOkGkx1FDb1wyeoI8Ar3iEQ/s320/IMG_20130220_141141.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gourmet tacos in downtown Merida</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_Y1c6xAw7a-X_nA-T7sI-lES4RAyoBki-s5tjoUPosQS1qhgQW7Nd6iRWRXiE2X3vqdN3jtqEFaRwa3LFejSjSglxfYlOCF5Jv5jU97yTuKYOcwHw2mPA7FaFegFgPHLE9_tInjPz10/s1600/IMG_20130219_162624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_Y1c6xAw7a-X_nA-T7sI-lES4RAyoBki-s5tjoUPosQS1qhgQW7Nd6iRWRXiE2X3vqdN3jtqEFaRwa3LFejSjSglxfYlOCF5Jv5jU97yTuKYOcwHw2mPA7FaFegFgPHLE9_tInjPz10/s320/IMG_20130219_162624.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Inside open top Cenote. (the ropes are there since it's like 60 ft deep)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_7vExaKGEquSuh-C-keBu0ZdscBr7LcIGlH0Hc89Mkdaq7JzklMC-A4A-dDmdIUxY_6p-0aUUExWevTDZJwBjzCFRku3nhmXxDGZXmvw-Hf4eMsAuidE86fz9bVhKU4DXaxhyU7FVz0/s1600/IMG_20130220_192314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_7vExaKGEquSuh-C-keBu0ZdscBr7LcIGlH0Hc89Mkdaq7JzklMC-A4A-dDmdIUxY_6p-0aUUExWevTDZJwBjzCFRku3nhmXxDGZXmvw-Hf4eMsAuidE86fz9bVhKU4DXaxhyU7FVz0/s320/IMG_20130220_192314.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6y1Aum21Q3vduifswByK5XVr9TGgNA4dlfQe7hvQx7raugzQ4pSIUVJ75Bib6xCSioOka2uJ_BM9t3VIap-mY9J_nl7x0kCrUWW1oKZTmcW_I27iTATBGTmw-8cqvZA_m6ITXbqQvgFI/s1600/IMG_20130220_211117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6y1Aum21Q3vduifswByK5XVr9TGgNA4dlfQe7hvQx7raugzQ4pSIUVJ75Bib6xCSioOka2uJ_BM9t3VIap-mY9J_nl7x0kCrUWW1oKZTmcW_I27iTATBGTmw-8cqvZA_m6ITXbqQvgFI/s320/IMG_20130220_211117.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Miguel from Nicargua</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybDqkOaiv6jSArkaE0epqSWxmuvePAbZVENjre-Di5qDYyLv5Ysf0SUPf3fstflXSkk_ClOjvo5bmjk4otQjZ9I1HtVMD7FCwECvEHEz3OGwuLYOYXwTqKAoIcnbjcTD04bkmucnwDwo/s1600/IMG_20130220_195333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybDqkOaiv6jSArkaE0epqSWxmuvePAbZVENjre-Di5qDYyLv5Ysf0SUPf3fstflXSkk_ClOjvo5bmjk4otQjZ9I1HtVMD7FCwECvEHEz3OGwuLYOYXwTqKAoIcnbjcTD04bkmucnwDwo/s320/IMG_20130220_195333.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Those are all Jalepenos</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl6VYrwIl9HG5nrRPEmhM_lOYq7MeNcsFGruDDeZD5mX7DokuL-zSPR7bj8-O5zNBTsKOV44MfuQEiA2Jse4LB73_ilqwD0sDfM4BVaWD5WtnWgWyF5SyPMwmkAzo0r4AcWV5h702OmM/s1600/IMG_20130217_185554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl6VYrwIl9HG5nrRPEmhM_lOYq7MeNcsFGruDDeZD5mX7DokuL-zSPR7bj8-O5zNBTsKOV44MfuQEiA2Jse4LB73_ilqwD0sDfM4BVaWD5WtnWgWyF5SyPMwmkAzo0r4AcWV5h702OmM/s320/IMG_20130217_185554.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Most gigantic Al Pastor ever!</div>
Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-16147611685680874732013-02-25T08:06:00.001-08:002013-02-25T08:10:34.114-08:00Service and AranciniToday was our first day back from Merida! We met the group and enjoyed service until about 12:30pm. We did Census work in Ejido. Found one good lead! After we went to search out a cheap seafood place we heard about on the beach. We found it! 25 peso for a hamburger or fishburger. ($2 USD) The beach view alone was worth the pesos.<br />
<br />
Then we went to a couple's house that are from Sicily and we made ARANCINI!!! YUM! This is what you do:<br />
<br />
1- Cook rice with Zalfarana and let it cool<br />
2-Cook your fillers . (We used mushrooms and Ragu)<br />
3- Grab from rice and spread on hand<br />
4-Add the filler with some fresh mozzarella cheese<br />
5-Add more rice and form into a ball<br />
6- Use water to smooth over if needed<br />
7- Make a paste of flour and water<br />
8-Set out some breadcrumbs.<br />
9- Dip ball into paste and then into breadcrumbs<br />
10-Fry the balls<br />
<br />
DONE!!!!<br />
<br />
Those things were so yummy and the cheese was so gooey! This couple actually supports themselves by selling these around Playa one day a week! AWESOME!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1qpbqjhqpDllOHaC0FOj12yUmf0I_v1XNMLO4MLgZnPWDDyeZFdD3G6coRGxGxS1pbPGCv0rI-NM3QeM75vY2Q6c9HQVjTSW5evwJGAo2kszEDscrbf32yohEhLaEpT8y8n7vCv8yyg/s1600/IMG_20130222_210831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1qpbqjhqpDllOHaC0FOj12yUmf0I_v1XNMLO4MLgZnPWDDyeZFdD3G6coRGxGxS1pbPGCv0rI-NM3QeM75vY2Q6c9HQVjTSW5evwJGAo2kszEDscrbf32yohEhLaEpT8y8n7vCv8yyg/s320/IMG_20130222_210831.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mexican Monopoly</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGurNNoXXg4aozC1fJR0pHowFoHnMTv-u7JUWhX14c2jHrsrti9_ZxGkQIqVSouVyJFLiUYrOiMPpuHuLCtW7UgIU6we6_g1hEWvhyr_ZjAjN5Hr2wm1NW3CZe4UchuLymhENI-oQIwU/s1600/IMG_20130222_200721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGurNNoXXg4aozC1fJR0pHowFoHnMTv-u7JUWhX14c2jHrsrti9_ZxGkQIqVSouVyJFLiUYrOiMPpuHuLCtW7UgIU6we6_g1hEWvhyr_ZjAjN5Hr2wm1NW3CZe4UchuLymhENI-oQIwU/s320/IMG_20130222_200721.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our Sicilian buddies!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayPudTWe3kGmLJSYnqeKb7QFbnOXoj8fsNUT9mPn2n6oTxxIaNTIL4oAVJ4g_26K3-Xtp4UV4WzmRt26l4n-lbaz6hVppICBPrZENEybExQb-dUk9_1AwGoRy5ViHyK9l3XCgIQzUREg/s1600/IMG_20130222_200820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayPudTWe3kGmLJSYnqeKb7QFbnOXoj8fsNUT9mPn2n6oTxxIaNTIL4oAVJ4g_26K3-Xtp4UV4WzmRt26l4n-lbaz6hVppICBPrZENEybExQb-dUk9_1AwGoRy5ViHyK9l3XCgIQzUREg/s320/IMG_20130222_200820.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So cheesy!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbvdx_dZTdFBKjCpBXkN29OshGhG3NDCT573g9qBo_1TMS7E-EwNicgso8EBoHEajXto1OwI2hGiTw3Yzm3Jntev-WIIOSj0YPov0o49BPIzuqnq_bdTXDapugkW5cKkf09Wk98wLQBU/s1600/IMG_20130222_181648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbvdx_dZTdFBKjCpBXkN29OshGhG3NDCT573g9qBo_1TMS7E-EwNicgso8EBoHEajXto1OwI2hGiTw3Yzm3Jntev-WIIOSj0YPov0o49BPIzuqnq_bdTXDapugkW5cKkf09Wk98wLQBU/s320/IMG_20130222_181648.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoxXpXeLsQ-iFySsj6kRS4esx7hBNGU2OIQw8VTky-EY6oAVAYEzD3o3GmADUMl_Nb4EeC930-DHK-XP4onp50sDbjV_uf-hk1X3tp-YrdLfWt8nqyyjfrv2eH5ASCWirwszl-T5E6ec/s1600/IMG_20130222_182014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoxXpXeLsQ-iFySsj6kRS4esx7hBNGU2OIQw8VTky-EY6oAVAYEzD3o3GmADUMl_Nb4EeC930-DHK-XP4onp50sDbjV_uf-hk1X3tp-YrdLfWt8nqyyjfrv2eH5ASCWirwszl-T5E6ec/s320/IMG_20130222_182014.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That mushroom is there to mark the type of filling</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTAdmPFPAMM704Ux13bHbpr8EENyYv1KxyTXxgfv41H0ZPFtVsgzIQ27Nc0-Q2f3ae18_AYOqt1TMy8Q5DplSm-Pl0c6a9ldFmcEsEuB6RyI3VkLha8nYyHHiliG_4c1N24cWLS2cTcQ/s1600/IMG_20130222_195203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTAdmPFPAMM704Ux13bHbpr8EENyYv1KxyTXxgfv41H0ZPFtVsgzIQ27Nc0-Q2f3ae18_AYOqt1TMy8Q5DplSm-Pl0c6a9ldFmcEsEuB6RyI3VkLha8nYyHHiliG_4c1N24cWLS2cTcQ/s320/IMG_20130222_195203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fry em up!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBcyHkJQkdTfGcSD5yxsfBIEcmod8YmVVWHvauKRqDUDmTPktYp09Ae7IgOHW4MbBOv1t59zVKHOz6GWoZmX7FC8BL4QIRttSOiQnH-9ufsAEnIK80YqmjnBXhvf1rB2fGYwZxHGSysQ/s1600/IMG_20130222_195234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBcyHkJQkdTfGcSD5yxsfBIEcmod8YmVVWHvauKRqDUDmTPktYp09Ae7IgOHW4MbBOv1t59zVKHOz6GWoZmX7FC8BL4QIRttSOiQnH-9ufsAEnIK80YqmjnBXhvf1rB2fGYwZxHGSysQ/s320/IMG_20130222_195234.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We made watermelon mojitos</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcD5FJI9SHHynbVsV2AeMgs0q9-F3-6ORN0JojlpDFPAJNHzi3jcxwdn6kjsZ1yV3-bYgTarzIpczruE4dhXGwKBs9gW4sDD06fVi3uqs9BKouzsiZa4_cWBX0bTFYy351IdjPFmH5x2Y/s1600/IMG_20130222_180706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcD5FJI9SHHynbVsV2AeMgs0q9-F3-6ORN0JojlpDFPAJNHzi3jcxwdn6kjsZ1yV3-bYgTarzIpczruE4dhXGwKBs9gW4sDD06fVi3uqs9BKouzsiZa4_cWBX0bTFYy351IdjPFmH5x2Y/s320/IMG_20130222_180706.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcOflwh0n4ssyzQncTnqCWqvo7dYV1PacWLd_pT89U3FqIAOatVTgDpu64qokgr_rTPyyFrmGRbzcqg6XxorUhC93P0IzFRkZqaCc46_zBfols8L-2Jm2Ul8yO2jqXJjTDHiC-u7mNv8/s1600/IMG_20130222_180629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcOflwh0n4ssyzQncTnqCWqvo7dYV1PacWLd_pT89U3FqIAOatVTgDpu64qokgr_rTPyyFrmGRbzcqg6XxorUhC93P0IzFRkZqaCc46_zBfols8L-2Jm2Ul8yO2jqXJjTDHiC-u7mNv8/s320/IMG_20130222_180629.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhoSIZZkLD2cTlA8zbFDzYShXroKdQR7htkpThYUqvfDoNYN02JAV2RK1-VyvZTROtdHrk8IPvZ41H9ixPPLhObE5fN_YXRx08tpWw3e9EAshA1n71_VcCCjlB17dG64HgLPEYPhcq4o/s1600/IMG_20130222_143448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhoSIZZkLD2cTlA8zbFDzYShXroKdQR7htkpThYUqvfDoNYN02JAV2RK1-VyvZTROtdHrk8IPvZ41H9ixPPLhObE5fN_YXRx08tpWw3e9EAshA1n71_VcCCjlB17dG64HgLPEYPhcq4o/s320/IMG_20130222_143448.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our cheap lunch!</div>
<br />
<br />Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-63106809167165942162013-02-25T07:29:00.000-08:002013-02-25T07:29:24.535-08:00Special Day in Cancun!Today we woke up at 5:30am! We joined the rest of the Italian group from Playa and we head up to Cancun. There is an Italian group in Cancun that REALLY needs help. There's only 1 couple from Italy and a sister from Milan who lives there every 6 months. There's also about 15 local brothers who also support the group. This morning we combined forces and blitzed the territory. We found some Italian leads in just the 2 hours we went out. More than anything the local group was encouraged to receive some help and a speaker for their public talk which is held every 2 weeks. <br />
<br />
After service we ate lunch with a local sister and guess who we got!? The sister from Milan! She's so awesome! We enjoyed a light lunch and had great conversation. I also got to know a local couple better from Playa that joined us. <br />
<br />
2:30pm was the meeting and WT. Both were excellent. The talk was about anxieties and we know the WT was about being Fratelli or brothers with no national distinctions. There was so many hands to call on I only got in 1 comment, but that was great when usually they have about 30 in attendance. We had to rush out of the hall after because Spanish was knocking down the doors. I have never seen a hall so used on a Sat.!<br />
<br />
The brothers arranged for a gathering after the meeting. We went to the local Italian couple's home. We enjoyed association, tacos, panini, guacamole, horchata, rice and helado! Yum! After a while they busted out my new favorite game, JENGA! It had questions on it in Spanish so we had to translate them into Italian and then give an answer. <br />
<br />
Today was awesome!<br />
<br />
But it's not over yet! We meet an awesome sister in the group who's Mexican and El Salavadorian who speaks awesome Italian and she's only been in it for a year. We meet up with some local brothers from English and guess what we play? JENGA lol. It was surprisingly just as entertaining as earlier lol- or I am just easily amused. We spent the night and Cancun and met our new friend's awesome family who serve in the Maya congregation. (Only in Mexico.... :-) )<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhexuVog0hA_JiP2cNxXNShIL5IjgV3exYax9VmHexAbFZLhnqw_05t0uMSVtzi_dB3bW8PKFT1W7ABqwscCtG6-A38I4BOBc9HRNsb5YqtMAzWleTCEwvnvUtJA79u-lS-AbqZJmFgM0/s1600/IMG_20130223_180245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhexuVog0hA_JiP2cNxXNShIL5IjgV3exYax9VmHexAbFZLhnqw_05t0uMSVtzi_dB3bW8PKFT1W7ABqwscCtG6-A38I4BOBc9HRNsb5YqtMAzWleTCEwvnvUtJA79u-lS-AbqZJmFgM0/s320/IMG_20130223_180245.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gathering after meeting.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYRZTDrDic4xokHxiEUxSPRahrpy6aNwMFdeNFvSA7rKuFwse35jtOg0IG9jteSD00SRgREqVHrVwBUy3G059ccZD_-1r3VmGfnU9hlrNi7cBTcROf-sYuuV3mTT_x9fPCcETbBeh1mM/s1600/IMG_20130223_162839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYRZTDrDic4xokHxiEUxSPRahrpy6aNwMFdeNFvSA7rKuFwse35jtOg0IG9jteSD00SRgREqVHrVwBUy3G059ccZD_-1r3VmGfnU9hlrNi7cBTcROf-sYuuV3mTT_x9fPCcETbBeh1mM/s320/IMG_20130223_162839.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meeting</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJByA8vZoqugQwoInQlk7jefudn1ieFetLb1KbZqZm3eoXkpfoyR7YKCvyvvIMIaUpp-c8LUfPuQrSpQBj63JAZicxs4gBlhPDIlemvRGl1l_q9OzwkVeW6Ip1lQwQ8QzmfKpyBb1nxjs/s1600/IMG_20130223_125315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJByA8vZoqugQwoInQlk7jefudn1ieFetLb1KbZqZm3eoXkpfoyR7YKCvyvvIMIaUpp-c8LUfPuQrSpQBj63JAZicxs4gBlhPDIlemvRGl1l_q9OzwkVeW6Ip1lQwQ8QzmfKpyBb1nxjs/s320/IMG_20130223_125315.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lunch</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNynSiEjqPJi-Bz7DEsIA922Me22bc2PDtWX4hhqXnTZkqe8G2B66Gmht-E1q_RAlQ0gSARUpUoCqUEnGM1P7w3rYKzDs0T12qk4SbVyvSwA8L4fjuPoXFLfrJHCmPf-64Gb4uQ4rA20/s1600/IMG_20130223_125309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNynSiEjqPJi-Bz7DEsIA922Me22bc2PDtWX4hhqXnTZkqe8G2B66Gmht-E1q_RAlQ0gSARUpUoCqUEnGM1P7w3rYKzDs0T12qk4SbVyvSwA8L4fjuPoXFLfrJHCmPf-64Gb4uQ4rA20/s320/IMG_20130223_125309.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Emily and sister from Milan</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLCoue1YISmzOhAmZIcHknfzFBkzvj95nk4g5E_csjL9l5HJZkgDk68l05KbgsA00aZeoSlZbafRgjnouThZmDkm1N7jnvfq_wKJPnwizw65d5Cw4fbm7BooVsJtTvg_iTYksoaWdU_c/s1600/IMG_20130223_090300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLCoue1YISmzOhAmZIcHknfzFBkzvj95nk4g5E_csjL9l5HJZkgDk68l05KbgsA00aZeoSlZbafRgjnouThZmDkm1N7jnvfq_wKJPnwizw65d5Cw4fbm7BooVsJtTvg_iTYksoaWdU_c/s320/IMG_20130223_090300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mtg for service</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1S5VnEFtgY9szu5svbYvBoMHHdIX4XsdEmPtmpmTMO02gyCfAlIfhf0P0TA2DGEKLT8azA3PRDzD7hxyjBOByr97UY9CaZpOg9FeKxEhJgryQYIttAWcMLpc-WoZm40WST4gg1u8uWk/s1600/IMG_20130223_092219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1S5VnEFtgY9szu5svbYvBoMHHdIX4XsdEmPtmpmTMO02gyCfAlIfhf0P0TA2DGEKLT8azA3PRDzD7hxyjBOByr97UY9CaZpOg9FeKxEhJgryQYIttAWcMLpc-WoZm40WST4gg1u8uWk/s320/IMG_20130223_092219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Demo during mtg for service</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeyznTsRbK0OxRG7if6v0nTOE0wa6Py_dL1jvxtdjLHrkFDUlsgV_Kk9EHWZ-I1EHoRnUo-BcEppqRX2pmvHQwsOlzyhuPZEk7qJxr8hSQLTA1rdaTUNr2GftlWZDBu4m8xhGfM7dCZY/s1600/IMG_20130223_114441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeyznTsRbK0OxRG7if6v0nTOE0wa6Py_dL1jvxtdjLHrkFDUlsgV_Kk9EHWZ-I1EHoRnUo-BcEppqRX2pmvHQwsOlzyhuPZEk7qJxr8hSQLTA1rdaTUNr2GftlWZDBu4m8xhGfM7dCZY/s320/IMG_20130223_114441.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our preaching group</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8FujhZPgtNhqs8RqWnloSi2LtAa0q4IFh-RPnGn_-Psvfp1m_vViEoUSE95WAqQ9-1qprlSHBv4twrOpaOxOFJVsSnY1sFSgHH8fgtqedG9sbohEqeF1vMyTZt47w3WtCvDtLM1Keg0/s1600/IMG_20130223_084505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8FujhZPgtNhqs8RqWnloSi2LtAa0q4IFh-RPnGn_-Psvfp1m_vViEoUSE95WAqQ9-1qprlSHBv4twrOpaOxOFJVsSnY1sFSgHH8fgtqedG9sbohEqeF1vMyTZt47w3WtCvDtLM1Keg0/s320/IMG_20130223_084505.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Waiting for English group to finish so we can get in</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBPnY5XTttYuxsEEvqvbS7Kk6VTkA3l0XUC3V8bpKddXLClJayAXIA94D2qoLHlDaWm9peSySHC_o-RTif10_4_98RnNGPEu9xlVr7OiI_1ExpZoT0TMsi11_xsu2c3Q6wmBMwT9ZJdc/s1600/IMG_20130224_065015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBPnY5XTttYuxsEEvqvbS7Kk6VTkA3l0XUC3V8bpKddXLClJayAXIA94D2qoLHlDaWm9peSySHC_o-RTif10_4_98RnNGPEu9xlVr7OiI_1ExpZoT0TMsi11_xsu2c3Q6wmBMwT9ZJdc/s320/IMG_20130224_065015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Out new family in Cancun</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchn34IVWJunaF_t5KG3GoEi62jvr3ApX43brUPY9jwHTIyPuSWcUrfn73iOZZPf4Vz3r77RPjPkUt-CgaWKSJLS_mOJW8GONXWFcLc5fb63_mF1D6AeNUeP09ELhR88zxjitFZDHKFEQ/s1600/IMG_20130223_195733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchn34IVWJunaF_t5KG3GoEi62jvr3ApX43brUPY9jwHTIyPuSWcUrfn73iOZZPf4Vz3r77RPjPkUt-CgaWKSJLS_mOJW8GONXWFcLc5fb63_mF1D6AeNUeP09ELhR88zxjitFZDHKFEQ/s320/IMG_20130223_195733.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jenga!</div>
Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-62558040992304899432013-02-25T07:10:00.002-08:002013-02-25T07:10:57.461-08:0010 days have gone by!Oops! We have been so busy I literally forgot to post! So I will work backwards. <br />
<br />
Yesterday we went to our first semi-Mexican gathering. It was at an American sister's house who is in Mexican Sign Language. It was really fun. Everyone was there from ages 2 to 62. We danced to American , Mexican, Central American and Techno music. I met many new local friends from the English and Spanish. Even some friends from Cancun came down. It was nice to see such a mix especially after today's WT. After the gathering which ended respectfully at 11:47 on the dot (no warning of last song or anything lol) we went out for Al Pastor with some of the friends. At dinner we met 2 of our "roommates" from Canada. It was a nice end to a wonderful day.<br />
<br />
Why was today so wonderful? This morning we saw a brother from El Salvador who lived in Australia give the Public Talk in English. It was amazing! It was about who real is Jehovah to you. We thought he just had good public speaking skills, at lunch after we realized he's just passionate about everything he says, including encouraging people to step over into Macedonia. He seriously explained how leaving a developed country to come to a place like Mexico is the best thing ever you can do and wouldn't trade it for nothing. He described how he works 4 hours in bed teaching English online and then the rest of his life in his ministry. In Australia this could never be possible because life is focused on work. Here he has progressive bible studies, meets friends from around the world at every meeting and after a long day of service can actually afford to order that grilled fish at the beach and enjoy life. While Mexico has it drawbacks like getting sick every now and then from food and he saw cops and robbers literally shooting at each other when he was in service, these are tiny in light of the blessings he receives. I am convinced! Sorry you guys in CT. I am out!<br />
<br />
At lunch we met a very encouraging couple from Cali who are also considering moving. Maybe we'll all end up serving together in Mexico! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_GzjcLE3kgUhhmoqKwRqQF4hf7kZtKvNcA4K2w5nMzBjKKKWF_uFjjOfTXMAJjnS_YVPefLYKvCm51BOTyJ4FDPlfjbIhuJW8w7prSjkzAmaZUCKhzaontM69d897X24Iz9lxtQ40QE/s1600/IMG_20130224_142452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_GzjcLE3kgUhhmoqKwRqQF4hf7kZtKvNcA4K2w5nMzBjKKKWF_uFjjOfTXMAJjnS_YVPefLYKvCm51BOTyJ4FDPlfjbIhuJW8w7prSjkzAmaZUCKhzaontM69d897X24Iz9lxtQ40QE/s320/IMG_20130224_142452.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Giant fish brother ordered at lunch.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTu1oUv91MDVh60p5fuKUzoYYU_0LpbwinVQCz54CLrC8E1_SiXVUgw9ZkTGqn1cFmsvMgIdZg0LCdaLXEJbi1uOPWPHkOwakH5LDqIkq_pcGSGI6p1C6oKrRH4MrGfx7snscisQW7k3o/s1600/IMG_20130224_145542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTu1oUv91MDVh60p5fuKUzoYYU_0LpbwinVQCz54CLrC8E1_SiXVUgw9ZkTGqn1cFmsvMgIdZg0LCdaLXEJbi1uOPWPHkOwakH5LDqIkq_pcGSGI6p1C6oKrRH4MrGfx7snscisQW7k3o/s320/IMG_20130224_145542.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
View from where we sat for lunch. (We all agreed we couldn't afford to eat here somewhere at home. My garlic fish meal with rice and salad cost 50 pesos or $4.20 USD)</div>
<br />Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-15323513581800866822013-02-15T09:44:00.000-08:002013-02-15T09:44:15.361-08:00Long Day of ServiceSo today we literally had the longest service day ever- after all that's what we're here for :-). We met up with the English this morning again. Today was a rather large group out- strano because the Circuit Assembly is this weekend but great indeed! There were like 25 or 30 people. We worked with Mitch Jorge and Jase. We did all return visits all around Playa. Jase is an 11- year old Im assuming pioneer from the way he talks about his studies and return visits. It was so encouraging to see a youngster who really appreciates his ministry. He would plot out which scriptures to read to each person and give us background on the person's personal situation. I was like taking notes lol. We learned a little about Mitch. He and his wife are leaving in a few weeks for Guatemala, for good! Guatemala is the only Central American country that doesn't have establishes English groups. So guess who's going to help start one? Mitch and his wife have been assigned to really help where there's a greater need. They have sold everything and will go to an area of Guatemala where many English speaking people have bought up property and some tourists go. I can't remember the name but I'll find out. We saw pictures from the internet of volcanos and valleys and greenery, very different from Mexico. We're excited for them!<br />
<br />
We hit the pavement all afternoon as well with the English. At 3:30pm we meet up with the Italians. We had a modest sized group and we do census in the Galaxia neighborhood. Emily's group finds the sole Italian in the area. We go until dark and then walk to Walmart to scout for Italians there. Guess what!? Just as we're leaving and paying for items, Davide finds one! They chat for 10 minutes! What a fantastic end to service. <br />
<br />
<br />Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-48287997122019127852013-02-11T00:11:00.001-08:002013-02-11T00:15:54.621-08:00Fun in the Sun<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We just got back from the craziest trip ever! We decide to go to Punta Allen since there are no service arrangements on Saturday. This is approx. 3 hours South of Playa del Carmen. It is a small town on a Natural Reserve where literally half the population are brothers! Sounds like paradise right? It's gets better! It surrounded by water since it's a pennisula so the brothers has fresh LOBSTER everyday! (You'd think I wasn't a pioneer with my expensive tastes lol)</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We leave at 5:30am and reach at 9:00am. Our traveling buddies are Jorge, remember airport brother? And his roommate Arman. The first thing we do is go by the Kingdom Hall. They are just having with meeting for field service. Literally like 60 people stroll outta there! It was crazy! We then go to a sister's restaurant and have sambutes. (think like tostada). After we eat we go out on the boat.</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Now I would've been content with just a simple boat ride. But no, we're looking at animals! 5 minutes into the ride we see dolphins!! Real ones, in their natural habitat! I even saw a baby one! There we see a manitee and a huge sea turtle. Finally we go to this water surrounded tree area and see Great F<em style="background-color: white; font-style: normal; line-height: 16px;">rigatebirds! </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">Next we go to a coral reef and swim around looking at real live coral and countless varieties of fish and squid and everything else! I counted this as Family Worship because we definitely were observing Jehovah's Creation. It was better than any zoo or aquarium you could imagine! We finish up our tour at the natural swimming pools. This is an area where you can walk for 200 meters and the water will only be 4 ft deep and the sand is sooo soft. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16px;">After 5 hours water tour we eat LOBSTER!!! Yummy! There we go back to the beach and try to find our way back to the natural swimming pools. We can't find them but find a nice patch of beach instead. After relaxing for a bit we change and get ready for the meeting. The meeting in Spanish is packed! Somehow we still manage to give a number of comments. We meet many wonderful brother ans sisters who rarely get to see outsiders because their area is so secluded and small. The whole town in only 4 streets by 4 streets!</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">What a wonderful experience! Today was the best!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyAGdx-7st3Rv-4C4tLKcBb0YyMA7LI4tGU6cD9FYLK3D4O49pTvdOu2-niOYWW4FlfKl-qIxe5fBBcMcfwTeNxrLBZ9gZmfIbaaVXlklsrkE_tOHNa5dq7eAwJMq1Pma7hlgxkyCqhg/s1600/IMG_20130209_150717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyAGdx-7st3Rv-4C4tLKcBb0YyMA7LI4tGU6cD9FYLK3D4O49pTvdOu2-niOYWW4FlfKl-qIxe5fBBcMcfwTeNxrLBZ9gZmfIbaaVXlklsrkE_tOHNa5dq7eAwJMq1Pma7hlgxkyCqhg/s320/IMG_20130209_150717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lobster Lunch</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmVMtt5IVmY9xk07fF9IPXlBIyHM-EyhwI78lvHlJ8YUShmNK-n61oMy6Wk1flPcH2CpUEdsE1jx4UjZ-tfz4KN1xchY880XPvsGWZ0nXg39jHvDIuPLa3-DVM_pLId4GGZYfTCwZCgg/s1600/IMG_20130209_090819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmVMtt5IVmY9xk07fF9IPXlBIyHM-EyhwI78lvHlJ8YUShmNK-n61oMy6Wk1flPcH2CpUEdsE1jx4UjZ-tfz4KN1xchY880XPvsGWZ0nXg39jHvDIuPLa3-DVM_pLId4GGZYfTCwZCgg/s320/IMG_20130209_090819.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kingdom Hall</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhHe5xSVyvdGErgoHiqnCPUb1ZU_ikBhMmXHsC4BUkF36V3A7Nb0NaTymDBl_YaijxJFP4DTmitP-GmL8uNEaoLGuLkm6VJqH12eIahWtzCj3VoyGlmLN1r0WU_tT63PzZWrnK9KbtmM/s1600/IMG_20130209_173131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhHe5xSVyvdGErgoHiqnCPUb1ZU_ikBhMmXHsC4BUkF36V3A7Nb0NaTymDBl_YaijxJFP4DTmitP-GmL8uNEaoLGuLkm6VJqH12eIahWtzCj3VoyGlmLN1r0WU_tT63PzZWrnK9KbtmM/s320/IMG_20130209_173131.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sunset at Beach</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUjg34xIj7EK3zH18rEUXh8CSC_hWgwa_yBX9Gh2jl8YfuZgcGoO-t2GpM1KqGOolIk-OghuZC71tpKRPGYa2fNpxqzoSYufFN2aLSL2g85i47NnSb_Z_QW8kPxatmrjXgqzDRs0LuXQ/s1600/IMG_20130209_203307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUjg34xIj7EK3zH18rEUXh8CSC_hWgwa_yBX9Gh2jl8YfuZgcGoO-t2GpM1KqGOolIk-OghuZC71tpKRPGYa2fNpxqzoSYufFN2aLSL2g85i47NnSb_Z_QW8kPxatmrjXgqzDRs0LuXQ/s320/IMG_20130209_203307.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spanish Meeting</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqk_4b91pfJ87wA6DS8_V8O3Cih_7eKpWJV4IezJ2_Zk0va_9xcDYJ2sdddDXvai9kTHIluf6KnJylDzi2X8Wj4kEb63VfThd3tFcHpQdqDYdq_nqgyjevqcJ070GZeXwQAHcAyQvFWww/s1600/IMG_20130210_093845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqk_4b91pfJ87wA6DS8_V8O3Cih_7eKpWJV4IezJ2_Zk0va_9xcDYJ2sdddDXvai9kTHIluf6KnJylDzi2X8Wj4kEb63VfThd3tFcHpQdqDYdq_nqgyjevqcJ070GZeXwQAHcAyQvFWww/s320/IMG_20130210_093845.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Punta Allen (Very rustic, they turn off all power after 10pm and all dirt roads)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzVedKCpjJo8RJrGMhxQLBDAgbfHqCwGpa0qkHAR68twAiDcOn1yPZOgIjQPBJOCuEtaj5l4SqeQofVUaE6vUn7ZYQa8amEFKQLJkxipV6Ba_bcVw65uOn5FjLiVFRpcRLK5cC-Qt_bs/s1600/IMG_20130210_110626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzVedKCpjJo8RJrGMhxQLBDAgbfHqCwGpa0qkHAR68twAiDcOn1yPZOgIjQPBJOCuEtaj5l4SqeQofVUaE6vUn7ZYQa8amEFKQLJkxipV6Ba_bcVw65uOn5FjLiVFRpcRLK5cC-Qt_bs/s320/IMG_20130210_110626.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QsQmAao8mohh8vngE5q6tAtYbbRW-5WkHQ1pZBY8VcpVZ8y1OIUPjqVHyR4MF-4B-zvlFGbXvle8kpO4EjzMAqdOTcbZx7GIZqkchmaLGjZHwRBFXRSaRTr4dFEP2UE5Aawzt3TM8Sw/s1600/IMG_20130210_110724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QsQmAao8mohh8vngE5q6tAtYbbRW-5WkHQ1pZBY8VcpVZ8y1OIUPjqVHyR4MF-4B-zvlFGbXvle8kpO4EjzMAqdOTcbZx7GIZqkchmaLGjZHwRBFXRSaRTr4dFEP2UE5Aawzt3TM8Sw/s320/IMG_20130210_110724.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ajAf_gaDXNct-kMESVPyzDtPUWeisxc1j8oyPiDGzZn7-uggrQAf1txm4BiXn0OgIn-QQx1NUdRWbvNEE-gQaFWQiaFIhkXJOHOQ-_sT20rlMpvgaYiP31OgY4csWduXEHDInJpRGrw/s1600/PANO_20130209_075816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="49" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ajAf_gaDXNct-kMESVPyzDtPUWeisxc1j8oyPiDGzZn7-uggrQAf1txm4BiXn0OgIn-QQx1NUdRWbvNEE-gQaFWQiaFIhkXJOHOQ-_sT20rlMpvgaYiP31OgY4csWduXEHDInJpRGrw/s320/PANO_20130209_075816.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6jPY0o4sbI041gLw1cO5FD54Zv19zRsyVQANza3mXgNb3if_n97O4D_q0uaDiAHaFhqmdygpOVylPwMzm4qTGyVTJm3tdHdJxkJdO36o0iy-3ZcMkuUkDeLxU05g9gsvA53QMowW1A4/s1600/PANO_20130209_171838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6jPY0o4sbI041gLw1cO5FD54Zv19zRsyVQANza3mXgNb3if_n97O4D_q0uaDiAHaFhqmdygpOVylPwMzm4qTGyVTJm3tdHdJxkJdO36o0iy-3ZcMkuUkDeLxU05g9gsvA53QMowW1A4/s320/PANO_20130209_171838.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UlmPsmxbKWucQCF920mvCJ25jYZUW4szmRkfGJaQqMqqQFevPm2kYZsQtMJLASlezjmbfmy9Bron2OnFhsT1A0Qy-yWkk-v3Z66z76O_vDuso7Dc9L-SJtzikeQ24dbYsFfVMdTfi4s/s1600/PANO_20130209_083414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UlmPsmxbKWucQCF920mvCJ25jYZUW4szmRkfGJaQqMqqQFevPm2kYZsQtMJLASlezjmbfmy9Bron2OnFhsT1A0Qy-yWkk-v3Z66z76O_vDuso7Dc9L-SJtzikeQ24dbYsFfVMdTfi4s/s320/PANO_20130209_083414.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-7938434465222519812013-02-10T23:53:00.001-08:002013-02-10T23:53:54.118-08:002nd Day of ServiceSo Friday morning we meet at an older couple's house that's here serving in Mexico from Italy for 3 months. There are at least 10 people at the group! I pair up with Ericka Pisu who lives in Mexico permanently. She and her husband have also served in the D.R. but now call Mexico home instead of Italy. We do some of her return visits. Some of the highlights of the morning include a young Italian woman who is a wedding planner. She's 29 years old and lives in a luxury apartment in Playa. When Ericka asks her to pick a bible topic for us to discuss when we return guess what she picks? Not death or Jesus or when will suffering end, but Richezze. I'm really starting to get some insight into the mind of this new territory. Another cool visit we had was with an older Italian woman who sells Italian pastries with another Italian who owns a restaurant in Playa. She was not what I expected with her super-tanned skin and dirty blonde dread-like hair. Ericka has some good visits, we do 4 in total and end around 12pm so I can meet back up with Emily.<br />
<br />
After meeting with Emily we join a family serving here for 6 months with their 14 month-old baby Joana. Her mom Ana is from Brazil and her dad Jonathan is from Italy. We enjoy tortas at a restaurant owned by the unbelieving mate of a sister that they are trying to cultivate interest with. The food was AMAZING!! Afterwards we do 2 visits of theirs that don't pan out, but we get to walk 5th ave and we meet a Brazilian woman and her husband she talks to them in Portugese. Playa has ALL languages! This places keeps getting better by the moment!<br />
<br />
We end service and say our good byes. Service again was amazing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht75nb9LVckINuPOR84zXhBMi5JGjNFjtbfq1hxdSFmOYEalKz9afwPqI-2etcGljZxZaI3F96ipkAi0B_yMnJFkkGqPjZE4nEvU4nA2z0kxleGFcZT88UliAlXhtmrkvNu5bs9tfQIWw/s1600/IMG_20130208_130116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht75nb9LVckINuPOR84zXhBMi5JGjNFjtbfq1hxdSFmOYEalKz9afwPqI-2etcGljZxZaI3F96ipkAi0B_yMnJFkkGqPjZE4nEvU4nA2z0kxleGFcZT88UliAlXhtmrkvNu5bs9tfQIWw/s320/IMG_20130208_130116.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lunch</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZLgm6RQRU1ZuyyKhDrOF8Bt1J1TQrvgomkSWDrIa8Hi0gcivPeqrN0moOlgFqiwBVk9JJ8oJKNGn4SfdKwLAXNQ7gA3APlJP8rvfkj28DgDRV9FBnUy70mHP94NaX5Cf63xrkQMsxrU/s1600/IMG_20130208_101832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZLgm6RQRU1ZuyyKhDrOF8Bt1J1TQrvgomkSWDrIa8Hi0gcivPeqrN0moOlgFqiwBVk9JJ8oJKNGn4SfdKwLAXNQ7gA3APlJP8rvfkj28DgDRV9FBnUy70mHP94NaX5Cf63xrkQMsxrU/s320/IMG_20130208_101832.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ericka in front of their humble abode.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVd5MBwUFXBuPuYtDe2CRMwVegIMJ4kA7I03379ogJ360BFs0cAkxpAlx1JdCSu62i6nN9UK67jO_8vrIhr3TrTllzCnjowp6myZiT0WKzKcg2JR_m7BoNroa8zM58wIt6TyOUBdN_K64/s1600/IMG_20130208_091312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVd5MBwUFXBuPuYtDe2CRMwVegIMJ4kA7I03379ogJ360BFs0cAkxpAlx1JdCSu62i6nN9UK67jO_8vrIhr3TrTllzCnjowp6myZiT0WKzKcg2JR_m7BoNroa8zM58wIt6TyOUBdN_K64/s320/IMG_20130208_091312.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Service group</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEWUdrjapVg0UdCHcwFxbOsPYU8_New57Jhm6ADaq2DAlYAxRR9RYhAoJdqZ1soyOe8C74PnaKelm5w9R_WjkKWQ8IYrcYd7pMqqMGnanae2jpKjJ-DVK_JYFuDCSFEgr0Y0MiiTZ9gI/s1600/IMG_20130208_143837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEWUdrjapVg0UdCHcwFxbOsPYU8_New57Jhm6ADaq2DAlYAxRR9RYhAoJdqZ1soyOe8C74PnaKelm5w9R_WjkKWQ8IYrcYd7pMqqMGnanae2jpKjJ-DVK_JYFuDCSFEgr0Y0MiiTZ9gI/s320/IMG_20130208_143837.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On 5th Ave in Service with Anna</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FHvzfKMYrs4N-zXH-4BTU7M5vaZLREjPsoZefmjf24XSusbvrqbGlo6yNm0K24bHDr4FX8SXe59_xIKtwYoENFWdAhExzDlmDEsqQNfCmMVMm44yqea_Y8TbCoCkw1ZHV4VcLXLCB9E/s1600/IMG_20130208_150130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FHvzfKMYrs4N-zXH-4BTU7M5vaZLREjPsoZefmjf24XSusbvrqbGlo6yNm0K24bHDr4FX8SXe59_xIKtwYoENFWdAhExzDlmDEsqQNfCmMVMm44yqea_Y8TbCoCkw1ZHV4VcLXLCB9E/s320/IMG_20130208_150130.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Emily can't fight the temptation to view the beach while in service on 5th ave.</div>
<br />Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-30914534114114592962013-02-10T23:41:00.001-08:002013-02-10T23:41:34.962-08:001st Day of ServiceSo, we're all settled in Playa del Carmen. The first thing we do is head off to field service with the Italians. So I call the Kingdom Hall as listed on the website jw.org and lo and behold it's the wrong address! So Andrea saves us and makes a few phone calls. Turns out the Italians are going to Tulum to preach today and they are leaving at 1pm from downtown. So Emily and I bought ourselves some extra time, since we were going to late as it was anyways. So we walk from home to downtown, a wooping 40 blocks or so! But we get to see all the "sights" and trips on the greasy sidewalks every 5-10 min. I say "sights" because we live in Colossio, an area of Playa that's sorta ghetto. Tomorrow I will take pics to show our neighborhood. But it's just a local area that is NOT touristy and not safe after dark. We eat at the local Walmart and reach the meeting spot at 12:30pm. We wait and by 1:20pm chuckle, all the Italians have arrived. We are 8 all together and we hop on a Convi, a van, and head down to Tulum, about 40min south (sounds just like service back in CT.) We reach and meet another couple in the grocery store, and 2 sisters visiting from Italy outside who arrive on bikes. Outside the store we make "walking" groups since there are no cars and say a prayer. I end up with one of the sisters from Rome who leaves Saturday to go back to Italy. A brother and his wife who are serving here for 6 months gives us a map and instructs us to do 5 blocks, all 4 sides each and sends us on our way while he walks with his wife to do some return visits.<br />
<br />
The sister and I embark on the first block. By the 2nd side we meet an Italian man selling Sugar Cane Juice from a cart he has assembled on his car. He is agnostic and doesn't really want to discuss religion. But then his buddy comes out from the kitchen next to the cart and he mentions that he is religious. We end up talking for over 30 minutes with both guys and read 2 scriptures. The Italian sister places 2 magazines, the January set. The one about the end of the world with the religious one and the one about raising children with the initial man because he has a 14 year old son. They both accept and say they'd talk again if we're in the area! AWESOME!! We met straight up Italians! And they were YOUNG! Both were 42 and under I would say. We turn the corner and write down the experience so the brothers can follow up.<br />
<br />
Next we cross to the other side of the street and ask for Italians at a restaurant. There we meet a young Sicilian in his 20s. He was nice and we place a truth tract with him. He was very hippie and go with the flow but didn't think our actions could change anything about world conditions. Yet he also agreed to speaking with the witnesses again. After this experience we meet back up with the couple and I switch partners. The next Italian speaking person we find is a Mexican who works in a restaurant. We turn that corner and stand in front of a place called Trattoria Romana and me and the sister are saying to each there must be someone there who speaks Italian. Immediately the server walks up to us and says BOUN GIORNO! That was easy. He was busy attending to customers but accepts a truth tract. As we walk away we see him sharing the tract with a co-worker who probably also speaks Italian. <br />
<br />
To sum up, there are Italians in Mexico and there is need. How are 18 people supposed to cover territory in 3 cities without cars! (We have visits in Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Cancun.) We meet back with everyone else around 5:30 and hop back on the Convi to head back to Playa. By the time we reach it is dark and we all go our separate ways. What a day of service! It was in a nutshell: AWESOME!<br />
<br />
PS. A funny experience was while preaching we run into some brothers from the Mayan and English congregations in Tulum. While chatting with English friends the tables turn and I have to translate for the Italians because they don't speak any English, just thought that was funny. Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-54715614844867046342013-02-06T21:45:00.000-08:002013-02-10T21:46:51.587-08:00Siamo arriviati a Messico!So! I am back! This time around we are in Playa Del Carmen Mexico helping out the Italian Group for 1 month! I am here with a fellow young pioneer from CT. Her name is Emily O'Loughlin. She is 20 years old and has been attending my congregation for the last year. The group here is composed of 18 regular publishers, but tonight we had over 35 in attendance! We even met a couple who is studying the bible. They have been studying for 1 years and 1/2 and are from Verona, Italy. They come here 5 months out of the year. <br />
<br />
Anyways, we arrived in Cancun Wednesday Feb 6th in the afternoon. After customs and the passport frenzy it was 6pm and I had to find Emily. (She had arrived hours before me.) I find her and guess who else I find!? Jorge! A brother I met the last time I was in Playa! He offers to bring us to Playa. Shortly after dropping off our bags in his truck we encounter 3 Russians. Guess who speaks Russian!? Not I. But Jorge does. To their surprise, this Mexican brother gives them a meeting invitation to the Russian meeting in Mexico and speaks to them in Russian. After this we meet another brother visiting from Canada who needed a ride to Playa as well. We all hop in and drive the hour south to Playa del Carmen.<br />
<br />
This night we just hang out with Jorge and his roommate Arman. Arman lives in Playa full-time and is originally from Canada. He is in his second year and helps out with the French group. We eat Mexico-City style hamburger that feature hotdog meat and pineapple slices in addition to the normal hamburger ingredients. We also get a look around a cenote that has been converted into a restaurant. A cenote is a sink-hole that leads to the ocean and you can swim in it. This one is like a cave.<br />
<br />
We meet our home owners, non other than the famous Andrea and Mikayla from Bolonga, Italy! We met them last time we stayed in Playa. They live here full-time and help out in the Spanish. In 2 years they've already helped 4 new ones come into the truth. This is going to be a great trip! I can already tell.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlTngepd3pZq-4SDCckHLH3qM5KxcMZDoaIkqkrzP8xh4SxUdIRf8YRjOw4oye1e_j5vGMqk6GjmDCNUP-G9AfYCU95jdGZ38uyU2ks_n_kJ2ovCbBI-xA-_mO4jagb3dOos4x47iUw8/s1600/cenote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlTngepd3pZq-4SDCckHLH3qM5KxcMZDoaIkqkrzP8xh4SxUdIRf8YRjOw4oye1e_j5vGMqk6GjmDCNUP-G9AfYCU95jdGZ38uyU2ks_n_kJ2ovCbBI-xA-_mO4jagb3dOos4x47iUw8/s320/cenote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajOGz36NumTH9IF56bEmXKWy03OZtV1y0RxzbB48XGR9ojfrMC75GYZfCP7ufE7v6GTYfo2ZM49yiXYHFt8QHL5CNH6d6YDEujYHFEj-W17n8m23Sl7vQ-o7GP7QS3o8BO4-Y_eZdLG4/s1600/IMG_20130206_121857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajOGz36NumTH9IF56bEmXKWy03OZtV1y0RxzbB48XGR9ojfrMC75GYZfCP7ufE7v6GTYfo2ZM49yiXYHFt8QHL5CNH6d6YDEujYHFEj-W17n8m23Sl7vQ-o7GP7QS3o8BO4-Y_eZdLG4/s320/IMG_20130206_121857.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rbXQD9A-6b7LqtxG5JKCxctJKygpas3twkUmIzVsCl1K-IRd6X8nSFO3C1RD0G4vD3RwsAYPiPD8guqzkF-RMUiynu48Lo2mS0txGqUvKzQIplh2Uf-sMOfoaOgUEB0YCb4y0FweenE/s1600/IMG_20130206_181740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rbXQD9A-6b7LqtxG5JKCxctJKygpas3twkUmIzVsCl1K-IRd6X8nSFO3C1RD0G4vD3RwsAYPiPD8guqzkF-RMUiynu48Lo2mS0txGqUvKzQIplh2Uf-sMOfoaOgUEB0YCb4y0FweenE/s320/IMG_20130206_181740.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-82891232495044167482012-09-27T20:50:00.003-07:002012-09-27T20:50:38.533-07:00Side Story<br />
<div class="PadderBetweenControlandBody">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday was hilarious!
It all started when Camille and I thought we could walk Applonia to her
training at the Beet Farm which is about 2 miles from where we are
staying. The problem is: we have never
walked there before. Her training
started at 4pm. We start to leave at
3:30pm, we actually leave at 3:45.
OBVIOUSLY we arrive late, at 4:19pm.
We felt so bad, but the thing is the smoke stacks weren’t as high as
they were before and I couldn’t see where to walk. And AGAIN we didn’t use the hand-drawn map.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The insanity doesn’t end there however. We follow the directions of a 10 year old
and get completely lost and double the time it takes us to walk home. But as a result we took these awesome
pictures in the parks, grass and underpasses that we walked through. Enjoy! </div>
Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-33292542259044273852012-09-27T20:50:00.001-07:002012-09-27T20:50:05.012-07:00No More Beets :-(<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I’d like to explain why we’re even doing the Beet
Harvest. A little birdie by the name of
Kim Murphey, her blog is here, explained that to support her full-time service
in Nicaragua that she would travel back the US to do the Beet Harvest for a few
weeks. The thing is, I completely
dismissed this idea. It wasn’t until a
few months ago that Camille mentioned it again and that a couple that used to
be in her hall that are from CT but serve in Nicaragua as well were going. Then I jumped on board. I haven’t completely decided where to serve,
but I have my sights set on Italy! It
makes sense given my circumstances, but is as we all know, quite pricey. So with the Beet Harvest money I intend to
stash it away and proceed to finally accomplish my goal of serving in English
in Italy. For more info on the Sugar
Beet Industry click here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back to beets, so you can imagine our dismay as we learn
that due to the unusually beautiful warm weather, beets can’t be piled because
they will go bad. That means that we can’t
work. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span> So we go out in service instead <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>. The territory here has been encouragingly
responsive and generally pleasant. There
was emmense support on Wednesday morning.
There were over 20 that showed up for service at 9am. That in itself was encouraging. Through-out the day, which ended around
5:30pm we met pioneers, mothers, MTS grads, children and even one of the
anointed in our productive day of service.
The next day, I encountered a Nepali family who wants to learn about the
bible but don’t speak English well.
Appolonia finally kept one of the 3 return visits that she set up while
preaching. The service has just been
amazing and I am glad that the Harvest hasn’t started!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After service, has been just as fun. Today we prepared a dinner for our host
family and enjoyed association with them and yesterday we went to Ground Round
which features a happy hour like I’ve never experienced. Buy a $3.00 Margharita and get a FREE taco
bar! That’s a pioneer’s dream! (Or at
least mine). This morning before service
we visited Crookston and used self control to not buy the antique jewelry that
we saw. This trip has just been amazing!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But at 8:58pm I received a call to go into work
tomorrow. Now the <i>fun </i>starts!</div>
Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-61417569841646177262012-09-27T20:49:00.001-07:002012-09-27T20:49:18.706-07:00Beets Beets, and more Beets<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, remember I mentioned those lovely little sisters of
mine? Yeah, 7:20am they re-revealed
their presence before they left for school.
This started our day Monday. By
9:30am we were at the Sugar Beet Hiring Center filling out paper work and
meeting our potential work mates. In the
waiting area we met a couple from Minneapolis who serve just outside of Leon
Nicaragua in a semi-rural Spanish congregation on the beach. I actually met them when we stayed with
Krista (refer to Blog posted dated Feb. 21, 2012). We had separate “interviews” and watched a
safety video. Did you know you could DIE
working in a sugar beet factory!?? Well I didn’t either! I am so happy that we are all working inside
and nowhere near Bobcats and huge trucks.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our training was at 4pm the same day, so we went to Sam’s
Club and bought food to eat during “supper break” and through-out the
week. At $16 each I think we did a good
job. (I think it’s hiliarious that we
literally bought cheese for DAYZ, more specifically 7 pounds! At 3:30pm we got picked up to head over to the
plant. At 3:50 we’re panicking because
we can’t find the location, we definitely should’ve paid attention to the hand
drawn maps provided at training. At
3:58pm we pull in. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our jobs are so simple it’s not even funny. Camille and I switch between scrapping beet
mush into cups and blending it and placing it on a carosel for the next worker
to take a teaspoon sized sample from, and manning the computer station. The other couple ended up on the other end of
the line: loading the scales with the initial dirty beets and counting the
actual crowns of beets after they have been washed. Next the beets get chopped up into the mush
that I scoop. After the sample is taken,
solution is mixed in and a machine calculates the Sugar, Amino Acid and
Potassium content. These figures are
entered into the computer and at the end of the line I verify that no beet
samples have been lost in the shuffle and the truckers are paid based on the
sugar content of their loads. Sounds
complex, but it is actually quite simple.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After 7.5 hours we head home literally beat and hit the
sack. I am ready to start this harvest!</div>
Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-66749095058881257322012-09-27T20:48:00.005-07:002012-09-27T20:48:44.178-07:00Start of a Legend<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we made it to Minnesota! It was a long 2 day trip to arrive here, but
it’s all been worth it! We left at 5am
from Danbury CT. Well Appolonia and I
left New Haven at 3:45am…whew( and I didn’t even attempt to go to sleep). I met
my new “parents” for the next few weeks Armando and Lidi. They served in Managua Sign Language for the
last 3 years. They are in one word
AWESOME! We took turns filling up the
tank as we embarked on a journey that would take us through 9 states! I held out until Minnesota (thinking that by
waiting to the last fill-up that it’d be the cheapest) to fill up my tank, unfortunately I paid the 2<sup>nd</sup> highest in relation to everyone, $3.94
a gallon. If you know me, I was
definitely heart-broken to have paid so much when Camille only paid $3.80! Anyways, I discovered the Sweet Deals Menu at
Dairy Queen and enjoyed my homemade Nutella sandwhich and Cheese sandwhich as
everyone else forked over money for Subway, Burger King and Chester’s
Chicken. We stopped over in Chicago and
enjoyed Chicago’s Other Famous Deep-Dish Pizza- Lou Malnati’s (delicious
especially when paired with an Orange Moon pitcher). We spent the night with a wonderful family
that we had never met. Through a friend
in Italian we found a family in the Spanish with 2 daughters in the Chinese who
hosted us. They were sooooo nice. The next morning we all tried Cactus flower
fruit for the first time and enjoyed bagels and tea. Then we were off again!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This time we used Armando’s Galaxy 3 to play YouTube videos
to sing karaoke to and watched numerous episodes of the hit TV show The
Office. Dwight’s performance in the
Stress Relief episode will be hilarious regardless of the number of times
watched. We sang Mariah Carey and Luis
Enrique as we passed Cheese Billboards in Wisconsin and through the Twin Cities
in Minnesota. We reached E Grand Forks,
Minnesota, where we (the girls) are
staying and Grand Forks, North Dakota (where the couple are staying) at about
9pm on Sunday. We pulled up to our “home”
for the next month. A 30 foot camper
fully equipped with a bathroom, Queen sized bed, stove, fridge and
microwave. We really were blessed! Our 2 new little sisters Kiley, 10 and
Mckinsey, 7 were literally outside greeting us.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We unloaded our stuff and I hear the girls whispering about
a “surprise”. I have no idea what they
are talking about. 10 minutes in to
meeting and greeting the couple hosting us, in walks a large black man with a
colorful hood covering his face. Lo and
behold, what is <b><i>Blake Newbon</i></b> doing here!? I had no idea that we had kicked him out of
the camper and he was forced to move into the family’s basement. LOL
Anyways it felt like a Nicaraguan reunion. I am glad that I came here and can’t wait to
start working with those beets!</div>
Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-33272516427315270952012-04-14T23:16:00.000-07:002012-04-15T23:17:18.070-07:00Angelic DirectionSaturday we have 2 groups for field service. We go out first in the morning with our local groups and then everyone meets at the hall at 1pm as a congregation. In our car group on this particular day we decide to make 2 return visits before we go to our territory which is about 20 minutes away. The first call is not at home. We go to the 2nd and I go with the brother to call on an Italian man who expressed interest. The brother plans to start a study in the Bible Teach Book.<br />
<br />
We walk up the long steep driveway and a young man greets us. He goes inside to inform his parents of our arrival. He returns and states that his mother said we can sit at the back porch and that she'll be right out. Note, our visit was supposed to be on the father.<br />
<br />
We greet the woman and sit down. She seems surprised by our presence. In fact, she was expecting someone else, a woman from the local English congregation. She had her Bible Teach Book in hand along with the magazines from April. The brother and I look at each other with questioning faces. <br />
<br />
The woman had left her home at 10:30 to unexpectedly drop her daughter off to work. Meanwhile the English friends attempted to come by to start the study with her, but she wasn't home. We come by a few hours later and basically give all the incentive in the world to study the Bible in order to form a personal relationship with God.<br />
<br />
This woman has SO MANY QUESTIONS. We're sent in 2's thankfully, because I would've tried to answer all of them. Instead the brother took a different approach and only read scriptures to help her appreciate the importance of learning the truth about God by means of his inspired word the Bible. Every time she went in another direction, he gave an illustration that led right back to using the Bible to answer these questions. <br />
<br />
After 45 minutes or so, the woman thanked us and we excused ourselves on behalf of the friends waiting for us in the car. But she was so glad that we came by. Both the brother and I hope and pray that the English go back to this woman. If not, we still have the intention to come back to the husband who speaks Italian fluently. As we leave we stumble upon the husband working in the yard blasting Italian music. It was a great way to end service!Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2341549484706365518.post-81836675770688573702012-04-12T23:06:00.003-07:002012-04-18T20:06:02.135-07:002 Bible Teaches in One Week!This was a really cool experience. I wasn't planning on going out in service today because I was tired and thought I hadn't made formal plans with anyone. However, I was awaken at 9:45am when an elderly sister in my hall called me and asked was I going out. I said of course and managed to make it to her house by 10:05am. We decided to do a West Haven territory that she had. House after house was not at home. Finally she suggests that we do a "call" of hers, basically an Italian person that she has called on for years that she hadn't seen in months. <br />
<br />
We walk up to the door and I say a silent prayer, because I just really wanted someone to be home. We meet an older Italian woman but low and behold, another Italian couple is visiting. We go in, kiss and have a seat at the kitchen table. A few minutes later another Italian man comes over to visit. We had a bible topic discussion for the next hour!<br />
<br />
The Italians ask questions from the Trinity, Evolution, Sin and Death. My preaching companion Rosa, shares loads of scriptures. By the end of it, I take out the Bible Teach Book merely to show the man who mainly had the questions the chapter on the topic he lingered on most. He takes the book<b> out of my hand. </b>I never offer him the book, yet he takes and keeps it. As we leave and start shaking hands, he takes the book and doesn't give it back. That was probably the easiest book placement I've ever made! <br />
<br />
I plan to go back with the same sister and follow up on whether he found the answers to his questions in the book. If he hasn't I am going to offer to bring a brother back to study with him.<br />
<br />
Yet another productive day in the Italian field, how rewarding!Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10514257695517080409noreply@blogger.com0