Well it has been a little while since I updated the blog, and we have a lot changes and events that have happened within the past weeks. Two weeks ago we have prayfully decided to return back to States. We have a close family member that is in need of our assistance. We will arrive back to Texas Monday September 13th. We fly out of Panama September 5th, but will be heading to Florida to catch the last US District Convention Sept 10-12. So we look forward to seeing our family and friends again. We will miss the close friendships with have established with all the friends in David, Boquete, but especially here in Volcan.
On Sunday August 22nd ...Volcan experienced a torrential rainstorm that dropped 10-12 inches within 1 hour. We were at a local restaurant enjoying hospitality with the Russell's, and returned home to find 5-6 inches of water throughout the whole house. What a shocking event to see personal items floating through the house. I placed a few calls to some local brothers (Tom Blacker and Larry McMillian) and within 10 minutes they were here along with the Isaacs (Doug and Peggy) and the Langans (Steve and Adriana) assisting us getting items to higher ground and removing the water. What another fine example we experienced in the brotherhood of Jehovah's organization. Within 3 hours that night we had the water out of the house and dried up using brooms, squeeges, and a shop vac. The McMillans lovingly opened their house for us to stay with them for the next 2 nights. This was a treat to be them and have their loving support, not to mention Alice's delicious morning muffins, fruit shakes, and cookies :-). We spent the next 2 days drying items and washing clothes that were in the flood. Sadly some of the other brothers in the area experienced worse damage to their homes. Several roads in the area are in need of repair.
Throughout the whole experience it has helped me appreciate that materials things don't last and can go in an instance. I was very proud of the children and how they handled the event. At first (and understandable) they were shocked and tears ran down. Stephanie and I spoke with them and told them these were material things and can be replaced but we still have each other. Andrea Blacker later related to me how she was impressed how the children were stating "Oh these are just material things". I am also thankful no one got hurt, and that this didn't happen in the middle of the night because the results could have been disastrous. Most of all it helped me appreciate Jehovah's organization and how the love that we have amoung each other as Jesus mentions in John 13:35 trully sets us apart.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Abigail went out in ministry with Ngobe Saturday
Abigail was invited by missionary couple to go out in service, and preach in Ngobe today. Ngobe is indiginous tribe which often are the workers on farms in this area. They live by very, very humble means (poor conditions), but the growth in this field has taken off in Panama. It was an encouraging experience for us all to her about her day out in the ministry and seeing her zeal to preach to the Ngobe. It was just announced that there will be having a Ngobe convention here in Volcan October and we will have the priviledge of supporting the lodging arrangments by opening our houses to the Ngobe families.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Week of July 26th
I must share with all a very faith strengthing experience.... Pretty much since we arrived in Volcan and found our first rent home we have been looking for our next rent house. It has been quite the challenge to say the least due to a large hydroelecric Russian company that has moved into the area and pretty much taken most of the rent homes in the area that can be lived in. We have also come across many greedy locals who are very proud of their houses(they think that it is worth more than actually is) and are not willing to negotiate price. I guess they would rather let the house sit and wait for someone to come and pay the higher prices they are asking. So this matter has been the source of much frustration and stress. All the friends in Volcan were on the lookout for rentals for us as well.
The english groups in both Boquete and David were trying to convince us to move there to assist in the preaching work. Around 2 weeks ago we found a house in Boquete that would fit are physical needs and budget (which fitting budget in Boquete was a suprise since that area is generally more expensive than Volcan), but we decided that we would still try to find a house in Volcan.
There were a number of factors to keep us serving inVolcan, which I mediated and prayed about. (1) The congregation was just formed in April (so still lots of territory to work), (2) The whole family is being used in the congregation experiencing spiritual growth (if we move to David or Boquete we would be attending the bulk of meetings in Spanish), (3) We have formed a loving bond with all the brothers and sisters in this congregation.(the children don't have children their age but have lots of grandparent figures that are very spiritually mature. This is good for the whole family).
Okay so this week Stephanie and I decided on Monday that this would be the week to decide if we stay in Volcan or move to house in Boquete. We saw several houses this week but none fit living or basic needs. Thursday night Stephanie and had a conversation that we really wanted to stay in Volcan and despite the lack of home prospects we would trust in Jehovah and put our soles of our feet in the Jordan. We mediated together on the account in Joshua 3:11-16.
Friday morning we decided to stay in Volcan and check for more houses and I received an unexpected phone call from a house that we had looked at about a month and a half ago.
So I must fill in the details now of the history about the house and family that is trying to rent the house. The house belongs to a widow (Panamaian) who is currently living in David (1 hour from Volcan). She doesn't speak any English, but her daughter who works in Panama City speaks perfect English as she is a English teacher is trying to assist her mom in watching after the house. The mom (widow) lost her husband 3 years ago he suffered from heart attack (after 45 years of marriage). She also lost her youngest son 10 years ago in tragic car accident. She is living in David because she has hard time being in house by herself due to emotional ties.
So about a month and a half ago on a Friday we were coming back from service in Boquete and we had some Spanish speaking sisters with us. So the mom was able to show us her house and the house was very nice but there were a lot of concerns with the renting the house. 1. No furniture; 2. No closets in any of the rooms; 3. The stairs weren't built right and would be considered a safety hazard by US standards. We were able to witness to her and place some literature. We expressed the concerns about renting the house, and thanked her for her time. I called her daughter (Seri) since she had been the main point of contact and I told her the same concerns. So I thought we were done with this house.....So Seri calls me on Friday and asks me if we have rented a house yet. I explained we were still looking and she tells me that her Mom has taken a lot of recommendations that we had given her and was getting them worked on because she really wanted my family to rent her house. Seri mentioned to me that her Mom had interviewed many other individuals but didn't like them. She only wanted to rent to us. So we made arrangements to revisit house on Friday to see what all had been done. Some furniture had been placed back in house (which the mom had previously given away to relatives and went to ask it back from them), closets were getting added in the rooms (about 80% complete), some work on stairs but not fixed to our liking.
So we were able to reach agreement that she would buy material for stairs, and we would have stairs fixed. We have a loving brother, Cliff Vickerman from Minnesota who is a general contractor back in US volunteered to assist us and work on stairs for us.
Stephanie and I were also able to place literature ( 2 August Magazines and Bible teach book) with Seri who plans on reading it for herself and share with her English classes. I will keep you posted with this return visit as she is very interested in spiritual things and was amazed of the love we have amoungst each other in our organization. So yeah....we have a house to rent for the next year now.... 4 bedroom 2 bathrooms ; house situated on one of the largest lots it actual covers a whole block. Usually 4 houses would fit on the land that this one house sits on. The rent is actually cheaper than the house we are in right now.
We decided that it would be best for our spiritual well being to keep the family in Volcan and rely on Jehovah to help us find a house to rent.
The english groups in both Boquete and David were trying to convince us to move there to assist in the preaching work. Around 2 weeks ago we found a house in Boquete that would fit are physical needs and budget (which fitting budget in Boquete was a suprise since that area is generally more expensive than Volcan), but we decided that we would still try to find a house in Volcan.
There were a number of factors to keep us serving inVolcan, which I mediated and prayed about. (1) The congregation was just formed in April (so still lots of territory to work), (2) The whole family is being used in the congregation experiencing spiritual growth (if we move to David or Boquete we would be attending the bulk of meetings in Spanish), (3) We have formed a loving bond with all the brothers and sisters in this congregation.(the children don't have children their age but have lots of grandparent figures that are very spiritually mature. This is good for the whole family).
Okay so this week Stephanie and I decided on Monday that this would be the week to decide if we stay in Volcan or move to house in Boquete. We saw several houses this week but none fit living or basic needs. Thursday night Stephanie and had a conversation that we really wanted to stay in Volcan and despite the lack of home prospects we would trust in Jehovah and put our soles of our feet in the Jordan. We mediated together on the account in Joshua 3:11-16.
Friday morning we decided to stay in Volcan and check for more houses and I received an unexpected phone call from a house that we had looked at about a month and a half ago.
So I must fill in the details now of the history about the house and family that is trying to rent the house. The house belongs to a widow (Panamaian) who is currently living in David (1 hour from Volcan). She doesn't speak any English, but her daughter who works in Panama City speaks perfect English as she is a English teacher is trying to assist her mom in watching after the house. The mom (widow) lost her husband 3 years ago he suffered from heart attack (after 45 years of marriage). She also lost her youngest son 10 years ago in tragic car accident. She is living in David because she has hard time being in house by herself due to emotional ties.
So about a month and a half ago on a Friday we were coming back from service in Boquete and we had some Spanish speaking sisters with us. So the mom was able to show us her house and the house was very nice but there were a lot of concerns with the renting the house. 1. No furniture; 2. No closets in any of the rooms; 3. The stairs weren't built right and would be considered a safety hazard by US standards. We were able to witness to her and place some literature. We expressed the concerns about renting the house, and thanked her for her time. I called her daughter (Seri) since she had been the main point of contact and I told her the same concerns. So I thought we were done with this house.....So Seri calls me on Friday and asks me if we have rented a house yet. I explained we were still looking and she tells me that her Mom has taken a lot of recommendations that we had given her and was getting them worked on because she really wanted my family to rent her house. Seri mentioned to me that her Mom had interviewed many other individuals but didn't like them. She only wanted to rent to us. So we made arrangements to revisit house on Friday to see what all had been done. Some furniture had been placed back in house (which the mom had previously given away to relatives and went to ask it back from them), closets were getting added in the rooms (about 80% complete), some work on stairs but not fixed to our liking.
So we were able to reach agreement that she would buy material for stairs, and we would have stairs fixed. We have a loving brother, Cliff Vickerman from Minnesota who is a general contractor back in US volunteered to assist us and work on stairs for us.
Stephanie and I were also able to place literature ( 2 August Magazines and Bible teach book) with Seri who plans on reading it for herself and share with her English classes. I will keep you posted with this return visit as she is very interested in spiritual things and was amazed of the love we have amoungst each other in our organization. So yeah....we have a house to rent for the next year now.... 4 bedroom 2 bathrooms ; house situated on one of the largest lots it actual covers a whole block. Usually 4 houses would fit on the land that this one house sits on. The rent is actually cheaper than the house we are in right now.
We decided that it would be best for our spiritual well being to keep the family in Volcan and rely on Jehovah to help us find a house to rent.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Week of July 19th
Just getting back to the swing of things. Last week we had just recovered from the Flu. Two weeks ago Stephanie, Oliver and I were hit pretty good with a flu bug that was going around. We were able to join the Boquete group last week who had the visit of Circuit Overseer and his wife. We are looking for our next rental house in Volcan, but things are looking to good. There is a big Russian hydroelectric company that has bought up a lot of the rentals in Volcan. We have found a house in Boquete that fits our needs and budget. We will probably have a decision reached by this week. There is also a possibility of moving to David area but that area is very hot. We are seeking Jehovah's direction on the matter.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
week of June 28th
This week in the Ministry....
Monday visited neighboring hotels to inquire of any English speaking staff members. Visited Hotel Bambito (about 10 minutes up the mountain from Volcan) and met an individual Jose who has worked @ Hotel Bambito for 29 years. Probably in his sixites and was very receptive to Bible message, so I plan on returning and demonstrating the Bible study arrangement with him. Visited another hotel and got into conversation in Spanish with receptionist asking how much the rates were and if she knew anyone who spoke English. We also inquired about if she knew of any house rentals in the area. She proceeded to pick up phone and got me in touch with Jorge (George) who has a ranch in Volcan with some rent houses. We visited him and it turned into a witnessing opportunity as Jorge who is Greek has been in Panama for over 15 years recently lost his wife to death (4 months ago). So we were able to place "When someone you love dies" brochere with him. Looking to make him a return visit but not interested in any of his rentals that he has available.
Wednesday--- (David) Stephanie had here study with Tonya in the park. Very promising study. I found a man who speaks English he works in Autopart store was set up as return visit in order to demonstrate Bible study.
Thursday ----(Puerto Armulles) purpose of our trip was to turn over some studies that the Gilby family had but needed some other friends to take over study. Since we aren't planning to make Puerto Armulles apart of our weekly schedule. We had some friends accompany us to turn over the studies. While Stephanie was at a study in a neighborhood. I decided to take a walk with Oliver and see if we could find anyone in the neighborhood that we could witness too. I came to find a 66 year old lady named Mrs. Silva who is here for the summer while school is out. She is a teacher in Pearland, Texas and her husband is trying to obtain his US citizenship so for close to 2 years she has been coming out to be with her husband. I was able to have a 1 hour Bible discussion with her. I placed a Bible teach book with her and currently making arrangements to have a sister that will be going to Puerto Armulles come and study with Mrs. Silva.
Friday--- (Boquete) I started study with young lady who works in the Airbox office (Jessica). I presented the Bible teach book with her as a "special gift" for her. She opened to the page where her name goes and she put her name in it. I introduced her to Stephanie and we plan on going through chapter 1 next week....
Monday visited neighboring hotels to inquire of any English speaking staff members. Visited Hotel Bambito (about 10 minutes up the mountain from Volcan) and met an individual Jose who has worked @ Hotel Bambito for 29 years. Probably in his sixites and was very receptive to Bible message, so I plan on returning and demonstrating the Bible study arrangement with him. Visited another hotel and got into conversation in Spanish with receptionist asking how much the rates were and if she knew anyone who spoke English. We also inquired about if she knew of any house rentals in the area. She proceeded to pick up phone and got me in touch with Jorge (George) who has a ranch in Volcan with some rent houses. We visited him and it turned into a witnessing opportunity as Jorge who is Greek has been in Panama for over 15 years recently lost his wife to death (4 months ago). So we were able to place "When someone you love dies" brochere with him. Looking to make him a return visit but not interested in any of his rentals that he has available.
Wednesday--- (David) Stephanie had here study with Tonya in the park. Very promising study. I found a man who speaks English he works in Autopart store was set up as return visit in order to demonstrate Bible study.
Thursday ----(Puerto Armulles) purpose of our trip was to turn over some studies that the Gilby family had but needed some other friends to take over study. Since we aren't planning to make Puerto Armulles apart of our weekly schedule. We had some friends accompany us to turn over the studies. While Stephanie was at a study in a neighborhood. I decided to take a walk with Oliver and see if we could find anyone in the neighborhood that we could witness too. I came to find a 66 year old lady named Mrs. Silva who is here for the summer while school is out. She is a teacher in Pearland, Texas and her husband is trying to obtain his US citizenship so for close to 2 years she has been coming out to be with her husband. I was able to have a 1 hour Bible discussion with her. I placed a Bible teach book with her and currently making arrangements to have a sister that will be going to Puerto Armulles come and study with Mrs. Silva.
Friday--- (Boquete) I started study with young lady who works in the Airbox office (Jessica). I presented the Bible teach book with her as a "special gift" for her. She opened to the page where her name goes and she put her name in it. I introduced her to Stephanie and we plan on going through chapter 1 next week....
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Week of June 21st
Very interesting week in the ministry....Wednesday was out in David. We were working the downtown area. There is a park in the middle of the town square and would ask people if they spoke english and then carry conversation from there. Stephanie found a young girl in her twenties in the park and started conversation on why were out there and offered a Bible study. Stephanie was able to determine that she didn't speak a lot of English. So Steph offered "You can be God's Friend". She (Tonya) accepted the study and a date was set for next week. However, guess what happens....after some time we started making our way back to the car when Tonya stopped us and asked Stephanie that she would like to have the study that day instead of waiting till next week. We made arrangements to return after lunch and Steph conducted study with Tonya who brought 3 other friends to listen in on the study. Arrangements have been set for another study on Wednesday.
Another experience to relate from the Volcan congregation that is very encouraging ( Puerto Armulles--visit on Thursday's) ...Bro. Doug Isaacs has been having a study with a English teacher in Puerto Armuelles. The english teacher started relating what he is learning to another teacher. That teacher wanted a study for himself and thought the children in his class would also enjoy both learning English and learning the Bible. But the principal needed to approve of the matter. The principal thought it was such a good idea that he arranged 2 classes to begin having Bible studies in English for a total of 16 students. The first study was conducted last week in "You can be God's Friend". Doug told me to his suprise when he showed up all the students were ready for their study and even brought their own Bibles.
Another experience to relate from the Volcan congregation that is very encouraging ( Puerto Armulles--visit on Thursday's) ...Bro. Doug Isaacs has been having a study with a English teacher in Puerto Armuelles. The english teacher started relating what he is learning to another teacher. That teacher wanted a study for himself and thought the children in his class would also enjoy both learning English and learning the Bible. But the principal needed to approve of the matter. The principal thought it was such a good idea that he arranged 2 classes to begin having Bible studies in English for a total of 16 students. The first study was conducted last week in "You can be God's Friend". Doug told me to his suprise when he showed up all the students were ready for their study and even brought their own Bibles.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Week of June 14th
We finally made a beach trip on Thursday June 17th. It wasn't the clear blue of Carribean but rather the Pacific Ocean but it was nice. The fact that it didn't rain on us was nice since it rains most afternoons here. The name of the beach was Las Lajas which is located about 1 hour from David. So the total trip was 2 hours to get to the beach. We saw one of the largest waterfalls on the way (but didn't take a picture) coming off a cliff. The McMillians (Larry and Alice from Ohio) came out there with us and we packed a lunch. Everyone had a nice time.
The preaching work is still slowing coming around. I currently have 1 study with Marcos in Cerra Punta. Stephanie has inherited 2 studies after Rochelle left. One is very interesting her name is Gala short for Galina. (Russian decent). Gala's first language is Russian. She prepares for her studies by reading the jw.org website reading Bible and Bible teach book in Russian and translates to English. Stephanie mentioned that her answers in English are so direct and to the point. Gala has a true appreciation for spiritual things as she spends hours preparing for her study. How refreshing to find someone who cares for spiritual things in the world. We are waiting on a order of Russian Bible and Bible teach book for Gala.
BTW...my Mom brought to my attention that some other pictures had shown up from "Panama bound" section of this blog. Those pictures were not from our album. Apparently the google link from Picassa got mixed up with someone else's album. I have corrected the problem. I apologize if they had any offensive pics in there. Good catch Mom.
Saturday we hosted a Hula Party @ our House. Everyone participated in a hula dance. Abby, Sophia and Oliver received lessons from the McMillians..The Russell's (from Kansas) have returned to serve in Volcan. They had left back to the states after a Melonoma was found on his head. All is well with them. He is currently the only Elder here in the congregation until July when others return from the States. So Dale and I will busy with congregation items. I have taken over accounts and talk coordinator which is quite the challenge. Jehovah continues to assist us in all our efforts.
The preaching work is still slowing coming around. I currently have 1 study with Marcos in Cerra Punta. Stephanie has inherited 2 studies after Rochelle left. One is very interesting her name is Gala short for Galina. (Russian decent). Gala's first language is Russian. She prepares for her studies by reading the jw.org website reading Bible and Bible teach book in Russian and translates to English. Stephanie mentioned that her answers in English are so direct and to the point. Gala has a true appreciation for spiritual things as she spends hours preparing for her study. How refreshing to find someone who cares for spiritual things in the world. We are waiting on a order of Russian Bible and Bible teach book for Gala.
BTW...my Mom brought to my attention that some other pictures had shown up from "Panama bound" section of this blog. Those pictures were not from our album. Apparently the google link from Picassa got mixed up with someone else's album. I have corrected the problem. I apologize if they had any offensive pics in there. Good catch Mom.
Saturday we hosted a Hula Party @ our House. Everyone participated in a hula dance. Abby, Sophia and Oliver received lessons from the McMillians..The Russell's (from Kansas) have returned to serve in Volcan. They had left back to the states after a Melonoma was found on his head. All is well with them. He is currently the only Elder here in the congregation until July when others return from the States. So Dale and I will busy with congregation items. I have taken over accounts and talk coordinator which is quite the challenge. Jehovah continues to assist us in all our efforts.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Week of June 7th
Had a challenging week last week. Oliver and Stephanie got hit with minor stomach bug that lasted a few days. Moved houses to another rent house on Friday. We will have to do another move in 3 months. A couple from Canada rented us there house while they visit back home. They are familar with the Jehovah's Witnesses reputation as being responsible and clean people. This serves as a good witness since this helps with the fact that a lot of people and hotels don't want childen. The house is perfect for us. It is furnished, washer/dryer and sits on a beautiful lot with fruit trees, outdoor sitting area, pond with water feature.
We moved on Friday, then turned around and hosted a going away party for the Gilby's on Saturday. They are going back home to New Foundland for a couple of months to earn some income and they plan on returning. The theme was mexican food, and it turned out nice.
Sunday I had the priviledge of conducting the Watchtower study for the first time. Thanks to Jehovah all went well. We have another elder arriving coming back from the states on Wednesday. This is a relief since Richard Gilby is currently the only elder here in Volcan. So it has just been the 2 of us handling all the parts for the service meeting and bible highlights. I have had the priviledge of having between 3-4 parts on every Tuesday meeting. Jehovah's holy spirit is powerful.
We moved on Friday, then turned around and hosted a going away party for the Gilby's on Saturday. They are going back home to New Foundland for a couple of months to earn some income and they plan on returning. The theme was mexican food, and it turned out nice.
Sunday I had the priviledge of conducting the Watchtower study for the first time. Thanks to Jehovah all went well. We have another elder arriving coming back from the states on Wednesday. This is a relief since Richard Gilby is currently the only elder here in Volcan. So it has just been the 2 of us handling all the parts for the service meeting and bible highlights. I have had the priviledge of having between 3-4 parts on every Tuesday meeting. Jehovah's holy spirit is powerful.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
week of June 1st
I gave my first talks in Central America today. We had 24 in attendance in Volcan and 24 in attendance in David. This was quite the experience giving 2 talks in one day. All went well thanks to Jehovah. We started off in Volcan with 1:30 meeting. Only stayed till after talk, because had to drive 1 hour to David to give talk @ 3:30. We ate lunch along the way which we should have done a better job packing. So we ate crackers and almonds. Giving the talk in David was an experience in dealing with the heat. It is quite a bit hotter in David. Neither hall has air units, but really felt the heat in David. I would estimate the temperature to have been 93 degrees in the hall (David). Came back up the mountain and had dinner at the McMillians house and the Gilby family was there. Very upbuilding conversation and nice time.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Top 25 Adjustments needed to live in Panama (for us)
A lot of friends have been emailing asking how is Panama. In our discussions we have mentioned lots of adjustments to get use to...I thought I would put a list together and keep it updated of some of things we are making adjustments in our way of life.(in random order)
1. All children sharing one room. Abby and Sophie sharing a bed. (Until June 11th we move into another house were they will have their own bed for at least 3 months). Has been slightly challenging.
2. Driving down roads that seem undriveable (both in Service and to get around town)
3. No HEB's or Walmarts...have had to learn to shop @ different stores for different items...Use vegetable stands for our fruits and vegetables. We did find some nice stores in David...Pricemart like a Sam's...and a Rey's almost but not quite like an HEB.
4. Speaking lots of Spanish to get around and communicate.
5. No TV.....(we have made arrangements to have Family night on computer watching movies.) Children are actually enjoying playing outside.
6. Taking Military style showers to preserve hot water.
7. Loss of electricity for hours @ a time.
8. To get a oil change...have to go to seperate places to purchase Oil, oil filter, fuel filter etc.
9. No street names in Volcan. Can make service quit the challenge. (go to the house with the blue roof on it...take a left then go to the rock pile where a cow is tied up and take a right...quite funny actually)
10. Here is one that I am really enjoying (in Volcan only)...going to sleep ~ 65 degrees outside....wake up and throughout rest of day nothing above 80 degrees.
11. Dryer and Stove uses propane tank....when empty drive to town and replace. (cost $5.75)
12. Drinking water comes from 5 gallon water tanks that have to get switched out and replaced weekly. ( costs $3.75 each)
13. Waking up to roosters crowing @ crack of dawn. Usually comes around 6am here.
14. Waking up to beautiful mountain scenery. Seeing tons of butterflies and hummingbirds. Fresh air. Don't have to worry about heater or A/C because temperature is perfect.
15. Not being able to find decent clothes to wear. Most Panamians are small. So rare to find shirts or pants in my size (Ralph). I guess if I keep walking in service will be able to fit into their clothes here.
16. Cooking a lot of our own meals @ home. Going out to eat is a rare occassion.
17. Getting into habit of going to bathroom before we leave the house. It is quite obvious there are no health inspectors in Panama. If you are able to find a somewhat clean bathroom it is very suprising. Also finding one with toilet paper is a rare find. You often have to carry your own toilet paper.
18. Seeing people riding horses down the streets is a everyday sight.
19. Lots of people walking down highways and streets with small children.
20. Actually finding the majority of the people we meet to have a tremendous respect for the Bible and the preaching work that we do.
21. Driving down the highways can be quite nerve wrecking. Panama could be considered the second autobaun.
22. Small congregation...lots of opportunities for comments and fellowship. Preparation for meetings is necessary.
23. Very laid back attitude about time (example: most stores have extended lunch hours. Even though it states open again @ 1pm could be 2:30 or 3pm before they are back, or sometimes not come back at all.)
24. Lots of poverty around us. Sad to see the conditions that people live in.
25. Lots of stray animals...cats, dogs, chickens. Got to be cautious in service with dogs.
1. All children sharing one room. Abby and Sophie sharing a bed. (Until June 11th we move into another house were they will have their own bed for at least 3 months). Has been slightly challenging.
2. Driving down roads that seem undriveable (both in Service and to get around town)
3. No HEB's or Walmarts...have had to learn to shop @ different stores for different items...Use vegetable stands for our fruits and vegetables. We did find some nice stores in David...Pricemart like a Sam's...and a Rey's almost but not quite like an HEB.
4. Speaking lots of Spanish to get around and communicate.
5. No TV.....(we have made arrangements to have Family night on computer watching movies.) Children are actually enjoying playing outside.
6. Taking Military style showers to preserve hot water.
7. Loss of electricity for hours @ a time.
8. To get a oil change...have to go to seperate places to purchase Oil, oil filter, fuel filter etc.
9. No street names in Volcan. Can make service quit the challenge. (go to the house with the blue roof on it...take a left then go to the rock pile where a cow is tied up and take a right...quite funny actually)
10. Here is one that I am really enjoying (in Volcan only)...going to sleep ~ 65 degrees outside....wake up and throughout rest of day nothing above 80 degrees.
11. Dryer and Stove uses propane tank....when empty drive to town and replace. (cost $5.75)
12. Drinking water comes from 5 gallon water tanks that have to get switched out and replaced weekly. ( costs $3.75 each)
13. Waking up to roosters crowing @ crack of dawn. Usually comes around 6am here.
14. Waking up to beautiful mountain scenery. Seeing tons of butterflies and hummingbirds. Fresh air. Don't have to worry about heater or A/C because temperature is perfect.
15. Not being able to find decent clothes to wear. Most Panamians are small. So rare to find shirts or pants in my size (Ralph). I guess if I keep walking in service will be able to fit into their clothes here.
16. Cooking a lot of our own meals @ home. Going out to eat is a rare occassion.
17. Getting into habit of going to bathroom before we leave the house. It is quite obvious there are no health inspectors in Panama. If you are able to find a somewhat clean bathroom it is very suprising. Also finding one with toilet paper is a rare find. You often have to carry your own toilet paper.
18. Seeing people riding horses down the streets is a everyday sight.
19. Lots of people walking down highways and streets with small children.
20. Actually finding the majority of the people we meet to have a tremendous respect for the Bible and the preaching work that we do.
21. Driving down the highways can be quite nerve wrecking. Panama could be considered the second autobaun.
22. Small congregation...lots of opportunities for comments and fellowship. Preparation for meetings is necessary.
23. Very laid back attitude about time (example: most stores have extended lunch hours. Even though it states open again @ 1pm could be 2:30 or 3pm before they are back, or sometimes not come back at all.)
24. Lots of poverty around us. Sad to see the conditions that people live in.
25. Lots of stray animals...cats, dogs, chickens. Got to be cautious in service with dogs.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
week of 5-17
Another milestone completed...purchasing parts for the car....everything takes work to get things done here....I have been in search for a fuel and oil filter for our car. Finally found a auto parts store that was reasonably priced. Turns out the owner is from the Corpus area in Texas, and speaks english...looking forward to some witnessing opportunities with him. He mentioned that he has been invited over to the Kingdom hall.....I told him to stock up on the parts I needed and that I would purchase them from him....Today went over to the Langan's house for visit....Steve and Adrianna Langan...he is from England and she is from Argentina...she just got baptized 3 weeks ago. She is conducting spanish lessons with Stephanie and the children. Today children lost interest and played Wii instead with Steve....Tomorrow we drive 2 hours to Puerto Armuellos to preach....beach community....we are planning our first visit to Panama beach....I will post some pictures
Okay so we are in rainy season it actually rained on us all day on Thursday in Puerto Armuellos so no beach trip. The beach isn't anything to write home about anyway, so we will try another beach soon. We did however get some accomplished in our ministry. I found a family from California who live in a upscale community in Puerto Armuellos (ex-executives of Chiquita Banana plantation use to live in this community). The banana plantation have packed up and headed out since then. We did have a nice shopping stop on the way back between the Panama and Costa Rica border. Duty free items...some good deals to be found on clothing, liquor, and other items for house and car.
Friday spent day in Boquete...Stephanie found a lady selling bread in the street that use to study. She is originally from Cuba. She said she is interested in studying again. Friday night had family night with Gilby's we saw "Return to me". Ate pizza and had some upbuilding conversations.
Saturday - spent morning out in ministry till around noon time....didn't really find anyone in census work here. I was a little disappointed with Marcos cancelling our study this morning up in Cerra Punta.
We have a get together to go to this afternoon @ 3pm. There is a pioneer couple leaving the spanish congregation and the english congregation was invited. It is raining pretty hard right now here, so hopefully they have good cover to protect from rain...
Okay so we are in rainy season it actually rained on us all day on Thursday in Puerto Armuellos so no beach trip. The beach isn't anything to write home about anyway, so we will try another beach soon. We did however get some accomplished in our ministry. I found a family from California who live in a upscale community in Puerto Armuellos (ex-executives of Chiquita Banana plantation use to live in this community). The banana plantation have packed up and headed out since then. We did have a nice shopping stop on the way back between the Panama and Costa Rica border. Duty free items...some good deals to be found on clothing, liquor, and other items for house and car.
Friday spent day in Boquete...Stephanie found a lady selling bread in the street that use to study. She is originally from Cuba. She said she is interested in studying again. Friday night had family night with Gilby's we saw "Return to me". Ate pizza and had some upbuilding conversations.
Saturday - spent morning out in ministry till around noon time....didn't really find anyone in census work here. I was a little disappointed with Marcos cancelling our study this morning up in Cerra Punta.
We have a get together to go to this afternoon @ 3pm. There is a pioneer couple leaving the spanish congregation and the english congregation was invited. It is raining pretty hard right now here, so hopefully they have good cover to protect from rain...
Friday, May 14, 2010
Other happenings this week......
Got to meet our neighbor this week. (Clemente) He speaks some English, but this has given me a chance to practice Spanish.
I told him he was my hero, after I learned that he works for a local coffee plantation and he is the official coffee taster for the company. He responded by bringing me bags of coffee the next day to try. They have some wonderful coffee here in Panama.
He has even offered to give me tour of coffee plantation. I need to find a way to make him a brother :-).
Abby, Sophia and Oliver have spent some time with his children playing in the afternoon. So we are all practicing our Spanish and looking for opportunities to witness to this very nice family.
I told him he was my hero, after I learned that he works for a local coffee plantation and he is the official coffee taster for the company. He responded by bringing me bags of coffee the next day to try. They have some wonderful coffee here in Panama.
He has even offered to give me tour of coffee plantation. I need to find a way to make him a brother :-).
Abby, Sophia and Oliver have spent some time with his children playing in the afternoon. So we are all practicing our Spanish and looking for opportunities to witness to this very nice family.
Preached in Boquete today---
Today's meeting for field service 10 in attendance meet @ Brother Jim Faust house. Retiree from LA.
He accompanied us in the territory. We are basically mapping out the territory for English speakers in the territory. Currently only 4 publishers are supporting the English group in Boquette. Most of the publishers were from Volcan that came to support the preaching work this morning. It is estimated to be some 4 thousand foreigners living in Boquete that speak English or another language other than Spanish.
After service had lunch @ Jim's house. Meet a sister from the Spanish congregation who Jim hires to clean the house up.....very enjoyable time. Looking forward to our Friday preaching in Boquete.
He accompanied us in the territory. We are basically mapping out the territory for English speakers in the territory. Currently only 4 publishers are supporting the English group in Boquette. Most of the publishers were from Volcan that came to support the preaching work this morning. It is estimated to be some 4 thousand foreigners living in Boquete that speak English or another language other than Spanish.
After service had lunch @ Jim's house. Meet a sister from the Spanish congregation who Jim hires to clean the house up.....very enjoyable time. Looking forward to our Friday preaching in Boquete.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
First day out in ministry
Last night was our first meeting here in Volcan...Total of 11 in attendance....Abigail was householder and she assisted me on an interview part.
Today we went down the mountain to preach in the city of David. The temperature difference is quite drastic from where we are staying. It is about a 45 minute trip down the Mountain where the temperature is around 70 degrees hottest it gets is 85 in Volcan. However, in David the temperature today was 95 degrees with the humidity comparable to Houston. Very nice response in the ministery. We are basically doing a search in the territory for any English speakers.
Today we went down the mountain to preach in the city of David. The temperature difference is quite drastic from where we are staying. It is about a 45 minute trip down the Mountain where the temperature is around 70 degrees hottest it gets is 85 in Volcan. However, in David the temperature today was 95 degrees with the humidity comparable to Houston. Very nice response in the ministery. We are basically doing a search in the territory for any English speakers.
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