Our First Week

In the ministry, the children seem just as eager as their parents to learn the truth about God. One of the little girls I was showing the Caleb and Sophia videos to kindly asked to see my tablet... she said she took this picture because she wanted to remember me when she grew up.

 

I guess it’s safe to celebrate the fact that we have survived the one week mark. Life this past week has been many things- difficult, trying, faith strengthening, up-building. Everything wrapped in to one roller coaster of emotions and experiences. Corn Island has proved to be both exciting and absolutely terrifying.

Let’s begin with the least exciting aspects of life here on this floating nugget of land. The mundane. There exists in one’s mind a plan- an idea of the day’s activities all mapped out according to our idea of a schedule. For example, back in Oregon there were always a billion and one things to do in the span of a day. By the saving grace of cars and technology we somehow managed to keep this fast-paced schedule up day in and day out. Here, it is almost as if life itself has slowed, time leaks by as you find yourself struggling to accomplish in 3 hours what you might have done back in the United States in a matter of minutes. The struggle to adjust has been overwhelming and has caused me much anxiety… but by now I feel as though the reality that deadlines aren’t much more than a figment of one’s hopeful imagination here is beginning to set in.

 

Typical Island Food. Plantain, Gallo Pinto (painted rooster= rice and beans)

Monday is 'Fun-Day'. The Brothers and Sisters head to the beaches on our 'day off'

 

Our New Home on the Island. Addresses (and post offices) just don't exist here

Visiting Irwin in the ministry. He has trouble walking... but he still makes it to the meetings

 

 

A group of eight Spanish and  English speaking brothers and sisters came from Big Corn Island this past Saturday in order to preach and support the only baptized witness of Jehovah on all of Little Corn Island. Among us were two special pioneers from Leon and Honduras, a pioneer sister from Mexico, a pioneer sister from the UK, a 13 year old pioneer sister, a pioneer sister native to Big Corn Island, and Makenzie and I (of course).  The stories of our companions are ones worthy of sections in yearbooks. It was the longest, dirtiest, most encouraging and exciting days I have ever experienced in the ministry.

On our way to Little Corn Island. We took a tiny tourist boat with about 40 other passengers. The ride was fun for the first 10 minutes... but 35 minutes of natures version of Disneyland's 'Matterhorn' is too much for my stomach. It's amazing how even 'calm' waves can thrash you around.

Typical home on the island. Most days we are greeted by children in the ministry, running around the streets without a care.

 

Now the ministry on this island- Non stop work. One day in field service=at least three new calls. Yesterday I was walking down the street and a man stopped me. The words that come out of the mouths of those thirsting for truth is almost infathomable. “I am addicted to the Atalayas. I search for people to give me new ones each day”; one man even exclaimed that he loved me and all of God’s people for the work that we do as he begged me for any literature I had on me. At ‘doors’ (the openings in the walls of sheds) people respond to, “We were in the neighborhood showing people this bible based literature…” with eager, “yes, I will study” or “sit down, show me”, and even, “I was just praying to God for someone to talk to me”. One family here studies at 6:30 in the morning and had asked if we could come back and study the next section of the brochure in a couple hours! We are overwhelmed with return visits and each have a handful of studies already. It is amazing how eager these people are to learn about God and his word the bible.

The congregation. Where do I begin?! The hospitality and love that the brothers and sisters extend is truly remarkable. Most nights we receive at least two dinner invitations. Get togethers, such as barbeques or snorkeling at the beach happen multiple times a week. Working together in the ministry with such a diverse group of people who extend such love to one another is only possibly in Jehovah’s organization. Each day we receive such kindness and help from those in our brotherhood- from learning how to adjust, to education on island customs, even advice on the best ways to get groceries- the friends have been nothing shrt of amazing.

With eleven weeks remaining, we are excited to see how our ministry, our involvement in the congregation, and our own spirituality  flourish here on Big Corn Island.