La Conmemoracion

Hi everyone,

Well, after weeks of campaigning, walking to the edges of our territory with invitations, desperately trying to find a speaker, cleaning up the Kingdom Hall, and doing it all during the hottest time of the year, we finally had our Memorial in Ojo de Agua. It was quite an experience!

As I said before, Simon was assigned to drive a truck around the outskirts of our territory to pick up anyone who wanted to come. One of the local brothers, Nicholas, was gonna be assisting him with directions. At the last minute, they had me hop in the truck as well to help people get situated in the back! So Simon and Nicholas were in the cabin of the truck while my job was to stand in the bed and make sure nobody hit their heads on the low branches we drove by.

This is the truck that a brother let us rent. It really isn't that big, but we were told that it can hold up to 50 people. I was doubtful that we were gonna have as much as that, but as usual, I was wrong!

Our first stop was in a part of our territory called Tempiske. By the time we had gotten there, we already had fourteen people on board. We got to Tempiske about ten minutes early, but Nicholas was still skeptical that anyone would show up. We decided to wait a few more minutes. It was a good thing we did. Six more people showed up and jumped in!

It was a beautiful evening! 

We continued on to Raisal, another outer part of our territory. Along the way, so many people joined us in the truck that I could no longer take pictures. It was too crowded! The total number of people we ended up having in the truck was 45! 

Simon was driving for the first time in seven months, for the first time in Nicaragua, for the first time on the other side of the road, and for the first time on the other side of the car. No pressure or anything! He did a great job just the same.

We arrived at the Kingdom Hall literally two minutes before the ceremony started. We ended up just having the whole thing set up outside since there wasn't enough room to hold everyone in the hall!

Everybody getting situated!

Unfortunately, none of our studies made it there. However, one girl that we used to study with and passed on to Yorleni attended, so that was nice to see! Even so, we weren't heartbroken. We were just happy to be there. Jorge, my English study downtown, said he and his wife were planning on attending one of the Spanish ceremonies in Chinandega. They sounded pretty excited about it! I'm gonna stop by their place later this week to see if they were able to go.

At last, the Memorial finally began. But we couldn't relax just yet. We were both servers and attendants as well! It wasn't easy to do outside, considering it was still very hot and humid even after sundown. Not to mention there were a bunch of annoying flies everywhere too! But it all went very well. Simon & I had provided the wine, plates, and glasses beforehand. It all looked really nice! 

Oh, and did I mention that we finally got a speaker??!! It was a major relief! This is Rafael and his wife. He is an elder from one of the local city congregations who was willing to come give the talk in Ojo. He did a fantastic job. I understood him perfectly!

After listening to the talk, passing the bread, and passing the wine (which Simon had to pray over!), the Memorial was over in the blink of an eye. I felt so relieved! Would you like to guess our attendance? I'll post these pictures before you do. Remember that we have 36 publishers...

Think you got it? Well here it is: 150. That's right. We had 150 people!!! How awesome is that? It was a shock for me since we usually have no more than 30 people at the meetings. It was very encouraging to see. We also had a small literature table set up outside for any who wanted it, and many people took some literature!

Roberto and I happy after a busy Memorial!

After all was said and done, we took the truck once again to bring people home. We then met up with Josh, Cassie, and Jen for one more night together before they go home to their respective countries to work. They told us that the English congregation had an attendance of 44, which is awesome since they have about 20 publishers! It was a great end to a great evening. We had been anticipating this event ever since we got here, and it was well worth the excitement.

Now that the Memorial is done, we are officially in the final stretch of our eight-month stay in Nicaragua. It's strange how fast time goes by. It seems like not too long ago that I was counting down the months until I went home. Now we're down to just days from now! I'll be back in the States in about two and a half weeks. Until then, I intend on enjoying every minute that I have left here...if I can survive this heat!

Hope all of your respective Memorials went well!

Take care,

Sam

Roberto's Backyard

Hey guys,

Yesterday, after witnessing in Ojo, Roberto took Simon & I back to his house to show us something interesting. He's currently living in a little house right next to the Kingdom Hall. It's not the cleanest place, but he's really enjoying it, and we got to see one reason why.

Roberto's house is surrounded by a wide variety of fruit-bearing trees! I guess I've never really taken note of the different trees around the Kingdom Hall. Pictured above is a huge mango tree right in his backyard. We are currently right in the peak of mango season, and I had been saying out in service that I really wanted to get some good mangos. That was when Roberto told us to come try the mangos from his place. I had no idea that he had a tree right in his yard! We went to his house and found a lot of ripe mangos that had fallen fresh from the tree. We each took turns throwing a huge stick at the tree to get some more mangos to fall down. It was so worth it. They were incredible!!

Roberto enjoying a fresh mango.

They are so addictive; I think we each ate at least six or seven! The mangos from this tree weren't very big, but their texture was nice because it's not the kind that gets annoyingly stuck in your teeth.

How good does that look??

Simon thoroughly enjoyed his mangos as well...

I was astounded to see that Roberto has another mango tree over by the other side of his house as well! There is also another tree that yields a different kind of mango - it's bigger but has a hint of pineapple to it as well, making it taste a bit sharper. 

Hundreds of mangos ready to fall!

Roberto doesn't just have mangos at his disposal. He also has a nice lime tree right nearby! The limes here are amazing. They produce the best lemonade - yes, the lemonade here mainly comes from limes, not lemons. We made sure to take some home to make lemonade of our own!

Small, but bursting with flavor!

Also in Roberto's yard are "igos." Well, we aren't really sure of their name. Someone's gonna have to correct me, but it's basically this little fruit that looks like a mini pinecone. It has an awfully hard texture, but inside, it's surprisingly very sweet. It wasn't the best thing I've ever tasted, but hey, you have to try different things down here!

Doesn't that look appealing?

I didn't get pictures of everything, but Roberto also has an olive tree, coconut trees, and a huge avocado tree next to the Kingdom Hall! Everybody in Ojo has been gathering avocados, as they are really good this time of year as well. Other fruits that are particularly good down here are bananas (they taste slightly sweeter than they do back home), papayas, watermelons, and pineapples. 

Simon & I each with the prized mangos we successfully snagged from the tree.

As hard as it may be at times for Roberto to live in this house out in the middle of nowhere, he certainly has great samples of Jehovah's creation right at his disposal. We may just have to spend the night out there some time to see what it's really like for him! Nicaragua definitely has incredible fruit; it's one of my favorite things down here. Come visit and try it for yourself!

Hope you all are well.

Talk soon,

Sam

Busy Times!

Hello there,

We have jumped to full speed ahead in the blink of an eye! I know that I've just gotten back from Vacationland (No, really, Maine is also called Vacationland), but March has turned into an incredibly busy month. It's been busy in a good way, of course, but exhausting nonetheless.

Last week, I didn't make it back to my apartment after my journey from the States until 4:00 AM, but even at that time, I noticed that it was hot! I couldn't tell if I was just being a baby or if it really was hotter than usual, but thankfully, it wasn't just me. I know that we're in the hottest part of the year, but everybody has been saying that it's hotter and more humid than it should be. Temperatures are about to reach triple-digits. March and April are the two hottest months, April being worse than March. The consesus is that it's currently about as hot as it usually is in April, leaving us with two scenarios: 1) Since the bad heat has come early, maybe the rainy season will come early as well, or 2) The heat will get even worse. Let's all hope it's the first option!

In other news, Simon sold the motorcycle! He was hoping to sell it before we leave in April, and ended up selling it earlier than he expected to. We only have about a month before we leave, though. So how are we getting out to Ojo until then? Yup, you guessed it: back to cycling. 

Doing so was difficult enough when we first got here in September, but that combined with the increased heat, humidity, and dust makes for a very...well...interesting...commute. Needless to say, I've had to take way more showers than usual! At least it's only for less than one more month.

^I took this picture WHILE riding my bike, you guys. Again, that's how much I care!

Additionally, I was excited to find out that while I was away in Maine, the brothers managed to complete the repainting of the Kingdom Hall in Ojo de Agua!! Not only did they do that, but they also ordered some brand new chairs for the auditorium! Here is a before picture...

And an after...

I couldn't believe it! Now that the back wall is the same color as the rest of the auditorium, everything blends together much more nicely. It looks so much fresher than it did before. It's nice to see that all the hard work in the Jamaica fields has paid off, just in time for the upcoming Memorial! Domingo's son told me the other day that the work in the fields is just about finished, but there's still more to do - they're hoping to retile the floor soon as well as purchase new curtains. We also don't have our year text sign yet. Even so, everything looks great. It's amazing what they can get done when I'm not around! (Maybe that's a hint? ... well, this is awkward.)

Last Thursday, I conducted the Congregation Bible Study (I keep wanting to say Book Study!) for the first time ever - in Spanish! It was certainly a daunting task, considering I've never even done that in English, but it seemed to go well. People understood the other questions I asked, so that must be a good sign! Simon will be conducting it for the first time this week as well. They've definitely been keeping us busy! That same meeting, Roberto had the part about serving where the need is greater, and he interviewed Simon & I. It was interesting to look back on everything from the past seven months. We have both struggled with the heat & language barrier, but Jehovah has been helping out all along. He doesn't just take away the tough climate or immediately make you speak Spanish fluently, but he does make things easier. I certainly never thought that I would go from barely being able to formulate one sentence to conducting Bible studies & forming friendships with the Spanish brothers in the congregation! It's just funny how things change.  

If that wasn't enough to make your brain tired, here's more exciting news: Simon gave his first Spanish public talk this past Sunday! Eduardo has been helping him work on it for the past couple of months, and it was well worth it. It's been a goal of his ever since we came here, and I'm very proud of him! He did an awesome job. As for me? I have an outline that I've been working on, and the plan is for me to deliver it when I return to Nica in the fall. Be patient with me!

This past Sunday was also Maddie & Stephan's last meeting before they head back to England for work. They'll be gone for a few months, but they deserve the break - Ojo is pretty exhausting! Since Stephan is our only elder, the rest of us are gonna be very busy once they leave! It's certainly going to be a crazy next few weeks. I'm really gonna miss having them around. They always encouraged us through the difficult times, and it was nice to be in the same congregation facing those challenges together. I had to make sure that we got a congregation photo the day of their last meeting. (We had a higher attendance because a few of our friends came to see Simon's talk!)

Okay, let's see...increased heat, motorbike sold, remodel, conducting the study, giant killer rats have invaded the city, Simon's public talk, people leaving...is there anything I'm forgetting? Oh, yes - the Memorial invite campaign! 

The campaign has been going well in Ojo. We've almost covered our entire territory, so now it's just a matter of going through some areas again to make sure everybody has an invitation. A nice big truck has been rented to pass through the outer parts of our territory to pick up those who live far from the Kingdom Hall. It'll pass by about 45 minutes beforehand so that everybody can get to the hall in time to get situated. They're also going to use the truck to bring people home afterward. Definitely a nice provision! And guess who gets to drive it - Simon! He's nervous but he'll have a local brother assisting him. Everybody in the territory is looking forward to it, and I hear Ojo always has a great turnout. We're hoping that most of our studies and return visits will be able to attend. It's gonna be crazy busy, but I'm excited!

Jen & Cassie helping to advertise the Memorial at the La Colonia literature table in English. It sounds like the English congregation is going to have a great turnout as well!

Okay, I think that's everything for now! We've definitely been keeping busy despite this awful heat. I have some other random things that I'll blog about later. Until then, I hope you all are enjoying your respective Memorial campaigns, and I will talk to you soon!

Take care,

Sam

Step Over Into Maine!

Hey everyone,

I apologize for the delay. These past couple of weeks have been unbelievably busy. Why, you may ask? I paid a very special visit to one of the most important places in my life: my hometown! Winthrop, Maine!

Most of you know that my original plan was to be in Nicaragua for eight months, starting in August of last year. However, in November, I found out that two very close friends of mine, Erin & Paul, had gotten engaged. I was so happy when I found out. Soon, though, I was bummed to hear that they scheduled the wedding to be on March 9th. I wasn't planning on coming home until April. I contemplated maybe just going home in March, but then I realized I really need to be in Ojo for the Memorial. It was a really hard deciscion to make. I've known Erin basically my whole life, and she's one of my best friends! Paul and I have also become really good friends the past couple of years. They are a perfect match for each other, and I would have loved to be at their wedding. However, I knew that it was important for me to stick to my original plan to be in Nica for the Memorial.

Soon after the fact, Erin's mother, Kelly, contacted me with an unbelievable plan that would give me the best of both worlds. With her help and as a gift to Erin & Paul, I got a round-trip plane ticket that would take me back to Maine for the wedding and bring me back to Nica in time for the Memorial! How awesome is that?? We planned the whole thing since November, keeping it a total secret. The only other person back who knew of the plan was my father! It was up to him & Kelly to keep the surprise a secret. It was easy enough for me because I could just tell all my friends down here - how could they spoil the surprise? As you can imagine though, it was still difficult to keep the front of not coming to the wedding and disappointing Erin & Paul for all those months. Soon enough, though, the months flew by, and I hopped on a plane to Boston.

As soon as I got off the plane, the first thing I did was go to Dunkin Donuts (Yes, I am an American) and then catch a bus to Maine. I thought the drastic temperature change (going from high 90s in Chinandega to low 30s in Maine) would be hard to adjust to, but honestly, it was kind of refreshing! I was born and raised in New England weather, baby! I can deal.

Kelly picked me up from the bus station and we proceeded to go to a restaurant in Auburn. She had told Erin to get the day off because she had a big surprise planned for her. Paul found out about everything a few weeks beforehand, so he knew what was up and made sure he could be there. Kelly told them to meet her at the restaurant for a late lunch (Erin thought that a lunch with her mother was the big surprise). We got to the restaurant before them and told some of the staff members about the plan. They were very excited as well and happy to assist us! I had Bill, one of the hosts, videotape me as I snuck up on Erin & Paul. Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to put videos on here, but here are some still shots.

^ Don't know if you can tell, but Paul was totally tearing up here too. That's why I love him!

After recovering from the shock of everything and an awesome reunion, it was time to head over to my house for an even more nerve-racking surprise: surprising my mother. My dad, of course, knew about everything. We called him and were happy to find out that my mom wasn't home yet. We managed to get to my house, catch up with my dad, and then hide me in the guest room until my mom came in through the door. Those of you who have seen the video know how priceless her reaction was, but here are some still shots.

First things my mother said:

"This was supposed to be a girls night, Sam!"

"You smell!"

"How long are you home for?? You're going back?!"

My dad had to keep the secret for four months, and now he was in trouble!

It was so much fun to catch up with my friends back home, and go out in service in the winter weather once again, not being drenched in sweat and having to drink four liters of water! At least I got to do it with my favorite baby in the world, Lily, who seemed to remember me even though I'd been gone so long!

There were a few other things that reminded me that I was definitely back in New England. For example, apparently, there is a family in Monmouth's territory that lives in three school buses. Yeah, nothing out of the ordinary.

Also, with the help of my very good friend Shawn, I was able to fire my first-ever potato gun. Again...I'm from New England!

I thoroughly enjoyed the luxuries of the first world - hot water, dryers, fattening foods, and normal temperatures (well, normal for Maine)! It was a very busy week between service, meetings, and being asked at the last minute to be in the wedding! I was excited and honored, but it was busy week nonetheless! Before we knew it, the wedding day arrived.

The wedding cake that my parents made for Paul & Erin.

Walking down the aisle with one of my best music partners and the Maid of Honor, Karin.

It was actually a pretty emotional ceremony! Paul & Erin are very much in love, and I know that they will do great things in Jehovah's service.

After the ceremony, it was time to party!

Overall, the reception was very classy! Good music, good dancing, good food, and good friends. 

This was a very nice surprise. This is Oscar & Ivana. I stayed across the street from them in Granada the first time I came to Nica about two years ago, with my friends Sage, Hollis, & Biz! They were serving there for a few months, and I hadn't seen them since. I knew that they were pretty good friends with Erin, so of course they would be at the wedding! It was so cool to see them again in the States and catch up. They certainly have one good reason for not living in Nica anymore...their newborn baby! Always a small world in the truth. 

The Roberts family! It was a lot of fun for us all to be together again. I was happy to see Ben & Bree and update them on the goings-on in Nicaragua since they last visited. Hopefully they'll come visit again!

I love this picture. Look how pensive Bree is!

With two of my closest friends in Monmouth, Ray-J (top) and Shawn (bottom). Don't know what I would do without them!

Karin & I rocking the dance floor.

With one of my best friends, Erin KIRKPATRICK!

And of course, one of my favorite people in the world, Paul!

Let's not forget the epic groomsmen: Adam, Nate, & yours truly.

All in all, it was an awesome trip, one that I will never forget. It meant everything for me to be there, and I am so happy I could make it. However, I have now returned to Chinandega for the hottest but most exciting time of the year: Memorial season! I am so excited for the upcoming Memorial. Even so, I am only in Nicaragua for about another five weeks before I leave again. Very weird, but I intend to cherish every minute of it - heat, sweat, and all. Congratulations, Paul & Erin!!

Oh, and how about one more picture of my sister Kayla & I looking more attractive than ever?

Well, maybe not...

Talk to you all soon!

Sam