1. We continue to be grateful for our ministry. We have acquired more studies since our last post. Chad has four new students. One is his first Spanglish study with a young man from the Dominican Republic who is incredibly intelligent, reasonable, and observant. He just gets it when you show him what the Bible teaches. We are anxious to see what he thinks as we help him discover more of the Bible's message. We are especially thankful that Chad is also now studying with the manager of the Grand Turk Inn, for it affords us the opportunity to sit outside on the inn's covered patio in comfy chairs overlooking the water. Often we are able to steal a bit of shade beneath a tree for a study or sit in front of an open door or window to catch a bit of breeze in someone's home, but this is truly special. You take a seat and just get that, "Ah…" feeling. The manager is soft spoken and humble and shows great potential from our discussions thus far. The third of Chad's new students is the young son of Paola, Brennie. He is being aided to learn about the Bible from the Bible Stories book. We enjoy using the very book that our parents read to us as children to assist other people's children now. The fourth is a man from Trinidad who recently lost his mother which opens the way for him to appreciate what the Bible teaches about the resurrection hope. It's wonderful to share such comfort with those in need. Chad's conversations with our British neighbor are also progressing. He will be away for a while, but invited us to come as soon as he returns at the end of August. He has started playing guitar and singing at the Sandbar each week and we enjoyed the entertainment one night after dinner. In addition, four of my doorstep studies have transferred to the Bible Teach book and I am hopeful that they will continue to progress. Paola is still making the meeting each week and participating. She appreciated watching the DVD on Jehovah's organization last week with another student, two other sisters from the congregation, and myself. Afterwards, she expressed the negative comments others have been making to try and discourage her from studying. She is showing great strength in resisting such negative influences and remains determined to learn more about Jehovah and live accordingly. In fact, she said, "What if I can't attend these large assemblies and conventions in other locations yet?" alluding to the opposition or lack of funds. I assured her that she was doing very well and that she need not worry about that now. Rather, she must focus on her studies and doing what she can here. That seemed to alleviate her concerns. Talia, my nine year old student, is also maintaining zeal for what she is learning. I commended her this week for remembering lessons from weeks ago. I keep expecting that as we go further through the Bible stories she will forget some of the previous characters and their importance. However, she is far surpassing my expectations. I heard her shout to her mother inside after we concluded, "Candice loves how I remember things. I remember everything!" I just laughed. What can I say. It's true.
2. We are grateful to have received our very first package from our dear friends, the Reeds, in Ponte Vedra Beach. On Thursday, we were meeting for service at the Hall when Chad received a stack of mail from the post office. I asked if there was anything good and he gave his usual reply. "It's probably just bills and junk, as usual." I remained hopeful that there would be something of interest and this time, I was right. As I thumbed through the stack, I came across a blue slip of paper that stated we had a small package awaiting pickup. I was so excited I could hardly wait to get there. We made a call on the way after the service meeting and I placed magazines with the lady working at the post office desk so we didn't interrupt our ministry. Inside the box, we found something for each of us that reflects one of our personal addictions. For me, Starbucks coffee and a new mug to enjoy it in and for Chad, a big bag of Haribo gummy bears. Fortunately, the gummy bears are in individual packages so he's forced to somewhat portion control. Rationing is an important lesson to learn when you have limited access to your favorite things. However, more important than anything inside the box was the thoughtfulness behind this package. We are so appreciative for this little piece of home and a reminder of our friends there. Thank you Matt, Rebecca, Taylor, and Austin. We can't tell you how much you made our day! I know it took a month to arrive, but in our eyes it was right on time!
3. We are grateful for the phone calls, Skype visits, and e-mails from friends and family. The internet is our connection to the world beyond our little island and we thank all who have taken time from their busy schedules to spend a few minutes with us. It goes a long way in helping us maintain our sanity and, like the Reed's package, is often at just the right time. Please continue to keep in touch. You are all so encouraging to us and we love hearing what's going on in your day to day lives.
4. We are grateful to have what we need and to learn how to share what we have with those in need, spiritually and physically. When I went to rehearse a talk with nine year old Charade in our congregation she was ready and waiting. It was obvious she had practiced on her own and took her assignment seriously. After we were finished, she offered us tea she had prepared with her older sister's help in a beautiful little tea set. It was a simple gesture that warmed our heart, especially from such young people. Chad later discovered this week that the boy of one of his studies was lacking food. We provided a few simple supplies and were exposed firsthand to how heart wrenching this sort of situation can be. We hope things improve for them soon and are glad that questioning his disheartened student made us aware of the issue.
4. We are grateful to have what we need and to learn how to share what we have with those in need, spiritually and physically. When I went to rehearse a talk with nine year old Charade in our congregation she was ready and waiting. It was obvious she had practiced on her own and took her assignment seriously. After we were finished, she offered us tea she had prepared with her older sister's help in a beautiful little tea set. It was a simple gesture that warmed our heart, especially from such young people. Chad later discovered this week that the boy of one of his studies was lacking food. We provided a few simple supplies and were exposed firsthand to how heart wrenching this sort of situation can be. We hope things improve for them soon and are glad that questioning his disheartened student made us aware of the issue.
5. We are grateful for learning to be more self-sufficient than ever before. As I mentioned, with a lack of certain conveniences comes the acquisition of new skills. This week's lesson: how to make homemade almond milk. When the market that amazingly stocks my almond milk was without it yet again, I googled how to make my own. I knew it could easily be done, but had never ventured into actually doing it because of the convenience of purchasing at the store. My attempt was successful and we have made a few batches since. I love the comfort that comes from making things yourself. No additives, chemicals, or preservatives-- just pure, delicious, and nutritious results! And nothing goes to waste here either. I have learned several uses for the almond pulp--almond pulp hummus and sweet treats among them. It's educational and useful! We have grown increasingly aware of the plant-life around us that can be useful as well. I get excited when I catch sight of a stray wild basil plant or a tree bearing ginnups--tiny little fruit local to the island. They look like small limes with a green thick skin, but inside have a pinky-orange edible flesh and large white pit. They are like nature's candy. You will see Chad working hard to acquire some of these from branches high off the ground in the pictures below. Note: biting your lip always helps you accomplish difficult tasks.
6. Now something that I am solely grateful for and that Chad sort of despises. I am grateful for all the sweet shout outs, especially from the children, as we cruise around the island. We can be in service and I hear, "Hey, Candice!" from an unknown voice. We can be at the beach and I hear, "Hey, Candice!" from another direction. We can be walking to the meeting or the store and I yet again here, "Hey, Candice!" from a little one. On all of these occasions, Chad gives me a scornful look of jealousy. "What's my name?" he often asks. They shrug their shoulders and say, "I don't know." He gets more aggravated while I am amused. Talia's brother, Tyler, who we see every week even asked me the other day what my unnamed brother was doing. I said, "You mean, Chad. He's not my brother. He's my husband." So funny! I also appreciate how others notice I'm always in the lead on foot or on bike. A few of our calls have jokingly given Chad a hard time about this and commend him for the few times he's actually a couple of feet ahead. Ask him about these things. He immediately gets defensive. It's hilarious!
We have so much more we could mention. This post would never end if I continued now. So, I will leave you with this short list of reflections and share more another time. I conclude by saying thank you to each of you again for visiting us on our blog. We hope you are all doing good and counting the many blessings you enjoy as well! We look forward to chatting again soon!
By the way…for those who like the food pics, look for a new feature coming late next week. The food has earned a section all it's own.
Here's a shout-out for Chad! (and you too! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks! We can always count on our moms to be our biggest fans :)
DeleteEnjoying the updates.
ReplyDelete