Impressive Faithfulness

Good morning everyone!  It's Monday which I know is the least favorite day of the week for many of you, but I hope to share something that will inspire you as it has me.  In addition to my coffee, I am starting the morning with one of my favorite breakfasts--steel cut oats with egg whites and flax oil.  It is a savory take on oatmeal that will sound and look gross to most, but I absolutely love it!  Chad prefers a sweet approach -- adding brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasted walnuts to his -- which is probably a recipe that appeals more to the masses.  Regardless, steel cut oats are where it's at so if you are eating anything else make the switch and you will thank me later.  The taste and texture is amazing and you can just feel the good things they are doing for your body!  Monday morning fuel!

Anyways, this morning I share a reflection on the impressive faithfulness I have been eyewitness to here in Grand Turk.  As I have mentioned before in other posts, a large percentage of the congregation and general population here on Grand Turk speak Spanish or Creole, although English is the official language.  Yet, every week our brothers and sisters are consistently attending meetings and participating in each part with immense joy.  I ask myself:  Would I be able to do that?  Could I sit through meeting after meeting only understanding a portion of what is being said?  And even if I did, would I be able to maintain such a positive, joyful spirit?  Keep in mind that considerate effort is made just to get to the Kingdom Hall from their homes and jobs, many with small children.  If I am completely honest with myself, I admit that even though I understand what is being said 100% of the time, I occasionally struggle to avoid distraction and focus on the information, especially after an exhausting day.  However, I can't tell you how sincerely happy these friends are and how hard they try to have an active role and communicate despite the language barrier.  It is so exemplary!  You might expect this would be somewhat easier for someone who has been dedicated to Jehovah for a long time, but what about a new Bible student?  As if everything isn't already being introduced for the first time, now you have to take it in the bits and pieces you can understand in a language not your own while following simultaneously in your mother tongue.  Such unbelievable efforts are being made here by a number of students.  Seeing these things, I am encouraged and strengthened even more to be there each and every week.  I hope you are, too!  May we never take for granted the privilege we have to meet together and encourage one another and demonstrate our appreciation by always being present.  Thanks for listening.  Have a good day everyone!