"Tested as to Fitness"

In the obvious sense of the word "fitness"--the condition of being physically fit and healthy--I would say we pass.  We are young, eat well, and stay very active.  In applying further definition--the quality of being suitable to fulfill a particular role or task--I would say we are being tested and refined.  As mentioned before in previous posts, the environment here and the lack of conveniences which were commonplace at home have challenged our level of physical fitness and subsequently our determination to pursue spiritual activities in tougher situations.  A quick reality check reminds us that this is not near as difficult as many areas of the world, but nonetheless an adjustment for us.  For example, last week we spent three of our long service days completely on bike.  One of the pioneer couples in our hall has left for the States for the next six weeks.  We are covering our calls and studies plus a number of theirs and we lack the occasional aid of their transportation.  All the spin classes in the world could not prepare me for cycling here.  I am grateful for the exercise, though, and the rich blessings we received for our efforts in the form of wonderful calls and studies.  There is truly no greater source of satisfaction, even though we are totally exhausted by the end of the day.  I am so happy to see Chad receiving this joy as well.  He is an awesome pioneer partner, offering me great support and encouragement.  With so much pedaling over bumpy roads, potholes, and littered terrain, I finally got my first flat.  Chad successfully worked hard in the heat to replace the punctured tube just so that I could get another flat the very next day.  Poor Chad!  He is a trooper.  I hope this one lasts a long time.  At least he was able to cool down in front of our new standing fan.  What a worthwhile investment! 

After a long day...

Last Monday and Tuesday were holidays on the island in honor of the queen.  I enjoyed a girls game night with some local sisters.  I returned the hospitality later in the week by having them over to our little place for a movie.  Both occasions were a lot of fun!  On Wednesday, we had one of the young men Chad studies with over to the house for his study and dinner.  His study was great as always. He is very bright and has a sincere interest in the Bible.  It was especially impressive to hear his background as he opened up to us and gave us some history.  He was born here in Grand Turk, but moved with his family at a young age to Florida where he got involved in gangs and rap music as a teenager.  Within the last year, however, he left it all behind, moved back to Grand Turk on his own, and made drastic changes.  He got interested in the Bible and soon thereafter met Chad on our first visit to Grand Turk at the dive shop next door where he is employed.  Chad followed up on the interest shown as soon as we arrived in April and he has been studying since.  Unfortunately, his work schedule makes it difficult for him to attend meetings, but we hope the opportunity arises soon.  It is not only a privilege to help ones learn the truth from the Bible, but also to see them warm up to you so that a trust and friendship develops.  This is true with Paola, the sweet woman from the Dominican Republic with whom I study.  On our study this week, she shared pictures of her family and told me how she survived cancer.  I was very encouraged when she told me during the conversation how much my Spanish has improved since I first visited her.  It is difficult to learn another language and those words meant a lot me.  I am very motivated to continue learning even if only for her.

Paola and I

Chad has started having regular conversations about the Bible with a local fisherman who frequently docks at the beach just behind our house.  We purchased our conch from him last week though he tried to give it as an exchange for the magazines.  He later gave Chad the most beautiful King Conch.  King Conch is not eaten, but retrieved for it's massive shell alone.  He left it perfectly intact.  Thus, Chad had to boil it in order to release the conch and then soak it in bleach water to remove the smell.  It was worth the effort.  The fisherman expressed to Chad that he wanted to give it to him because he treated him different than most.  We are happy to hear that as Jehovah's servants, we are viewed as different.

Chad was super excited about being able to view the venus transit from the shore here, especially since the next one will not be seen for 105 years.  Check out the photo in which he actually captured the planet crossing the sun.  That little black dot is, in fact, Venus.  Very cool!

  

As usual, I have included some pictures of our meals.  I love creating new recipes especially in response to what is available each week.  I also love to eat!  I am thankful that Chad continues to be adventurous in the kitchen with me.  While I have proved to be busy in the kitchen, Chad has proved his worth around the house as well.  He recently tackled mowing our little rocky lawn and has successfully completed other necessary household chores that have earned him the title of "handyman" in my book.  He even chased a cow out of the yard.  It is still a mystery how it got inside our fence.  It feels good to be working well as a team in every aspect of our routine.

Chia pudding is a good source of energy.

Homemade yogurt topped with homemade granola.  On the side is sliced banana and my favorite, Haitian mango.

My daily green drink.

Lentil stuffed peppers with barley and spinach salad.

Chad's banana "nice cream."  I enjoy also minus the Nutella.

Overnight oats with banana.

Wheat berry waldorf salad.

Refreshing banana yogurt pop.

Vegan lasagna with cashew "cheese" and salad

We hear that there has been a lot of rain back home.  We hope that you all will send us some of that soon!  We certainly need it!  In return, we send our love and hope to hear from any and all of you in the coming days and weeks!