"Having Plenty to do in the Work of the Lord"

Living on an island that is a mere seven by one miles and only accessible by plane would equate in most people's mind to a relatively boring life.  It is definitely true that things are much more laid back, low key, and slower paced, as mentioned before.  It is an appealing lifestyle to the majority who call Grand Turk home.  However, where ever you are in the world, Jehovah's people have a busy schedule of spiritual activities and much work to be done.  The past two weeks have proved to be even busier than usual here, especially for Chad.  I am happy to report that he successfully completed his congregational assignments as a one man show for four meetings in a row!  I am very proud of his hard work!   I, too, fulfilled a new responsibility on my rotation as reader for one week, reading the Watchtower on Sunday and the Bear Thorough Witness material on Thursday.  The greatest challenge for me, though I'm certainly not complaining, was focusing on reading while assisting Paola simultaneously in Spanish and also helping her children.  I am so proud of her efforts.  She has attended four consecutive Sundays and each time brought someone else with her.  The first meeting she came alone, the second she brought her daughter, the third both her daughter and son, and the fourth her two children and a neighbor's young boy.  She is studying her Watchtower each week and regularly commenting in Spanish.  The meetings have, thus, flown by as have the days and we were a bit relieved this week to have a short break.  Since it is our assigned convention week, there are no meetings on Grand Turk Thursday or Sunday.  We will take advantage of the opportunity to dial in to the meetings in Ponte Vedra Beach from home.  We look forward to hearing the comments and assignments from the familiar voices of our dear friends there.  Next week, the Jackson's and Dennis' will return from the States.  We will be excited to have them back on the island!

Left: Juan and Anna, students of another sister who regularly attend meetings

Middle: Paola, Alice, and I

Right:  Friends walking home after Sunday meeting…I love the kids holding hands

We were invited to attend the graduation of one of the young brothers in our hall Monday before last.  Graduation is a huge event here, even from primary school.  Students and parents alike make special trips to the salon and dress up just for the occasion.  I think half the island was in attendance although we stood out as the only white people.  It was animated, long, and sounded more like a sermon from the pulpit than any graduation ceremony I have previously attended.  However, we were glad to be able to support our little brother on his special day.  I can only imagine what his high school graduation will be like to top this.


We spent additional time in our home with a few young ones from the congregation who will not be able to attend the District Convention anywhere.  We popped popcorn and enjoyed snacks while viewing the new cartoon.  They thoroughly enjoyed the DVD and I share their rendition of "Listen, Obey, and be Blessed" below.  It is very sweet and touching.

Popcorn and a movie

Chad and I, too, wanted to provide a little real time footage to say hi and let everyone know we are well.  It was recorded on our first date night here in Grand Turk at the Osprey Inn's outdoor restaurant.  We had previously enjoyed the live music at their biweekly BBQ, once from inside while Chad ordered dessert and the second outside on the beach with our own wine and snacks.  (Thanks to Nature and Angelo for the portable wine set!)  This time we opted for a full dinner.  It definitely wasn't the best meal I've eaten, but the atmosphere was great and the company even better. I did enjoy a piece of seared tuna after not having fish in a while.  We look forward to taking mom there during her visit late next month.

 

While date nights are a fun treat anywhere, dinners at home are by far the best!  We enjoyed sharing a meal with the Massurin's in our hall who have now departed for Haiti and eventually the States.  Times are tough here and many, like them, face the challenge of struggling here or seeking better circumstances elsewhere.  It was nice to spend time with them on this occasion as well as at a second dinner at the Higgs' home before saying goodbye.  We certainly hope the move proves to be a good one for them, although they will be missed.

Dinner at the Higgs' house

  

Food at home 

Unfortunately, we experienced firsthand what difficult situations can move people to do.  We went to leave for the field service meeting the morning just before the Dennis' departed for the States to find our bikes had been stolen while we were sleeping.  They apparently snapped the locks and removed them from our front porch without even waking us.  How concerning!  We felt so defeated as we walked on to the hall.  Bikes are a hot commodity here and especially important to us as our transportation.  We had no choice but to purchase new ones locally at an elevated price before proceeding in the ministry.  We took a moment to shake it all off and say a prayer before heading back out on our scheduled calls.  We were blessed with finding each of them at home and having productive visits.  We now put our bikes inside each night and are much more cautious in general.  Hopefully, nothing of the sort will happen again.

Despite our minor setback, we are finding ever increasing joy in service and our routine here, always making time to take in the beauty of Jehovah's creation together.  Nothing brings us down for long as we are quickly reminded of the happiness Jehovah provides!  Thanks for sharing in such happiness!  Until next time...