Finally Feeling Acclimated

The past two weeks have proved to be the best yet!  As the title of this post indicates, we are finally growing accustomed to our new environment and routine.  It is a great feeling!  The weather seems far more tolerable, our nights are much more restful, and our service is increasingly rewarding.  We feel stronger spiritually, physically, and mentally.  Let me provide you with a few details that will give you a little insight into why this is so…

Chad trying his hand at fishing again on a Saturday after service.  It was fun but unsuccessful.  Maybe another day...

At one of the small markets buying the bulk of our groceries--produce.

Since our last chat, we enjoyed the company of one of Sister Jackson's students over lunch after one Sunday meeting.  Her name is Abernie.  She is 16 years old and the only one in her family who is studying.  She studies every week twice a week and attends every meeting.  She is always prepared and actively participates in the congregation, even volunteering to help with the hall cleaning.  She will soon be joining the school.  Her progress and sincerity are commendable to say the least, especially knowing that her family has recently been challenging her beliefs.  We thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know each other better and provide a little encouragement.  We shared pictures with her of our family, friends, and travels which she found entertaining.  She now enjoys making fun of Chad's "chubby" years :)  

Later the same week, Jehovah blessed me with two more Bible studies.  The first is Talia.  Talia is about six years old.  She is the daughter of one of Chad's students, Cedric.  After school, we sit down outside her home and read about three stories from the Bible Story book.  She gets so excited about what's she's learning, asks questions, and recalls previous lessons when we review.  She is such a sweetheart and a joy.  Each visit we are joined gradually by other children from the neighborhood who curiously come and sit down to see what Talia is learning.  It can be a bit overwhelming, but is too sweet to deter.  Somehow Talia stays focused and I am thus encouraged to do the same.  After we finish, she thanks me and says how much she likes our studies.  I even heard her shout, "I love Candice!" from back inside the house one day :)

Climbing through fences in service.

With Talia and her brother Tyler...

…and soon a few others 

Tyler thinking he is too cool in Chad's sunglasses.

Momma checking things out.

A picture of us Talia captured. 

And one she took of her and I.

The second new student is Regina.  Regina is from Haiti, but speaks and understands a measure of English.  Obviously, the information is much easier for her to comprehend in Creole so she has her Bible Teach book in her language and I have mine.  She reads the paragraphs and Bible texts in Creole and I ask the questions in English as she follows along in her book.  She answers in English to assure me that she gets the point.  Amazingly, it works!  Chad simultaneously studies with her boyfriend who is a native to Grand Turk.  We were disappointed when we arrived this week, however, to find only Stephen at home with the news that Regina had to be temporarily sent home to Haiti until the proper documents are acquired.  I am anxiously awaiting her return.  Her enthusiasm for learning about the Bible is very contagious!  In the meantime, Stephen continues to have his study.  We are hopeful that Regina's son, who is still on the island, will become a study as well.  We left him a Bible Story book on the last visit.

In addition, I am one question away from completing the Truth tract with a local woman named Tonya and one question away from completing the study feature of this month's public Watchtower with another local woman named Ruby, both of which will hopefully transition to a more formal study out of the Bible Teach book next week.  All of these individuals were located in the door to door ministry and accepted studies which were offered to them directly.  It's even rarer when someone approaches you and requests a study.  This recently happened to Chad.  A coworker of Chad's student Jason, who works at the dive shop next door you may recall,  acknowledged that he knew about Jason's study and proceeded to ask if Chad could do the same with him.  Chad casually agreed :)  Dan has returned home to the States for three weeks, but we are optimistic that his desire will still exist when he returns.  

Another rare experience for Chad occurred just this past Sunday.  Once a month, Brother Dennis conducts a Creole meeting in the afternoon.  With Brother Jackson still off island, Chad was left to every assignment on the program.  Yes, he was his own chairman, offered prayer, gave the public talk, conducted the Watchtower study, and closed the meeting.  Needless to say, he was exhausted afterwards.  The fun has only begun, though, because the Dennis' leave Saturday for a two week trip to the States and the Jackson's do not return until nearly the same time.  Chad will have two more Sunday meetings, as well as a Thursday night meeting to complete solo.  What incredible training!  Our joy fortunately outweighed our tiredness Sunday when two of our students attended the meeting for the first time.  Jason even raised his hand during the first paragraph of the Watchtower.  Chad, of course, gave him the opportunity to comment only to find he had a question for him!  It was too cute!  Chad commended him and replied that he would answer this excellent question after the conclusion of the meeting.  Paola worked hard to follow along in her Spanish Bible and Watchtower throughout the meeting so as to understand as much as possible.  She is unbelievable!  She has a sincere appreciation for what she is learning despite the language barrier.  Her expressions will bring tears to your eyes.  She brought her little girl along with her who is likewise so loving and friendly.  She sat in my lap during a portion of the Watchtower and even gave a one word answer.  Paola said she will be returning each Sunday and bringing her 12 year old son next time.  I just smile thinking of it all!

In other news, we have confirmed travel arrangements from our first visitor since our official move here--my mom!  She will arrive on August 30th and stay through September 4th.  We are so excited that she deserves a personal shout out!  We cannot wait until you are here, Mom!  It will be fun for sure!  We would also like to give a shout out to all those in Ponte Vedra who took the time to Skype us over the weekend.  It was so nice to see you all and hear your voices.  It truly made our day!

Despite all these encouraging experiences, we had started to become a bit anxious about the water situation here on the island.  We had been in a drought and water pumps on the island were broke.  We managed to purchase 2000 gallons for our cistern, but then Jehovah reminded us that he will provide by way of an unexpected torrential downpour last Friday.  We were up on a hill on the westside of the island conducting a study when we noticed the dark clouds rolling in from the east.  We were understandably skeptical that this would reach the island and drop even a sprinkle of rain, but soon realized a storm was imminent.  We completed the study and rushed home on our bikes though it was now thundering and lightning just in time to reach home and enjoy the rainfall.  We were so grateful!  It topped off our cistern and ensured we would have water in the weeks to come.  Since then, the pumps too have been repaired alleviating the worries of many.  However, the rain is the free source of water we all prefer!  We look forward to the next mild storm.

Our cistern for water collection.  It runs the length of our back porch.

We wrapped up the weekend by enjoying some local live music after our usual beach walk Sunday evening at the inn next door.   Chad had a slice of key lime pie as we looked out over the ocean and listened to the relaxing tunes.  We may splurge and give there weekly BBQ a try on another visit.  

Speaking of food, we always want to leave you hungry for more so here are a few pics of what's keeping us nourished physically.  I seem to forget to take photos when we are going about our routine outside the house, but remember when at home and relaxing in the kitchen.  Forgive me for the shortage of pictures.  I will do better for the next post :)  Please stop by to catch up with us again!  We send our love and greetings to all!

Collard wrap with beet hummus, avocado, tomato, and cucumber served with raw cauliflower "rice" 

Black-eyed pea fritters with avocado cole slaw

Leek, mushroom, and artichoke risotto with roasted asparagus

Leftover quinoa egg bake for breakfast with fresh fruit (papaya, mango, citrus, and banana)

Chickpea, broccoli, and beet salad with tahini-flax dressing

Salmon cakes with roasted veggies

Collard wrap with white bean and avocado puree and slaw served with carrot, apple, and raisin salad 

Couscous and tomato stuffed eggplant and salad

Whole grain spaghetti with mushroom "meatballs" and homemade marinara

Lobster night!  We shared a tail and served with roasted veggies and a raw vegetable "pasta" salad.  

The best vegan white pizza ever  done two ways.  The perfect homemade whole wheat crust smeared with tofu "ricotta" and toppings.