tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39125716054521341052024-03-19T02:39:23.501-07:00Step Over Into NicaraguaHola! This is a blog to keep everyone updated on our experiences and adventures in Nicaragua. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-86791941500940953162015-04-08T19:22:00.001-07:002015-04-08T19:29:24.148-07:00The End of an EraHello,<br />
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It's April, everyone. It's April and I'm in Chinandega. I told myself that I would never be here during the month of April again after enduring the horrible heat it brought in 2013, yet here we are again. To be fair, though, it hasn't been quite as bad as I was expecting. It's still pretty hot - currently 99 degrees Fahrenheit and tomorrow is supposed to be 102 and pretty humid. Maybe I'm going crazy, but it hasn't been draining me as much I thought it would!<br />
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The reason I decided to be here during April was for the Memorial, which never leaves us with a dull moment here in Nicaragua. Given that four congregations meet in our Kingdom Hall and it would've been impossible to fit everyone there, our hall had the ceremony in a schoolyard in our territory. It worked out really well because the school is right on a main road, very easy for all to see.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The banner was a nice touch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju20e1O7ylz0unO_dyGkhy55LTjQb2jBn_Jyt3KYJaG-EnDQ88wJh5zLdedRPSw3-ypQXS-8GjxkwQMevvAMLCvps4tr_AoEJ5QJn-nImbVt4z-g12WCUWMIMTqkCT8ziXfrYVQeycYrI/s1600/01f8e5169695298cbf43f6727517f476a5d3d77f33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju20e1O7ylz0unO_dyGkhy55LTjQb2jBn_Jyt3KYJaG-EnDQ88wJh5zLdedRPSw3-ypQXS-8GjxkwQMevvAMLCvps4tr_AoEJ5QJn-nImbVt4z-g12WCUWMIMTqkCT8ziXfrYVQeycYrI/s1600/01f8e5169695298cbf43f6727517f476a5d3d77f33.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francisco working with some brothers on the stairs.</td></tr>
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Because we didn't have our ceremony in the Kingdom Hall, much more work was required. We had to rent chairs, obtain a sound system, and even build a podium. Rolando obtained a great sound system and Elvis did a phenomenal job building the podium himself. We spent Thursday and Friday (well...us Roberts just went on Friday) cleaning the facility, which included washing each and every single one of the 400 chairs that we rented. We swept the yard about twenty times (It's very important to sweep all the dirt off of the dirt so that no more dirt gets on the dirt, guys). The entrance to the schoolyard is on a bit of a ledge with no stairs, so a few brothers built a mini-staircase themselves the very day of the Memorial! There was a lot of work accomplished with many soda breaks throughout the process. Seeing the congregation come together for this event is always an encouraging thing to see.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7mnyrNxXrpTamyICXiBQ8PfPgrMcafQ7mq-GGSsfUBDnhJDUZGZNGhGp_YEypWxGa_XVAyq5o0WxkNHaodhldPxF1U2VhieorXg5UnzD6v-fyw9TxD9SFt4QTPAQ1-rkdXY4T6RGCFQ/s1600/01bf11fedb9a1c0c403ede69e898a1eb9c90a66a43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7mnyrNxXrpTamyICXiBQ8PfPgrMcafQ7mq-GGSsfUBDnhJDUZGZNGhGp_YEypWxGa_XVAyq5o0WxkNHaodhldPxF1U2VhieorXg5UnzD6v-fyw9TxD9SFt4QTPAQ1-rkdXY4T6RGCFQ/s1600/01bf11fedb9a1c0c403ede69e898a1eb9c90a66a43.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't let this picture fool you...I so didn't sit here the whole time.</td></tr>
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We set up our literature cart with this month's magazines. We only had three new Bibles available because our congregation's Bible supply (as well as many others) has been completely dried up for the past few months. Does that mean we'll be getting the new Bible in Spanish soon?? Hmmm??? Okay, no more speculaysh. (Sorry, I'll try to use proper English now.) Anyway, having the display worked out really well. We placed all three Bibles, 136 magazines, and seven Bible Teach books. I'd say it went well!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvys7lO1BeR1QSj6aYs0ELjL8b2wJdv_5fAtahiMFhz_ZiAHs0Zuy2F0SAZSzAbfXYQokWtx0PafAzusX0-ZtOY1ni9NSQPOkU_lUmQetDgcIarXhPB2D9N8GQ_u_k3mQZF7lor9CozDY/s1600/01da7ac989c4bc0bcbc3c0c3054a8f3bc5a7023a77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvys7lO1BeR1QSj6aYs0ELjL8b2wJdv_5fAtahiMFhz_ZiAHs0Zuy2F0SAZSzAbfXYQokWtx0PafAzusX0-ZtOY1ni9NSQPOkU_lUmQetDgcIarXhPB2D9N8GQ_u_k3mQZF7lor9CozDY/s1600/01da7ac989c4bc0bcbc3c0c3054a8f3bc5a7023a77.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you look closely, you can see the podium Elvis built. Yes, that's my main comment on this photo.</td></tr>
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The ceremony itself went great. Rolando did an excellent job presenting the talk, and aside from a few kids trying to drink the wine and eat the bread because they weren't listening, we had no mishaps. We have about 78 publishers and had an attendance of 208! There were also a few young men from the neighborhood who observed the entire ceremony from outside the school fence. It appeared that they were afraid of being embarrassed in front of their friends if they came in, but they stayed for the duration. Four of our Bible students also attended - Felix, Walter, Edwin, and the kids!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWE1-6HOznYjabRHYM37qg-bjuO1SiFxuwa-5w_BX-sKqq6yciwp1QHibtJSE5BYIpVhXj26_1iZJAIzongbu1qvsCvNeqM9BpgFKXP00Fy1pETUB-EuNS7nx6kzz_3MML1TGUG4MnikM/s1600/01390877555e9ff17a280dfb39cea5c18aea5fc5a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWE1-6HOznYjabRHYM37qg-bjuO1SiFxuwa-5w_BX-sKqq6yciwp1QHibtJSE5BYIpVhXj26_1iZJAIzongbu1qvsCvNeqM9BpgFKXP00Fy1pETUB-EuNS7nx6kzz_3MML1TGUG4MnikM/s1600/01390877555e9ff17a280dfb39cea5c18aea5fc5a2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us with Edwin's family and Walter's family. Sidenote: The lighting was terrible.</td></tr>
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It definitely made for a busy Memorial, between being an attendant, serving the emblems, and trying to help a Bible student on each side of me follow along, but it was very rewarding. Ben's studies, Walter and Felix, are doing very well. Hopefully everyone continues to make progress!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmj7Js6t1AahqTV3Rws0KaJ2IipkTeggaJdRCYoQ4X-lhnoPk1BqmloNSg3nhipLdtyfg7pv8OKycfmcm5H7qZ_IvAKWnv67AZXGaS9yNfTfXThVJS2uOUvL_mwLQ8Z0kYtlmWXmj7EoQ/s1600/01b414216e5aaf577b7cbe6bc0912e160c01b53e2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmj7Js6t1AahqTV3Rws0KaJ2IipkTeggaJdRCYoQ4X-lhnoPk1BqmloNSg3nhipLdtyfg7pv8OKycfmcm5H7qZ_IvAKWnv67AZXGaS9yNfTfXThVJS2uOUvL_mwLQ8Z0kYtlmWXmj7EoQ/s1600/01b414216e5aaf577b7cbe6bc0912e160c01b53e2a.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ronald showing a jw.org video to a young kid this morning.</td></tr>
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Speaking of making progress, four new publishers in our congregation were announced at the meeting last night: Ronald, Alex, Tyron, and his mom. All of them were found in the territory! Rolando has been studying with Ronald and has taken very good care of him. I preached with him this morning and got to see the results. He does a great job at the doors and is <i>very </i>prepared! Ladislao has been studying with Tyron and has also done very well with him. He's got a <i>lot </i>of energy, so I've gotta give props to Ladislao for keeping up with him! Braulio and I worked with Tyron on his second day of preaching during the Memorial campaign. It definitely kept us both on our toes. He has so much zeal and started conversations with every passerby.<br />
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Now fasten your seat-belts, bros, because I'm about to say some things about Ben & Bree that I would never say to their faces. Like ever. And it's gonna be mushy. Like really mushy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGfP96CG4bJsDA78Hwxc-5Cpxzft3WaXJRyKdYOOTdNqykl-KQUDuAwTHw3zdTfBtfziBR-zeBpoVu3WaoJya7vk2eW4cgHw0bmBk6TRp-YGIcpEm_KYxq3NhaV_409ixe5WmoVyM8iM/s1600/019281db95841a6837c4dfaf2802032cee11b13830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGfP96CG4bJsDA78Hwxc-5Cpxzft3WaXJRyKdYOOTdNqykl-KQUDuAwTHw3zdTfBtfziBR-zeBpoVu3WaoJya7vk2eW4cgHw0bmBk6TRp-YGIcpEm_KYxq3NhaV_409ixe5WmoVyM8iM/s1600/019281db95841a6837c4dfaf2802032cee11b13830.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben & Bree doing their last door together working territory.</td></tr>
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Ben & Bree's six months in Nicaragua came to an end last week. It was a major roller coaster ride, but like every roller coaster ride, it went by very fast. The sad thing is that it wasn't until after we dropped them off at the airport that I realized how much I had gotten used to having them around. It seemed not too long ago that we experienced a 7.4 earthquake on their first night here and we all huddled together under the front doorway! Actually, that reminds me that I should probably prepare another emergency go-bag.<br />
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Because we are members of the Roberts family, we definitely had our ups and downs, (Ben breaking the faucet and nearly flooding the garage, for instance?) but mostly ups. Seeing them experience many things for the first time and deal with the same frustrations I dealt with during my first six months here made me feel a lot better. I know that sounds condescending, but I mean that it drew us all a lot closer together because I knew exactly how to help them deal with those frustrations. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSBBdR3zkyJo8JUnN1ZR6443KoGtcf8JdRvRfY8sVQM7wurRmLaS8cFJevouPIzH8E0ft_kxaS_e9AjVSpWgB1cSn-F5IAfLMjX7mU0PlIi0U_XysF_ZQG7n5XzmnCgCvSZ7I3aMDJQs/s1600/01f785fe89ddbf6568d7bde49265fb733642a8041c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSBBdR3zkyJo8JUnN1ZR6443KoGtcf8JdRvRfY8sVQM7wurRmLaS8cFJevouPIzH8E0ft_kxaS_e9AjVSpWgB1cSn-F5IAfLMjX7mU0PlIi0U_XysF_ZQG7n5XzmnCgCvSZ7I3aMDJQs/s1600/01f785fe89ddbf6568d7bde49265fb733642a8041c.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bree taking a ministry break with Sister Castillo.</td></tr>
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Dealing with the language barrier, the heat, and the dust are all necessary evils. The key is how you combat them. Ben & Bree fought them head-on and give it 100%. I mean every word of that. They spent very little time feeling sorry for themselves and found ways to adapt. They studied Spanish every single day, first thing in the morning. That's more than I can say for myself! They practiced the things they learned immediately and were not afraid of making mistakes, as hilarious as those mistakes were. Again, I can't say the same for myself! Cultivating a fruitful ministry was a challenge at first, but they got into their own regular study routine very quickly and did an excellent job taking care of their studies. Not only that, but they also made a real effort to befriend the local brothers and sisters despite the language barrier. They are shining examples of the lesson that with a lot of effort and Jehovah's help, you can make the most of any situation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFF8DKfq8FsR84XF998XR6pU49dXCb_BQYhcI4U8JADkcYNHilyDMBo8OpRpmfZW0NxijnC8M3uvWaiPB2jEPtUnhvZ5UJ-E1CIK2BgIuz6r6LUxnUfCVBowBJF3onG_OIJL1O1avKQg8/s1600/0173e6f2c704335f478f2c5e82cce407d4a636bfed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFF8DKfq8FsR84XF998XR6pU49dXCb_BQYhcI4U8JADkcYNHilyDMBo8OpRpmfZW0NxijnC8M3uvWaiPB2jEPtUnhvZ5UJ-E1CIK2BgIuz6r6LUxnUfCVBowBJF3onG_OIJL1O1avKQg8/s1600/0173e6f2c704335f478f2c5e82cce407d4a636bfed.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campusano.</td></tr>
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Another major help was the fact that the congregation welcomed us with open arms. Every single one of the elders took the time to introduce themselves to Ben & Bree. Several families invited us to their homes for meals. Living close to the territory also made it very easy for us to open our own home for social gatherings (Sidenote: I hate the expression "social gatherings"), so we really felt a part of the congregation. Everybody made the most of Ben & Bree's last couple of weeks here. Last Monday, for example, we went to Campusano, a swimming hole outside of town that I had never been to before. It was a lot more beautiful than I imagined it would be! There were a lot of people (and a fair amount of mosquitoes) because of Semana Santa vacation week, but it was worth the trip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDO5N4fRaLGOHXul0c1pJSlhUWizjnbxCfslQLD_meSprC5-ruB2Ezdx9YYSbqGP5Ww6aPBAmTK15v23plSE8dAHrqMGWoO3DJCLQbrkW1G4p2iFAx-RK4ylbTssnBSjO8-c0EulXJ7U/s1600/017eeb294ba4975872f327ad90fb4a0680d114d51f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDO5N4fRaLGOHXul0c1pJSlhUWizjnbxCfslQLD_meSprC5-ruB2Ezdx9YYSbqGP5Ww6aPBAmTK15v23plSE8dAHrqMGWoO3DJCLQbrkW1G4p2iFAx-RK4ylbTssnBSjO8-c0EulXJ7U/s1600/017eeb294ba4975872f327ad90fb4a0680d114d51f.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben's public talk.</td></tr>
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Seeing the two of them make progress with the language was a subtle process. Gradually, I didn't need to translate things for them nearly as much. (Sidenote: I still need some things translated for me to this day!) They didn't need to be spoken to like five-year-olds. Before we knew it, Ben was giving his first public talk in Spanish! He did a great job preparing it carefully and presenting it clearly. One of his studies even came to see it, as well as our good friends, Andre and Makeda. Like I said before, Ben has made some pretty hilarious mistakes while learning the language, but out of everyone I've seen come here, he has probably put forth more effort into learning it than any of them. All of that effort definitely paid off.<br />
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Coincidentally, the night of Ben's first public talk was also the night of their last meeting. The response was overwhelming. We took a few congregation photos and afterward, there were huge lines of brothers and sisters waiting to say goodbye. A few friends gave them presents. Some of them cried to their faces, while others went outside to cry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMW5ePTEmSkJQpwyPonuh63OCYfKmFdydVRh0wtyuVKJk4R-c-3Ptc_GRWq8mPRxsDVj9VxiLcCFRA6h991zJer68hyphenhyphen8qW_x77dIRBdG34QSpxGPzOoAHQz0RwqKEMV1kjZzRrUDqFlLE/s1600/01eb998cf427d16b79a83953e7ed68873ec35169a6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMW5ePTEmSkJQpwyPonuh63OCYfKmFdydVRh0wtyuVKJk4R-c-3Ptc_GRWq8mPRxsDVj9VxiLcCFRA6h991zJer68hyphenhyphen8qW_x77dIRBdG34QSpxGPzOoAHQz0RwqKEMV1kjZzRrUDqFlLE/s1600/01eb998cf427d16b79a83953e7ed68873ec35169a6.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elvis saying bye to Ben. Yes, I intruded on the moment.</td></tr>
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After saying goodbye, Elvis came over to me, put his arm around me, and just said, "I'm really gonna miss them." Ugh! That was hard to hear, especially since he's been a fatherly figure to all of us. It was a lot to take in, but it was definitely a testimony to the love we've received during our time in this hall. It's also a testimony to Jehovah. We wouldn't have any of this if we weren't a part of His organization!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy64vWh6wt0KQCCT1WPZFvr49iwYMJZ_YX1Z3MP5nmv0wQpSdjAypcSscggk6wiSi00Woxjn9zA0LA22Pb3qH-gr__ETAwCIvobD0qoGichsjcMkZhUGmFL4576eYGEfvExfyYbyoTcaQ/s1600/01856a3c0a14d99d00cda5af42df25d8e4462ae77a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy64vWh6wt0KQCCT1WPZFvr49iwYMJZ_YX1Z3MP5nmv0wQpSdjAypcSscggk6wiSi00Woxjn9zA0LA22Pb3qH-gr__ETAwCIvobD0qoGichsjcMkZhUGmFL4576eYGEfvExfyYbyoTcaQ/s1600/01856a3c0a14d99d00cda5af42df25d8e4462ae77a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most normal congregation photo we were able to get.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSrrVlHsB26i-3yxsE4DSCtIMBgupItwu2pOTlkWa6g9fI5Wc7h0rKaR7ez315RJbSpnMZi1NXjARRn3wmfgon_o3xH9vstS0wUOst9_j3U-rSEHhWhaaXta-3pJSZfQOCbfEgBcfxRo/s1600/0169dc5bee67fa38c41ae8e49ad03be7b54f271ae7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSrrVlHsB26i-3yxsE4DSCtIMBgupItwu2pOTlkWa6g9fI5Wc7h0rKaR7ez315RJbSpnMZi1NXjARRn3wmfgon_o3xH9vstS0wUOst9_j3U-rSEHhWhaaXta-3pJSZfQOCbfEgBcfxRo/s1600/0169dc5bee67fa38c41ae8e49ad03be7b54f271ae7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feel the emotion. Feel it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ben & Bree's flight took off about four hours after the meeting, so we had to rush off to the airport immediately! As a proper send-off, a group of our good friends in the congregation rented a microbus to bring them to the airport personally. All in all, 18 of us went on the trip! (Sidenote: They thought I was leaving too, but sorry, bros. I'm here for another week. Do I still get a bus ride?) Thankfully, everyone said their goodbyes without breaking down completely, but like I said before, it didn't really hit me until after we left the airport. I consider myself to be a pretty independent pesron, but I never realized that I had my family with me here for so long. We made so many great memories together here, but I realized it was the simple things that I was going to miss the most. I would no longer have movie nights or Netflix marathons with them in my bedroom with the AC on for hours on end. I would no longer have those nights of the three of us laughing endlessly in the living room about who-knows-what. Instead, I'm back to where I started: writing in my bedroom in a very quiet house. Don't get me wrong, I like my freedom, but at the end of the day, I suppose I didn't mind having them here after all.<br />
<br />
Okay, enough of the mush. I'm gonna see them in two weeks.<br />
<br />
Talk soon,<br />
<br />
<br />
SamAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-41065287811350717312015-03-26T15:30:00.001-07:002015-03-26T15:30:31.125-07:00Great PatienceHey guys,<br />
<br />
My other post was getting too long and I had some other things I wanted to tell you about, so here's a separate post. <br />
<br />
My study with Edwin has been getting better and better. I see him
& the kids in the neighborhood very often, and the kids always ask
me when the next meeting will be. Edgar & Bruno, the two oldest
(well, technically the third & fourth, but the two oldest kids are
adults and I never see them), always fight over who gets to comment. All
of them have loved getting to know my friends as well and always ask
about them. This past Saturday meeting was interesting. Edwin had to
bring Bayardo, the youngest child, with them. He's cute, I'll give him
that, but I'm gonna be real, guys: I clash with this kid. Seriously! He
is always getting into my stuff and anytime I tell him no, he says
"Yes!" and then it turns into a very heated and mature No!-Yes!-No!-Yes!
exchange. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdviRDiJYd4_A7UaWaTcYFC9h-RSx1Cme3rrcu8xTEWYrKclxz_RWnf3sN2HWIp1WAPt811E8eYvxqOBCdMQRu9buGOJ7n6uMqYxlCUT5oFonLdp-igbxpCJ6ILuYreGfmTbd2wHHdEvc/s1600/0119482182b2290302415260918a4a6672f69ba589.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdviRDiJYd4_A7UaWaTcYFC9h-RSx1Cme3rrcu8xTEWYrKclxz_RWnf3sN2HWIp1WAPt811E8eYvxqOBCdMQRu9buGOJ7n6uMqYxlCUT5oFonLdp-igbxpCJ6ILuYreGfmTbd2wHHdEvc/s1600/0119482182b2290302415260918a4a6672f69ba589.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right: Roman, Edgar, Bruno, Bayardo (my BFF), & Catherine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Again,
it's the heat, bros. Anyway, so Bayardo came with Edwin to the meeting
and starting whining during the last half-hour. I thought it was because
his arm hurt (He fractured it recently and it's in a cast), but Edwin
just said, "No, he says he's bored and wants to go home." Okay, kid, no
sympathy here. We were studying <i>The Watchtower </i>about having a
good marriage, and Edwin was really enjoying it. However, when Bayardo
was whining more and more, even Edwin said to me, "This is the work of
Satan. He knows that I'm loving this article and that it's just what I
need, so he's using my child to get me to leave the meeting!" All I
could say was, "Right?!" Go ahead, guys. Tell me that I need to be nicer
to kids.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, Edwin & I went over the first
in the series of worksheets that go with the Bible Teach book. I wasn't
sure how it would go over, but it was so effective! It was probably our
best conversation to date. I love how the sheets help the students make
personal application and meditate on why they believe what they believe. When we went over the scenarios about someone asking you to explain your beliefs about human suffering, we chose two scriptures that we could share: James 1:13 and 1 John 4:8. I suggested to him that it would be good to memorize those scriptures, or at least their locations. Bruno ran inside and got their Bible so he could find it himself. My friend Ashley lent Catherine her Bible so she could find it as well. Just as I was about to explain how the scriptures were organized, (the bold numbers, verse numbers, etc.) Edwin stepped in and did it for me! It was a really, really cool moment.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLLCsyHsryrQNXHgrCKNQ1kqsZt5cxbuA8zmLk4EKYb_UUZbDk0B8LhGUsiw3_IewLjy8lziXLLKkHBBhlBEuENZcUoZQBRMGYq6IRqTmpHJjxKuNR4ca8eds2YkYyE7D2cAIsLUd0yo/s1600/019ceb8da8e01537e65cc586ed851c6f3aa10121e9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLLCsyHsryrQNXHgrCKNQ1kqsZt5cxbuA8zmLk4EKYb_UUZbDk0B8LhGUsiw3_IewLjy8lziXLLKkHBBhlBEuENZcUoZQBRMGYq6IRqTmpHJjxKuNR4ca8eds2YkYyE7D2cAIsLUd0yo/s1600/019ceb8da8e01537e65cc586ed851c6f3aa10121e9.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As Bruno read the scripture, Edwin's face was beaming. Whenever one of the kids comments at the one of the meetings, he gets really nervous as the brother brings the microphone to them. After it's done, he proudly says, "This is the best thing for my kids!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOa45knZzuE_7rwGIExudsYP8pBIB5ATmz7xfL48kwaayftoq4tYRSPOnxtdmobvu4qWbUskeT7HnI4AZZeSzaGvPm8ztD4tqZFSBaHTBJ4wmy6WZKzV7dv1F8LWp68rQuVuMESFJtXM/s1600/019f12b3b414bf3dbb21f822d972a42e301f6b2eb9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOa45knZzuE_7rwGIExudsYP8pBIB5ATmz7xfL48kwaayftoq4tYRSPOnxtdmobvu4qWbUskeT7HnI4AZZeSzaGvPm8ztD4tqZFSBaHTBJ4wmy6WZKzV7dv1F8LWp68rQuVuMESFJtXM/s1600/019f12b3b414bf3dbb21f822d972a42e301f6b2eb9.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That is the face of a proud father! Edwin's, not Bayardo's.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
While these kids are seriously high-maintenance, studying with this family has been a very rewarding experience. Yes, even with Bayardo...*cringes*. Although Edwin has been making good progress, I'm keeping my expectations reasonable. No matter what happens, though, I'll always enjoy the memories I'm making studying with this family. Sidenote: I'm great with kids.<br />
<br />
<br />
Take care,<br />
<br />
Sam Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-50080758887657737312015-03-26T15:30:00.000-07:002015-03-26T15:30:01.379-07:00Right Down the Middle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Hi there!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHDNwOnr3ffxluqk9CEFeIn4iSvDK6z_Q6ofP7GmpeO73bqzvdoKH_NG4OgBYUW7dTVyE1o7JZ8ljF_V2KdltSy4J2nGrpdUEWCMvzzT5WcwgnkhEq5wdaVpGJEZ5sjJUx7cljJWPH7M/s1600/010f347d1bf7384e7d01078908029c249838bd202f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHDNwOnr3ffxluqk9CEFeIn4iSvDK6z_Q6ofP7GmpeO73bqzvdoKH_NG4OgBYUW7dTVyE1o7JZ8ljF_V2KdltSy4J2nGrpdUEWCMvzzT5WcwgnkhEq5wdaVpGJEZ5sjJUx7cljJWPH7M/s1600/010f347d1bf7384e7d01078908029c249838bd202f.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most productive thing I've done as of late, and even then...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you're wondering why it's been a while since my last post (and I realize that's a big "if"), it's because the rising heat has been affecting my productivity. For reals, though, we're in March, the second hottest month of the year in Nica, and the heat is getting to our heads. I was going through a number of things I've done these past couple weeks that prove that point, including skipping breakfast, arguing with the neighborhood kids about mangoes, and not caring about wearing dirty clothes. Actually, now that I'm listing those things, I'm realizing that I do of all them on a regular basis anyway.<br />
<br />
ANYWHO, almost everyone we know has been getting sick lately, and the Roberts household has not been exempt from it. Bree got a parasite, Ben got a weird infection in his foot, and I lost my voice last week. All of us are doing much better now, although it wasn't easy. Seriously, of all people to not be able able to talk, why me? I hated not being able to shout! I never realized how much I do that...it was a rough week.<br />
<br />
We've been up to quite a bit these past couple weeks, so I'll do my best to be concise. HA, that's such a lie. If I wanted to be concise, I'd erase the previous two paragraphs.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmezEoiMozf0O7ZcxXSIE_gkDm04aRLgFBcb55pdDgSycX_mzUmnY4F8XicgH_dgwzzp4jeWgqC_2poxf8mXWwCemWAUkDFv4M7VFAwcGWcOhRcKQQHmKxjr08E41itVciy-P4oJVTls/s1600/0140e029aef7339c302ebd9397c43fb9573f2f3697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmezEoiMozf0O7ZcxXSIE_gkDm04aRLgFBcb55pdDgSycX_mzUmnY4F8XicgH_dgwzzp4jeWgqC_2poxf8mXWwCemWAUkDFv4M7VFAwcGWcOhRcKQQHmKxjr08E41itVciy-P4oJVTls/s1600/0140e029aef7339c302ebd9397c43fb9573f2f3697.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With some of our friends from Ojo de Agua.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZ9dstDdj5GzeYMFhf6seCa90HtTgBtTe5Dh1rdnF0JxbvdKTjk5zmmi4KUjlgaK1j-sAjh0MFyeugkd1RlDryFDlEy47Jfn2F3WlO99UsARSfv4qkJFwSfNfDne0p4-t9BT-pSTn6t8/s1600/01b587419dbdd01eaf869233160c22e93815a1d667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZ9dstDdj5GzeYMFhf6seCa90HtTgBtTe5Dh1rdnF0JxbvdKTjk5zmmi4KUjlgaK1j-sAjh0MFyeugkd1RlDryFDlEy47Jfn2F3WlO99UsARSfv4qkJFwSfNfDne0p4-t9BT-pSTn6t8/s1600/01b587419dbdd01eaf869233160c22e93815a1d667.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my good friends Yorleni and Ervin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Zach took off last week, and some of the brothers from Ojo got together to have a going-away lunch for him. They didn't get a chance to have one for me when I left, so they made it a dual send-off for both me and him. It was really nice to visit with my old friends there. Being in La Norte has been just what I needed, but I would never trade the memories and experiences I had in Ojo for anything. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXDpOvkIwszbP0O031JhRQZIN5Yv13WebxSSwNvQyuHg-vyKu9WXuHwztdO2VL3jHBv47_HQ04PkCXiOyeYsKh0gU9IO91YslBfmlD9UNmKeIr5GlLE8iQWSgu4Qm9JwwS2PdJ9pd2R0/s1600/01b187e4db3e31d1f9db2a81dd42a80c7969b08c90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBXDpOvkIwszbP0O031JhRQZIN5Yv13WebxSSwNvQyuHg-vyKu9WXuHwztdO2VL3jHBv47_HQ04PkCXiOyeYsKh0gU9IO91YslBfmlD9UNmKeIr5GlLE8iQWSgu4Qm9JwwS2PdJ9pd2R0/s1600/01b187e4db3e31d1f9db2a81dd42a80c7969b08c90.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elvis fetching us some mangoes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm sorry, can I just get back to the weather for one second? It has been really hot, but not as bad the last March I was here for, and the good thing is that it's mango season! The mangoes here are so good <a href="http://stepintonica.blogspot.com/2013/03/roberto-backyard.html" target="_blank">I wrote a whole post about them</a>. There are mangoes almost everywhere you look. Elvis has a mango tree right in his courtyard and he's given us three bags of them just this week. Eating them has proven to be a challenge since they don't last long. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy eating fourteen mangoes in one sitting as much as the next guy, but it's still not easy. At any rate, having these awesome mangoes has been a great way to counteract the heat!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyyTctdlwG__SMIPsSbcqoAx_dYhMf3x_T5_qILkHoaLFCpz3_YJGo2MT2SI01I3h2A6-QGAlZe0j_LLA0QrqjCEcVMOfjZQWjVtbrWi7V80k7jYjSQH0gz-B9OSkGMgKWJeV6Pv2wRs/s1600/01122ad79bbdabcb22355c4762f5bf41a0f7d1727a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyyTctdlwG__SMIPsSbcqoAx_dYhMf3x_T5_qILkHoaLFCpz3_YJGo2MT2SI01I3h2A6-QGAlZe0j_LLA0QrqjCEcVMOfjZQWjVtbrWi7V80k7jYjSQH0gz-B9OSkGMgKWJeV6Pv2wRs/s1600/01122ad79bbdabcb22355c4762f5bf41a0f7d1727a.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple girls dealing with the heat.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />
Like everyone else, we've been plenty busy with the Memorial campaign. We're confident that a few of our studies will be coming and we've been having some really good experiences as well. I spoke to a man in our territory who invited me in and had some questions. We've talked with him on a number of occasions, but he doesn't have an interest in studying as of yet. However, this conversation was very interesting. While discussing the invitation, I mentioned how many people are familiar with John 3:16 and how the Memorial ceremony explains the details of that scripture. He told me he had never heard of that scripture in his life, and that shocked me. People here quote it all the time! Then he said, "Well, I may have read it before, but I don't remember. Let me check my notebook." He then proceeded to grab a notebook off his bookshelf, and its contents were surprising. He reads his own Bible very often, and whenever he comes across a scripture that captures his attention, he writes it down in that notebook. He even organizes each scripture by category! We looked through the entire notebook, which was nearly full, and out of all the scriptures he had written down, he had never written down John 3:16! He was very surprised and he loved the scripture, so we proceeded to write it down in the notebook. While he still isn't ready to accept a regular study, he really enjoyed our conversation and is very much looking forward to the Memorial.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuaymvm-edf1oIWFX0VYdjxbJ6c2c0VRqLVfE_qq72CC5BUAslc6WjksJKqetrdeEwhcE7_B2F50C5hD5RV0CBxmslBuv9BcIjsycRlvFeo8VsPBKeQBqHPhcmEGIqoU3qogE2gAt50k/s1600/0137b1342856bbf70ffcee97cfd73c579c228953ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuaymvm-edf1oIWFX0VYdjxbJ6c2c0VRqLVfE_qq72CC5BUAslc6WjksJKqetrdeEwhcE7_B2F50C5hD5RV0CBxmslBuv9BcIjsycRlvFeo8VsPBKeQBqHPhcmEGIqoU3qogE2gAt50k/s1600/0137b1342856bbf70ffcee97cfd73c579c228953ed.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FIELD TRIP!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIlswH3b6FKbYLDCRn8GzzRdvI_o7mD8BblE7HP47CsQQy9xVy_l2TIMVpVjIA4CLuO1DoMj5qjKPo7f50OhKpzimV7GaQeAVnRuEn8jJ9yQ-ShklwPICeHEIXOeertW7iwC-UHUxYao/s1600/01e34ced97af3610029b74ad59921e134debc866b8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIlswH3b6FKbYLDCRn8GzzRdvI_o7mD8BblE7HP47CsQQy9xVy_l2TIMVpVjIA4CLuO1DoMj5qjKPo7f50OhKpzimV7GaQeAVnRuEn8jJ9yQ-ShklwPICeHEIXOeertW7iwC-UHUxYao/s1600/01e34ced97af3610029b74ad59921e134debc866b8.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sidenote: It was HOT.</td></tr>
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This past Sunday, we took another congregation trip to preach in Rancherias, a rural congregation outside of town. We rented a good ol' school bus and overfilled it once again, with over 70 brothers & sisters in our group. Preaching in the rurals is always very relaxing. The people are so friendly and receive us very well. At the end of the morning, we came upon three brothers, all in their late 20s & who all looked so alike they could've been triplets, and had a great conversation with them. We considered the "Bible Questions Answered" article on the back page of <i>The Watchtower </i>this month about why we should remember Jesus' death. They really enjoyed the scriptures we shared with them. At the end, one of them requested a copy of <u>The New World Translation</u>. Since we weren't able to give him one right then and there, we told him that he would be able to obtain one at the Kingdom Hall...at the Memorial! He immediately said, "I'll be there!"<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuVDySizpwQoq6l3Vvug12PtI1Dh277u88ZloAQWmYbZjNTvhHNHD4VC2S-FyXjTkF50P8eJoLwROIi6u-S-lZjXHGw0osrhOpCTskM6vychP_gGTtU-r1xpzn7VgxMzDu_MGXgDkmao/s1600/0117a1ecb29e6bdaa41c5082bca1d95e9ffeb49e1d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuVDySizpwQoq6l3Vvug12PtI1Dh277u88ZloAQWmYbZjNTvhHNHD4VC2S-FyXjTkF50P8eJoLwROIi6u-S-lZjXHGw0osrhOpCTskM6vychP_gGTtU-r1xpzn7VgxMzDu_MGXgDkmao/s1600/0117a1ecb29e6bdaa41c5082bca1d95e9ffeb49e1d.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with my buddy Reinaldito.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a working a <i>lot </i>of territory, we made our way to the local Kingdom Hall to have lunch. Because Ben, Bree, & I were all rushing to get ready that morning, we didn't really have time to pack much food, and neither did Amy & Ashley. Then, Maria, a very sweet sister in our hall, came up to me and gave me a huge Tupperware container full of chicken, rice, fried plantains, and veggies that she had prepared just in case someone didn't bring a lunch! There was more than enough for all of us. It was hands-down one of the nicest things someone has ever done for us. Days like this are always very encouraging for the congregation. Everybody looks forward to them and it gives the brothers just the boost they need. I think it's one of the best ways for a congregation to bond.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZ2m0e_Ewp3kWimUiAw3P_lJQjIqYMCYESS5qY1XI7pj5alAqA42kVHZhHDiHAzWhPG-YUpOeahmY6WMMPdpE6_XzhnEQ0riPxfm3SwIEs1LffXZArC-QWXyewl4V3RbX0Jqf9S8kadI/s1600/01e0d77a1ff3759c64004d5b618b4efb85e9fdc3af.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZ2m0e_Ewp3kWimUiAw3P_lJQjIqYMCYESS5qY1XI7pj5alAqA42kVHZhHDiHAzWhPG-YUpOeahmY6WMMPdpE6_XzhnEQ0riPxfm3SwIEs1LffXZArC-QWXyewl4V3RbX0Jqf9S8kadI/s1600/01e0d77a1ff3759c64004d5b618b4efb85e9fdc3af.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bree entertaining the kids during lunch. Having lunch together in the hall as a congregation felt like being at a convention!</td></tr>
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After lunch, we worked some more territory with a nice view of San Cristobal in the background. Sidenote: Rancherias is MUCH closer to that volcano, which probably explains why the territory is so hot and dusty. Seriously, bros, the pants I wore that day started off green, but when we got home, I honestly couldn't tell what color they were. Gray? Beige? <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbjxDGUa_qHncGVbzKsXt75Dk0IuswQiPkOY4YoYXiGBroJmwjy-gf6LfJriDE0DDqGCvuUCcOwpw78nun2_CBqw8TnUA8EzxPOk2DEFNUeSPnVxb-FGVKZYPdKHchsVCPShBDO72GyA/s1600/010deadc1aeb5f238c17360b3529bbfb52a5ea4d08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbjxDGUa_qHncGVbzKsXt75Dk0IuswQiPkOY4YoYXiGBroJmwjy-gf6LfJriDE0DDqGCvuUCcOwpw78nun2_CBqw8TnUA8EzxPOk2DEFNUeSPnVxb-FGVKZYPdKHchsVCPShBDO72GyA/s1600/010deadc1aeb5f238c17360b3529bbfb52a5ea4d08.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kingdom Hall + volcano view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During the afternoon, I worked with Salomon, an eight-year-old kid who has recently starting doing his own doors and is very excited about it...so excited that he wouldn't let me do any. That's fine with me, bro, but if you wanna do all the doors, you're gonna do <i>all </i>the doors. We came upon a house and found a girl who was also eight-years-old. When she told Salomon that her parents weren't home and it was just her, instead of asking me what to do, Salomon continued with his presentation anyway. So yes, an eight-year-old asked another eight-year-old, "How do you view the Bible? Do you view it as a book of myths and legends, a book of human wisdom, or the word of God?" and then they both stood in silence, staring off into the distance, each one wondering if the other person even understood the question, waiting for the other to say something to break the ice, but neither ever would. Also, the silence was long enough for me to take a picture. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtn9epyLsir2cIX__yvFul_U_B5aP78XkGRNJzcGDgC7KHbazLyqm5-N6wkgFHYPMEzY4eESKW-v1iSfeRfjCB8PhUER5uKzo9AUkhJg_jM6wIyc2DU2pXwtsOR5v6pujXoAnq1v2MvE/s1600/01b63ac0a765b23bf26b70abf49be063725a82b9fc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtn9epyLsir2cIX__yvFul_U_B5aP78XkGRNJzcGDgC7KHbazLyqm5-N6wkgFHYPMEzY4eESKW-v1iSfeRfjCB8PhUER5uKzo9AUkhJg_jM6wIyc2DU2pXwtsOR5v6pujXoAnq1v2MvE/s1600/01b63ac0a765b23bf26b70abf49be063725a82b9fc.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"So...here we are. Just two kids attempting to talk about something other than juice. Speaking of which, you wanna get a juice box after this? I'm not gonna lie, I'd totally be up for that but I'm just not sure if you want to as well."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFGnET3U0yXYhC7u-cNy_lFuRduRKRdylJLmhedVYUhH6apsxFUNRXAwe6LpoSEmJ4-FJTEa1VMjSrIF49qwiKRHr874S9bq0jCzBBtHecEIyL1dD8hbMWuHeAELEuRtRRNASMrVqlME/s1600/01ea5a87f386e0a539f970b2ec00b1afd8d8201475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFGnET3U0yXYhC7u-cNy_lFuRduRKRdylJLmhedVYUhH6apsxFUNRXAwe6LpoSEmJ4-FJTEa1VMjSrIF49qwiKRHr874S9bq0jCzBBtHecEIyL1dD8hbMWuHeAELEuRtRRNASMrVqlME/s1600/01ea5a87f386e0a539f970b2ec00b1afd8d8201475.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with the Cáceres family on the bus.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That day is gonna be one for the books because things are going to be changing here very soon. We've received word that they will officially be splitting our congregation! It will take effect in May, at the latest. While it's a really good thing and it shows that there is still a lot of growth here, it is very bittersweet, since being in this congregation has been such a blessing for us. No one is 100% sure on all the details just yet, but the good thing is that we'll now be able to share our five elders. Actually, Erling just told me the other night that our C.O. asked him and Rebecca to transfer to the Acomen congregation in the center of town starting next week. They were my first friends in this congregation, so yeah, I'm sad about that! However, I'm realizing more and more that everything serves its purpose for its time, and change <i>is </i>good.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyx4YzqQQjEPspnu9gAy-MtiBHGIRonE6P3Ocvb3guQ98ltNo0H6uIj5SsAvIbLko2FtaejqzCRZuqWAnWicsBsLND8QdjvksXhbIAj8cj1lCaxLHXDwkujvmxzJNPyY2jyqQYfCMXOZU/s1600/019306b65ad27146211de928236d2f2cf88fd2cb38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyx4YzqQQjEPspnu9gAy-MtiBHGIRonE6P3Ocvb3guQ98ltNo0H6uIj5SsAvIbLko2FtaejqzCRZuqWAnWicsBsLND8QdjvksXhbIAj8cj1lCaxLHXDwkujvmxzJNPyY2jyqQYfCMXOZU/s1600/019306b65ad27146211de928236d2f2cf88fd2cb38.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a small portion of our group from that day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pase lo que pase, I know that things will work out well wherever I end up. I'll keep everyone posted, as long as I'm not being consumed by dust and mangoes.<br />
<br />
<br />
Talk soon,<br />
<br />
Sam Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-41023580598388181192015-03-09T19:52:00.000-07:002015-03-09T19:54:19.359-07:00Dust So You KnowHi there!<br />
<br />
Sorry for the delay. If any of you were wondering where I was, I was buried under enough dust to fill up an Olympic swimming pool. Not really exaggerating either! Okay, well obviously I'm exaggerating a little, but for real, yesterday brought the biggest dust storm anyone in Chinandega and León had seen in years, which just figures since I only decided like three days ago to get on this new kick of, "I'm gonna start sweeping my porch every day!" and then this happens:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmAF6TF_ZN6MQIyTKl4STUPYjAOocR0cqMEgmxsdPVwjpqFHQ56dY_Ba5-6cqKYjA3Jv7LBFrBxYSiazon7MhgsXTQ3VMOiAd9NEFiFAmOdh9mkDEK0SsEKpDixsz4QAmzUXoYBriK8s/s1600/Leon3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmAF6TF_ZN6MQIyTKl4STUPYjAOocR0cqMEgmxsdPVwjpqFHQ56dY_Ba5-6cqKYjA3Jv7LBFrBxYSiazon7MhgsXTQ3VMOiAd9NEFiFAmOdh9mkDEK0SsEKpDixsz4QAmzUXoYBriK8s/s1600/Leon3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture is from a news report about the storm: http://www.laprensa.com.ni/2015/03/07/departamentales/1794816-tolvaneras-leon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Seriously? Can I just win for once?! León got hit a lot worse than here in Chinandega, but it was still pretty bad, guys. Everything in our house is about five shades darker than it was before. The keyboard that I'm typing this post on STILL has dust on it!!!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhci54TdD75A5G-t4Y4D9cP4rurnzYPL3DsTGwWfFxnOIAcrWnI4Lc-Dtz8IhpTd4ZtjlePU25nNEMomV-Es2KTySQYwVPNRym33sQSj8Mlq-unqKvJbtO4t5BZfFOZgjt6TjGkmKgeeuM/s1600/017cf551adfbabde1dd5d059e9da806a62fb117c13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhci54TdD75A5G-t4Y4D9cP4rurnzYPL3DsTGwWfFxnOIAcrWnI4Lc-Dtz8IhpTd4ZtjlePU25nNEMomV-Es2KTySQYwVPNRym33sQSj8Mlq-unqKvJbtO4t5BZfFOZgjt6TjGkmKgeeuM/s1600/017cf551adfbabde1dd5d059e9da806a62fb117c13.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behold: the fish. It's there. Look closer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And that's pretty much the most eventful thing that's happened here these days. No, there's been plenty of good stuff going on. Last Sunday, I went to Jiquilillo (he-kee-lee-yo), a congregation on the coast of Chinandega, to give the public talk. That involved a two-hour insanely full bus ride where my friends and I had to stand about 80% of the time. Seriously bros, that was easily one of the top three worst bus rides I've ever taken here, if not <i>the </i>worst. I'm not gonna lie - all I could think was, "I haven't had a day where I really wished I was home in a very long time, probably over a year, but this is one of those days." But then I realized that if it had been that long since I'd had a day like that, then that shows how great things have been going this past year, since I used to have them all the time! And people say I'm not positive.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFDXK7pmYQm0Vpp354rYjWs8EOyfqsUJyKQWkeiq1ebiLP280nCKI2I0CiZzvFy0ZZSeQokwePIM55yTjUqTEvuY1FNDTEwjRVXINfwUb3w0XxlYkOLf9O4qSmnMPYNlQ6eoyVvtqvHo/s1600/0155ac77737b8c4d1ffcaf287fbfa3052066d47984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFDXK7pmYQm0Vpp354rYjWs8EOyfqsUJyKQWkeiq1ebiLP280nCKI2I0CiZzvFy0ZZSeQokwePIM55yTjUqTEvuY1FNDTEwjRVXINfwUb3w0XxlYkOLf9O4qSmnMPYNlQ6eoyVvtqvHo/s1600/0155ac77737b8c4d1ffcaf287fbfa3052066d47984.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a>Once we got to Jiquilillo, I knew what I was gonna have to face: fish. The congregation there always feeds the speaker a big fish meal. It's really, really, <i>really </i>nice of them BUT I'm not a fish fan, and I'm sorry, but hey, God did give us taste buds and I like to use mine! I knew that a lot of work had gone into it, so although it took about a full half-hour, I ate it, and I'm glad that I did. Not saying that I'll do it again!<br />
<br />
Now, let's take a moment to tip our hats off to the brothers in Jiquilillo. They have their meeting at 1:00 in the afternoon outdoors with no fans and are even doing that during this time of year when the temperature is officially over 100 degrees (F) from now until at least May. We Mainers may have to contend with the snow, but at least we have Kingdom Halls with heating systems! To this day, it still astounds me how tough these brothers are. I may have rushed through my talk a little bit because I was about to pass out if I didn't sit down. Thankfully, a sister from Chinandega who lives out there on the weekends gave a bunch of us a ride back to town in her air-conditioned truck. It was worlds better than taking another bus.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mGtg2RK_RGU2fvec1lt7C7TNKWdOQC6TWu4z5vANVMJqdBv3l79YnEk3nKLgeEUrM344DGy4wTIVq_BeV_h6TEDY-pZn5zVvg0qboFbgixmPAGZptFE7SX7MyAmPN6tmsQHur41VDKk/s1600/014d5e2235ecbe2454190cca8a20b164ba726fe132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mGtg2RK_RGU2fvec1lt7C7TNKWdOQC6TWu4z5vANVMJqdBv3l79YnEk3nKLgeEUrM344DGy4wTIVq_BeV_h6TEDY-pZn5zVvg0qboFbgixmPAGZptFE7SX7MyAmPN6tmsQHur41VDKk/s1600/014d5e2235ecbe2454190cca8a20b164ba726fe132.jpg" height="200" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me most likely telling Marlon to stop<br />
asking why I use that color highlighter and<br />
just read the paragraph.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I know I'm sound like a broken record by this point, but service has been going awesome has been going awesome has been going awesome. I say that because it's true! Ben and Bree have been having some really good experiences and studies, but I'll let them post about that on their blog: www.benandbreeinnica.blogspot.com<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitacLjFfggOu33YaOJCwMFsoXJiiifKAfePpV3PcqPFNBHNyaU37pPsUsUQ2kMbZXRGkc3uwMlRkyBq1ctPMWe099EFeNvDCc7Nfo5Y068s0joY9koX5Dqkvl3EX_Y8aAfTdUH7L1u51A/s1600/01088abdae77eb90528b1b9344bff8e14808bbe8f1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitacLjFfggOu33YaOJCwMFsoXJiiifKAfePpV3PcqPFNBHNyaU37pPsUsUQ2kMbZXRGkc3uwMlRkyBq1ctPMWe099EFeNvDCc7Nfo5Y068s0joY9koX5Dqkvl3EX_Y8aAfTdUH7L1u51A/s1600/01088abdae77eb90528b1b9344bff8e14808bbe8f1.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amy with Bastie, her bestie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Edwin and his kids have been coming to all the weekend meetings. The kids, especially Bruno, love commenting and getting involved during the Watchtower. They're coming to their first mid-week meeting tomorrow! Very exciting times.<br />
<br />
I did my study with Erling on Friday and was so excited to see that he had underlined the whole lesson ahead of time! He's a really nice guy and has been getting better with each passing week. I'm really hoping he'll come to the Memorial. It should be easy since the location where we're having ours is a block away from his house. Actually, three of my studies live a block away from the Memorial location, so it's my goal that all of them attend!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdSIQLG0PAGRnehLdqQHpK0W8idk3bPbDlq7LILzHNmujJPDxWDJxdXvRauNWBb5lAWGcdWhEE7EOmmPqguZj37QgIl7h3apjTcpFFeCmBH1qYSuX9VejJkw4Trdg1eznwS_FxgZ1EiM/s1600/017ef4fd45cdbfb7dbb042fddf93fa62f5ffe7529a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdSIQLG0PAGRnehLdqQHpK0W8idk3bPbDlq7LILzHNmujJPDxWDJxdXvRauNWBb5lAWGcdWhEE7EOmmPqguZj37QgIl7h3apjTcpFFeCmBH1qYSuX9VejJkw4Trdg1eznwS_FxgZ1EiM/s1600/017ef4fd45cdbfb7dbb042fddf93fa62f5ffe7529a.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm still studying with Marlon, the ten-year-old in the park. He loves the book and asks a lot of questions. Like, a <i>lot </i>of questions. He may have the attention span of a chicken, but he's a good kid, as well as his sister, Bastie. Man, has she got spunk! A couple of weeks ago, my friends Amy and Ashley, both from England, accompanied me on the study. They've both visited Chinandega before and are staying here for a few months now, attending our congregation. They are both hilarious and a lot of fun. What was I talking about? Oh yes, they came with me on the study and were gracious enough to watch Caleb videos with Bastie while I studied with Marlon. While Amy was showing her a video, one of their friends in the park came up and started watching, too. It ended with all of us watching one of the videos together. Dealing with kids may not be my strong suit, but it has been fun studying with them.<br />
<br />
Also, a group of us spent the night at the Kingdom Hall on Friday working security and printing off our Memorial invitations until 3:30 in the morning. It may have thrown off my sleeping patterns for a couple weeks since I had to work at 5:30 that same morning, but it was still a lot of fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9TBDQzIhz-H-smO5bAMVlpHJDxYtd00iTJHz4cuZVac60Uc_9kE7yM0fynfGqQ28v_GMzMc0BIe0ObDJFT19E6ZWud7cQYscApBI7C4xc20JycLbJ7qq_oi-vzKyAN_3XpmI_qhAFSI/s1600/01489979b08c6dc368ad7ff060b6f3753fce5dc5ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9TBDQzIhz-H-smO5bAMVlpHJDxYtd00iTJHz4cuZVac60Uc_9kE7yM0fynfGqQ28v_GMzMc0BIe0ObDJFT19E6ZWud7cQYscApBI7C4xc20JycLbJ7qq_oi-vzKyAN_3XpmI_qhAFSI/s1600/01489979b08c6dc368ad7ff060b6f3753fce5dc5ac.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got everything we need to print invitations, including toilet paper.</td></tr>
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Trying to think if there's anything else...there probably is but I've gotta bounce since I have friends coming over any minute. Thanks for reading, talk to you all next Monday!<br />
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Take care,<br />
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SamAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-82528043887023209462015-02-18T20:03:00.001-08:002015-02-18T20:03:48.768-08:00Las ChampasHi there,<br />
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I've had a particularly encouraging day and am probably in the best state of mind to write a post, so here we go!</div>
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Last Friday, a group of us joined Zach and Eduardo to go preaching in Ojo de Agua. I've been joining Zach every Wednesday afternoon for witnessing in El Limonal, a neighborhood outside Ojo, so I really hadn't been preaching in Ojo itself for over seven months. It was a really good day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8RuccWxu1atWtBiHhwOfqzmt4av2dqYr3E4DBJc3TAxXcsAv6pNbFhr0fi_PaagUHfgcIpaMsKBnpwWqL7fhjxHO-y7esNRKSNpxDT59Zs3-VClFn_t4i_BK5JDhWLFaWxdzWoujdZGU/s1600/IMG_5147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8RuccWxu1atWtBiHhwOfqzmt4av2dqYr3E4DBJc3TAxXcsAv6pNbFhr0fi_PaagUHfgcIpaMsKBnpwWqL7fhjxHO-y7esNRKSNpxDT59Zs3-VClFn_t4i_BK5JDhWLFaWxdzWoujdZGU/s1600/IMG_5147.JPG" height="300" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group that morning. Pablo was overwhelmed by all the white people. Sidenote: Why do Ben and I always have to sit in the exact same positions?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9y-V3HtUxoog9x78aOG7NXavzS-TuOVAGLba8JW3wYE6bkvOvEd3VVPPdbyuP1wnXUQc350nEIsJmd3jS-7ZzJF6hbm22vpTbZEgLa-KXKYIj56jY1AK30M_4QOsWWhMKBkDothicR0/s1600/IMG_5126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9y-V3HtUxoog9x78aOG7NXavzS-TuOVAGLba8JW3wYE6bkvOvEd3VVPPdbyuP1wnXUQc350nEIsJmd3jS-7ZzJF6hbm22vpTbZEgLa-KXKYIj56jY1AK30M_4QOsWWhMKBkDothicR0/s1600/IMG_5126.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does this picture make sense? Nope, but all<br />I see is pure joy, bro.</td></tr>
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It was really good to get back to my old stomping grounds and out of the city for a bit. We went to Las Champas, my favorite territory in all of Ojo de Agua. While it was good to do it all over again, I had forgotten how completely exhausted I would always get at the end of a morning in Ojo! Zach and Ed are doing a lot of good and hard work out there, much more than I ever did. If any of you are in touch with them, be sure to send them a message of encouragement some time. It's not easy being out there at all!<br />
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Ed & I worked together that morning, which was a definite blast from the past. He helped me a lot when I had first moved into Ojo a few years ago, and I mean it when I say a <i>lot. </i>He cycled out there with me on numerous occasions, he proofread all my talks, and he was the one who pushed me to finish every tough morning of preaching whenever my energy started to give out. I really wouldn't have lasted there as long as I did if it hadn't been for his help. Working together brought back a lot of those memories. Yes, Ojo was tough, but I wouldn't trade any of those experiences for the world. Well, maybe some of them, but this is me being positive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbzBQu_t9pdw_5wJ2ar4vIYk0W5R6S711yQUAQyb_jgjl8yZOIW_c7KkhuFJswOceHquDA63se31e623pNjbheS_pwz7sga6SUv9npKrqW-jzVb8mjTVbhAsmIdgz0EXmsgiYYVhjr6g/s1600/IMG_5145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbzBQu_t9pdw_5wJ2ar4vIYk0W5R6S711yQUAQyb_jgjl8yZOIW_c7KkhuFJswOceHquDA63se31e623pNjbheS_pwz7sga6SUv9npKrqW-jzVb8mjTVbhAsmIdgz0EXmsgiYYVhjr6g/s1600/IMG_5145.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samuel's Creek.</td></tr>
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My studies have been really good. Like crazy good. So good. No but really, Edwin and his kids have continued coming to the public meetings! The Watchtower article we had last week, though, was a good reminder for me not to get too excited over a study attending meetings. Edwin did say, however, that he is coming out of his own accord, and although he has always spoken with Witnesses over the years, he feels that now is the right time for him to start getting serious about it. Out of all his kids, Bruno has been the most excited about it. He gave his first comment last week!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nnalCoFIct7j670Fz8N04QHWfHtl0YAk8qZyP51wwVdqG8MI5aGuZvsBMNk1gQ1sqtdGpXZWEf2o2yFdjMG8J1h0TKnPLkpQ7k3W1kBnJ3QUvSy5ckSlHsM2thELvIxbQJSHZfCInBM/s1600/IMG_5144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nnalCoFIct7j670Fz8N04QHWfHtl0YAk8qZyP51wwVdqG8MI5aGuZvsBMNk1gQ1sqtdGpXZWEf2o2yFdjMG8J1h0TKnPLkpQ7k3W1kBnJ3QUvSy5ckSlHsM2thELvIxbQJSHZfCInBM/s1600/IMG_5144.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading the <u>Great Teacher</u> book with Bruno.</td></tr>
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Today was an exceptionally good witnessing day. I got a mega day in, which I desperately needed as I am disgustingly behind on my time this year. Disgustingly. Yet, I have no problem admitting that to you all. It was unbelievably hot today as well, so that's probably affected my mental faculties a bit. What was I talking about? Oh yes. We started the day by working our public witnessing cart. One of my return visits, Marco, approached the cart and requested one of our books to add to his personal library, which was very nice to see! I also had a really nice study with Donald, who is probably the friendliest guy I've ever studied with here. We spend at least fifteen minutes just chatting before the study, which is very refreshing, and the study itself goes really well. He always answers in his own words and has excellent comprehension. Then, I usually show his daughter one of the Caleb videos, and even after all that, Donald still shows me family photos or something he did during the week. He always asks about us and how we're doing down here as well. I guess it's just nice when a study takes the time to get to know you in addition to listening to the information!<br />
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I can honestly say that things here are going better for me than they ever have before, and I'm very happy with the way everything has turned out. Come visit, anyone??<br />
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Talk soon,<br />
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Sam</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-18987066060096671672015-02-11T16:05:00.000-08:002015-02-11T16:05:37.469-08:00Kids These DaysHello one and all,<br />
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The memory on my iPad is full, which tells me that it's time to share photos and stories once again. February is a transition month here, both from the cool weather to the hot weather and from the busy season to the even busier Memorial season. All of that makes for some exciting times here in Nica! The past month has been kind of a blur, but there's a lot to tell, so here we go...<br />
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For starters, our good friends Travis and Nicole came to visit us for two weeks. They came for a few weeks last year and we had a blast, so once again, there were five us living in a house with one bathroom. Never a dull moment!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60RR-6IscmRn7hHk3nZJdraJ4a6bJcAwBkx4HUl9G9fMF9mdBZMyT0q-163iYRulobylc-N_EgNKxpZ8LEJOChX9IbHjtbhHBgJ9dZQe8Hrmh9cHPIxzDVVnMvsZncmTWFsjY9nLHoBI/s1600/IMG_5105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60RR-6IscmRn7hHk3nZJdraJ4a6bJcAwBkx4HUl9G9fMF9mdBZMyT0q-163iYRulobylc-N_EgNKxpZ8LEJOChX9IbHjtbhHBgJ9dZQe8Hrmh9cHPIxzDVVnMvsZncmTWFsjY9nLHoBI/s1600/IMG_5105.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mainers taking over, once again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59gH1-KxRZ-gXZgflUHXgjOO6636-BAPlbYOqdducbJcusafbzW2a2TrYGEKsRshJg1StAzAa69qitVSlIQeZOUbDbGF_QkPAT0Uh-52JMZ3H34Bcw9NgRki44tMJKWlBvoj3AewaKcI/s1600/IMG_5098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59gH1-KxRZ-gXZgflUHXgjOO6636-BAPlbYOqdducbJcusafbzW2a2TrYGEKsRshJg1StAzAa69qitVSlIQeZOUbDbGF_QkPAT0Uh-52JMZ3H34Bcw9NgRki44tMJKWlBvoj3AewaKcI/s1600/IMG_5098.JPG" height="200" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicole placing magazines.</td></tr>
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After they visited last year, they made the decision to join the Spanish congregation back in Maine. It was only on their fourth day here that Travis told me he felt his confidence level had shot through the roof when it came to speaking. Just goes to show that the best way to learn is to immerse yourself. Just do it, bro.<br />
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We took a trip to the beach for our friend Ashlee, who has served here for a number of years and is now going back to the States to get married. Her last beach day here was one to remember. A good chunk of the brothers who have served here in Chinandega at one time or another all reunited for that day, and it was pretty cool seeing the variety of people who have come here over time. Our group included our friends from Australia, England, France, Japan, Canada, the U.S., Italy, and of course, Nicaragua.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5KiQMlCQjjYtIiGAXzQ5DE7W3KLKrhU3msscfyVrA-b9MyRLzG8Kkf2tmBN_XNnFxoN4J3WZFN91rQxrDbWs26PYdsSNffkUA7gCZw6l0Td63QrXueBn_luyceSG313nWZ9I4gBygtE/s1600/IMG_5090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5KiQMlCQjjYtIiGAXzQ5DE7W3KLKrhU3msscfyVrA-b9MyRLzG8Kkf2tmBN_XNnFxoN4J3WZFN91rQxrDbWs26PYdsSNffkUA7gCZw6l0Td63QrXueBn_luyceSG313nWZ9I4gBygtE/s1600/IMG_5090.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of our beach day group - there were 30 of us!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eIkOEtVf2BdEDxV0Tdx4KsHhnEkUgyfyNGxJ_6hvsiXNg7nBQfouZfx56uFsqaqeMI73fjQ_dpYV51IxX1aKl7rhFMaIyLeN9JdElwGjzfKdLOxKn_75znMISBpJKXoRmePfUlOexNE/s1600/IMG_5097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8eIkOEtVf2BdEDxV0Tdx4KsHhnEkUgyfyNGxJ_6hvsiXNg7nBQfouZfx56uFsqaqeMI73fjQ_dpYV51IxX1aKl7rhFMaIyLeN9JdElwGjzfKdLOxKn_75znMISBpJKXoRmePfUlOexNE/s1600/IMG_5097.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing one of the Caleb videos.</td></tr>
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We've been having some really good ministry experiences. A few weeks ago, Ben & Bree were doing some studies in a part of our territory and attracted the attention of a group of little kids. Ben started preaching to one of them, and soon, it turned into a group study. He's given them all copies of the <i>Listen to God </i>brochure. Now, he discusses the brochure with them every Thursday afternoon on the front porch of a woman who is studying with a pioneer sister in our hall. He'll usually discuss a portion of the brochure and then conclude with one of the "Become Jehovah's Friend" videos. Solda, one of the oldest girls in the group, is the self-proclaimed leader who always reminds the kids to raise their hands and makes sure they're all paying attention. She's got spunk!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRKch7ckI9QZxB9eYmn1uvHTQlgJbXgovM5phg8BTrk-JNXKZz9Jg_F4hhW_SRalzpO_8rFOqla7N9JsMwPX2nG_KLnMEXUCqOkoDNDFLKmaNmSQtIRm-vPi8nwR8eoQ49C7aSbJjY8Y/s1600/IMG_5106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRKch7ckI9QZxB9eYmn1uvHTQlgJbXgovM5phg8BTrk-JNXKZz9Jg_F4hhW_SRalzpO_8rFOqla7N9JsMwPX2nG_KLnMEXUCqOkoDNDFLKmaNmSQtIRm-vPi8nwR8eoQ49C7aSbJjY8Y/s1600/IMG_5106.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marlon studying the brochure.</td></tr>
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One of Renee's studies, Claudia, came to the meeting last week and brought her son, Marlon, a very energetic ten-year-old. After the meeting, he asked if I would study with him. As soon as I said yes, he started jumping up and down, saying, "GOOD! DO YOU HAVE A PHONE NUMBER? LET ME GIVE YOU MY MOM'S PHONE NUMBER! HERE'S HER NUMBER! CALL ME! CALL ME! NOW I HAVE YOUR NUMBER! WHAT KIND OF PHONE DO YOU HAVE?? I HELP HER WITH HER STAND IN CENTRAL PARK IN THE MORNINGS SO COME STUDY WITH ME THERE ON SUNDAY! I'LL BE WAITING!! I'LL BE WAITING!!!! ARE YOU GONNA COME? GOOD BECAUSE I'LL BE WAITING!" For those who know how great I am with kids, you've probably already guessed how excited I was about this. But I thought, "No, no, I won't dread it. This will be good for me...right?" I went to see him on Sunday and demonstrated how we study using the <i>Good News </i>brochure. To show you what his attention span is like, this is how part of the conversation went down: "So Marlon, what is God's good news for us?" "That we'll live in paradise. Why do you have sticky notes on the side of your brochure?" "To mark where I am in the brochure with my other students." "Did it come with the brochure?" "No, I bought them." "Where?" "At the store. So, what do you-" "Why does your brochure have the answers marked and not mine?" "Because you have to mark it yourself." "Do you have a pen?" "No, Marlon." "Let me go get a pen." He got a pen, underlined the answer, showed it to his mom, and said, "Look, mom! I'm studying like you!" I sighed, realizing how sincere the kid is. How can I say no?! I brought him a <u>Learn From the Great Teacher</u> book a couple days later. We'll see how we go with that book, but he really wants to study, and he will definitely keep me on my toes!<br />
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We also had our C.O. visit last week, which was very encouraging. He, Gerard, is an excellent speaker and his wife, Rocio, was hilarious, as usual. He noted how the change in congregations has not only been good for me, but also for the congregation. Meeting attendance and ministry support have improved dramatically. The biggest thing he emphasized was that the congregation is in a very exciting time right now, so we need to do our best to make sure that they stay consistent after we leave. He told me that even though there is a fair number of elders and pioneers now, he still wants me to stay in this hall to help everyone get more grounded. In the meantime, it's nice to see all the hard work paying off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2tRhLrUkfOQZu4WAzPFgzatuBtsZAH353c9BTU64uWLuj-kT9mYg8fmDr17yxb1NQkCVQ8Vvn7C-YyAxCj_T5toj49TI4BjVF5-QZivnOjjIZcfV8HqDky0lta_Pvz6z0PhdhY1aKVg/s1600/IMG_5101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2tRhLrUkfOQZu4WAzPFgzatuBtsZAH353c9BTU64uWLuj-kT9mYg8fmDr17yxb1NQkCVQ8Vvn7C-YyAxCj_T5toj49TI4BjVF5-QZivnOjjIZcfV8HqDky0lta_Pvz6z0PhdhY1aKVg/s1600/IMG_5101.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our pioneer meeting with the C.O.. A lot of support this month!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCnNG0THEPkHyrVL0SjbpjE23cD19aQ-egknhUD6kTB789Et4MLfWIF2vE4-JyIK2_Uet0k7z4W9DntQif4KPHRD03l_3nfU2J4-r0HeKUTHRwDqmMB6lVv8hcC3YRDtYqoXcsC7pJ8c/s1600/IMG_5095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCnNG0THEPkHyrVL0SjbpjE23cD19aQ-egknhUD6kTB789Et4MLfWIF2vE4-JyIK2_Uet0k7z4W9DntQif4KPHRD03l_3nfU2J4-r0HeKUTHRwDqmMB6lVv8hcC3YRDtYqoXcsC7pJ8c/s1600/IMG_5095.JPG" height="320" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Ortega and Jared out preaching on Friday.</td></tr>
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The ministry support for the visit was overwhelming. One day, I think we had 34 people out, which is awesome compared with the fact that we have about six people out on a typical day! At the moment, we have <i>seventeen </i>regular pioneers, and that number looks like it will be increasing even more soon. I didn't count the exact number of auxiliary pioneers we had for this month, but as you can see from the picture above, we had enough to fill up the room! Many people made a lot of sacrifices to support the visit. Our friend Jaziel took the week off from work and was out preaching every day. Actually, it was announced last night that he has now been appointed as a servant! Another encouraging thing to see was Sister Ortega, who has been in a wheelchair for some time now, came out for a couple hours one of the days, assisted by her grandson Jared. Seeing so many people give their very best is a good reminder to continue making the best of my own circumstances.<br />
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I worked with Melanie, a very shy but very smart 12-year-old sister. She has done very well for herself. She's the only baptized member of her family, but I think her example has been motivating her family members to keep making progress. We passed by a pulperia to preach to the lady who owns it. Whilst Melanie was doing her presentation, a supplier came up to talk business with the owner, but Melanie continued talking. Just as I was about to tell her to let the man talk to the owner first, he put down his clipboard and started listening to what Melanie had to say as well! It was very cool to see two grown adults listen intently to what a 12-year-old had to say. No, that's not a lesson that we should interrupt businesses. This was just a very rare exception.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAb3PPCj7doTcQatUwNzYe-tH_ANRBTLWUcoTA6D8mnKw_riTX8LFvZzF0d4YNEMyxoUyPgcNPqo3Yo51xjLIvveouFD_6cGHGzL8g0HC5OpvVoyCPs8vXI4qyR3bXvFPvQPHb6G0jUjM/s1600/IMG_5096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAb3PPCj7doTcQatUwNzYe-tH_ANRBTLWUcoTA6D8mnKw_riTX8LFvZzF0d4YNEMyxoUyPgcNPqo3Yo51xjLIvveouFD_6cGHGzL8g0HC5OpvVoyCPs8vXI4qyR3bXvFPvQPHb6G0jUjM/s1600/IMG_5096.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The supplier and the owner listening to Melanie.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLvMyB2EUVzhqhoKp5CjDo_wh6__LN0YQ0ei2qXgHPlxTTW3a7Qm5Z9r37mbf3C6p_2Z7H4eIjnm17Hsq7cs5_Hs50mgQVqNf2yFI3Sc8EXQ_-TM5N7iDn-J_lu7I3NMz1P5iG4r7mKs/s1600/IMG_5100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghLvMyB2EUVzhqhoKp5CjDo_wh6__LN0YQ0ei2qXgHPlxTTW3a7Qm5Z9r37mbf3C6p_2Z7H4eIjnm17Hsq7cs5_Hs50mgQVqNf2yFI3Sc8EXQ_-TM5N7iDn-J_lu7I3NMz1P5iG4r7mKs/s1600/IMG_5100.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with Edwin and four of the kids after the<br />meeting. Of course we had to take the picture<br />from an angle that makes it look like I could<br />step on and crush them all. </td></tr>
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I started going over the <u>Learn From the Great Teacher</u> book with my study Edwin's kids. I've been studying with him for about four months now, and his kids have been opening up more every time I come. They always try to follow along with Edwin's study or ask for me to show them Caleb videos, so I figured it was about time I started doing something regular with them. They loved it when I gave them the book and are excited to go over it. I invited Edwin to come to the public meeting of the C.O.'s visit. He immediately said yes, and the kids asked if they could come, too. He's come to three meetings with me now and he's loved it every time, so I really hope he keeps progressing! Four of his seven kids (yup, <i>seven</i>) came with him. Actually, each time he's come, they always ask if they can come, too. They all behave <i>really </i>well and pay attention! Edwin also loved Gerard's talks and made sure to follow along with the scriptures. He's got a really good family. Keep them in your prayers, as well as all of our studies, and hopefully, all of them will continue to make progress!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Nl48JjLcndz06r5Z26LcfWhUPLRhFRR1xvCE8jjMkaulnbtyW3FFrQ6xkH_6lt8PXBcHq-QZZjLz-PlNROQPxkJP1oxLigFQIWFGQM1d8gSjXctPtNa49HaYuoLx1g264hK0l7MoIPE/s1600/IMG_5099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Nl48JjLcndz06r5Z26LcfWhUPLRhFRR1xvCE8jjMkaulnbtyW3FFrQ6xkH_6lt8PXBcHq-QZZjLz-PlNROQPxkJP1oxLigFQIWFGQM1d8gSjXctPtNa49HaYuoLx1g264hK0l7MoIPE/s1600/IMG_5099.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travis helping Bruno, one of<br />Edwin's sons, follow along<br />during the Watchtower.</td></tr>
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Travis & Nicole had their last meeting with us last night. Even though they were only here for two weeks, Rolando made an announcement that it was their last meeting and the audience applauded. It was pretty funny, but it once again showed us how loving this hall is. They've welcomed us with open arms and we've gotten very attached, which none of us were expecting. If everybody was that emotional about our friends leaving after just two weeks, we can only imagine how hard it's gonna be when <i>we </i>go! But we will continue to make the most of our time here. It was a really good boost and a lot of fun having our friends visit, but now they are on a plane back to Maine and our normal routine has resumed. We have a couple weeks to take a breather before the Memorial season kicks off, and I'm sure we will have <i>plenty </i>of work to do when it does.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtu3UTunQ-VDFgi5wTBCkT4xoh3fknH_LIC63bEIBDHtMnBvx47gsOn0KoX_qoMPhGvrdrpA9yJxvL_Pe5UTEoyOZPw-wf0huNdz21TBYN1ZNoHKf9Aei3vm9RIeWvywjz4fZCFuGRok/s1600/IMG_5123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtu3UTunQ-VDFgi5wTBCkT4xoh3fknH_LIC63bEIBDHtMnBvx47gsOn0KoX_qoMPhGvrdrpA9yJxvL_Pe5UTEoyOZPw-wf0huNdz21TBYN1ZNoHKf9Aei3vm9RIeWvywjz4fZCFuGRok/s1600/IMG_5123.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad, Bree, Me, Nicole, and Travis at their last meeting. Actually, I need your opinion on this picture, guys. I genuinely can't recall if I was laughing or fake smiling when this picture was taken. I can usually spot my fake smile anywhere, but I really can't tell here. Let me know, since this should obviously take precedent over whatever else you're doing at the moment.</td></tr>
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Hope you all are enjoying the inconceivable amounts of snow back home. Rest assured, it's not much better over on the other end of the spectrum. Stay in touch!<br />
<br />
Take care,<br />
<br />
<br />
Sam<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-37580915949616914132015-02-07T11:04:00.000-08:002015-02-07T11:04:04.795-08:00Don't Sweat ItHi there!<br />
<br />
Apologies for the delay. We have visitors from Maine at the moment and that has kept us busier than usual, but I finally have a few spare minutes to write an update.<br />
<br />
For starters, before the hot season hits us like a ton of bricks, I managed to escape back to my first Nica home: Estelí!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0So1Cv90IkkyDGsBm_YYrUCjhj9WtuG2kgqiO0gOZFrc-nu-7TGj-YiB_cZkX3KzYnz81vqcx57UZNmuY_Y8Z0kF4Btkf2QBIzlsPU86uy6XDOFiGiFcvS16Qe7mPAYqtD5enO3afm1g/s1600/IMG_5063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0So1Cv90IkkyDGsBm_YYrUCjhj9WtuG2kgqiO0gOZFrc-nu-7TGj-YiB_cZkX3KzYnz81vqcx57UZNmuY_Y8Z0kF4Btkf2QBIzlsPU86uy6XDOFiGiFcvS16Qe7mPAYqtD5enO3afm1g/s1600/IMG_5063.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Jeffrey, Jefté, and Eliezer<br />
out in service.</td></tr>
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<br />
Jefté recently moved up there to help out the Sign Language group. Needless to say, Chinandega hasn't been the same without him. He's the first person everybody meets when they come here, and he's become one of my closest friends, so we were all very sad to see him go. Thankfully, though, I was able to make it up there to visit him for a few days!<br />
<br />
Estelí has changed <i>a lot </i>since I went there almost four years ago. For one thing, there have been many more cafés added throughout town to further promote their coffee culture. They've also gotten a La Colonia supermarket, which is a big deal. The biggest thing, though, is their own mall complete with a cinema! I'm sorry, but where was all of that four years ago, Estelí? Why you gotta be like that, huh? Maybe I would've stayed! Jokes, jokes, I love Chinatown.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nnFtAAYw0_LZaScgLUtdu8GeHubFJ6u0-TJ2QGq2sSF4WLF-YGMdJgkgOflNkXkOnm9l0qe8M35TVZWmgvQa5D6uZHL4NHSUonHMxnTyhBd_adbJ8BCmqND_DC2VpoUdGmEPL3ddFNg/s1600/IMG_5068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nnFtAAYw0_LZaScgLUtdu8GeHubFJ6u0-TJ2QGq2sSF4WLF-YGMdJgkgOflNkXkOnm9l0qe8M35TVZWmgvQa5D6uZHL4NHSUonHMxnTyhBd_adbJ8BCmqND_DC2VpoUdGmEPL3ddFNg/s1600/IMG_5068.JPG" height="230" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from where we preached with the Centenario congregation. (Photo courtesy of Jefté. Actually, all photos in this post are courtesy of him, now that I think of it.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LPVn38tGB8loZD1iz2WTZi3y7BwGehYVCeE1HbocjGrFyvWNvaAVHOFqSIV4FWqTmR7iEFYjzncd_mv8UMRbUpNgg-3xAd2SBbGze0FZz8qBMI6Ff6Ixa3iD6rBNDCKtBgD1XG7fxCU/s1600/IMG_5065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LPVn38tGB8loZD1iz2WTZi3y7BwGehYVCeE1HbocjGrFyvWNvaAVHOFqSIV4FWqTmR7iEFYjzncd_mv8UMRbUpNgg-3xAd2SBbGze0FZz8qBMI6Ff6Ixa3iD6rBNDCKtBgD1XG7fxCU/s1600/IMG_5065.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out witnessing with the Sign Language group. It actually did<br />get fairly warm, but only at midday, thankfully.</td></tr>
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The Sign Language in Estelí is picking up slowly but surely. While the future of the group is a little uncertain, they are certainly giving it their all. It is a really nice group of brothers and sisters! There are quite a few studies being conducted, a couple of which have been going to meetings.<br />
<br />
Sidenote: The trip also gave me a chance to learn some more LSN (lengauje señas Nicaragüense) and realize how bad I am at it! I was able to learn how to say: "Hello, how are you? What's your name? Where are you from? How old are you? Brothers, welcome all. We're going to sing a song of praise to Jehovah. Please turn to song 78. Amen." I have no idea what I'll do if I ever have to introduce song 79...or any of the other songs.<br />
<span id="goog_1507356239"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMOtpmjt5z35ueO-4bTLAYmbFTLFxfRVC9pux7F1SrUEXQwdjHJNufUrlEYneQdieuySnOZTTJ0QmzcPfw5DsISjjIaKQAeFSDq5yKwyT0NFtGMn9M993RoFducC5lmIzWRrwyJLA49c/s1600/IMG_5066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMOtpmjt5z35ueO-4bTLAYmbFTLFxfRVC9pux7F1SrUEXQwdjHJNufUrlEYneQdieuySnOZTTJ0QmzcPfw5DsISjjIaKQAeFSDq5yKwyT0NFtGMn9M993RoFducC5lmIzWRrwyJLA49c/s1600/IMG_5066.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: Eliezer, Karis, Jefté, Moi, Kisly, and Felix.</td></tr>
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Not only was it nice to escape the heat for a few days, but it was also great to see some old friends. Felix and Kisly were my first two friends here in Nicaragua, so seeing them is always one of the first items on my to-do list in Estelí. We were able to have dinner at the infamous Papikar, where you have to wait about an hour and forty-five minutes for your meal even when you're the only person there. Yay!<br />
<br />
Although it involves getting up at 3:30 AM to catch a 5:00 AM bus and another complicated bus ride home, escaping to Estelí is always worth it. Yet, it's always good to be at home in Chinatown, where we have been plenty busy as of late. Between our Maine visitors and our C.O. visit this week, I'll have a lot to write about for the next post. Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZO1PWiH-9vJ9lzdXjJvDM_Kaz_HsZqrYzZSwHqQuEXgxlBzyqhZHe3cq6RbU8ihx8JH0DpfQ7HL14U6vjDJB47hPhMPIEGpyzNRiFoWdW7fQREKLaIjztZbuAbPLVqwOKhDEwHkucTw/s1600/IMG_5074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZO1PWiH-9vJ9lzdXjJvDM_Kaz_HsZqrYzZSwHqQuEXgxlBzyqhZHe3cq6RbU8ihx8JH0DpfQ7HL14U6vjDJB47hPhMPIEGpyzNRiFoWdW7fQREKLaIjztZbuAbPLVqwOKhDEwHkucTw/s1600/IMG_5074.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sidenote: Having always taken on the role of my life coach, Jefté told me that the dress shirt I brought was too dirty and made me wear this for service instead. Just barely passable.</td></tr>
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Take care,<br />
<br />
<br />
SamAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-8526829956547728572015-01-20T13:02:00.000-08:002015-01-20T13:02:22.172-08:00Mr. & Mrs. SomethingHey all,<br />
<br />
I don't have much time to be writing right now, so let me just get one thing out of the way right off the bat: Chinandega has a library. A library. I've been living in this town for two-and-a-half years and I never knew that. Not even a good amount of the locals know it! We had our Active English conversational class there today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxW03kWZwVF7Vi2q3IMMyPGoSBX2K-WoqUNLKu6gdTf5hEIUVUSXEkpG5aevxViQm0DyfBVc6rkp0vjX6xwzmRqZiERfi9TWZYKYe49oFkkczc20b_hsfCbj3sM2Ur71DBgdoYncKf1vY/s1600/01ea5423ea997a53aee1bc6c29a1aa1df7d63bc7b0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxW03kWZwVF7Vi2q3IMMyPGoSBX2K-WoqUNLKu6gdTf5hEIUVUSXEkpG5aevxViQm0DyfBVc6rkp0vjX6xwzmRqZiERfi9TWZYKYe49oFkkczc20b_hsfCbj3sM2Ur71DBgdoYncKf1vY/s1600/01ea5423ea997a53aee1bc6c29a1aa1df7d63bc7b0.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enrique looking for a book in the terribly-lit library.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We also stumbled upon some of these gems:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbWRgyNn_-qgqEr5mX9VIIuJ_pConRrdwSzCp1ApprAneyUWo52tW4rPQUG9t2zXPbSuSMSL24WQMpTEU-zeMyDmt-pbp_D5IFoReM3Qff_jNog6CvH3_OL0FxmOUXfl86sedb5LyBo0/s1600/01b035f38b2581c0d4f265153e066024089cd121ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbWRgyNn_-qgqEr5mX9VIIuJ_pConRrdwSzCp1ApprAneyUWo52tW4rPQUG9t2zXPbSuSMSL24WQMpTEU-zeMyDmt-pbp_D5IFoReM3Qff_jNog6CvH3_OL0FxmOUXfl86sedb5LyBo0/s1600/01b035f38b2581c0d4f265153e066024089cd121ed.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see them?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkZa33_jz49b30g_KURCY3L4gCg6-JdyaRgckNRMApgFk1M0ROTZM-jkxA_ktkMicTVkwAxkVnX6COJiiNqDSdSuP-Z7dVAAC5DL6iB4rXoq5C1QL0VkxBnHSKul_3mYTo7bVOInuPiU/s1600/0172b3b46a0fab2c900ecd645517d919f1540c0317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkZa33_jz49b30g_KURCY3L4gCg6-JdyaRgckNRMApgFk1M0ROTZM-jkxA_ktkMicTVkwAxkVnX6COJiiNqDSdSuP-Z7dVAAC5DL6iB4rXoq5C1QL0VkxBnHSKul_3mYTo7bVOInuPiU/s1600/0172b3b46a0fab2c900ecd645517d919f1540c0317.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing Jorgito how to download the videos with a not-at-all-fake smile.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Chinandega is always full of surprises. Anyway, last week was good. The ministry here continues to be the highlight. It's what motivates us to get out of bed and it's the reason I keep coming back to Nicaragua!<br />
<br />
This past Friday, Zach & I went to see Jorgito, who was very excited because Sandra recently bought a Samsung tablet. The very first thing he said when we arrived was, "Sam, how can I put Caleb videos on this thing??" I cannot tell you how encouraging it was to see a six-year-old boy more concerned with that rather than with downloading more games onto his tablet. Sandra & Jorgito don't have Internet access in their house, so we weren't sure what we could do at first, but then we came up with a plan. They live just a couple of blocks away from a café with free WiFi that we frequent pretty often, so we asked Sandra if we could take Jorgito there for a little bit and download the videos directly to the tablet. She happily agreed to it, so off we went! We were able to download just about all of the videos in no time, and Jorgito was thrilled. When we got back to their place, Sandra said that she was so glad he could have the videos available to watch any time he wanted. She's been doing a great job bringing him to the meetings and keeping up with her own study. As we were leaving the house, Jorgito gave us a big thank you and immediately started watching one of the videos. I can successfully say that it was one of the most gratifying moments I've had here, one that makes all the sacrifices worth it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4woKT80Kqekgoq-KPEPgiEcsM5ITH4AypsOS7-BFvA91a7q976Yp6CKc5tuBxyO0ODYtkB1dGx_lM37qDF3THLPJSUm_N91nC9U78EUL_gjg9xaaUnM2LbtUf0ww1zL7T6IgeZio3u4w/s1600/10943365_600150530118590_1052438292_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4woKT80Kqekgoq-KPEPgiEcsM5ITH4AypsOS7-BFvA91a7q976Yp6CKc5tuBxyO0ODYtkB1dGx_lM37qDF3THLPJSUm_N91nC9U78EUL_gjg9xaaUnM2LbtUf0ww1zL7T6IgeZio3u4w/s1600/10943365_600150530118590_1052438292_n.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wedding party walking to the ceremony.</td></tr>
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Now, let's talk about another first-time experience I had yesterday: Being in a Nica wedding. Right? I never expected that to happen or had planned on it happening! Picking out the wedding party is not done the way we do it the States. I can sum it up this way: Basically, the bride handpicks every single member of the wedding party, including the groomsmen, whether the groom is friends with them or not. I could explain my feelings about the matter in more detail, but hey, it's a different culture. Now what is the groom's last name? I have no idea. I only learned his first name just a couple months ago, after having already been a member of the wedding party for three months! The bride was Mayerling, a pioneer sister in my hall. She told her bridesmaids to choose whoever they wanted to escort them down the aisle. Another tradition to consider is that the wedding party always does a major dance at the wedding reception here. I know a lot of couples do that back home too, but it's expected here, so the bridesmaids basically chose their groomsmen based off of who would be a good dance partner. Trust me, I wasn't chosen for my dancing skills. My friend Darling, one of the bridesmaids, is taller than all the other brothers in my hall except me and didn't want to look like a giant, so she chose to walk down the aisle with a fellow giant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADXNZBfDlg-Oard0Ylh9qbHmDFJViHDE-w-ti3d6aMvVZNw6NtuTveIOAUWDqvZYVJqS2P2_9KRQfU-fqn8dhlHH2MbRagzEDu9YR5ZC9TCRTZQY4p6jcz9Uzo0X44ap1bwPfU-wTa_Q/s1600/10934487_600150690118574_979304572_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADXNZBfDlg-Oard0Ylh9qbHmDFJViHDE-w-ti3d6aMvVZNw6NtuTveIOAUWDqvZYVJqS2P2_9KRQfU-fqn8dhlHH2MbRagzEDu9YR5ZC9TCRTZQY4p6jcz9Uzo0X44ap1bwPfU-wTa_Q/s1600/10934487_600150690118574_979304572_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whatever happened to limos?</td></tr>
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Another tradition that many couples partake in here is that on the wedding day, the whole wedding party walks from the bride's house parading around in the streets to the Kingdom Hall. Yup. It was about a twenty-minute walk during rush hour traffic. We also had to cross one of the busiest intersections in town with a huge eighteen-wheeler behind us. Yup.<br />
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Regarding the dance itself, I won't say a lot about it, but I will say it was difficult, especially for a white boy who grew up in a small town, population 6,000, and was not raised in the Latino culture! They had us practicing two to three times a week, with each practice lasting about two hours. I won't lie, guys. It was intense. There were laughs, there were there were tears, there were arguments, and oh yeah, there was dancing. The dance involved lots of jumping and salsa steps. Let me tell you about my frustration with dance lessons: Instructors <i>always </i>tell you the same thing. They always say, "Stop thinking about it so much! Just do it! Let the music flow through your booooody!" Yet, the <i>second </i>you make a mistake, it's, "SHOULDERS STRAIGHT NO YOUR FOOT GOES THAT WAY MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT! But don't think about it so much. Just have fun!" It was hard to learn, but when the time came for our performance, I just decided to finally take that advice: I stopped thinking about it so much and decided to enjoy it! While we did make a couple mistakes, it was a lot of fun and felt like a major accomplishment just the same.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbubfCAcWhx5jdVFaioxMLGhwakgvxBzO7HaYu2A5f1B7uOrUP8smuCrb-uYwmVcINYvhjNfW1nb-boZTV3IRpV_6cTTfBsZNVOoA30XWzpEwsDeTPnsko1lBiZ-pPemzwygKGUeqW1qw/s1600/10934619_600161410117502_1628253811_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbubfCAcWhx5jdVFaioxMLGhwakgvxBzO7HaYu2A5f1B7uOrUP8smuCrb-uYwmVcINYvhjNfW1nb-boZTV3IRpV_6cTTfBsZNVOoA30XWzpEwsDeTPnsko1lBiZ-pPemzwygKGUeqW1qw/s1600/10934619_600161410117502_1628253811_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, there is video evidence of this.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTimlJVZB4SoZa2aGC4e7GzOSbQLg6MIkB82XtOLMJ94wl7y1dVQhb1x3q_XzFcbnnznDyU-dRaDucXTbrtUGiJPYIkgUkQb4VzVx6tpKrOEp3ogLCM1BvDiXrzqnHUfnq0Xf2w3KPl7A/s1600/10934575_600162150117428_1490072617_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTimlJVZB4SoZa2aGC4e7GzOSbQLg6MIkB82XtOLMJ94wl7y1dVQhb1x3q_XzFcbnnznDyU-dRaDucXTbrtUGiJPYIkgUkQb4VzVx6tpKrOEp3ogLCM1BvDiXrzqnHUfnq0Xf2w3KPl7A/s1600/10934575_600162150117428_1490072617_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They also asked me to play some music at the reception.<br />I did two songs in English and one in Spanish (well, with some<br />English lyrics). It was nerve-wracking, but fun to try!</td></tr>
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Sidenote: This is probably not a need-to-know thing, but I'll share it anyway because...well, that's what I do. I swallowed a fly during the dance, guys. Actually, I didn't even swallow it. It flew RIGHT INTO MY MOUTH during the song and was stuck in my teeth. I thought, "Oh man, I either have to swallow this or spit it out. Either way, I lose." I tried to spit it out very subtly, which just resulted in getting drool on my pants and me trying to subtly wipe it off later in the song. You can see all of it on the video. Wow. Sometimes I feel like I may reveal too much to you guys, but hey, we're family!</div>
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Now that it's done, I'm realizing that although the experience was busy and stressful, it was also a lot of fun. It was cool to be a part of a wedding in another country! I've definitely got some interesting stories that I know I'll be telling for years to come.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcc_uGcoCEf27uD-UQTwYE49EfGNFIvvwBeFn-K8cnaUtTrAIrjRjiAf1iOJ-HO4Uj8uyJLL92E5US_7D1yxVlXA4ZWdxTkM1z4vfX0tWlFkkYBE2x4N9Y35c8_YnEhRiQ0L_dPYoqj8/s1600/10928720_600159840117659_110542426_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcc_uGcoCEf27uD-UQTwYE49EfGNFIvvwBeFn-K8cnaUtTrAIrjRjiAf1iOJ-HO4Uj8uyJLL92E5US_7D1yxVlXA4ZWdxTkM1z4vfX0tWlFkkYBE2x4N9Y35c8_YnEhRiQ0L_dPYoqj8/s1600/10928720_600159840117659_110542426_n.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wedding party with the newlyweds themselves, Rudy and Mayerling...something.</td></tr>
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Thanks for reading. Hope you all are well!<br />
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Talk soon,<br />
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<br />
Sam<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-32400047621442729622015-01-14T19:50:00.001-08:002015-01-14T19:50:38.586-08:00Acting SchoolHello!<br />
<br />
I'm a couple days late in posting this, mainly because Monday was busier than expected and I don't have anything too exciting to report. But don't close your browser! There will probably some substantial ramblings or rants at some point in this post.<br />
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For starters, our midweek meeting has changed from Wednesday to Tuesday. Yes, that's the most thrilling thing that happened last week. Anyway, our hall did an awesome job singing the new song! You can tell that I really mean that by my expression in this picture:<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHF4ylNiaisuBI4P4jLtougfueRXT4h6i8xITLd9NHaTCkyrcLNhZkFYK6p1dZ44HOiUmXl6WJ9zdlTbenOHyTZhMcjoMmxrjiyrymmjjAYoj6fjNbSnIozhX9_q_NdMg_FE_G0_uMWcE/s1600/01fc0193bbc4e1295eef9982c1bf63eb1d74402806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHF4ylNiaisuBI4P4jLtougfueRXT4h6i8xITLd9NHaTCkyrcLNhZkFYK6p1dZ44HOiUmXl6WJ9zdlTbenOHyTZhMcjoMmxrjiyrymmjjAYoj6fjNbSnIozhX9_q_NdMg_FE_G0_uMWcE/s1600/01fc0193bbc4e1295eef9982c1bf63eb1d74402806.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">After practicing the song the first time. I was...happy.</td></tr>
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Seriously, though, it went really well! We listened to it once and everyone nailed it on the first try. During the second time, I was feeling it so much that I even had to stop myself from walking in the aisle fist-pumping and taking it to the streets. Joy, just pure joy.<br />
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The change in the schedule has called for changing up my witnessing schedule a little bit. Zach leads a Wednesday afternoon group in El Limonal, a part of Ojo de Agua's territory. The group doesn't have much support, so I've been going out there with him on Wednesday afternoons the past couple of weeks. It's nice to get away from the city for an afternoon. I had forgotten how peaceful and quiet it is in Ojo's territory. Apparently, I can't escape it completely!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUDSGCICw5thb1J2U5jVlo6B1bG9ozvk0iljLUsrT2ZUmJBlRa9NytT51b2_6r5N5ApDfmbmgcf7HAIWlgFf6WLRZsUSwhpu7do0ElCLtz0BSRnDGs0GPKkA3S2SMbtK42hCj3gMNJAc/s1600/015cb417042f78fd79ec7c91105c0edf660d2ccdd6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUDSGCICw5thb1J2U5jVlo6B1bG9ozvk0iljLUsrT2ZUmJBlRa9NytT51b2_6r5N5ApDfmbmgcf7HAIWlgFf6WLRZsUSwhpu7do0ElCLtz0BSRnDGs0GPKkA3S2SMbtK42hCj3gMNJAc/s1600/015cb417042f78fd79ec7c91105c0edf660d2ccdd6.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zach doing a return visit. Ain't he phenomenal?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of San Cristobal from La Colonia de la Policia.</td></tr>
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As for the heat, we're slowly but surely entering the hotter time of the year. Today was the hottest it's been in a while (96° F, 36° C), but come April, we'll be wishing for those temperatures back. Sidenote: The mosquitoes have been RELENTLESS since I've been back. Seriously. RELENTLESS. That has everybody paranoid about getting chikungunya, a disease that is supposed to be worse than dengue fever. There have been a lot of reported cases of it in town, but it's hard to know for sure. Many of those reported cases are accurate, but then there are other people who immediately jump to these conclusions: Got a headache? Chikungunya. Did you just sneeze? Chikungunya. You have a slight itch on your arm? Chikungunya. But yes, you do need to be prepared. Thankfully, the mosquitoes have calmed down a little the past couple of days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyg2ZceCBdeVZF_v8lnineEqHI4A5ODrOiHwIFq9NnIbF3UXp9DORHz2dWt_abT-XSUB35FB70InoWf_qyrZRbFhZHovw__bnhm-U88tt4Zhw0XtW5GQWyscSJk6GlzhmNE8gglYwRBak/s1600/012927066b8816bed55476a96b4352908b01b27542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyg2ZceCBdeVZF_v8lnineEqHI4A5ODrOiHwIFq9NnIbF3UXp9DORHz2dWt_abT-XSUB35FB70InoWf_qyrZRbFhZHovw__bnhm-U88tt4Zhw0XtW5GQWyscSJk6GlzhmNE8gglYwRBak/s1600/012927066b8816bed55476a96b4352908b01b27542.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miguelito receiving his gift today, complete with new pens.<br />(Sidenote: Bree took one of them for herself. Unbelievable.)</td></tr>
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In other news, Miguel, a 13-year-old brother in our hall, has started regular pioneering this month! His parents began studying a couple of years ago, and all three of them were baptized last year. He's an awesome kid. He's got such a great attitude and spirit. Even when his parents don't make it to the meetings, he is always there no matter what and comes out preaching on his own whenever he has the chance, including every day of school vacation. When asked how he was planning on pioneering with school and everything, he said he would be taking out a personal territory to work in the afternoons after school. I don't know many kids that age who would have the motivation to do that on their own, but he does! As a gift, Ben & Bree got him a new return visit book. They even labeled it with all the different locations of our territory.<br />
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Finally, for the demo this week on how to react to an irate person, Rolando was faced with a tough decision when it came to choosing who would play the role of the angry householder. He would have to choose someone who is known for having a naturally angry disposition, someone who takes pleasure in putting others down, someone who could bring a child to tears just by staring daggers at them. At last, the villain was cast:<br />
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LOL he chose Bree. We were all flummoxed by this choice. Flummoxed. What was the reasoning behind it? Would you choose a kitten to scare away thieves? Would you unleash a ladybug to kill a cockroach? Would you scare your younger sibling with a picture of a butterfly? No? Then why on Earth would you think Bree, of ALL PEOPLE, could be capable of yelling at Jehovah's Witnesses, or anyone at all?!?! Okay, I'm done being mean, and now I'll tell you that she did a really good job, in all seriousness. We may have had to practice it with her about 50 times to get her to stop sounding so nice, but she got it down pat. (You'd think that after being a part of our family for all these years, she would know how to shout!) Plus, Rolando is smart, and I have to give him credit for making a bold and fun choice. Sidenote: That was the angriest I had ever seen Bree in the entire time I've known her, aside from one time when she refused to share some cookies. She would be the nicest do-not-call ever. (Other sidenote: She gave me permission to write all that.)<br />
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Alright, that's all I have to report this week. Things are going really well, but as always, I miss all of you back home. Let me know what's new!<br />
<br />
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Take care,<br />
<br />
SamAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-27834766520987480142015-01-05T21:06:00.000-08:002015-01-05T21:06:14.677-08:00The Best of Both Worlds?Hi all,<br />
<br />
After a very eventful three-week excursion to the States, I've made it back to Nica once again, even if the airline lost my checked bag. Yeah, that's just <i>one </i>little tidbit to share from my trip, and if you'd like to know more, grab a juice box, shoot me an e-mail, and we'll talk about the ongoing trials and tribulations of a lad named Sam Roberts.<br />
<br />
ANYWHO, there were a lot of memorable moments from the trip, most notably my friend Jared's wedding! He actually came to visit me for a week in February last year, but things were so busy at the time that I didn't end up blogging about it, so here's a picture from that trip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfJr9OF9qEdBcgCV8rqmF37f2OPHbrrD4T0TPi3wM2N9f2ovROvaECLtMFsliN4vnOhSWGU236LOBv_cQvknigAehoX7e4u__-y1xkvwu0H-9j6Gt8yirSN43QyXxE5OaKuoApxKbFlU/s1600/60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfJr9OF9qEdBcgCV8rqmF37f2OPHbrrD4T0TPi3wM2N9f2ovROvaECLtMFsliN4vnOhSWGU236LOBv_cQvknigAehoX7e4u__-y1xkvwu0H-9j6Gt8yirSN43QyXxE5OaKuoApxKbFlU/s1600/60.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
He's been a good friend of mine for some time now, so it was great to be home for the big day, although I missed the ceremony. Again, e-mail me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPMTWWP8ANzwc1P-SLXRWoiAmebcmcU3qiqRPeze9777lSPJvSyZ3RnAi_oYvU80szLcEPwnoRsdpEaGQtPSctdIztIXLswObRD5NpHhogulVHGvXiR41XnvhDqiUpE5vFJ8A7vb_L5Y/s1600/01a32e599e3295f8c63ff34b5b75d92bb6abcf39b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPMTWWP8ANzwc1P-SLXRWoiAmebcmcU3qiqRPeze9777lSPJvSyZ3RnAi_oYvU80szLcEPwnoRsdpEaGQtPSctdIztIXLswObRD5NpHhogulVHGvXiR41XnvhDqiUpE5vFJ8A7vb_L5Y/s1600/01a32e599e3295f8c63ff34b5b75d92bb6abcf39b3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with Jared & Jocelyn</td></tr>
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We'll have more on that trip later. For now, let me talk about what I arrived back in Nica just in time for: our assembly day! It was exhausting having just returned from the States, but it was still a fun weekend. Saturday was the big pioneer meeting before the assembly. There's a double Kingdom Hall here in Chinandega, which perfectly held all 288 present! They had the speakers in one of the halls and a video feed into the other hall. We were on the side with the video feed, which worked very well. Many brothers and sisters from our hall had parts, including Rolando, Leticia, Renee, Elvis, Meyling, and Elieth.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mO_14-DSEpuvKkxfs9LH2v_b8sycUfGFbdYw3oQc6Cule3NXT61UFKof0NgWWJt3O7TU57LDiG8IdXUQoS3xatyrQYWAbnmtgCvzTH3QQr0uy8sq-50q8N30wVKQLhg9ijFUiVMrGmY/s1600/011d3f798e6d7ea3c55e2ebbbe8e9d3e4fc8b05717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mO_14-DSEpuvKkxfs9LH2v_b8sycUfGFbdYw3oQc6Cule3NXT61UFKof0NgWWJt3O7TU57LDiG8IdXUQoS3xatyrQYWAbnmtgCvzTH3QQr0uy8sq-50q8N30wVKQLhg9ijFUiVMrGmY/s1600/011d3f798e6d7ea3c55e2ebbbe8e9d3e4fc8b05717.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I'm talking about the brother on the screen.</td></tr>
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This is Thomas Bear. He and his wife having been serving here for quite some time now. They're both German, and his accent comes through very strong when he speaks Spanish. Honestly, I think it sounds awesome! I could listen to him all day. He had two really good illustrations. First, he spoke of being in an airplane that's about to crash when the oxygen masks are released. You are seated next to a ten-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl. Who do you make sure has their mask on first - the boy, the girl, or yourself? Actually, airlines emphasize that you need to put your <i>own </i>mask on first before you can be in a position to help anyone else! Similarly, we need to be sure that we are taking care of ourselves spiritually <i>before </i>we can be in a position to offer help or encouragement to anyone else. The other illustration he used had to do with our personal desires. He talked about how Google memorizes the things you search for and is able to remember your favorite items, no matter when you searched for them. If Google has the ability to remember the things that peak your interest the most, how much more so does Satan! It emphasized the need for us to be on guard more than ever.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFVR-9AJrKk6V4BcPnHi2kQ66mYujYXPl0fBQHDdJR4V0YTqxkr1R_jGv2_sSFQkXXlkptFv1yk72OiBH7AwdQOIC_HyZKKByUPffkExWraCflU-a9XaSdHIu4lO29k2FIDW8K7Clpek/s1600/012ff4cd2235686eb7dd109d1b5130b3a240ac55c9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFVR-9AJrKk6V4BcPnHi2kQ66mYujYXPl0fBQHDdJR4V0YTqxkr1R_jGv2_sSFQkXXlkptFv1yk72OiBH7AwdQOIC_HyZKKByUPffkExWraCflU-a9XaSdHIu4lO29k2FIDW8K7Clpek/s1600/012ff4cd2235686eb7dd109d1b5130b3a240ac55c9.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chinandega sun shining down just as powerful as ever.</td></tr>
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Once again, we had a busy night of sound preparation before the session. Many brothers stayed past midnight. I would have stayed longer, but I was still suffering from my severe one-hour jet lag, so I decided to call it a night.<br />
<br />
I had an assignment that I'd never had before for this assembly: letreros. Basically, Ben & I were in charge of putting up signs on the offices of the various departments - administration, chairman's office, sound, and yes, even a sign for our department: the sign department. We also had to have my laptop on hand in case we needed to print off emergency women's bathroom signs, which I actually had to do quite a few times. Would the whole thing fall apart without us? Two things: 1) Hey, someone has to do it, and 2) I got to sit it in a somewhat-air-conditioned office for the day, so I'll take it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyImWVgE-xXiPoBBpbdAMVarsNAcbli9vUHxETsGOIQC-rSMSqlu1g_3olMbbarSwKg8Mt0wPBOehSeq6qxvfE-DKbHyAylELs3xbpsZZaOiOmmbKMojOIOy0QYxmWMQo4NRRGwnbCBQ/s1600/01eaee37d5273a8a7f04548af617d36e5b8a70dc4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyImWVgE-xXiPoBBpbdAMVarsNAcbli9vUHxETsGOIQC-rSMSqlu1g_3olMbbarSwKg8Mt0wPBOehSeq6qxvfE-DKbHyAylELs3xbpsZZaOiOmmbKMojOIOy0QYxmWMQo4NRRGwnbCBQ/s1600/01eaee37d5273a8a7f04548af617d36e5b8a70dc4a.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, I did not spell administration wrong.</td></tr>
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The program was great - very frank and very much-needed. There were 32 baptized and a peak attendance of 3,169. Sidenote: my study Edwin lives right next door to the stadium. He could hear the whole program without even leaving his property, which isn't a bad deal. What's even better is that in the middle of the morning session, everyone was distracted by three toddlers who came out of nowhere running across the perimeter of the outfield. Sure enough, they were Edwin's kids. Yup, that's my study!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNNS8FMUGxbufubgiSaLQFxBVtN7vIq6x84l8AzkO-9OIRM9-zo3TM8UcDzO4LnzQqC03Pxv5T-i9my_YfBYDkMwqh4HspVjSoie5WhQ9F47WAPpHuWO8ZcqrMCgyc536Er67KhdxR5M/s1600/01661ec71aee6a5f66843480d472ab1d7d50740711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNNS8FMUGxbufubgiSaLQFxBVtN7vIq6x84l8AzkO-9OIRM9-zo3TM8UcDzO4LnzQqC03Pxv5T-i9my_YfBYDkMwqh4HspVjSoie5WhQ9F47WAPpHuWO8ZcqrMCgyc536Er67KhdxR5M/s1600/01661ec71aee6a5f66843480d472ab1d7d50740711.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking down the sound system after the session. Here's a Where's Waldo activity: Find Ben!</td></tr>
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Now that the busy weekend is over, I'm looking forward to getting back to my routine here. I'm really enjoying how things have been going, and that helped me to realize something while I was in Maine. I know I come back from every trip with a new lesson learned, and there have probably been some inconsistencies over the past few years, but this one was actually liberating. Everyone who has served in another land while traveling back & forth to their home country knows what it's like to live in two completely different worlds. In my case, the struggle has been being very close to both my friends in Nicaragua and my friends back home. Every time I go back to Maine, it's hard to leave for long periods of time knowing that time doesn't stand still while I'm away. People carry on with their lives, and I know it's a bit selfish, but you do feel cut off from everybody in a sense. It's not easy, but over time, I've realized that I'm still very close to my good friends back home, and being away has helped some of us to even strengthen our friendships. While I may not be actively involved in what happens back home anymore, I've maintained close ties with the people I love, and that's enough. I wouldn't trade the friendships I've made here in Nicaragua for anything in the world, and for now, this is the best place for me to be. At times, though, I wish I could have it both ways - be fully involved here in Nicaragua and still be fully involved in life back home, while being able to take advantage of all the luxuries there as well. However, <b>here is the lesson</b>: You can't have the best of both worlds. I know that might sound sad, but when I realized that, it was a huge relief. Right now, I feel like I have the best of my world in Nicaragua, and while I may not have everything back in Maine, I have all I need. Having that in mind is helping me to focus on what a privilege it is for me to be where I am and to be doing what I'm doing.<br />
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Okay, that's enough sap for one post. Talk to you all on Monday!<br />
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Take care,<br />
<br />
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SamAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-16771169839717304722014-12-18T13:14:00.000-08:002014-12-18T13:14:15.063-08:00AccomplishmentsHello!<br />
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I've been back in the States for a little over a week now, and while I love seeing my friends and family here, I gotta say, guys: I'm missing Nica. Weird, right?! Every time I come home, I don't think about Nica at all whatsoever because it's hard to think about Nica when you're so busy stuffing your face with hamburgers and hot dogs since, you know, that's what all Americans eat three times a day every day. Actually, I really miss Nicaragua because I feel like I've finally gotten into the right place and a great routine down there. So yes, I miss it! However, instead of continuing whining, a skill in which I exceed, I will fill everyone in on the events that took place before I came home.<br />
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For starters, I finally did one of the things I've been the most afraid to do during my whole time in Nicaragua: drive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiAUwm9vlViQUZ8AJDUOEoLQC1fQYuq_Cus1pGRkqlP_NT4a-6UMkad1zNsCTYOS3DZxOir4MazM6fIE0gGqxxLHQCzq2PT1e9_UWTcFArGTm9C0snK3bZqnSSRxe5sGOdFpR6ygyiCs/s1600/10649727_10204677911014935_5796024072519502130_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiAUwm9vlViQUZ8AJDUOEoLQC1fQYuq_Cus1pGRkqlP_NT4a-6UMkad1zNsCTYOS3DZxOir4MazM6fIE0gGqxxLHQCzq2PT1e9_UWTcFArGTm9C0snK3bZqnSSRxe5sGOdFpR6ygyiCs/s1600/10649727_10204677911014935_5796024072519502130_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I'm Erling Téllez and I approve this message."</td></tr>
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Anyone who has been to Nicaragua, or Central America for that matter, understands what a big risk that is! Here is the basic principle of driving in Nicaragua: You and ONLY YOU have the right of way - not pedestrians, not any other vehicle, not roadkill, only you. You don't have to wait for anybody. You just go as fast as you can and if anyone dares to get in your way, it's their fault, not yours! It sounds nice until you're on the receiving end. In retrospect, it probably wasn't that big of a deal, but nonetheless, it was another goal accomplished! On this particular day, we went with a group of friends in our hall to a beach in Corinto. It was a great afternoon spent with people who have become great friends.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6C4RBnuDi0Bkk6hFGDl7IXodC1WvVRtF2NHL2ec7djrnErGbUXO0wbUylmN4f4T6uonfIGhyCqRV4CchUUNtpjF9mULlJBthE2H8tzWsfYzSxBP85WHuo8sx_B8Qip2UcFbN9UYV0kgM/s1600/10406523_10204679954186013_867927151438091926_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6C4RBnuDi0Bkk6hFGDl7IXodC1WvVRtF2NHL2ec7djrnErGbUXO0wbUylmN4f4T6uonfIGhyCqRV4CchUUNtpjF9mULlJBthE2H8tzWsfYzSxBP85WHuo8sx_B8Qip2UcFbN9UYV0kgM/s1600/10406523_10204679954186013_867927151438091926_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us with Erling, Rebecca, Jennifer, & Douglas.</td></tr>
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Another major accomplishment occurred, but for Ben and Bree: they did their first demonstration in Spanish together. It was the demo about starting a Bible study on the first Saturday of the month, and they smashed it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE42n7C_CVJBXGRoSPkmZQlXIbx0_cFwF0659k14Y9jhZw2dtZ8-Yi6-XudWf1D4N8t0E01bjKVVUltY1XaGknclX0q-ckRLy-BD7yUZMTDptO5tXn76K8YMpRHXrZ1zRYh68AfLjxuO8/s1600/012c8e4d7a55d8ae7ea4a71d9aed58f66c96941682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE42n7C_CVJBXGRoSPkmZQlXIbx0_cFwF0659k14Y9jhZw2dtZ8-Yi6-XudWf1D4N8t0E01bjKVVUltY1XaGknclX0q-ckRLy-BD7yUZMTDptO5tXn76K8YMpRHXrZ1zRYh68AfLjxuO8/s1600/012c8e4d7a55d8ae7ea4a71d9aed58f66c96941682.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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As for what happened next, well...remember San Cristobal? The volcano adjacent to Chinandega? Remember how it erupted right when I arrived in town in September 2012?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLEeXYTv8WyILD0xEC3-VQQJX8BO2WwC_txzsCG-NDBCwn6pvDH5b963zSJpQy51QjmRb7T5sFS63WfXp0lK62sH3fNwKic_gbkS_X5wnZTESQ_qEzAibxceRapSH_8CHP2JDRQiD2bQ/s1600/0195b2f8dc2a96105ac2b9d404bc49bab431c6eec2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLEeXYTv8WyILD0xEC3-VQQJX8BO2WwC_txzsCG-NDBCwn6pvDH5b963zSJpQy51QjmRb7T5sFS63WfXp0lK62sH3fNwKic_gbkS_X5wnZTESQ_qEzAibxceRapSH_8CHP2JDRQiD2bQ/s1600/0195b2f8dc2a96105ac2b9d404bc49bab431c6eec2.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
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Remember how it erupted <i>again </i>just three months later and spewed ash all over town, resulting in many damaged lungs and evacuations?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmyIVleRDHog_C6d9Ti47x9kifdH-fl1IyTrS5b82Yrd8chxE71kt6SXegwGffRz4gOnGto9nOX46VfdI89LY5ICkEhlrgbbcRzGfNVE31w0xklKA2U1IByKFTi1jlzDeMvGl7MRi3pg/s1600/01d56481036cb7fb060c911a1c42f654230e3a5ddc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmyIVleRDHog_C6d9Ti47x9kifdH-fl1IyTrS5b82Yrd8chxE71kt6SXegwGffRz4gOnGto9nOX46VfdI89LY5ICkEhlrgbbcRzGfNVE31w0xklKA2U1IByKFTi1jlzDeMvGl7MRi3pg/s1600/01d56481036cb7fb060c911a1c42f654230e3a5ddc.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, I was walking to get my morning coffee that day when I looked up and saw THIS.</td></tr>
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Well, we hiked it last week! (Kids, please do not look to me as a good example.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbGnXff0MUUhrpHLCH30D0SvH4vtCQ8n-OV3K0xCaS-TnLiMWGwBCJnApDDNhPlvrDl7bkfVcpf2glqzu81lscqH09V69yLTVELWgK2zXm3v0dJMuHBkXl7TYoPkoi3onlxA8QiTZCnk/s1600/01107ef5d5c81f86054d1d4c237e8c27791be90f99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbGnXff0MUUhrpHLCH30D0SvH4vtCQ8n-OV3K0xCaS-TnLiMWGwBCJnApDDNhPlvrDl7bkfVcpf2glqzu81lscqH09V69yLTVELWgK2zXm3v0dJMuHBkXl7TYoPkoi3onlxA8QiTZCnk/s1600/01107ef5d5c81f86054d1d4c237e8c27791be90f99.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a>Actually, we semi-hiked it. We wanted to reach the top by sunrise, mainly because hiking it in the hot sun would've tripled the difficulty. That involved staying up until 2:00 AM and riding with the tour guides to a farm where the trail began. The drive to the farm was supposed to take about an hour, but the road was pretty rough - rough, but not impossible to navigate. All that is required is some ambition and work ethic, neither of which our truck driver had. We weren't even halfway to the farm when we got stuck in a rough patch of the road. We could have easily made it out and did everything we could to guide our driver out of it, but he seriously <i>would not </i>listen to a word we said. He did the opposite of everything we suggested and even when we tried to smooth out the path for him, he refused to drive through. I can understand that it was 2:00 in the morning, man, but we're paying you for a service! We spent about 45 minutes arguing with him/trying to help him until we realized how much time we had wasted. He wasn't going to drive us there, so we had no choice but to just leave him (along with the truck) and walk to the farm ourselves.</div>
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Walking to the farm was a hike itself. It took about two hours, and it was just as physically exerting. We were supposed to reach the farm by 3:00 so we could make it to the top of the volcano by sunrise, but we didn't arrive at the farm until about 5:00. I would've preferred to just finish the whole hike anyway since we had already gotten that far, but I also had to leave for the airport at 4:30 that afternoon. Actually, I would've finished it anyway, but another brother in our group who was leaving on the same flight as I was still needed to get back to León to pack his things. All of that, along with the fact a few others in our group weren't feeling that well, led us to the decision to call it a day (or night? We all got mixed up!) and finish it another time. We were disappointed, but we didn't consider the trip a waste by any means! While we were waiting for another truck to come pick us up from the farm to bring us back into town, we still managed to hike up a portion of the trail to get some decent photos.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty satisfying view!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQo4QIEIcECUe0qpLNTRdcVfxYwnjQCYMaqbva6YBc2l_SOA7dNoHC05uOspl8dYv6ysmHcCWqYcPStLQHaFlaBPtGWs4aEQCTWy8rvzRHPL2QNn3Tp2Lh0oi2uawheuyCJsHTD3gNkgc/s1600/01222b89d3633cac32ee5b9957fe06108bf2215e59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQo4QIEIcECUe0qpLNTRdcVfxYwnjQCYMaqbva6YBc2l_SOA7dNoHC05uOspl8dYv6ysmHcCWqYcPStLQHaFlaBPtGWs4aEQCTWy8rvzRHPL2QNn3Tp2Lh0oi2uawheuyCJsHTD3gNkgc/s1600/01222b89d3633cac32ee5b9957fe06108bf2215e59.jpg" height="300" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a>I have to say, being able to view Chinandega from the volcano that has been the background in so many of my photos all this time was a very satisfying experience. For once, the town itself was in the background! It has been such an intriguing aspect of my time in Chinandega ever since I arrived, and it was very cool finally checking it out. Although we only did a portion of the hike, it still felt like another major accomplishment - this time, for all of us. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVX2Q54O9aUxpqqPVXuCXGrGFYboy2EA9MZl7e8Zm-678IEnyr4ePxl1J0hWdWg3-G-NvG8ai63P1ctYmtV4leHBpvZRm_7jTqqX_5WJB2UvR6ad-WNSWK8BMbR0byujmwryAX_wnqX24/s1600/0151eadb283cda11b248f89579aa46c00d72f11c93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVX2Q54O9aUxpqqPVXuCXGrGFYboy2EA9MZl7e8Zm-678IEnyr4ePxl1J0hWdWg3-G-NvG8ai63P1ctYmtV4leHBpvZRm_7jTqqX_5WJB2UvR6ad-WNSWK8BMbR0byujmwryAX_wnqX24/s1600/0151eadb283cda11b248f89579aa46c00d72f11c93.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be fooled. The top was a <i>lot </i>further than it looked!</td></tr>
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After making it back to town, it was a mad rush to get ready before I had to leave for the airport. I will say, though, that it was frustrating having lost an entire night's sleep and not finishing the hike! It really threw off the rest of the week, but I've managed to catch up on all that sleep now, thankfully. I even slept on the airplanes, which I've never been able to do! Now, I've got a few weeks left here in the States and then it's back to Chinatown. I'll report during that time if there's anything worth reporting!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVY3E6K1cD4CWFiEOHMApSck-6iMEKvazTXVDLNhExIsupCZnr6zG7hgW21Cv6gk46y4vn7RNJBYKfLhV1d_ZTbWekySNByQVT8gLgnllNst9fUl8y_Ho6eaEYqn5IXOktyqjdZzbkVBQ/s1600/019dcebf116bad2226282f2cf244303ecc167195b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVY3E6K1cD4CWFiEOHMApSck-6iMEKvazTXVDLNhExIsupCZnr6zG7hgW21Cv6gk46y4vn7RNJBYKfLhV1d_ZTbWekySNByQVT8gLgnllNst9fUl8y_Ho6eaEYqn5IXOktyqjdZzbkVBQ/s1600/019dcebf116bad2226282f2cf244303ecc167195b3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The result of me checking to see if my camera timer was working. Apparently, it was.</td></tr>
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Sidenote: I noticed that this page has now gotten over 25,000 visits. Thank you all for keeping up with me!<br />
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Take care,<br />
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SamAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-8125989933875611732014-12-12T16:42:00.000-08:002014-12-12T16:42:19.284-08:00The Sea HouseHello!<br />
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Yes, I know, I've missed a few weeks, but we've had a lot going on, which I will proceed to explain in this long post, so kick back, relax, and please keep your cursor away from that exit button!<br />
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A few weeks ago marked a historic event for some of our friends in La Norte as Bree showed them how to concoct one of the most intriguing concoctions in all of concoctivity: a burrito.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPXFddnq1r-yZEPE83j-Pe3nqjJhrLiW3B6T9Rh1Ut_5KAKMlxYfVGNb8_o3sXyBI7R-57zRFe387i09BiyuXj6_IeyrmaqGbe454lzB32J6-29J59WSxbyywSXkFTS1aErycDX98fAU/s1600/017ac721f49a5fb03c1d8244631e61bf7f2b3f5c6b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPXFddnq1r-yZEPE83j-Pe3nqjJhrLiW3B6T9Rh1Ut_5KAKMlxYfVGNb8_o3sXyBI7R-57zRFe387i09BiyuXj6_IeyrmaqGbe454lzB32J6-29J59WSxbyywSXkFTS1aErycDX98fAU/s1600/017ac721f49a5fb03c1d8244631e61bf7f2b3f5c6b.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></div>
Before I get 37 comments saying, "Don't they eat burritos every day three times a day?", let me just tell you: No, they do not. Burritos are a Mexican dish. Mexican things come from Mexico. Mexico is not Nicaragua. Good night.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjw_Ep_9GBUvcsC__3OaLKu8gZkacIAbe9ix1e41RnJUFLQYYYHqdObpzcGlpYnw2I0msAE601iqInZzEl6ikH4J6cdIPhJwQCBXZJhpBvt0DiH5Vc66a_BKNY_ujFw4cKhR3lSElxndI/s1600/012a843357312decf2f4fee218336eab7e36c6117f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjw_Ep_9GBUvcsC__3OaLKu8gZkacIAbe9ix1e41RnJUFLQYYYHqdObpzcGlpYnw2I0msAE601iqInZzEl6ikH4J6cdIPhJwQCBXZJhpBvt0DiH5Vc66a_BKNY_ujFw4cKhR3lSElxndI/s1600/012a843357312decf2f4fee218336eab7e36c6117f.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
It was very entertaining to watch Bree show them the ropes. Although they turned out a tad too spicy, it was a smashing success, so much so that Mayerling demanded a copy of the recipe for herself! And, of course, yet again, the night had to turn into a mini-dance party.<br />
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My studies with Jorgito have been going well, and now, thanks to Eduardo and Zach, they've gotten even better. They came up with the idea to get all of the coloring and picture activities from the website bound into several books for the kids in Ojo, and they gave me a copy to give to Jorgito! I gave it to him on Friday and he loved it. We did the picture activity about Noah's ark and were able to have a good talk about the lessons learned. Since he and Sandra are attending meetings now, we also watched the new Caleb video about commenting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXm9-Sqetdyksfp-ifhabAM7YALX8nKNfWT6PJnJMCl_I8fs_tLbqjvuPnuPVQfxEuFaX5xJzL_ZsZSD7UkZycJKWri5y35NDgw-gWEnaT8F8cz8DjxO_GITz9IsP5cOIMaQRk0AzFbiY/s1600/012648642ae0216d04e87a001c1e9aac27e36f8e55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXm9-Sqetdyksfp-ifhabAM7YALX8nKNfWT6PJnJMCl_I8fs_tLbqjvuPnuPVQfxEuFaX5xJzL_ZsZSD7UkZycJKWri5y35NDgw-gWEnaT8F8cz8DjxO_GITz9IsP5cOIMaQRk0AzFbiY/s1600/012648642ae0216d04e87a001c1e9aac27e36f8e55.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alright, now let me get to the big stuff. For the very first time, my parents came to visit Nicaragua! Actually, it wasn't just them. Bree's father, Lenny, and my sister, Kayla, also came down! They only had a week free to come down over Thanksgiving break, but we made the most of their time here. For starters, this is how they were welcomed at the very quiet airport:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyAPDMg7aiS5vuzw_Eh2Dd_Tp8hyQO3W1Ph1ciyx7GF5Huzl1lFE2Og6AP2lO96hWwzRIrcaPRhdijSvzBwsg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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The fact that I'm writing this more than two weeks after the fact but still being able to vividly remember specific moments from their visit says a lot - my sister having an argument over getting ripped off within the first five minutes of their arrival, my parents not realizing that my friend Moisés could actually speak English, my mother bargaining with a street vendor, just so many moments. *Sigh.*<br />
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For starters, the Mainers spent the weekend in Chinandega to meet everyone and see where I've been hanging out all this time. It was a very surreal experience for me. I've been coming back and forth to Nicaragua for over three years now, and during that time, I had always imagined how my parents would act in different situations, and to see all of it become reality was worth the wait. After a day of kicking back at the nicest hotel in town (perks!), they came to La Norte's public meeting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrv9dE4c23yntk5jdMooAe7wj2z_ePZlpnlDK6WpyVMfmpkWubcAt6pBF6-V-Y9-0p7p_vgEtJX0ewa-yqda8vRsz3DMlJxm-mTzlftXpzH-iM2MNbr79fje533YzXHUlaW22bP_yHQQ/s1600/IMG_4617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrv9dE4c23yntk5jdMooAe7wj2z_ePZlpnlDK6WpyVMfmpkWubcAt6pBF6-V-Y9-0p7p_vgEtJX0ewa-yqda8vRsz3DMlJxm-mTzlftXpzH-iM2MNbr79fje533YzXHUlaW22bP_yHQQ/s1600/IMG_4617.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Roberts & the Martins taking over Chinandega.</td></tr>
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The meeting was a fun experience for everyone. We helped the visitors prepare their own comments and they all did a great job delivering them! It was also really nice for them to meet my friends in La Norte. Even though nobody had a language in common, everyone was nonetheless thrilled to meet each other. Sidenote: One of my studies, Edwin, came to that meeting with three of his seven kids! I was so happy, but I couldn't sit with his family and mine at the same time, so my friend Braulio looked after him for me. The kids also behaved perfectly for the whole duration. Hopefully, he'll come to more in the future!<br />
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Sunday was another memorable day. My dad, Kayla, and Lenny came out witnessing with us, an experience which can only be summed up by this picture:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAI3vnUXbletqwtnSG0y0z9jo8U47R0HTEjy6KGYRhJYMocJ_6u6_c1gLSLrE3OXVtt8xEC6IPBQW5GuQbBvjfoOBQY76uluGtcz_imbLX3d4cP5VsvfWV9ixPperIvxjzNH7FwmL91E/s1600/01aea7c292f869b7d109842282ed85083dfe92eb9d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAI3vnUXbletqwtnSG0y0z9jo8U47R0HTEjy6KGYRhJYMocJ_6u6_c1gLSLrE3OXVtt8xEC6IPBQW5GuQbBvjfoOBQY76uluGtcz_imbLX3d4cP5VsvfWV9ixPperIvxjzNH7FwmL91E/s1600/01aea7c292f869b7d109842282ed85083dfe92eb9d.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Any caption ideas for what the man on the left is most likely thinking would be readily accepted.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYk3dvYC1QEGRc_bMCfnI7uKO5hNIRyQY36C9e6DiIdV_p9DG03TnxcWudIHrgjqatRMk0gzzCmboDAmdbVpWM8KXjk-H1Q3_jN1LjRWDkU1P2IqW-KETtlMXYrWtMr-vy1BIHa6snEqQ/s1600/0147a006b51a74f24a9b7cb35a14095016607121be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYk3dvYC1QEGRc_bMCfnI7uKO5hNIRyQY36C9e6DiIdV_p9DG03TnxcWudIHrgjqatRMk0gzzCmboDAmdbVpWM8KXjk-H1Q3_jN1LjRWDkU1P2IqW-KETtlMXYrWtMr-vy1BIHa6snEqQ/s1600/0147a006b51a74f24a9b7cb35a14095016607121be.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renee helping Kayla prepare for her turn.</td></tr>
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All teasing aside (well, maybe not <i>all</i>), it was one of the most memorable mornings of service I've ever had. In addition to everyone being troopers by walking in the hot sun and humid air for two full hours, seeing them willingly participate with their simple presentations was more than I ever could have asked for. I don't think they truly understood what we've been dealing with here until that morning! We had as easy of a morning as we could have had, though, and ending it with some cold drinks at the café downtown.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dIU65bl8BRewzLpWhedOCYkLcwim9167gPnpTE4VFLvxUYAWSIJGkbDxbAUPetnG_Ky3gFN4fIKrUpJzlNem-Iw2jpFJ7Q2iK_CaW4cqaQg5a0w61XAhYacXzBTvTMqu3VMx1JAIU9U/s1600/01bf950ec58ee8c2d44af971feca1d23b7b34be9fc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dIU65bl8BRewzLpWhedOCYkLcwim9167gPnpTE4VFLvxUYAWSIJGkbDxbAUPetnG_Ky3gFN4fIKrUpJzlNem-Iw2jpFJ7Q2iK_CaW4cqaQg5a0w61XAhYacXzBTvTMqu3VMx1JAIU9U/s1600/01bf950ec58ee8c2d44af971feca1d23b7b34be9fc.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lenny doing a great job on his presentation.</td></tr>
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That night, we had a good ol' fashioned Nica fiesta for the family. A lot of our friends from La Norte came as well as Ervin & Yorleni, my two good old friends from Ojo de Agua. There was dancing, there was games, and there was gallo pinto, prepared by yours truly! Yeah. That's right. I did it. Well...I did have a bit of help from Tanya, Chelsey, and Darling, but it turned out great! We actually made way too much of it, but thankfully, everyone was willing to bring some home with them. But you see, a Nica fiesta includes many other things besides the aforementioned. Other necessary happenings include an excess of soda, a lack of enough fans, and an inconceivable amount of sweating. My family had the pleasure of experiencing it all.<br />
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If you're wondering why I'm making these pictures so small, it's because I'm trying to cram way too much into one post. But you can enlarge the pictures by just clicking on them!</div>
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After the party, we finished off the week by renting an incredible house in San Juan del Sur. Considering it was the first real vacation my parents ever had since they got married, they wanted to go all out, and boy did they ever. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKUvaCGnfK3sJ_7_jE93niLMiLUq_4vKtzPB0_bPGQCYxoyxEpYr1_NMdpzlud9eRp-IW2oTB6XkNlDZA3pr92mP3h6rxM2Hi7H1riijtslZiIU2O9HsmG3NQRXHU9WFy9ZVVib0mLbc/s1600/10372297_10152963489601654_6523256920915628974_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKUvaCGnfK3sJ_7_jE93niLMiLUq_4vKtzPB0_bPGQCYxoyxEpYr1_NMdpzlud9eRp-IW2oTB6XkNlDZA3pr92mP3h6rxM2Hi7H1riijtslZiIU2O9HsmG3NQRXHU9WFy9ZVVib0mLbc/s1600/10372297_10152963489601654_6523256920915628974_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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The house was the perfect getaway, and being able to experience it not only with my family but as well as with close friends that might as well be family was pretty cool as well.<br />
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The whole visit was one which none of us will forget for sure! Many of my friends also told me that meeting my family helped them to understand why I am the way I am a lot more. Good thing or bad thing?<br />
<br />
Okay, that's seriously all I can write for now, because did I mention I'm writing this from Maine?! I'm just back for a few weeks for a wedding and then I'll be back in Chinatown for Memorial season. I've got more to report on things that happened before I left Nicaragua, so I'll try to write about that ASAP!<br />
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Talk soon,<br />
<br />
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SamAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-81471253503254543092014-11-17T17:21:00.002-08:002014-11-17T17:21:19.720-08:00Only in NicaraguaHello there!<br />
<br />
I was just looking through all the pictures I took over the past week and if I were to judge the entire week based off of these photos, I would only say that it was...interesting?<br />
<br />
For one thing, the guys and I went to the local performing arts theater to watch one of our English students in her dance recital...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGebD8sQhv45gWZfyyQu_opDNKLPBdTXJVOI0RGQwhxUh7CuinsliCF5qMQAvvrkF_YUq-5EsKqiwADd3NMyyl3_P8bL6S89REKyXrcv8Rf8b2TACzYZMLV5ioDgasMA3DDecPxUCkbI/s1600/01dbc4b98b2ed4b35f3f7fdc15db9cbe5eb6ca6c95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGebD8sQhv45gWZfyyQu_opDNKLPBdTXJVOI0RGQwhxUh7CuinsliCF5qMQAvvrkF_YUq-5EsKqiwADd3NMyyl3_P8bL6S89REKyXrcv8Rf8b2TACzYZMLV5ioDgasMA3DDecPxUCkbI/s1600/01dbc4b98b2ed4b35f3f7fdc15db9cbe5eb6ca6c95.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A manly way to spend your Friday night.</td></tr>
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...I managed to construct a 5-4-3-2-1 card house, which is a new personal record...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUu13rLt0PA6n-R_ngl-l_8B_amp8ccf6dZeeQhLH_XLUhob1KcydLAQlhq2rYNGgId6RPujh0f3GNcNQ3NV9HhrCBqIEOvdKsXk0J9RcaO4qvZU3VE-tasSo-sCNdu_X5tj8xCNHNGw/s1600/0142ef1c8097afe1301009707e41be87ecc2f21833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUu13rLt0PA6n-R_ngl-l_8B_amp8ccf6dZeeQhLH_XLUhob1KcydLAQlhq2rYNGgId6RPujh0f3GNcNQ3NV9HhrCBqIEOvdKsXk0J9RcaO4qvZU3VE-tasSo-sCNdu_X5tj8xCNHNGw/s1600/0142ef1c8097afe1301009707e41be87ecc2f21833.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It had to be photographed as it will probably never happen again.</td></tr>
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...Ben, Bree, Josue, & I managed to see a movie and get the theater to ourselves...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOiZNs9LU9g9bfQn0CLe5kSaAAVWGuN4CEYEgJVBej55s1O-3eg-KGBtSK60hl1B84tON4vqItvIbe9XL-zk7PE5LvaOLe-c9bkRrLClsOnmgPop5XZnL0uFviphaBFvWWuJwEINhFv0/s1600/01a1b909ab1a3bf1c21315d7775b615a0324f542c5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOiZNs9LU9g9bfQn0CLe5kSaAAVWGuN4CEYEgJVBej55s1O-3eg-KGBtSK60hl1B84tON4vqItvIbe9XL-zk7PE5LvaOLe-c9bkRrLClsOnmgPop5XZnL0uFviphaBFvWWuJwEINhFv0/s1600/01a1b909ab1a3bf1c21315d7775b615a0324f542c5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We at least had it to ourselves for the first ten minutes of the movie.</td></tr>
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...and as another Nicaragua first, an ice cream truck passed by the Kingdom Hall after Leon's English meeting yesterday. That's right. An ice cream truck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTir8Mx_SHmUH5Ws9Cuc1BuAOss1vxHiL_p2OfXaQuX5ho7TxwdAYGB5XZ_cDdanu7dYFxNu6jN4QYQ0JSFqHWlSkxsPvQTlqheRXbSVkfR9WWGrHQHrRtC2eL0Cg6R0dtMpQEIGkIbw/s1600/01a2240b3c165f26350e770b0d2e5d4326d2268b2e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTir8Mx_SHmUH5Ws9Cuc1BuAOss1vxHiL_p2OfXaQuX5ho7TxwdAYGB5XZ_cDdanu7dYFxNu6jN4QYQ0JSFqHWlSkxsPvQTlqheRXbSVkfR9WWGrHQHrRtC2eL0Cg6R0dtMpQEIGkIbw/s1600/01a2240b3c165f26350e770b0d2e5d4326d2268b2e.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Aren't you guys wondering why we never drive this thing through town during the<br />day - you know, like, when it's actually hot?"</td></tr>
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I wish I had logical explanations for why we do what we do and why I choose to photograph very mundane things, but all I can think of is...hey, it's Nicaragua.<br />
<br />
Okay, on with the rest of the week...<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XInPHcyGku8_MXfo9LfKt8t1itqkswY8ywbdrdx1WU9v6NLDMr2e9ugojUaB7UhmXvGh9pR-5s_U6mdVz5ivr0BT0KLjD-BJsRtmOSC4bWFAotgG5rxpYRmlyR507Xj5VUZ2YyiI4iU/s1600/011fe76186c069c4db331716bb8565838367c0fc47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XInPHcyGku8_MXfo9LfKt8t1itqkswY8ywbdrdx1WU9v6NLDMr2e9ugojUaB7UhmXvGh9pR-5s_U6mdVz5ivr0BT0KLjD-BJsRtmOSC4bWFAotgG5rxpYRmlyR507Xj5VUZ2YyiI4iU/s1600/011fe76186c069c4db331716bb8565838367c0fc47.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ending a hot morning with cake & coffee.</td></tr>
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November has been treating us very well! We had another great week of service. Jefte came witnessing with us in La Colonia de la Policia on Tuesday and we had a great time. Him and I found a very interested woman with whom we were able to start a study in the <u>Bible Teach</u> book. She wrote down every scripture we read so that she could look it up in her own Bible later. She has children and was drawn to the lesson about how to have a happy family life. We told her that I would come back with Bree the following week to demonstrate a study, which we will be doing tomorrow. She said that she'd be waiting!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnDR7lBQ8Cd4x-CnKCFdvtdJ5kHUxFnCuxf86ExChuq1ixUFOUCjGRovK326UY9uw5Hl3po0YUa7GQH8fElxmSZOzdknONoCHzR-tSBaU1PBvg3JBuGSTtytj-_wbRxiMtMkLZYc7JPk/s1600/01ebb9a72da6f40b969cfc704830e6d6015cef5aa1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnDR7lBQ8Cd4x-CnKCFdvtdJ5kHUxFnCuxf86ExChuq1ixUFOUCjGRovK326UY9uw5Hl3po0YUa7GQH8fElxmSZOzdknONoCHzR-tSBaU1PBvg3JBuGSTtytj-_wbRxiMtMkLZYc7JPk/s1600/01ebb9a72da6f40b969cfc704830e6d6015cef5aa1.jpg" height="200" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Studying with Edwin.<br />Also, it was cool enough<br />that I lasted a full hour<br />without rolling up my sleeves!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnDR7lBQ8Cd4x-CnKCFdvtdJ5kHUxFnCuxf86ExChuq1ixUFOUCjGRovK326UY9uw5Hl3po0YUa7GQH8fElxmSZOzdknONoCHzR-tSBaU1PBvg3JBuGSTtytj-_wbRxiMtMkLZYc7JPk/s1600/01ebb9a72da6f40b969cfc704830e6d6015cef5aa1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
On Wednesday morning, nobody showed up to the group, probably because it looked like it was going to rain. However, it actually worked out very well for us. The three of us were able to go do some of our studies to fill up the morning, and it went great. I had my study with Edwin, and we switched things up by beginning the lesson in the <i>Good News </i>brochure about how to recognize the true religion. That really captured his attention. I'm hoping it will motivate him to make it to one of the meetings. He says his goal is to come to the meeting the week that my parents visit, which is this Saturday, as it turns out!<br />
<br />
Renee went away for a couple weeks (Did I mention that she joined me in La Norte? Well, she did, and it's been good helping each other out once again!), and Bree covered one of her Bible studies in the meantime, Claudia. She works in Parque Central, but she always puts everything aside so that she can study. She's also been prepared for every study and looked up the scriptures ahead of time! Bree also does a great job of conducting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCF432oLMI_KY0IPqu-k9L24hbu-Kg1-uCKWjT7lc4DNAsdL_MPLSgOoU_DIDo5xxuaO8g_PSr-0D7kCXbD3gido49JoKondIM5hdzzUYzTxO3ukSFBYMH03XJaig8UlsR5KNCMZGUx8/s1600/017ef4f1fedd992a195a27f684c5942407cd50754b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCF432oLMI_KY0IPqu-k9L24hbu-Kg1-uCKWjT7lc4DNAsdL_MPLSgOoU_DIDo5xxuaO8g_PSr-0D7kCXbD3gido49JoKondIM5hdzzUYzTxO3ukSFBYMH03XJaig8UlsR5KNCMZGUx8/s1600/017ef4f1fedd992a195a27f684c5942407cd50754b.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see, Ben has all the essential supplies for a study here: publications, sweat rag, and a bottle of 7-up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNMbhz_oUd47w0JK35CKwDwgUw8FBmOYjMjFSgtorNciaxQ6yyGFSAFEjUxz9bUn5FyUGyucfDb1t-zUm4t0gZXQ93pwYpCfWXbwox7Eo_X6Ayk1Bxq_PkQTRRGy_m5_gZjno80pIMjo/s1600/01285c9adf87837d6902717ed87d3cf430007c8f45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNMbhz_oUd47w0JK35CKwDwgUw8FBmOYjMjFSgtorNciaxQ6yyGFSAFEjUxz9bUn5FyUGyucfDb1t-zUm4t0gZXQ93pwYpCfWXbwox7Eo_X6Ayk1Bxq_PkQTRRGy_m5_gZjno80pIMjo/s1600/01285c9adf87837d6902717ed87d3cf430007c8f45.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Do you realize how selfish I look sitting in this<br />chair while you just stand? You so did this on purpose."</td></tr>
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I was also able to find another one of my studies, Erling, at home that morning. We continued our discussion of the second lesson out of the <i>Good News </i>brochure, and he did great. He comprehends things very well, but he is also very patient with himself. He is very humble and sincere, even to the point where he <i>insists</i> that I take his seat, no matter how much I protest! Honestly, I feel like a bum taking his seat like that, but we would never get anything done if we kept arguing over it. He always keeps his brochures and magazines close at hand, and he's continued reading them on his own. It's very refreshing to see, and I hope that he can make it to a meeting soon, too.<br />
<br />
Friday morning was also very encouraging. Ben & I started a study with a woman on the first call using the "Why Study the Bible?" video. Her aunt and her grandmother are Witnesses, and she said she'd always been curious. We placed the <i>Good News </i>brochure with her and briefly demonstrated a study. She said she'd love to continue on with it, and once again, we told her we would bring Bree with us next week so that she could! Sidenote: Ben also started a study on the first call the same morning with a very interested guy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9B-MvrI6n2irTyIQBqUgk2ru7E7KryQQvd1ShJ3FOHqN9vg0tqD_p6n2N7w7LkpGL3-UIbOKGRa1KS6DzAjRLysiokuOu7tpE1IqgkFysnfS4a2WCTzfGwImxxX4yN4DWnQ-VmI95cc/s1600/0121b9d890156373d3234cbc5bf03c3b629e8a752d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9B-MvrI6n2irTyIQBqUgk2ru7E7KryQQvd1ShJ3FOHqN9vg0tqD_p6n2N7w7LkpGL3-UIbOKGRa1KS6DzAjRLysiokuOu7tpE1IqgkFysnfS4a2WCTzfGwImxxX4yN4DWnQ-VmI95cc/s1600/0121b9d890156373d3234cbc5bf03c3b629e8a752d.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing the video...and not really knowing what to do with my left hand.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jTc1CN0FxVWFUVc0iXO3sCllr9sq1bYaMr73hRdB5nKR2-rxaZLyBQEQW7iUkL2rACPJcxtvNUBD-PTJOAUTJFBc041_SaGHof3HSmS1eZwu6gIF-5Axr6BJdnl0br3Kjw4heT6OzWg/s1600/0120b61b679ac0cee1a32fc3e29ff20a3f3a24f47a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jTc1CN0FxVWFUVc0iXO3sCllr9sq1bYaMr73hRdB5nKR2-rxaZLyBQEQW7iUkL2rACPJcxtvNUBD-PTJOAUTJFBc041_SaGHof3HSmS1eZwu6gIF-5Axr6BJdnl0br3Kjw4heT6OzWg/s1600/0120b61b679ac0cee1a32fc3e29ff20a3f3a24f47a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view while crossing the bridge into town.</td></tr>
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I was doing calls with Erling later that morning, and he was commenting on how he's noticed the overall boost of encouragement the congregation has had as a result of us being here. He noted how people stay after the meetings to associate much more now and how ministry support has also improved. I'm not mentioning that to pat ourselves on the back, but rather to show how bittersweet it is to hear things like that. It feels really good knowing that you've been a help. I feel very much attached to this congregation already. However, the hard part is hearing those words and knowing that you won't be able to stay forever. Even just going back to the States for a few months is hard when you know it's such a substantial amount of time. But we're definitely making the most of our time here until then, and I can honestly say that my joy is being renewed day by day!</div>
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Oh, and pictures like this one also renew my joy...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83TqhgsKcPvVxDa-z-8hErHcG52DyPa2NOlCwLu6uMf4XN7In93ImuY7VtcGXRtK7kfKAvAVe0Tge08HEg1aylBRgufWQUa9rxOcuYpErYyACDiBLfju8qDjse4rsdqX0pQNCggFiEEk/s1600/01fd36baadf28468213b63f293e47a4f7ea5e152e0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83TqhgsKcPvVxDa-z-8hErHcG52DyPa2NOlCwLu6uMf4XN7In93ImuY7VtcGXRtK7kfKAvAVe0Tge08HEg1aylBRgufWQUa9rxOcuYpErYyACDiBLfju8qDjse4rsdqX0pQNCggFiEEk/s1600/01fd36baadf28468213b63f293e47a4f7ea5e152e0.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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Is it because one of these things is clearly different from everything else? Is it because Ben is being heavily stared at by the woman on the right? Is it because he's turning into a full-on clone of our Dad? I can't decide.</div>
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Talk soon!</div>
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Sam</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-60978780577988898232014-11-10T10:40:00.001-08:002014-11-10T10:42:33.672-08:00Enough of the CharadeHi all,<br />
<br />
I should be folding laundry right now, but why do that when I can procrastinate?! It's been another week full of some of the usual as well as some surprises. For one thing, the repainting of our Kingdom Hall has been completed! Here's a before and after shot:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMTMBx1qwlqmsDuD5FgkjZr4NzFdB-4p6nLuSZbiA1UnKrwrokRlJK5PE8FHhZJKITRFIfDJkFOQ9fmzsTfiBPrfvyeWI0upsaeb6Qp8h_yBDOZhY6uruXh9M6u4VXOax3K6H7Tm5j8U/s1600/IMG_3480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMTMBx1qwlqmsDuD5FgkjZr4NzFdB-4p6nLuSZbiA1UnKrwrokRlJK5PE8FHhZJKITRFIfDJkFOQ9fmzsTfiBPrfvyeWI0upsaeb6Qp8h_yBDOZhY6uruXh9M6u4VXOax3K6H7Tm5j8U/s1600/IMG_3480.JPG" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2836-BeJln8VEVsNtFIlmlHnp8OZW6ZY9tDBsefCD0t6qUY7-vI4o8xBtdvZZfqK0xwyiyiczlQTtQpQ6CCyc3LCyFfx4B2Aslgj1WpdVIyn29ZtajV-Hg9fKnjyu2bSl_xgKsCbB4y4/s1600/IMG_4444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2836-BeJln8VEVsNtFIlmlHnp8OZW6ZY9tDBsefCD0t6qUY7-vI4o8xBtdvZZfqK0xwyiyiczlQTtQpQ6CCyc3LCyFfx4B2Aslgj1WpdVIyn29ZtajV-Hg9fKnjyu2bSl_xgKsCbB4y4/s1600/IMG_4444.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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It's a huge change! I haven't gotten a picture of the inside yet because it's not completely done, but it's the same color as the light blue on the side. The brothers did a great job painting, although I have to admit I think I liked the yellow better. But hey, I'm adjusting.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUSUMIx8zKoUhYgFRFUUf91ok_BaT1c1XOpe97RMTD8WFAs2VIycGxhnSGWrUuLbeDxV3eFUiP51atk2wBGxJnp4j4i0nFSbP8pCe-NvDnPssdWsRQSts1EtA1veDpJ6bSFVL1EoHksc/s1600/IMG_4445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUSUMIx8zKoUhYgFRFUUf91ok_BaT1c1XOpe97RMTD8WFAs2VIycGxhnSGWrUuLbeDxV3eFUiP51atk2wBGxJnp4j4i0nFSbP8pCe-NvDnPssdWsRQSts1EtA1veDpJ6bSFVL1EoHksc/s1600/IMG_4445.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working one of our more rural territories yesterday.</td></tr>
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We've been getting into a good witnessing routine together. Having the extra support really helps all three of us. (It also gives me some HILARIOUS stories to tell about Ben's progress in learning Spanish.) The brothers and sisters in the congregation have also been very helpful and patient. Honestly, though, while we were out preaching and walking through the territory as a group yesterday, I was listening to Ben chatting with Erling and Bree talking with Ivana, her partner for the morning. Although they were both still having a little trouble with it, I realized that they've actually picked up more Spanish than they realize! They're doing their best and it's paying off. (P.S. - I would never say that to their face, so enjoy reading this, Ben & Bree.)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PyXkl2j5dstum0diZvJ37IFkwPt9mxs9qsCkSm4vBABD4jaU-Wsx-O_YcdUsH9MX1Gs0VgI2H2NicwQAYok2JQCSxr3-acfFfbkRqRNYrwIAXhclQ3_F5PekX1PJpd-FsqlAF5EMJBA/s1600/IMG_4426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PyXkl2j5dstum0diZvJ37IFkwPt9mxs9qsCkSm4vBABD4jaU-Wsx-O_YcdUsH9MX1Gs0VgI2H2NicwQAYok2JQCSxr3-acfFfbkRqRNYrwIAXhclQ3_F5PekX1PJpd-FsqlAF5EMJBA/s1600/IMG_4426.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can tell the lady in the back is thinking, "Why are there so many white people in my yard?"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHISlGR2XOfZ7Z3oFLs72JoumcZsiPZjnc5ZKMOfd9anylj68X6I97Ge_O8OfZK3np2mfSC20LEN41ogc6gr1RkOY3y39GGmgT3C-9P0DfQddTFLWDNZlaW8ijdLT7Quui00GGpLSe5HQ/s1600/IMG_4425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHISlGR2XOfZ7Z3oFLs72JoumcZsiPZjnc5ZKMOfd9anylj68X6I97Ge_O8OfZK3np2mfSC20LEN41ogc6gr1RkOY3y39GGmgT3C-9P0DfQddTFLWDNZlaW8ijdLT7Quui00GGpLSe5HQ/s1600/IMG_4425.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bree reading one of the paragraphs.</td></tr>
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Above is a new study Ben has picked up. His name is Guadalupe, and Ben placed a <i>Good News </i>brochure with him and his wife a week ago. He had showed them the "Why Study the Bible?" video and they both were very interested. He and Bree went back a couple days ago to continue the discussion, and I went as an emergency translator/pretty much only to take pictures. It went very well and he said he'll be awaiting their visit tomorrow!</div>
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I had begun studying the <i>Good News </i>brochure with a man named Erling, but hadn't gotten him home in a couple weeks since he's been busy with work. I got him home last Tuesday and saw that he already had the brochure on hand. He's been reading it in his free time, and has already read up through chapter five! We had a great study that afternoon. Hopefully we can continue it on a regular basis.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zziIdO46a3H7vzGFqZCyoYLJQqTuHczhP9KMUSiwxUvgvh1J9vazlJ_HcmSOSy34lXjwHhLuMPMs9C4Ik3dniGHpyLkrmNU3zbvT6TtL9S0keVC23zaA0HLVgvCTxmwtmcYuIRS0xYQ/s1600/018bcb60eafa715bf7cdbdd0f06c536313e3ae219e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zziIdO46a3H7vzGFqZCyoYLJQqTuHczhP9KMUSiwxUvgvh1J9vazlJ_HcmSOSy34lXjwHhLuMPMs9C4Ik3dniGHpyLkrmNU3zbvT6TtL9S0keVC23zaA0HLVgvCTxmwtmcYuIRS0xYQ/s1600/018bcb60eafa715bf7cdbdd0f06c536313e3ae219e.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only had time for one unflattering picture<br />
with Jorgito before I had to go!</td></tr>
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Yesterday, I went to give the public talk in another congregation here in Chinandega. Everything went fine, but after I concluded and was walking off the stage, I heard a very familiar voice call out, "Sam!" I look over, and who do I see but Jorgito with Sandra! Out of the thirty-some-odd congregations in this town, I just happened to give the talk in the very hall that her study conductor belongs to! Sandra told me that she had gone to one of the Sunday meetings, but apparently they've been going every Sunday for the past month! She's loving it, and she said Jorgito is making some good friends at the Kingdom Hall. That was one of the best surprises I've had in a long time. After everything they've been through with Jorge's death, it's great to see that they're doing the best thing they can do: relying on Jehovah. I still remember the days when she wasn't very open to the idea of me coming by to study with Jorge at all! </div>
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Last night, the Zimmerman family had a party which included a fun game of Bible charades. I was laughing way too much, so I only managed to get one picture! Bible stories that were acted out included King Solomon & the dispute over the baby, Daniel & the lions pit, and Balaam & the donkey.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUJsGlo9n-mkvNq_xIEWe1hOKGRWeCwxN4Q-sbfXx4KtcVnRsYNmMoECYyJBeWlepijlBBOTR0liVkKcazbjT_V5qUrqi60hgC-5W_9mBeqKm0mwMbXSp4qHfZF2OhC3dI3s5B4SXNgc/s1600/01c491484a063a8b4aa89f61ae69bbeb5fbf9dc3bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUJsGlo9n-mkvNq_xIEWe1hOKGRWeCwxN4Q-sbfXx4KtcVnRsYNmMoECYyJBeWlepijlBBOTR0liVkKcazbjT_V5qUrqi60hgC-5W_9mBeqKm0mwMbXSp4qHfZF2OhC3dI3s5B4SXNgc/s1600/01c491484a063a8b4aa89f61ae69bbeb5fbf9dc3bc.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids were acting out Abraham getting ready to sacrifice Isaac.</td></tr>
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For the Zimmermans, cooking is their expertise, and they make awesome gallo pinto (to be featured on the next edition of Que Pasta...after mamonchinos...). It was Ben's first time trying it...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Bcr08PmyYuU3C9vU6XCSzt19lbgV77N6j7zI3eh_7zcZwM9oE5hz_-kUc4zrSgJy8XutN-XtvSAXjkh7q4V3TEBc_LTZuAGU-WGgLxu28ggUPTxVtyEE4b5NbLYyvFcUp6TEWfONDrA/s1600/019427ee175e2b6bff11bee6ce2b94904b22e3bafc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Bcr08PmyYuU3C9vU6XCSzt19lbgV77N6j7zI3eh_7zcZwM9oE5hz_-kUc4zrSgJy8XutN-XtvSAXjkh7q4V3TEBc_LTZuAGU-WGgLxu28ggUPTxVtyEE4b5NbLYyvFcUp6TEWfONDrA/s1600/019427ee175e2b6bff11bee6ce2b94904b22e3bafc.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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...and I think I liked it! He did finish it, after all. Oh, and Bree will eat anything.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sngS8jZExYOF34N-i5g293JhMEKCMypyXn8IUbvKrLGMSMCTJPsghDho5qd7j0ljVtUnHb6Dd5GtgwM7az-lQkCO_p6qjDabBelwo5zSqZqBmY6tmiYRG1ND1vzy3eJPag4cVubo6Cc/s1600/011343db5fa18a7d8b2727726568b5209d248e6b1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sngS8jZExYOF34N-i5g293JhMEKCMypyXn8IUbvKrLGMSMCTJPsghDho5qd7j0ljVtUnHb6Dd5GtgwM7az-lQkCO_p6qjDabBelwo5zSqZqBmY6tmiYRG1ND1vzy3eJPag4cVubo6Cc/s1600/011343db5fa18a7d8b2727726568b5209d248e6b1c.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, nothing can be done without turning it<br />
into a dance party. Show us how it's done, Zach!</td></tr>
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Oh, would this be a good time to talk about the mice in our house?! No? Well, I'll talk about it anyway. There have only been two, and they were tiny, but sorry, bros. If there's a mouse in my house, it will not be making itself at home. They're clever little dudes who still managed to pick the cheese off the traps we got, so we had to resort to getting that sticky paper to trap them, and that seems to have done the trick. I'll spare you the details of his death (cue a bunch of people calling us inhumane for killing a mouse) and skip ahead to the part where I had to walk around the neighborhood with a plastic bag containing a dead mouse, looking for a public trash can. We had a dead mouse in the trash last week, and guys, believe me when I say that was one of the top three worst smells I've ever experienced in my life, so there was no way we were about to go through that again. But just picture the scene: I'm walking down the street with this plastic bag, holding it as far away from me as possible, and I guy walks past me with this expression of "Do I even want to know what's in that bag?" and I just nodded at him, mentally telling him, "No, you do not." Finally, I found a resting place for the mouse in a trash can in a little park down the street. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOUl7xSDoB8Gumo1Yq6Lx68tNoe09ggbXRk2HpTLYjR70no765gU5MiY2O7LohSTpf8TppyyFJfHq-8DBJaAielvig1nMlr107Uj_U_XlxoakdazQYfM-PwrcBJUL8H4x6kskxB7dE68/s1600/0185bf49f7e184c3497f1ff67b1fa6d7804ded44b4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOUl7xSDoB8Gumo1Yq6Lx68tNoe09ggbXRk2HpTLYjR70no765gU5MiY2O7LohSTpf8TppyyFJfHq-8DBJaAielvig1nMlr107Uj_U_XlxoakdazQYfM-PwrcBJUL8H4x6kskxB7dE68/s1600/0185bf49f7e184c3497f1ff67b1fa6d7804ded44b4.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bree with Ashley, one of the best nine-year-old<br />
publishers I've met!</td></tr>
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We don't have anything too crazy on our plate for this week. Our parents are coming to visit in less than a couple weeks, so we're all trying to get in as much service time as possible before then. They'll be coming to one of our meetings while they're here, so it's my goal to have at least one of my studies come to the meeting so they can meet them. We'll see how it goes! It'll be great for Mom & Dad to meet everyone in the hall, and vice versa. Really looking forward to it. I'll talk to you all next Monday, and I hope you're well until then.</div>
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Take care,</div>
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Sam</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-37455726745829287892014-11-03T12:00:00.000-08:002014-11-03T12:00:25.746-08:00Mixing Things UpGood day!<br />
<br />
We have officially entered into my favorite time of year in Nicaragua. The rainy season may be over, but November, December, and January are the three coolest months of the year. The high humidity that coincides with the rain is gone, and the last few days have been b-r-eezy! For all you Mainers, I know that may not be easy to read, considering the first snowstorm of the year just hit you like a ton of bricks, but I live in the hottest part of the country. Just let me have this one.<br />
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This last week was another one for the books (or blog, in this case). Preaching has been getting better and better for all three of us. Both Ben & Bree conducted their first studies in Spanish!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-7BEm0FYcvbwI1JhqrK-kEi8yJzfd25bMo57fKwOYXFoYniYY9TjjnjcNLpqce6nl5Y5LTe8Yzrx6eZybetRW8YX-tssv1zpu_yWjMq92hw-xWpSGW4rPSEN56scI1t_6No2YkVJRfg/s1600/IMG_4417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-7BEm0FYcvbwI1JhqrK-kEi8yJzfd25bMo57fKwOYXFoYniYY9TjjnjcNLpqce6nl5Y5LTe8Yzrx6eZybetRW8YX-tssv1zpu_yWjMq92hw-xWpSGW4rPSEN56scI1t_6No2YkVJRfg/s1600/IMG_4417.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben conducting his first study with Juan on Tuesday.</td></tr>
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Erling had a nice call with Juan, the guy pictured above, and passed it onto Ben. After preparing carefully, we went to see him on Tuesday afternoon and studied lesson six out of the <i>Good News </i>brochure, and Ben did very well! It helps that Juan is very interested. He answered every question in his own words and comprehended each point fully. It should work out very nicely! I think it shows that you shouldn't waste time being afraid to try to get studies right away when learning a new language. Just jump right into it! It's one of the best ways to learn quickly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_naI85hUgjIP39WlOnWcrEV2DFR3JEDUKyX_sE2-fOhA1Hjpa8MwWyEqwFcCgM9P0igZtcKBWGpwT6MgSqhda9b69eCvEJEluTtYBgroPjKzdRZU4G74gRf9vkIHQSNuduG2UaXolL0/s1600/IMG_4358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_naI85hUgjIP39WlOnWcrEV2DFR3JEDUKyX_sE2-fOhA1Hjpa8MwWyEqwFcCgM9P0igZtcKBWGpwT6MgSqhda9b69eCvEJEluTtYBgroPjKzdRZU4G74gRf9vkIHQSNuduG2UaXolL0/s1600/IMG_4358.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weather may be cooler, but we still, you know, live in the hottest part of Nicaragua.</td></tr>
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I was concerned about one of my studies, Donald, since we had been having difficulty finding a time study that worked for the both of us. However, we've finally settled on Tuesday afternoons, and the regularity has been paying off. We studied the second lesson a couple weeks ago and watched the video about God's name. He loved it and asked, "Where can get that video for myself??" He took down the website address so he could find it himself!<br />
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Zach & I watched the David video with Jorgito on Thursday, and he loved it. Once again, a few of his neighborhood friends snuck in to watch it with us. Both Zach & I had only seen the video once before when we were little, so I think all of us learned something from it!<br />
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Sidenote: Tuesday night, I had the sudden urge to move our furniture around (turning in my mother). This is what it looked like before...<br />
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<img height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkunfvOa62JjTgWVk5WJ1C6wk_2lhkhvkAuVPu6M1DP480NtH4L_yQf7KjlgZIM1G70kddVTClE9YopsnjYiYRmazUzno4ZigdyquSihuqssUSybhtbC_t2xxeEYplwn7MXJCqJFpaBU/s400/blogger-image-159152477.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<img height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO3dPD3xgXAzE1cam7_TLmYOehrwN5Y9iucDdri6CzAmvtMM2yq7Dfyfu-MnCXpte2O6BikyU1WJXdy9vFU5umLS8AeN7jqieUs8u8q_2moyxZU3vJTGbKfdhjEAkmPHcM6UgFN0Mfk0/s400/blogger-image-342061527.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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...and this is what it looks like now!</div>
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The couch feels way better over in that nook (where I am currently sitting and writing this post). I made Ben & Bree sit with me in the new living room to test it out, and we found that having it all in a separate, enclosed area actually encourages more conversation! (I'm always looking at it from the psychological side of things.) That night, I was still so excited that I couldn't sleep, so I got out of bed at 10:30 PM while Ben & Bree were in bed, and just sat in one of the rocking chairs with a huge smile on my face! ...I probably reveal too much on this blog sometimes...but yes, that's what it's come to. I know that no one is as excited about it as I am, but if you are, call me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvQR-SREVDnBKqJgZA2Uxf4x1Rc8stsoZgXmOFTx2xsoB-iRq9hyuW1sJHBfKbuHg31FiEIfiYjTBbs492ECodywTuYHA1eGfhaefDsBM2lAgEpGptcE37MIFINaTLczyP7jiJxJWAYU/s1600/IMG_4388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvQR-SREVDnBKqJgZA2Uxf4x1Rc8stsoZgXmOFTx2xsoB-iRq9hyuW1sJHBfKbuHg31FiEIfiYjTBbs492ECodywTuYHA1eGfhaefDsBM2lAgEpGptcE37MIFINaTLczyP7jiJxJWAYU/s1600/IMG_4388.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sidenote: I put this picture on the side by accident, but I think I like <br />how it looks. Does it make the blog look more interesting? No? Okay.<br />At least it saves space.</td></tr>
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Where was I...oh yeah.<br />
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Friday night, we had some friends from our hall over for some karaoke and card games. It turned into a very fun night, and Eduardo brought my old friend from Ojo, Ervin, which made it even better! Some of the card games may have gotten a little violent and resulted in two swollen fingers, but that's a risk you have to take. (Wow. NEVER ask me for advice.) Ben & Bree were really glad we did it. It's another great way to dive right into learning the language. Hang out with the locals! We really want to do it much more often.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One thing you'll learn very quickly here: You can't have a gathering <br />without it turning into a dance party or lesson of some sort.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny56skL3-tHQeM7xXBPNbtgzO9VCnwSNb582YPAW_rV0qwrby7hgAdDIXwLoM_3gTnaRe7lgeYDnf_C0p12jHtFL8Ibr0IL3NC6YFbguJxatpgpF9R1ioB74e2mweDXrZMuXdoW7Hz1s/s1600/IMG_4389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjny56skL3-tHQeM7xXBPNbtgzO9VCnwSNb582YPAW_rV0qwrby7hgAdDIXwLoM_3gTnaRe7lgeYDnf_C0p12jHtFL8Ibr0IL3NC6YFbguJxatpgpF9R1ioB74e2mweDXrZMuXdoW7Hz1s/s1600/IMG_4389.JPG" height="400" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great night, great people! Sidenote: Erling's off his crutches.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OrP51NTli9C4G6__uVoHL5aLUjbfKduvl2SKS626MRBpFkoO2NV-NpM_50eCNkCxE9-XTZ_lvtyIKOiXPz0XUWZhPsF_rEGNQXPtgUIY7nMMCz66E_MsHfLL_sAd11UMSnDXHq_hmSg/s1600/IMG_4412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OrP51NTli9C4G6__uVoHL5aLUjbfKduvl2SKS626MRBpFkoO2NV-NpM_50eCNkCxE9-XTZ_lvtyIKOiXPz0XUWZhPsF_rEGNQXPtgUIY7nMMCz66E_MsHfLL_sAd11UMSnDXHq_hmSg/s1600/IMG_4412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OrP51NTli9C4G6__uVoHL5aLUjbfKduvl2SKS626MRBpFkoO2NV-NpM_50eCNkCxE9-XTZ_lvtyIKOiXPz0XUWZhPsF_rEGNQXPtgUIY7nMMCz66E_MsHfLL_sAd11UMSnDXHq_hmSg/s1600/IMG_4412.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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The weekend was also busy. Our Kingdom Hall is going to be repainted, so a major cleanup needed to take place before the painting could be done. The brothers organized two full cleaning days to happen on Saturday and Sunday. Since we have three other congregations meet at this hall, it kind of threw off some meeting schedules, so the Central congregation attended our meeting Saturday night. We crammed 162 people into the hall, with some brothers kindly giving up their seats (Not me. I had the Watchtower reading. Snap!). We had a pretty exhausting week, so Ben & I just went to help out for a bit on Sunday.<br />
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There was a lot of help from all four congregations, with many coming and going at different times, so there was steady support throughout the day. There was a lot that needed to be done: scrubbing the floors and walls, sanding down the window sills so they could be repainted, and some landscaping work. Ben & I helped sand down the window sills.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fVNXTxCGCErPuyulwrbA6_QsGQl2oFOLrY-GwczaaJY3ghYOX7Jg8hJr5POYFE3dd1MrmC_guuyHAQPzW41Y47Pid9OcLjFGbtxYJQpjKj-hKnM1Mi3LXHd_OCNhZTGTi-Rlb7WUwqw/s1600/IMG_4403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fVNXTxCGCErPuyulwrbA6_QsGQl2oFOLrY-GwczaaJY3ghYOX7Jg8hJr5POYFE3dd1MrmC_guuyHAQPzW41Y47Pid9OcLjFGbtxYJQpjKj-hKnM1Mi3LXHd_OCNhZTGTi-Rlb7WUwqw/s1600/IMG_4403.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the red Fanta? Again, some things cannot be done without certain other things.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpppnJkbtRSCbAm5nI4jB2VsKE-cqYpvLwBCmZs6D6XK6G5UBqOLsb4PWq_rlYFxYa0GPs0glLQi4QBixzCNzltjPh_8DdANwwJP5f5p1WhyphenhyphenQQYLoIeZ3NSVLI62Aesx1jq9qw-dkeDpk/s1600/IMG_4410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpppnJkbtRSCbAm5nI4jB2VsKE-cqYpvLwBCmZs6D6XK6G5UBqOLsb4PWq_rlYFxYa0GPs0glLQi4QBixzCNzltjPh_8DdANwwJP5f5p1WhyphenhyphenQQYLoIeZ3NSVLI62Aesx1jq9qw-dkeDpk/s1600/IMG_4410.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having...so...much...fun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lz0rZCtKJ1U6sJQ-nDTd64-XLI4JOvkJaweUSDu5HM7qf2Ivs6lsDtT4QsU5M0DMgrb75z1PdLeVXWEnGfR9eArDoQjxUCnEbFhWORqbvd4cMCrmL-imanONsA8K_AGFyKOdfAuGFJs/s1600/IMG_4415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lz0rZCtKJ1U6sJQ-nDTd64-XLI4JOvkJaweUSDu5HM7qf2Ivs6lsDtT4QsU5M0DMgrb75z1PdLeVXWEnGfR9eArDoQjxUCnEbFhWORqbvd4cMCrmL-imanONsA8K_AGFyKOdfAuGFJs/s1600/IMG_4415.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Quieres mamonchino?...Did I say that right?"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eliezer & I being productive.</td></tr>
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We wish we could have stayed longer, but we had to get home because I had to work and Ben & Bree had to get ready to head out to Leon since he was giving the public talk in the English congregation there. To make up for our not-so-great support, we distributed a couple of bags of mamonchinos (to be featured on the next edition of Que Pasta). Just the same, it was nice to see how well-supported the work was. The brothers always come together for these projects, no matter where you are in the world. That, along with this week's Watchtower, reminded me that our unity really does show that we have the true religion!</div>
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I think that's all for now. Ben & Bree are at the beach today while I'm doing laundry. Obviously, I'm not upset about that. I'll take a laundry day over a beach day any day! This next week should be another busy week, so be sure to check back in next Monday!</div>
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Take care,</div>
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Sam</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-5215968608462659582014-10-27T12:43:00.000-07:002014-10-27T12:43:03.197-07:00Blasts From the PastHi there!<br />
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Well, would you look at that - it's Monday! We had a very busy week starting to get into a new routine with Ben & Bree being here now. We arrived home from the El Salvador trip Monday night, completely exhausted, but nonetheless, we woke up for service the next morning. It was a good thing that we did because we had a great morning for their first time preaching in the new congregation. Ben picked up his first call and Bree started two studies!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bree starting her first study with a young girl.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNiwDm0w1QFd1RQYwpzF42ZwnnIkFuTPHf7lEcittTpGWPyS4giZisOPobjwsY2COEYuY490vbwzdmY845K-hcEuerh5i2f_Bjo-boTPmffmIaAO8VqxkGpj-dVwlwow3c6P_UMBzBCA/s1600/IMG_4291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNiwDm0w1QFd1RQYwpzF42ZwnnIkFuTPHf7lEcittTpGWPyS4giZisOPobjwsY2COEYuY490vbwzdmY845K-hcEuerh5i2f_Bjo-boTPmffmIaAO8VqxkGpj-dVwlwow3c6P_UMBzBCA/s1600/IMG_4291.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben getting his first call.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The advice we received at the convention about learning foreign languages was very useful. Using simple presentations is key! Showing videos from the website has also made things easier. Ben & Bree are excited to cultivate their calls and obtain more in the future.<div>
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Wednesday night was their first meeting in La Norte. They both commented and did very well. Everyone was very welcoming and is looking forward to having them here. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIVoUwaFnjtQjAgy4HGZyhuJWy189RrxgfM26cGwyChe599A6EjW2JB96eqPYUU2AENumFiVh93spg8LpP5gV1vVSQXSJSQlsnbKOrH7j4FB1KP_2E3MdYukE5eHpJFZHmFYBllfyr0k/s1600/IMG_4348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIVoUwaFnjtQjAgy4HGZyhuJWy189RrxgfM26cGwyChe599A6EjW2JB96eqPYUU2AENumFiVh93spg8LpP5gV1vVSQXSJSQlsnbKOrH7j4FB1KP_2E3MdYukE5eHpJFZHmFYBllfyr0k/s1600/IMG_4348.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
On the left is my friend, Darling. She's spent the last few years in the Sign Language congregation, but recently switched back to La Norte. She was assigned to be the householder for the seven-minute demo (no, we didn't get to watch a video version of it like all you spoiled cats in the States). She was a little nervous since it was her first demo actually speaking out loud in a long time, but she did great!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0p3hI1XhYWLHL1yKRrjAE2XVhc8ddxcA8JlTAJEy_6a26CrPhgYsDXBnjsAtmYxqS-Ieo2UweLeWmYDQ8jddLY3xY_y08DtzEYwQwQRRkw6u7nIr-lS_sWf_2Z7Yit46fNpZXH0u0gGY/s1600/IMG_4347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0p3hI1XhYWLHL1yKRrjAE2XVhc8ddxcA8JlTAJEy_6a26CrPhgYsDXBnjsAtmYxqS-Ieo2UweLeWmYDQ8jddLY3xY_y08DtzEYwQwQRRkw6u7nIr-lS_sWf_2Z7Yit46fNpZXH0u0gGY/s1600/IMG_4347.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy first meeting, Ben & Bree! Let's celebrate by having an impromptu elders meeting in the background. (Pure coincidence and I love my elders.)</td></tr>
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<div>
My studies are going well. One of them, Edwin, has a huge family - seven kids! He was doing well in the <i>Good News </i>brochure, but I came to realize that it wasn't really striking the right chords with him. On Friday, we switched to one of the brochures that's much more practical for families (...), and that went much better! It really grabbed his attention and he noticed a lot of points that he could apply in his family life.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_quxCN6bIU7ZWpvXDxtQM8P0mosDdm5UGtIKBNX8OQn-po7RRPQE2lS7uXUy1-YeE1kq8L1WaQHjj9MKwvBrBsMfCCGlw-ObT9KlNxLeXg6RqHwatOvvCQr_Z6nhSq-qDGh8VKfDlw8/s1600/IMG_4323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_quxCN6bIU7ZWpvXDxtQM8P0mosDdm5UGtIKBNX8OQn-po7RRPQE2lS7uXUy1-YeE1kq8L1WaQHjj9MKwvBrBsMfCCGlw-ObT9KlNxLeXg6RqHwatOvvCQr_Z6nhSq-qDGh8VKfDlw8/s1600/IMG_4323.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this picture. Working territory on Friday morning. You can see Erling preaching in the background, crutches and all. He's a trooper!</td></tr>
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<div>
Saturday afternoon, I got a phone call asking me to do a substitute public talk in...you guessed it: Ojo de Agua! It was great to go out and see everyone again. My friend Ervin was appointed a ministerial servant over the summer (did I not mention that before?) and he's doing awesome! I'm very proud of him.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdOxvMqkJ9o9UEZK_VeMBK16J3AUQSKR8Otb2labajhU372cz4FBq31ABft_90G7uAglWtl0-y57E_bVZcS0mUW8H-f9YlO3Mz9K3NMBxS65KcqRLnF4EPJFC2H6KbhL1MN2mWMirQa0/s1600/IMG_4346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdOxvMqkJ9o9UEZK_VeMBK16J3AUQSKR8Otb2labajhU372cz4FBq31ABft_90G7uAglWtl0-y57E_bVZcS0mUW8H-f9YlO3Mz9K3NMBxS65KcqRLnF4EPJFC2H6KbhL1MN2mWMirQa0/s1600/IMG_4346.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, I forgot to get pictures, and Ed took this, so as much as I don't really like pictures of myself speaking (my facial expressions are just too attractive for one to handle), this is the only evidence of my visit.</td></tr>
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<div>
As another blast from the past, my old friend Felix, from <span style="font-family: inherit;">Esteli, came to visit Chinandega this weekend to give the public talk in Sign Language! He was one of the first friends I made here in Nica, and although my time in Esteli was brief, we have nothing but good memories together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just a few years can actually make a noticeable difference. This picture was taken almost three years ago:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbnu-5KmQKiSkcLhy45l3Uq86B2CzmBgy4sGnlxubi0iwYo_Th9e76AduPZUCyKmfoIn5CtPB6SWLSha1nvCQeGxQx5JsBhTXnOCTRydIr_YIOY6hw5TuGnyEH27cgoxphFVaRkbj2oA/s1600/IMG_4351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbnu-5KmQKiSkcLhy45l3Uq86B2CzmBgy4sGnlxubi0iwYo_Th9e76AduPZUCyKmfoIn5CtPB6SWLSha1nvCQeGxQx5JsBhTXnOCTRydIr_YIOY6hw5TuGnyEH27cgoxphFVaRkbj2oA/s1600/IMG_4351.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Simon, and Felix at an assembly in Esteli (February 2012).</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And this is us today:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTnpEywtcLTorM5pGiPADJMMR2MHbIgLrivCvPpMnJn54HFRxGoYQdKF9ysaBulV1ndma4IxXDwexF_zF6uOKWjeQe28c8in9FzPoEYvdEVP9OEd1zxRK-FXJKuyy7RL7gBK70yjeJHw/s1600/IMG_4345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTnpEywtcLTorM5pGiPADJMMR2MHbIgLrivCvPpMnJn54HFRxGoYQdKF9ysaBulV1ndma4IxXDwexF_zF6uOKWjeQe28c8in9FzPoEYvdEVP9OEd1zxRK-FXJKuyy7RL7gBK70yjeJHw/s1600/IMG_4345.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felix & I. Isn't it awesome how I'm wearing nearly the exact same outfit? Consistency, guys. Plus, no glasses.</td></tr>
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<div>
I got to see Felix give his talk in Sign Language. He did an excellent job! I'm really glad that I was able to stay for the entire duration of it. Many good points to be taken away from it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXJRE4hmMPi7N_dfZpHRxbspMH7f16jq5TPTRaGFKGLky6FQ8kSMgJIcUyhXYv3_GNdIUcytKUuYRV9q84ooLBczZ3CNcxfLf-BtBl5mDBqevkroRlCPIl8CI2xss9anZ-kvnQOcwBRI/s1600/IMG_4349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXJRE4hmMPi7N_dfZpHRxbspMH7f16jq5TPTRaGFKGLky6FQ8kSMgJIcUyhXYv3_GNdIUcytKUuYRV9q84ooLBczZ3CNcxfLf-BtBl5mDBqevkroRlCPIl8CI2xss9anZ-kvnQOcwBRI/s1600/IMG_4349.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felix presenting his talk. The theme was "Stay Awake Spiritually".</td></tr>
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<div>
HA! Totally kidding, bros. I only stayed for five minutes. I have a pretty bad work schedule on the weekends. But I at least wanted to be able to see a chunk of it, and I'm glad I did. From what I saw, he really seems to know what he's doing! I remember a couple of years ago, him and I were talking, and he wanted to convince me to join the Sign Language group in Esteli. I had already planned to move to Chinandega by that point, but I wonder how different things would be now had I joined that group. I'd probably be just as much of a bundle of joy to be around as I am now. *sarcasm*</div>
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That's it for now. As I said, we're still getting into a new routine, but things have been going very well so far. Today is laundry day, one of my favorite days of the week *not sarcasm*. The rest of the week should be fairly busy with all of us trying to get in <a name='more'></a>as much witnessing time as possible! See you all Monday, and I hope you're well until then.</div>
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Talk soon,</div>
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Sam</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-58413885360816294422014-10-21T23:18:00.000-07:002014-10-21T23:18:17.853-07:00El Salvador 2014Hey there!<br />
<br />
Remember that time I said I'd be blogging every Monday? That's been working out great, huh? Isn't it nice to be following someone so consistently unreliable? Keyword: consistently. But for reals, yesterday I spent about eleven hours on a bus while functioning off of an hour-and-a-half of sleep, so my priorities rested on...well, resting.<br />
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The reason I was on a bus for eleven hours was because we went back to El Salvador for this year's regional convention in English! Once again, it was held in the capital city, San Salvador. We took the same bus as the Leon English congregation, allowing us to catch up with some old friends as well as make many new ones. All of us from Chinandega stayed in the same hotel, which was a lot of fun. There were also many brothers from the San Juan del Sur English group at that hotel, which, again, forged many new friendships.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFlYZl01kE26kcRPmvQKo3Y5FrPzI9AVxjEnvlAoF-tfEoI537gmmwR_sw4y1rIhns99QqINAEpVr2V8fHe-rhnzwpr6-VikTyOYDv1JCIisFQKBg5RewY3B9tx8GdUMe06FGjba4TRM/s1600/IMG_4240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFlYZl01kE26kcRPmvQKo3Y5FrPzI9AVxjEnvlAoF-tfEoI537gmmwR_sw4y1rIhns99QqINAEpVr2V8fHe-rhnzwpr6-VikTyOYDv1JCIisFQKBg5RewY3B9tx8GdUMe06FGjba4TRM/s1600/IMG_4240.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out to eat at one of the malls with Mirian & Ivonne and new friends Alexi & Lauren, serving in San Juan del Sur.</td></tr>
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I'm just gonna get to the nitty gritty, guys. I was stupidly sick for the majority of this trip. I won't get too gruesome, but let's just say that the toilet in our hotel room probably got to know me better than anyone I met over the weekend. I didn't eat anything out of the ordinary, so it didn't seem to be a parasite. The whole bus ride to El Salvador, I had a pounding headache and it was FREEZING. Seriously, bros, the last two hours of the bus ride was FREEZING and my whole body was FREEZING and did I mention it was FREEZING because it was FREEZING. Wednesday night, when we arrived, I was sick for a good part of the night. Thursday night, I was sick in the bathroom even more. Friday night, I might as well have just slept in the bathroom. It. Was. Miserable. Not to mention I wasn't able to take a hot water shower, one of the only reasons (besides the awesome program) I came on the trip, until the day we left, Monday morning because not only does the hot water come and go but the hot and cold water faucets were switched around and it took me ALL week to figure that out. PLUS the air conditioning in our room was on all night every night even though it was a much cooler climate (love you Ben & Bree) so I actually slept with socks on, guys. Socks. And I was STILL FREEZING. By the time Saturday morning came, I was so out of it that I had to stay at the hotel and miss the morning session. I didn't feel horrible about that since I had already attended the entire convention twice before. I mustered up enough energy to go to the afternoon session, where I was basically dragged to the First Aid department, run by a brother who is also a doctor at a local clinic. He pretty much took me to their "infirmary," which consisted of a bed with makeshift curtains, and basically just said, "Hey so I'm not really sure what's up with you but I've got this huge needle with an antibiotic and I haven't been able to use it on anyone yet so I'm just gonna stick it in your rear end hope that's cool." A sister came in to administer the antibiotic and had me lay on the bed. She says, "This is a strong medicine," and I'm like, "So it's gonna hurt?" and she's all, "Yup." Before she pulled down my pants I asked her, "Um can we please make sure these 'curtains' are closed?" because just about anyone at the convention could see what was going on, so my brother stood guard. She's about to do her thing and says, "Okay, first I need you to breathe deeply and I'll give you the shot. Breathe!" I do so, she sticks the needle in, and says, "Breathe again," and I'm all, "Wait, was I supposed to breathe out?" and she goes, "Breathe!" and I'm like, "Oh! Gasp!" It was painful but I was a big boy and didn't cry/scream. Truth. They then gave me two huge pills and the next hour was just miserable. It was probably the medicine just doing it's thing, but I had never felt more out of it. However, it all worked! I didn't think to ask what the actual antibiotic was until after the program, but it was Amoxicillin. Whatever it was, it worked, and I've felt perfect ever since. So here's to you, Amoxicillin, for entering bodies painfully but for also being a most welcome house guest when you arrive.<span id="goog_136390444"></span><br />
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Okay. Long, exaggerated, and horribly grammatically incorrect rant complete. The brother was actually really sweet and made sure I got just what I needed. Now, onto the program.<br />
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I'm really glad I got to attend this convention in English, even though it was my third time. There are so many practical points to take away from it that I have been trying very hard to apply. Plus, this convention was basically a mini international, with brothers coming from more than 19 different countries!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwel6JyNm_ecRNPP-MzAAuCFDFFVC7lr66u7ApEEwfo0Wldy5FYlEjWfJYwZcLyWGo-0rjs8lliK24v57WtPGIJy0wOeXEMPTLrhTGfDNRG-CRhIod6m_B8XnRgmQXBE0-1iuqrTn2A8/s1600/IMG_4273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwel6JyNm_ecRNPP-MzAAuCFDFFVC7lr66u7ApEEwfo0Wldy5FYlEjWfJYwZcLyWGo-0rjs8lliK24v57WtPGIJy0wOeXEMPTLrhTGfDNRG-CRhIod6m_B8XnRgmQXBE0-1iuqrTn2A8/s1600/IMG_4273.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my buddy Alex. He was baptized with his sister, Ella, and they have been serving in Granada English with their parents from the U.S. for over two years.</td></tr>
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There were over 940 in attendance on Sunday, which is a massive increase on the roundabout 500 in attendance at <u><a href="http://stepintonica.blogspot.com/2012/09/el-salvador-english-convention_13.html" target="_blank">the English convention two years ago</a></u>. On Saturday, seven people were baptized, which is huge for an English convention! <span id="goog_760092367"></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAV8nPnR0juoVYtJbztjOdyes0Q9mb4Urmqfrc-H_BOlKEGdEMVatGBQVDW9T6GS9zAo1p0SKM8c3ddqodg9neC1ETeVqcEHyvMyKdjATZdBGBfGR8Of70Mc_1IxdrXTOx8GCFLxIZLI4/s1600/IMG_4309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAV8nPnR0juoVYtJbztjOdyes0Q9mb4Urmqfrc-H_BOlKEGdEMVatGBQVDW9T6GS9zAo1p0SKM8c3ddqodg9neC1ETeVqcEHyvMyKdjATZdBGBfGR8Of70Mc_1IxdrXTOx8GCFLxIZLI4/s1600/IMG_4309.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The drama was VERY well done. One of the most realistic dramas we've had!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8ek8_RlmGSjO7DK0aPhTSILyTXXZnEDOy19UDgL5zCbCV6J01mFW2-8aemOXiQCMAgRzXMpCWLiIHqdpgAO1iPvPyQcKKUDBNOUmiuubi2tI4cW4_f_InDBPnRfne0FegF7exxV7DMM/s1600/IMG_4308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8ek8_RlmGSjO7DK0aPhTSILyTXXZnEDOy19UDgL5zCbCV6J01mFW2-8aemOXiQCMAgRzXMpCWLiIHqdpgAO1iPvPyQcKKUDBNOUmiuubi2tI4cW4_f_InDBPnRfne0FegF7exxV7DMM/s1600/IMG_4308.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Higgs family also did this great demo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I know I already said it, but this year's program was so practical. You'd be hard pressed not find a point you could apply. The demonstrations were very realistic and the interviews at this convention were very moving. One couple serving in Bluefields was interviewed about learning four different languages! The challenges they faced doing so and the advice they gave comforted those of us who are having enough trouble dealing with just two languages! The resurrection video on Sunday had many people in tears, including yours truly. However, I think the biggest thing I'm taking away from the program is to <i>stop being anxious. </i>Not much more I can say about that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSe8IkWU9BrrS1Vn63flScSSF3Ucf6zKtr_22OuZYDIrQ2VHMNznYmpTO0taPBZ13hKGocNJEsjWVm0N8AJ0MaDOxZeU7kEZAKOgUIQUX7ye7lCFSPnelpviXDwLkqUncE5-CYpapxyA/s1600/IMG_4305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSe8IkWU9BrrS1Vn63flScSSF3Ucf6zKtr_22OuZYDIrQ2VHMNznYmpTO0taPBZ13hKGocNJEsjWVm0N8AJ0MaDOxZeU7kEZAKOgUIQUX7ye7lCFSPnelpviXDwLkqUncE5-CYpapxyA/s1600/IMG_4305.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Mauricio once again! He was incredibly helpful with so many things, including getting me medical attention. He is one of the most genuinely nicest and loving brothers you'll ever meet. It's impossible not to love him!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQyif1wbEpE518jRV0UCgTAl9rCU27ZjA_SsbLnBUh7MGCRNLzxJCtvr97WBRwvpYl8poIVb3BFj0MZsiN5_3S7RvvQrUU2RqdCxM5I19z-Srj267w3Cxz5NMz8fImHo8jaSIgSW7AO8/s1600/IMG_8810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQyif1wbEpE518jRV0UCgTAl9rCU27ZjA_SsbLnBUh7MGCRNLzxJCtvr97WBRwvpYl8poIVb3BFj0MZsiN5_3S7RvvQrUU2RqdCxM5I19z-Srj267w3Cxz5NMz8fImHo8jaSIgSW7AO8/s1600/IMG_8810.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Elkie & Steve.</td></tr>
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One of the best parts of the weekend for me was reuniting with my good friends, Steve & Elkie. They served in Chinandega English in 2012, and we got pretty close. We spent quite a few nights together playing music, watching movies, or just venting to each other about whatever frustrations we were facing that week. They went home to Australia for a year and are now serving in San Juan del Sur. It was so great to see them after nearly two years!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVwjxtwCITaHugO6P2BLQjMYRAKj99nkUE9CM1YMZojUMdzbp8KpsumHGnoCkcQph3azwj9VcKS7Bp_d_63btJRnHUWhymTLXdhsaxQvgqtJMJIYgisVvlxdS5mp0n2U79dx87BloENc/s1600/IMG_4306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVwjxtwCITaHugO6P2BLQjMYRAKj99nkUE9CM1YMZojUMdzbp8KpsumHGnoCkcQph3azwj9VcKS7Bp_d_63btJRnHUWhymTLXdhsaxQvgqtJMJIYgisVvlxdS5mp0n2U79dx87BloENc/s1600/IMG_4306.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the guys, minus Jefte!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhOu0KLqzSDlb4bByKsS8C1DWYE1khLSFUprxwU6pRYzqDkXyvjadbhRTLx-P6p5pwVzx9uSYUJQC04JMxooKHqp4mn9pWMbckHqeEPuziby5DcE40tshalS4Rr-0YIM5cGWBFsTzT_I/s1600/IMG_4304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhOu0KLqzSDlb4bByKsS8C1DWYE1khLSFUprxwU6pRYzqDkXyvjadbhRTLx-P6p5pwVzx9uSYUJQC04JMxooKHqp4mn9pWMbckHqeEPuziby5DcE40tshalS4Rr-0YIM5cGWBFsTzT_I/s1600/IMG_4304.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zach & I acting all buddy buddy...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NRqiJOwusOKdf9PEIyCeApqyaNkTb1hWTMy7_67861V6HO3O1YtwD8WPAK-UA9etRr6cwIsoX_inq6wZmoykaULrTq369WM_gWncYJFT-63-RyT_To_11SfLkaf8X_ZiLQq8lMjOtmI/s1600/IMG_8860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NRqiJOwusOKdf9PEIyCeApqyaNkTb1hWTMy7_67861V6HO3O1YtwD8WPAK-UA9etRr6cwIsoX_inq6wZmoykaULrTq369WM_gWncYJFT-63-RyT_To_11SfLkaf8X_ZiLQq8lMjOtmI/s1600/IMG_8860.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and then revealing our true disgust for each other.</td></tr>
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Sadly, earlier this year, the Chinandega English congregation was dissolved after a reevaluation of the need for English in Chinandega. However, most of those who were part of the congregation have since moved on to other territories in Nicaragua - San Marcos, San Juan del Sur, Bluefields, Leon, Spanish congregations - and we were all reunited once again at this convention. Chinandega English may be no more, but that bond will never be broken.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnUNyXzqNP_8rKJD8ygA2ldN0clWJ2tLEa0Q89DJwr1466TlCxS50AUekFl4nkCIHsJldcHO03dq75q_EkWkReb8jlxQPvlt_uT-ghBo5GIKcq0vkxLhDzpaGtsWZmLcwi9bmiO-0X9w/s1600/IMG_4302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnUNyXzqNP_8rKJD8ygA2ldN0clWJ2tLEa0Q89DJwr1466TlCxS50AUekFl4nkCIHsJldcHO03dq75q_EkWkReb8jlxQPvlt_uT-ghBo5GIKcq0vkxLhDzpaGtsWZmLcwi9bmiO-0X9w/s1600/IMG_4302.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Together again in El Salvador.</td></tr>
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Although I'd already attended the convention twice in Spanish, it was still very refreshing to receive the program in English. I was able to dissect more specific points for application. On the bus ride home, I had everyone who was on the bus write down their favorite points from the convention to finish filling up my notebook, which has been very entertaining to read!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4CIM2HiFe08Op9p7QM_4qSnveBwKNVS7S18Q8ZNgAq2gd2azgIzCPq3FNEPEF78TXihOEG-fQM90THUQHE32CHWFtw1HAeHk0A4Gz0te31_0mHXYzYOwBpujxT4GcK4AKlW80nnRKXE/s1600/014ed74e68ff88cfcca4e6f7c9aff5d35cde735ae8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4CIM2HiFe08Op9p7QM_4qSnveBwKNVS7S18Q8ZNgAq2gd2azgIzCPq3FNEPEF78TXihOEG-fQM90THUQHE32CHWFtw1HAeHk0A4Gz0te31_0mHXYzYOwBpujxT4GcK4AKlW80nnRKXE/s1600/014ed74e68ff88cfcca4e6f7c9aff5d35cde735ae8.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh yeah, someone also wrote, "I honestly don't remember much."</td></tr>
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I was especially glad to share the experience with Ben & Bree. Now we're back in Chinandega and getting them settled into La Norte! I really missed being away, even though it was just for a few days. We're getting into a new routine, and it should be an exciting journey along the way. More to come soon! I have other things to write but it's 12:08 AM now, not even Tuesday anymore, which leaves me with no more saving grace for not writing on Monday. Plus, we've got a mouse in the house once again which is just nothing short of comforting. But hey, stop being anxious, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDQkoWhwX1KvH4lV4Lj6WN3ZzRZLVKKnk6I8Ao29qBJd9yYuk65Yi4w6LPHqeNj7nBreE7k9PwmMs-cklG6OjATrPX3OkRHbBMEv4ZjRK4ohOpM46ki3ULJMy5qC7HO2S4NxZC1wgsKw/s1600/IMG_4303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDQkoWhwX1KvH4lV4Lj6WN3ZzRZLVKKnk6I8Ao29qBJd9yYuk65Yi4w6LPHqeNj7nBreE7k9PwmMs-cklG6OjATrPX3OkRHbBMEv4ZjRK4ohOpM46ki3ULJMy5qC7HO2S4NxZC1wgsKw/s1600/IMG_4303.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Take care,<br />
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SamAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-87457105541015917422014-10-14T20:16:00.000-07:002014-10-14T20:20:15.010-07:00Frenchies, Mainers, & EarthquakesHello there!<br />
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Is it Tuesday already? Oops! We've had another eventful week here in Chinatown. Most of you are probably wondering about the 7.4 earthquake that struck us last night. Everyone is okay and no one has lost anything, but more on that later. Too much to tell this week! I don't have photos for everything, so I've dispersed some witnessing photos taken throughout the week to keep you entertained...please don't leave me!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfq3uGhkynOWFdIdO_0YLvenQ8DSfzUVJgfYO2boQYiAJj7V3icipry2FUmqihw6HsEDQmkKFBG44D_N4PynBSWerMmvh73jMfEpujyo0jbumAaruU7lVIfth3waPtECBcmtesj2i0TVY/s1600/image3+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfq3uGhkynOWFdIdO_0YLvenQ8DSfzUVJgfYO2boQYiAJj7V3icipry2FUmqihw6HsEDQmkKFBG44D_N4PynBSWerMmvh73jMfEpujyo0jbumAaruU7lVIfth3waPtECBcmtesj2i0TVY/s1600/image3+(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salomon sharing some points from the <i>Good News </i>brochure Wednesday morning.</td></tr>
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Things in the congregation are good. Now that we have five elders, they've rearranged the service groups so that there are now five groups, one for each elder. The first Sunday of this month was the first day with the new group arrangement. That morning (we have our public evening on Saturday night), we had 50 people out preaching that day, which is over 75% of the congregation! Our local needs this past week included commending the congregation for the support and encouraging them to maintain it in the coming months.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfam3zCy1TzmE1qsDfDwczLMpM-5KxkDJFCY73LRy6WBGwlluyyhwNnGiEzEzDSoHqit-W54qbDGeVFAfzUG4Q7cr2uocnddmWn2xZ78YCCusjvIuGbwGjZFRboxFNwNmPR6Uf7Ih4pY/s1600/IMG_4152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfam3zCy1TzmE1qsDfDwczLMpM-5KxkDJFCY73LRy6WBGwlluyyhwNnGiEzEzDSoHqit-W54qbDGeVFAfzUG4Q7cr2uocnddmWn2xZ78YCCusjvIuGbwGjZFRboxFNwNmPR6Uf7Ih4pY/s1600/IMG_4152.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elvis and his wife, Margarita, taking a rest on Wednesday morning. They both regular pioneer together.</td></tr>
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As I mentioned earlier, Erling, our newly-appointed elder is my group overseer and I'm his assistant. He's still on crutches, but, despite that, we went on our first shepherding visit together this past Friday evening. We were both nervous as both of us had only been on a couple visits as servants in the past, and this was his first time going as an elder. Thankfully, with good preparation and help from Jehovah, the visit went very well and we're looking forward to working together more in that area!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk84FhQfEb-fQUQvpnHcP4jPEIflzV1-SoeWcZt9QEDTm_nY378uP0CELHMWyZiFrM-yq1_iwcxc3p3g2pWTCp6NrUy0vP1IRKmR_0gObpCu5c3GGa-2MYVwVnQuNgGsoT-IYietLPIM/s1600/image1+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk84FhQfEb-fQUQvpnHcP4jPEIflzV1-SoeWcZt9QEDTm_nY378uP0CELHMWyZiFrM-yq1_iwcxc3p3g2pWTCp6NrUy0vP1IRKmR_0gObpCu5c3GGa-2MYVwVnQuNgGsoT-IYietLPIM/s1600/image1+(1).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santiago discussing the tract about a happy family life on Friday morning.</td></tr>
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My studies are going great. I've been really trying hard to return to people at the times I say that I will, and it's been paying off. I've started the <i>Jehovah's Will </i>brochure with Max, and he really enjoyed that. He captures points fully and quickly. He expects us every Friday and has expressed interest in going to one of the meetings soon!<br />
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In other news, Maddie & Stephane came to visit Chinandega this weekend! We had served in Ojo de Agua together for about a year, during which time Stephane was our only elder. They had decided to make a change and to move up the cooler region of Matagalpa (I wrote about all this <a href="http://stepintonica.blogspot.com/2013/10/adios-to-moutons.html" target="_blank">here</a>). They had returned back to England for about a year to save up enough to be here long-term. They came down to Chinandega this weekend to gather the rest of their things, including their motorbike, which I was keeping in my garage. It was a very quick and busy visit, but it was so good to see them again after nearly a year! They came over Saturday for coffee and to catch up. All I remember is laughing and laughing for three hours straight. We have so many memories together from our time in Ojo, which is a great bond to share. The three of us actually ended up going to Ojo's meeting together the next morning, where Stephane gave the public talk! It was really nice to see everyone again, and it felt just like old times. The good thing is that Ojo is in a much better place now, with a local elder and three servants. The three of us are all very happy with the changes we've made, but Ojo will always hold a special place in our hearts. Sadly, I completely forgot to get any pictures of the three of us together from this weekend, so here's one of Maddie catching up with our old friend, Yorleni! Sorry I stole this photo, Maddie!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYrNhnlDIU3avh743VRpSEvngiq-mXzv4yIE-JTTtaVj8IPPSrit5ccH2W5THOS-1nfv2I8E7TgPmOu42iMPluiLSssN57PyApZe7oi2by6lYwS6JbiIF1U4RYK5uAhYXyMilUwIE1gE/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYrNhnlDIU3avh743VRpSEvngiq-mXzv4yIE-JTTtaVj8IPPSrit5ccH2W5THOS-1nfv2I8E7TgPmOu42iMPluiLSssN57PyApZe7oi2by6lYwS6JbiIF1U4RYK5uAhYXyMilUwIE1gE/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yorleni & Maddie out for pizza.</td></tr>
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Yesterday, Zach and I went down to Managua to pick up (drumroll) Ben and Bree from the airport, who are officially coming to stay in Chinandega for six months! They've visited me twice before, and have finally taken the plunge to join me down here. They're gonna live with me and join my congregation. It will be really nice to have the extra support and companionship. They're up for the challenge of learning Spanish and enduring the sauna that we call Chinandega. Sidenote: They always bring down supplies that I've been requesting, be it more clothes, chocolates, or in this case, pumpkin spice to add to my coffee. Every time they've arrived, I always ask within the first two minutes, "You brought my stuff, right???" However, I'm proud to say that this year, I actually waited a solid twenty minutes and caught up with them before kindly asking if they managed to bring everything. Look how much I've grown, guys. Look how much I've grown.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeCej7ufH5Ijxv56VuLxQQFIHOfWQ805jf5qHSp6tv3KPUh_Sg2fpo1JyNzs2x7HICoTPRM5NFJMEAnQN1UNaUgnOzcHVk03RqhCjoiAE837xY6sd_PurbzJ-NwKykWGSLMPk0yFEbmA/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeCej7ufH5Ijxv56VuLxQQFIHOfWQ805jf5qHSp6tv3KPUh_Sg2fpo1JyNzs2x7HICoTPRM5NFJMEAnQN1UNaUgnOzcHVk03RqhCjoiAE837xY6sd_PurbzJ-NwKykWGSLMPk0yFEbmA/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a freeze frame from the epic welcome I gave them at the airport.</td></tr>
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Of course, no one can ever have a normal arrival in Nicaragua. Last night, we had a huge thunderstorm, which is normal this time of year, and the power went out, which, again, is normal. While the power was out, we started experiencing a mild tremor, which (sad to say), is also normal once in a great while. However, that mild tremor grew more and more intense within a matter of seconds. All I could think was, "Doorways. Doorways! I know that doorways, safety, and earthquakes are somehow related!!!" So the three of us immediately went and huddled together under the doorway into my living room. It really did get a bit scary for a minute there! All my framed pictures shaking and almost coming off the walls, my fridge was <i>this close </i>to tipping over, and my one battery-powered lantern fell off the counter and broke. We immediately packed our go-bag just in case. (You can read Ben's account of the earthquake on <a href="http://benandbreeinnica.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">their new blog</a>.)<br />
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Once it was over, we stayed put for a minute. I have a tendency to overreact about these things (shocking, right?! Quiet, you), but once we saw a lot of people in the streets making a fuss, I got the feeling it wasn't all that normal. I tried calling friends to check on them, but no one had cell phone signal in addition to no power. Ladislao, one of my elders, lives with his family just a couple blocks down from my house, so the three of us took a walk to go check on them. They were all okay, thankfully, but he even told me, "That was the strongest one I've ever felt living here." We heard word from Erling that he <span style="font-family: inherit;">managed to run out of the house in his crutches!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I managed to get in touch with Jefte, hoping he would say that it was completely normal. Instead, what I got was, "Sam, I'm not afraid of earthquakes, but I have <i>never </i>felt anything that bad. It was terrifying!" Thankfully, everyone in his household was okay.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnT3A1h3DorER-kLcSULLQag_rxz7keU1o8c3PYFmcZ_oWvlN3rIn4eGbbltlyEFpBRQo_TuTy8o5I7hqwef5Af1BSZOLBOxG0JQVWxammbA0_s4F7T4ZNBn9mjmQVIQcQi4MaItE7Vg/s1600/earthquake-es-617x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnT3A1h3DorER-kLcSULLQag_rxz7keU1o8c3PYFmcZ_oWvlN3rIn4eGbbltlyEFpBRQo_TuTy8o5I7hqwef5Af1BSZOLBOxG0JQVWxammbA0_s4F7T4ZNBn9mjmQVIQcQi4MaItE7Vg/s1600/earthquake-es-617x450.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The epicenter, just off the coast. Chinandega is in the northwest region of the country.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The power returned about an hour later, and we got reports that it was a 7.4 magnitude quake, with the epicenter being in El Salvador. Tsunami alerts are in place with a high chance of aftershocks. Thankfully, we didn't feel anything else during the night, so we're just trying to stay calm but prepared for anything. Everything is back up and running this morning. There's no use just staying home and being paranoid, so we just focused on getting things done today.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpo732qb9fQxC2pICZcVb_aPmJeyFTrK9LZvhgpX8-CfuCFQop2nFMy4vcwj-lufkJl4mA-7FxtWpZezO_RdAmdFhUewZVbHS8CUbZcRg2g3XWuwGAlR1BmpVwRidUp_PTnZXBhpqaXA/s1600/IMG_4208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpo732qb9fQxC2pICZcVb_aPmJeyFTrK9LZvhgpX8-CfuCFQop2nFMy4vcwj-lufkJl4mA-7FxtWpZezO_RdAmdFhUewZVbHS8CUbZcRg2g3XWuwGAlR1BmpVwRidUp_PTnZXBhpqaXA/s1600/IMG_4208.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking Ben & Bree on some of my studies this afternoon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Everyone is okay. I'll keep you all posted! Miss you all. Let me know how you're doing!<br />
<br />
Talk soon (Monday!),<br />
<br />
<br />
SamAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-5739459794474694682014-10-06T08:27:00.003-07:002014-10-06T08:27:39.647-07:00Rollercoaster WeekHi everyone!<br />
<br />
How goes it? It's been a pretty
eventful week here in Chinatown. For starters, Erling hurt his knee
playing soccer, is on crutches, and is gonna need an operation!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhrO3H9dMpnZWux7kP627C8quPS70e3r8zGmfsmvXF069gVqjJL3nQnS6ROrsB_bVNPABigr6Habxz7fAmGyPVvIy0QfrdozJWYGHG_QOU78Sknm-zMpwpPEqTv9GLzOjFp9cq2Lka1I/s1600/IMG_4137.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhrO3H9dMpnZWux7kP627C8quPS70e3r8zGmfsmvXF069gVqjJL3nQnS6ROrsB_bVNPABigr6Habxz7fAmGyPVvIy0QfrdozJWYGHG_QOU78Sknm-zMpwpPEqTv9GLzOjFp9cq2Lka1I/s1600/IMG_4137.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erling with his wife Rebecca.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He's in good spirits. He hasn't missed a single
meeting and is still fulfilling all of his responsibilities! Our service
groups were recently rearranged, one reason being because Erling was
just appointed as an elder. I'm the auxiliary overseer for his group, so
in the meantime, I've been covering those duties for him (well, except
yesterday because I wasn't feeling that well. Shhh!). However, he still
wants to do as much as he can, which is encouraging to see. Him and I
are getting together later to organize shepherding visits for those in
our group. He told me, "I'll have to take taxis to get to their houses,
but either way, we're doing it!"<br />
<br />
A little update on the
weather: We are currently in the peak of the rainy season, which is one
of the best times of the year! Early last week, it was raining nearly
all day every day. It was so cool at night and we were all saying how
nice the weather was! But, of course, we spoke too soon. The past few
days have been HOT with no rain, until we finally got a brief storm on
Saturday. Seriously, though, that morning out in service, I was probably
the grouchiest I've been in a while because of the weather. It got to
the point where I said to my preaching partner, Miguel, "Okay, here's
the English lesson for today." I taught him how to say, "It's so hot I'm
<i>literally </i>going to die!" Again, teaching the important things,
guys. Even the locals were complaining about the heat! We're in October,
which is supposed to be the rainiest month of the year, so hopefully,
we'll get some steady rain soon.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimszyp5JsknS77VoTOwsKLtdECiBN5g1njnmTRAl9UFJMeCMr3Mi0hMQnK0fXxEkNhD1LiX8OvG3VB9QTlGOUOb03JA2zVIGC4HHTKtb444YeiO4lm1zirsAKlt1TjFhsqSm7p9ZAi_Q0/s1600/IMG_4139.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimszyp5JsknS77VoTOwsKLtdECiBN5g1njnmTRAl9UFJMeCMr3Mi0hMQnK0fXxEkNhD1LiX8OvG3VB9QTlGOUOb03JA2zVIGC4HHTKtb444YeiO4lm1zirsAKlt1TjFhsqSm7p9ZAi_Q0/s1600/IMG_4139.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My preaching partners on Saturday, Miguel and Eliezer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once again, the ministry here is what makes it all
worth it. You may come home feeling disgusting and like you could never
be clean again, but you know that you accomplished something and gave
your best. Case and point, I found one of my calls, Ervin, who I haven't
been able to call on in a while. He was happy to see me and I left him
the latest magazines, making plans to go back on Friday afternoon. Of
course, when Friday afternoon came, it was boiling hot and I was
struggling to gather the energy to go out. However, Eduardo and I went
out anyway, and we got him home again! He's been out of work recently
(which, let's face it, is great for starting studies with people. Come
on, we all were thinking it.), so he has plenty of free time. We started
a study out of chapter eight of the <i>Good News </i>brochure and I'll
be going back Tuesday afternoon to continue it! We also had another
great study with Max afterward. I gave him a copy of the <i>Jehovah's Will </i>brochure for us to consider at the end of each study. Again, it's always worth it to make the effort to go out!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4iCXytrzoI4EOKeuLtQq7AX3487EsY9NY6NWvjHV8J_pSUabkGFASv3fW84fOztyKcDTFwOWeQ23aYg5I-5WVdTjXtht5zhKYfySYpExNbqR9eP3jM1msKt9GUNMb0ZNEj5mMxJ6DJk/s1600/IMG_4127.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4iCXytrzoI4EOKeuLtQq7AX3487EsY9NY6NWvjHV8J_pSUabkGFASv3fW84fOztyKcDTFwOWeQ23aYg5I-5WVdTjXtht5zhKYfySYpExNbqR9eP3jM1msKt9GUNMb0ZNEj5mMxJ6DJk/s1600/IMG_4127.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early preaching on Friday morning, still waking up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was debating whether or not to tell you guys this
next piece of news. I've always tried to keep this blog as positive and
as encouraging as possible, but at the same time, I think it's important
to be aware of the realities that come with serving in a country like
this. This is especially true for those of you who are seriously
considering trying this for yourselves, so here it is: a group of us
were robbed Saturday night.<br />
<br />
Everyone is okay, rest
assured. Eduardo, Chelsey, Ebony, and I went to Zach's house to watch a
movie, which didn't finish til late at night. We we all live in the same
neighborhood, so we were walking the usual route back to my house when
we encountered two guys sitting on a street corner. As soon as they saw
us, one of them came running over demanding money or anything we could
give him. He had a huge rock in his hand if we resisted. They were
mainly going after the girls. Eduardo gave the guy his smartphone before
he could take anything from Chelsey, and I just pushed Ebony out of the
way before they could get any closer to her. She had an expensive UV
umbrella with her, which the guy managed to snatch and then brag about
how selling it would make him rich. We were able to walk away after
that, but he still managed to throw the rock anyway, which bruised
Chelsey's foot. Eduardo & I made sure the girls got to their house
safely, and Eduardo spent the night at my house rather than walking home
alone.<br />
<br />
That's what happened. Now, I'm sure many of you
from back home are scoffing, rolling your eyes, shaking your heads, and
saying, "See?! I knew it! I told you so! That's exactly why you can't
go to these places!" Before you continue doing that, how about you let
me explain some things first? Okay, buddy?<br />
<br />
In reality,
this was largely due to a lack of common sense on our part, and we all
readily admitted that. I mean, come on...it was close to midnight and we
were walking on a sketchy road. I was also carrying my leather ministry
bag, which not only contained my iPad but also my wallet. I broke many
of my own rules, such as <i>never </i>walk the streets at that time of the evening, especially with valuables. <br />
<br />
Things to be thankful for:<br />
<ul>
<li>At least we were together. I was going to leave before the movie
ended because I was so tired, which meant I would've encountered the
thieves alone.</li>
<li>Nobody was seriously hurt or injured.</li>
<li>All they took was a phone and an umbrella.</li>
<li>He only had a rock. He didn't have a knife or a gun. It could have been a <i>lot </i>worse.</li>
</ul>
Things to keep in mind:<br />
<ul>
<li>Crime rates may be higher here in Central America, but crime is <i>everywhere, </i>guys<i>.</i> You shouldn't assume that your area is exempt from it. Read a local newspaper and you'll see how true that is.</li>
<li>I have been coming back & forth to this country for over three
years now, and that was the first time I have ever had a run-in like
that. Overall, I'd say I've had a very safe experience serving here.</li>
<li>For the most part, robberies like that will only occur if you're careless. That doesn't only apply to this part of the world.</li>
</ul>
Things to be aware of if you're going out at night (this will
sound like you've heard it all before, but you'll wanna pay attention):<br />
<ul>
<li>Don't be dumb. Arrange a ride home<i> </i>or, if it's getting late,
spend the night at your friend's house. Don't go down dark streets or
ones that are known to be dangerous at night. <i>Never </i>walk anywhere
at that time of night, especially alone. Also, our experience proves
that even walking with a group at that time doesn't guarantee your
safety.</li>
<li>Don't bring your wallet. Only bring the cash you'll need for that night's activities.</li>
<li><b>IMPORTANT: </b>Overall, just don't do anything that you wouldn't
do back home. Would you walk home at midnight on a dark street with all
of your valuables? If you would, you might need some help (which means I
might need some help, too, actually...) </li>
<li><b>...ALSO IMPORTANT: </b>Do <i>not </i>assume that something like
this won't happen to you. I did for the past three years, and I got a
much-needed wake-up call by means of this incident. </li>
</ul>
Rest assured that I'm in very good spirits and that my
determination is just as strong as ever! I just now know that I need to
be a little more cautious. <br />
<br />
Let me sum it up by saying
this: If one of the main reasons you hesitate to come to a country like
this is crime, don't let it be. It's important to be cautious, but if
hearing one story about a mild robbery is going to deter you from trying
something like this, I'd be very sad to hear that. If you were to use
experiences like this to discourage others from serving in this region, I
think that would be even worse. For every story you have about crime in
Central America, I've got one about crime in the States - or even just
in Maine! Jehovah will protect you as long as you keep your wits about
you. Nicaragua is still considered the safest country in all of Central
America, and I still feel very safe where I am. Don't let one or two
stories like this hold you back from experiencing one of the greatest
opportunities available to you.<br />
<br />
Wow, sorry if all of that was a bit intense! That's so unlike me. Honestly, I'm probably making more of the situation than it was, but it was a good opportunity to present my opinions on this subject, as intense as it may have been. But to even things out, here's a picture of a puppy!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxRxi7NZL8RYiZ0bCVRvKFi4banZ1Yk-V8I_gsAVGNH5SfMdbXWQS5tKYBp-4ITt8QnSjwVvPSJiZ-zScf-m0_DhJrUpDcSX9VCE9jr__ASU4i4To0R97-E4y8777y-n6T4IpzJXRrMU/s1600/10501977_10203777004052824_7365211195065709523_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxRxi7NZL8RYiZ0bCVRvKFi4banZ1Yk-V8I_gsAVGNH5SfMdbXWQS5tKYBp-4ITt8QnSjwVvPSJiZ-zScf-m0_DhJrUpDcSX9VCE9jr__ASU4i4To0R97-E4y8777y-n6T4IpzJXRrMU/s1600/10501977_10203777004052824_7365211195065709523_n.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many of you have seen this before, but I can't get enough of it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's all for today. I better get going because I
have some JW TV to watch - wait WHAT? The new broadcasting channel and
language learning apps are incredible! Check them out right now! I wish
I'd had the Language app available when I was first starting out. Both
of them are true gifts from Jehovah.<br />
<br />
I hope everyone is well. Miss you all and let me know how you're doing! Check back in next Monday.<br />
<br />
Talk soon,<br />
<br />
<br />
SamAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-52709596577105916592014-09-30T22:23:00.000-07:002014-09-30T22:23:46.477-07:00¿Qué Pasta? PitahayaHi there!<br />
<br />
Apologies that I haven't been blogging as regularly as I have in the past. I've been so involved with everything going on here, which is good, but I've been slacking on keeping in touch! It's hard to believe I've been back in Nica for almost three months already. The good thing is that I feel like I've established a good routine in this new congregation, which is something I haven't had for a very long time, and it feels really great. Now that things have settled down and we are in a new service year, I'm gonna try to get back to blogging regularly once again. I think I'll try to post every Monday from now on. It's a good day for me and it'll help me maintain the regularity of it all (yes, I'm talking to the 3% of you who wait on the edge of your seats for my next post). I may not always have thrilling things to share, but it's always good to check in!<br />
<br />
This month has been a very good, albeit rocky start to the new service year. Zach got very sick for the first couple of weeks, and I got a really sore throat for a few days. However, we had a pretty fun guys weekend at the Laguna de Apoyo!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7Bp5bEDM-W-2tM56Bsa5I3w0Uk52X81fZznjoYFaOjpNpBjc5V5XF2HOG548qRy6xoUCbKDscnEhcQnF9STdr9zM_y6sLk1xYTXO28dVpv6s41BEEQNYN6HsVi_gLENi72RxWLI0wq0/s1600/image6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7Bp5bEDM-W-2tM56Bsa5I3w0Uk52X81fZznjoYFaOjpNpBjc5V5XF2HOG548qRy6xoUCbKDscnEhcQnF9STdr9zM_y6sLk1xYTXO28dVpv6s41BEEQNYN6HsVi_gLENi72RxWLI0wq0/s1600/image6.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrUz84tcUxi0N3gOgfMwvzOmPV7valDomxc1p9BMKMLTJrjahM3xqnFYFaKX89TefmVuwlN0onqBtTH0SPKk2OgT7y4G_RvhnlsdeoCToQCnY8HOe7ZnA5VLKXPvFR4CQdW67CidAtx0/s1600/image5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrUz84tcUxi0N3gOgfMwvzOmPV7valDomxc1p9BMKMLTJrjahM3xqnFYFaKX89TefmVuwlN0onqBtTH0SPKk2OgT7y4G_RvhnlsdeoCToQCnY8HOe7ZnA5VLKXPvFR4CQdW67CidAtx0/s1600/image5.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The house we stayed in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cUyu2w9eLc5K7zJc9ZnxLV-WUEKTUti-FCBMgelXCa4f47COxJwNJka0M91EHiGXjB7ESNY8fWZ9Z_YOG7XjWmIr7x4tVp6vOfPM1RM0M7C2ex1a04RmRHSth26RaOJLTwlSBs1HLMY/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cUyu2w9eLc5K7zJc9ZnxLV-WUEKTUti-FCBMgelXCa4f47COxJwNJka0M91EHiGXjB7ESNY8fWZ9Z_YOG7XjWmIr7x4tVp6vOfPM1RM0M7C2ex1a04RmRHSth26RaOJLTwlSBs1HLMY/s1600/image1.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also had this pool right in front of the place! Not really necessary since we stayed in front of a perfect lake, but I'm not complaining!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've written about this place before, but it never gets old. It really is a preview of the coming paradise. Plus, it was great to spend time with the guys. They've all been a huge support system these past few years.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdrzGItCQL-tPS8NZ3GwSONLsK1YR0KqddhHP1EaGFEUcD27dCSbyqEifj86wNdQ-yvQQ6GqJjFgquz5G1X-3TX7rIzrvEIRJLo8KLgfWeY75KDefGHyDEYrTy1qK3cpqCnERd1Q1Mlg/s1600/image5(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdrzGItCQL-tPS8NZ3GwSONLsK1YR0KqddhHP1EaGFEUcD27dCSbyqEifj86wNdQ-yvQQ6GqJjFgquz5G1X-3TX7rIzrvEIRJLo8KLgfWeY75KDefGHyDEYrTy1qK3cpqCnERd1Q1Mlg/s1600/image5(1).JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jefté and Henry off for a swim. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchPcM6d-IevCgcAvXn6q4l63Yzu5QPxOJRdci8hc5xWtUqdL5dTNMJysE99SrmLY7JxEyeqUHGzvjuGVicB_2VZICHRlQyUV-M5wGzBOhTUj8IHkHtTvhMccqUTMeaTEHaGGT-or94fY/s1600/image6(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgchPcM6d-IevCgcAvXn6q4l63Yzu5QPxOJRdci8hc5xWtUqdL5dTNMJysE99SrmLY7JxEyeqUHGzvjuGVicB_2VZICHRlQyUV-M5wGzBOhTUj8IHkHtTvhMccqUTMeaTEHaGGT-or94fY/s1600/image6(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moisés and I bragging about how we already went swimming. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZkuTxl6bTijMyXfA_htmZ8mUIlDGvw5ZpwFVtsAv74OIISmdRWQSfW1_vog-ub8b6Df7iSI1lFGPDBOVwNeAqNUElSLricCYDGBLsUemBuXmiX2P0AZfY3ZXI1WcAwTNzaf4FQ6cn8k/s1600/image3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZkuTxl6bTijMyXfA_htmZ8mUIlDGvw5ZpwFVtsAv74OIISmdRWQSfW1_vog-ub8b6Df7iSI1lFGPDBOVwNeAqNUElSLricCYDGBLsUemBuXmiX2P0AZfY3ZXI1WcAwTNzaf4FQ6cn8k/s1600/image3.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jef getting a serenade in a restaurant in Managua on our way home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfIeWkN4qK67lJtEbFStV5wquo-ofXnFKkaxt4_GmYkUIrAbJUskL-IiublKKmSggpKG0iECdb0TG9a_mEvOecVS7i4zv0Qz93Wq1GSU13TGBWWu2Y-hgy_PPJM912H3eIyjVB6cdHAw/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfIeWkN4qK67lJtEbFStV5wquo-ofXnFKkaxt4_GmYkUIrAbJUskL-IiublKKmSggpKG0iECdb0TG9a_mEvOecVS7i4zv0Qz93Wq1GSU13TGBWWu2Y-hgy_PPJM912H3eIyjVB6cdHAw/s1600/image2.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was actually pretty cool!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Also, I had an idea to do some posts about food now and then, since I get many questions about that. I was gonna make it a periodic series called - and guys, come on, this is brilliant - ¿Qué pasta? Get it?? Because it's like ¿qué pasa? except it's about food, so it's ¿qué <i>pasta</i>? since pasta is a type of food??? Right???? Don't you roll your eyes at me. Yeah. That's right. I know you're rolling your eyes at me. However, I also know you're laughing on the inside.<br />
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<i>Anyway, </i>my point was to blog about different food, meals, and whatnot found here in Nicaragua. For example, one fruit that's a Nica favorite is pitahaya (also spelled "pitaya"), or dragon fruit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3qy6E4_IWSqejGi2_mCNNfPPKDa_vWB3qOJY8HGmbqbboUPjxeHV-UO3xZBxPAArsQ5mo5d3z3rYbEkzLn3nojKBZqrV0mlt2LXWxb4jURfQMVXqR1_BQrX7fJLEqWF43szsNYveHS0/s1600/image4(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3qy6E4_IWSqejGi2_mCNNfPPKDa_vWB3qOJY8HGmbqbboUPjxeHV-UO3xZBxPAArsQ5mo5d3z3rYbEkzLn3nojKBZqrV0mlt2LXWxb4jURfQMVXqR1_BQrX7fJLEqWF43szsNYveHS0/s1600/image4(1).JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes, I know you may be able to get them in the States, but did you know that pitahaya actually originated here in Central America? You did? Oh. Well, never mind then. For me, I had never heard of them until I came here. The first time I saw one, I thought it was a leftover prop from a Tim Burton movie, but when I tried it, I was pleasantly surprised! They've got a nice flavor!<br />
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First, you need to peel off the skin. Duh.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2APEE_LFMUOpcmDt1CtCMYXOI3BHyQx4u6AmkrQPhM0N13vSc7J876xA2SnAo4avN2owbvxDc8_cOMU1h6xuzzNeJQg_SC_gOsZgiwPbNTg-bHN3HjDMWFsdQWIMGUlBqB0WHfwtp4pk/s1600/image3(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2APEE_LFMUOpcmDt1CtCMYXOI3BHyQx4u6AmkrQPhM0N13vSc7J876xA2SnAo4avN2owbvxDc8_cOMU1h6xuzzNeJQg_SC_gOsZgiwPbNTg-bHN3HjDMWFsdQWIMGUlBqB0WHfwtp4pk/s1600/image3(2).JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you're like me, after you've cut it up, your hands will look like you've just murdered a Care Bear.<br />
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Scoop the fruit out of the peel and there you have it, folks! Pitahaya can be eaten straight up, made into smoothies, or added to fruit salads. I personally like to eat it straight up. Simplicity, guys. Simplicity.<br />
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Wasn't that fun? That was just a preview of what is to come on ¿Qué pasta? Stay tuned, my friends!<br />
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In other news, service has been going very well as usual. Last week, we were preaching on a Friday morning and we walked past a man who was sitting outside his house reading his Bible. I don't have many moments like this, but I felt like I should approach him. I'm not always comfortable doing that, but come on, he was practically asking for it! I said a silent prayer for courage and walked up to him. He was very friendly and open to conversating (Google is telling me that conversating is not a word. Too bad, Google. Too bad.). I asked him if I could get his opinion on a Bible text, and had him turn to Matthew 6:9, 10. After reading it, I asked him what he thought God's Kingdom was. He knew his Bible well and replied that it is a heavenly government. We confirmed this by reading Daniel 2:44. He stated that he was a member of the local Evangelical church, but he was actually one of the first Evangelicals I've met who was normal, reasonable, and not, what's the word, obnoxious. We even watched the "Why Study the Bible?" video, which he really enjoyed. I left him with a tract and made an appointment to come back & answer the next question.<br />
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I thought that was the end, but a few minutes later, he followed us down the road and asked for this month's magazines! We only had August magazines to give him, but I told him I could pass by that afternoon to give him the latest issues. He said yes and was excited to see us again! I was glad that I approached him. It pays off to step out of your comfort zone! (Sidenote: I haven't found him home again...yeah, that was anticlimactic, but I know I'll find him soon!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU7geS0_I7TrkqRoXOcap6ipa3wWTDBQ11U4NOtwP_F814Fozpp1keGEr_KMnJlvBw4jBLCBVCaU4J2ily4KagwpByxYRU50zXAKuEqqF1mSnp7aN0Nj62Nm-9wmErGdaasOV54jw9V4/s1600/image4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU7geS0_I7TrkqRoXOcap6ipa3wWTDBQ11U4NOtwP_F814Fozpp1keGEr_KMnJlvBw4jBLCBVCaU4J2ily4KagwpByxYRU50zXAKuEqqF1mSnp7aN0Nj62Nm-9wmErGdaasOV54jw9V4/s1600/image4.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During one of my most productive mornings to date, Elias and I played ten games of tic tac toe.</td></tr>
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One of my studies, Max, is currently in the second lesson of the <i>Good News </i>brochure, and he's doing very well. Last week, after considering the paragraph about God's name, we watched the video on the website that discusses that topic, and it complimented the study very nicely. He enjoyed it a lot. He captures points very clearly.<br />
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Our congregation did another rural preaching day out in Rancherias this past Sunday, and it was a lot of fun as usual. We had about 60 brothers and sisters in our group! The congregation really looks forward to these special days, and it's nice to see how excited they get for them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTh_zuobgbVpET1HIMjsAxTVr5D0uIIUG5X7Z52KjmpmDhgQbQQ43u3W7gBTS4DgGbJ_EGL6kPUdN4TD2qzhum6pIOOFfQj8O8OVvRMqhDhG5Lbq3_k5Z-sVENLPpxM3ZxZnam4Yv7nU/s1600/image3(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTh_zuobgbVpET1HIMjsAxTVr5D0uIIUG5X7Z52KjmpmDhgQbQQ43u3W7gBTS4DgGbJ_EGL6kPUdN4TD2qzhum6pIOOFfQj8O8OVvRMqhDhG5Lbq3_k5Z-sVENLPpxM3ZxZnam4Yv7nU/s1600/image3(1).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a small part of our group!</td></tr>
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We had some good discussions throughout the morning, but to be honest, it mainly consisted of looking at the pretty views and me teaching everybody some English words, particularly some Samisms. ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd84DTuZXH0H-mscfGAYA5YxgW7vOfEFxlUGklb3mIYc05LZkYLvL5oyYNT4iCQI2WpX8RSEN0JtaIvKzG6ttk2fbGzqLdmE7nHs_CsaFgcSMEoEOUMTPg6ewJGBXe5XwxOgR-gj27UfA/s1600/image4.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd84DTuZXH0H-mscfGAYA5YxgW7vOfEFxlUGklb3mIYc05LZkYLvL5oyYNT4iCQI2WpX8RSEN0JtaIvKzG6ttk2fbGzqLdmE7nHs_CsaFgcSMEoEOUMTPg6ewJGBXe5XwxOgR-gj27UfA/s1600/image4.PNG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friends Miguel and Crystal having a productive English lesson, if you could call it that.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything is so green right now. Thank you, rainy season!</td></tr>
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That's all for now. It's 11:22 PM and I have to be up at 5:00 AM to teach an online class guys, yet here I am writing another blog. That's how much I miss you guys. That's how much I care!! I promise I will try to be more regular with the updates, now matter how mundane they may be! Be sure to check in on Monday. Please let me know how you're doing and remember to stay in touch!<br />
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Take care,<br />
<br />
<br />
Sam<br />
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P.S. HOW did I not mention this before?! I got a new coffee maker, guys!!!! No wonder I've been in such a good mood these days!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-83911663862343806222014-09-02T17:02:00.001-07:002014-09-02T17:02:40.183-07:00How August Was For MeHi all,<br />
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Well, here we are in September. August went by very fast, but it sure was immensely busy (See what I did there? Bam!). The tract campaign made it all the more exciting.<br />
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During all the month's activity, it was hard to find time to write. I won't lie, guys...I've got a lot to report, but I'll do my best to keep it short and sweet - he said, just before everyone closed their browser windows. Don't worry. I won't be offended if you skip the reading and just look at the preeeeetty pictures.<br />
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Okay, let's get to it!<br />
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The first Sunday of the month, our congregation organized a day to preach in Rancherias, one of the rural congregations in our circuit. We had a lot of support for the trip!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQZiAwcGb0SLMz4AlBARa9qG_RW0ru8Kkz1u9DeuauQtmhwwyxDsx3AtG47w6sVdwtKPdlggFMm1Zv8jIEnpkEdTGsO7DfqqHfsK59M27RMC5NGe2DBT2clmN2wVkMha78k1ThLuUl0s/s1600/image(6).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQZiAwcGb0SLMz4AlBARa9qG_RW0ru8Kkz1u9DeuauQtmhwwyxDsx3AtG47w6sVdwtKPdlggFMm1Zv8jIEnpkEdTGsO7DfqqHfsK59M27RMC5NGe2DBT2clmN2wVkMha78k1ThLuUl0s/s1600/image(6).jpeg" height="476" width="640" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolando, our coordinator, leading the massive group.</td></tr>
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Rancherias has a beautiful territory, and we were able to reach a lot of people. It's a very rural territory, but you'd actually be surprised by the number of people who use their phones to go online or travel into the city to use the Internet. So they still appreciated the tract about the website very much!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpBv9StJvFOH5rPX6hIrA-mEE3rPNx_z10TAa-u5cY_337fGVuCLgpsd4qhvPRSlXgg5bZvp303znm9L3hZwpAdkFC5ZEdGOk8SQU4mQCnTJyki2khtYqHTjbqw4RLLXng_Db5L2ZQVQ/s1600/photo(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpBv9StJvFOH5rPX6hIrA-mEE3rPNx_z10TAa-u5cY_337fGVuCLgpsd4qhvPRSlXgg5bZvp303znm9L3hZwpAdkFC5ZEdGOk8SQU4mQCnTJyki2khtYqHTjbqw4RLLXng_Db5L2ZQVQ/s1600/photo(10).JPG" height="480" width="640" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As I said, it's a beautiful territory! (I said that already, right?)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QN8NHskdVKzcTwUXjes4Yrc8Zh_K0q8vKsHY_Ix1uKvevZQvyXEOaWO1UKa1Q9sshofsWKFEa3viZOU-aE_auZbv5J5-vmZyOx7mWrPp0OTgOq13QE9FVFyijDq38RJw4zQ4XZCr9fs/s1600/image(4).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QN8NHskdVKzcTwUXjes4Yrc8Zh_K0q8vKsHY_Ix1uKvevZQvyXEOaWO1UKa1Q9sshofsWKFEa3viZOU-aE_auZbv5J5-vmZyOx7mWrPp0OTgOq13QE9FVFyijDq38RJw4zQ4XZCr9fs/s1600/image(4).jpeg" height="476" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really? We had to be on the parched side of the field?!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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For me, the majority of the month consisted of familiarizing myself with my new territory in La Norte. Overall, I really like it! Because the territory is so big, we've got a nice mix of urban and rural areas. Although preaching in city areas has been new and refreshing, sometimes, I miss the peace and quiet of rural witnessing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7sx_WWE_8QBtx-tGNjtdRJtuqeeeS2tfy3a36FtxduLtqXAfWJiSZx1SFluVRhTYVwSobL4tfPntIcpfCsWt98p6hBSOdDhR4eMXd-zYoutcdh8iNvVHGg243x_Q6-0_a11uUS7KWCg/s1600/image(15).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7sx_WWE_8QBtx-tGNjtdRJtuqeeeS2tfy3a36FtxduLtqXAfWJiSZx1SFluVRhTYVwSobL4tfPntIcpfCsWt98p6hBSOdDhR4eMXd-zYoutcdh8iNvVHGg243x_Q6-0_a11uUS7KWCg/s1600/image(15).jpeg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical part of our territory. I have a feeling I'm not in Ojo anymore!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGFaLbJKVH_kOmfXshF-8sAMYHajX7UOhaTPGdTjDyr4o3Fe2cv0OR4UyqoU_QXLFEQX2GWUEHdja3A9gJfG8ynAxCFEdyvzXl4LDP4zEeJF-OP2dKbfk-OTZf3fHkgNhlo7GVlHrB04/s1600/photo(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGFaLbJKVH_kOmfXshF-8sAMYHajX7UOhaTPGdTjDyr4o3Fe2cv0OR4UyqoU_QXLFEQX2GWUEHdja3A9gJfG8ynAxCFEdyvzXl4LDP4zEeJF-OP2dKbfk-OTZf3fHkgNhlo7GVlHrB04/s1600/photo(12).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3y6_w-MTeAdDkqWqvt0HpwLh0xjQj-QXWAZbyl4v05CG19M_pWW3suDaSUL7rukk2L4702Cqi3-1H8-Qt5cOU9hI3ZVH3wOydNSMjgCRGnOAZJiwaMYXTbb1i83khT6TG3s6Bd5WaAw/s1600/photo(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3y6_w-MTeAdDkqWqvt0HpwLh0xjQj-QXWAZbyl4v05CG19M_pWW3suDaSUL7rukk2L4702Cqi3-1H8-Qt5cOU9hI3ZVH3wOydNSMjgCRGnOAZJiwaMYXTbb1i83khT6TG3s6Bd5WaAw/s1600/photo(11).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And we have some rural areas as well. Best of both worlds!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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Even though there are more distractions in the city territory, people are still very receptive. I've got three studies going right now, and one good return visit that I think will develop into a study soon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTxZwWXuosE7kF41syBHNFDzaPk4G8y55ydNN6KZ1vxg5S-fHAVFb6l6srADYW0glaofFzzMGYaXXmKj1MxuDU4DuQ2Ys8fW1sdLc2JCz4-8ZCJhyphenhyphenlAVV-oN6S6109X3D_WA8HImtZas/s1600/photo(17).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTxZwWXuosE7kF41syBHNFDzaPk4G8y55ydNN6KZ1vxg5S-fHAVFb6l6srADYW0glaofFzzMGYaXXmKj1MxuDU4DuQ2Ys8fW1sdLc2JCz4-8ZCJhyphenhyphenlAVV-oN6S6109X3D_WA8HImtZas/s1600/photo(17).JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erling having a doorstep study.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I've been showing people videos from the website any chance I get. People love them! I've started two studies with them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cRP6ccnirx3OOBCKSBucZ9O3irD6wbGfn7w3u-C3G9kMbbrav0XALsWk1o_d_7LqJGOcuOYaUcyjAV9k5hCPrqHfe3zZUKBpi6_AhDmbG3gYRzpl-XTDOxGil-G38t_2Utr_hf3Ynzs/s1600/photo(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cRP6ccnirx3OOBCKSBucZ9O3irD6wbGfn7w3u-C3G9kMbbrav0XALsWk1o_d_7LqJGOcuOYaUcyjAV9k5hCPrqHfe3zZUKBpi6_AhDmbG3gYRzpl-XTDOxGil-G38t_2Utr_hf3Ynzs/s1600/photo(13).JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elvis placing a tract with a triciclo driver.</td></tr>
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We've been starting early at the bus station a lot. It's always a great way to start the day. A few weeks ago, a boy and his little sister came up to me asking for a copy of the tract. I gave them a copy, which they fought over until I gave them another copy so they could each have one. They got really excited when I showed them how they could watch the videos about Caleb! As they ran off to school, all I could think was, "I'm so glad I don't have kids and that I don't have to mediate fights over who gets to use the computer." <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CkBzQAbrplmmkMRiw1gAIsuLNmlwtwz31i4QNek8zTZhpa2nYPhcz9_kFkypBOXLwFHV6WU1tFKRCSZZg7s0pDkf5zp4lvhWN4O8xxtRABEBc8a_gTd_3TdUzqUmR3LmGatrNbGYbPc/s1600/image(5).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CkBzQAbrplmmkMRiw1gAIsuLNmlwtwz31i4QNek8zTZhpa2nYPhcz9_kFkypBOXLwFHV6WU1tFKRCSZZg7s0pDkf5zp4lvhWN4O8xxtRABEBc8a_gTd_3TdUzqUmR3LmGatrNbGYbPc/s1600/image(5).jpeg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jefté preaching to a shop owner on an early morning.</td></tr>
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I spoke to a guy who works in the bus terminal - wait, actually he approached me while I was trying to give a tract to a different guy - anyway, he listened in on our conversation and then asked for a copy of our Bible! He was genuine and he said he likes the easy-to-understand language of the New World Translation, so I'll be bringing him his copy tomorrow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxSFJEX5T9Rvn0MowJ22u3JPQsLdSIhEHf_4WKVr6mpILuWhch4czvO7w_m5fhPex3PpFxSlZAYCkxQ-PADEC0-PzcVZpUMqSWcwQGwM1TLsi5OsnMUh2FYm_gWAuUJRjKisMTfq0lrE/s1600/photo(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxSFJEX5T9Rvn0MowJ22u3JPQsLdSIhEHf_4WKVr6mpILuWhch4czvO7w_m5fhPex3PpFxSlZAYCkxQ-PADEC0-PzcVZpUMqSWcwQGwM1TLsi5OsnMUh2FYm_gWAuUJRjKisMTfq0lrE/s1600/photo(16).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erling placing a tract out in door-to-door.</td></tr>
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Last week, I went out preaching with my friends Fernando and Denise in their territory, La Picota. It's a very rural area like Ojo and Rancherias, and their territory is <i>massive! </i>My favorite part of the day was when Fernando studied with a group of kids while Denise was having a study with one of their mothers. He's been going over the <u>Learn From the Great Teacher</u> book with them, and a couple of them have their own copies. He makes it very fun for them. They all love to get involved. He asked them what their favorite book is, and two of them held up the Great Teacher book, shouting at the same time, "This one!!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjij0VY4k1phvz2g045cfEc6MGUCcP37VcvB3GE0gmSvBVZqUbX94i21bxifFKdfeytyyMWfHku4_usBssdg826oo-nkOyvRGSTMrhKSAfgClQtmE9KGTKpesR1qvWafsQsFIwjH5mAWg0/s1600/image(19).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjij0VY4k1phvz2g045cfEc6MGUCcP37VcvB3GE0gmSvBVZqUbX94i21bxifFKdfeytyyMWfHku4_usBssdg826oo-nkOyvRGSTMrhKSAfgClQtmE9KGTKpesR1qvWafsQsFIwjH5mAWg0/s1600/image(19).jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each of the kids loved showing off their reading skills.</td></tr>
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Before the study, I showed the kids a couple of the Caleb videos. At first, there were four kids...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnlOx9bWkQc4K8EQFSlCy1CUo0uqQgaybEA0DTGrBsySTsHIYejeCQH7sY4yD_VGQWkC6IEUSnACsIQpOKlzBoAqh8iKs1oO7NxsNtcRHDFosgXQm8S-FHWY58io_GMU9sFH6B84xuSU/s1600/photo(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnlOx9bWkQc4K8EQFSlCy1CUo0uqQgaybEA0DTGrBsySTsHIYejeCQH7sY4yD_VGQWkC6IEUSnACsIQpOKlzBoAqh8iKs1oO7NxsNtcRHDFosgXQm8S-FHWY58io_GMU9sFH6B84xuSU/s1600/photo(8).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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...and then there were seven! And another girl came along afterward!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrjYHdmnkBlJbK3unBDq8VTrlGvU17-YYqyGWB34zwFg8_8-d1aJqxdch0cPU_mOJa_hl0xQj00Wcfh9Jby_tC48Ybe294q4GkT9F7FW1o52sBfn0DMaXV5S0CWT3eU7RpkXxkhf-UYA/s1600/image(12).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrjYHdmnkBlJbK3unBDq8VTrlGvU17-YYqyGWB34zwFg8_8-d1aJqxdch0cPU_mOJa_hl0xQj00Wcfh9Jby_tC48Ybe294q4GkT9F7FW1o52sBfn0DMaXV5S0CWT3eU7RpkXxkhf-UYA/s1600/image(12).jpeg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was really cute (sorry, I couldn't think of another word...sweet? Nice?) and they're all really smart kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCksYJyqNtKjk7QbAKoRLd_mP6voOpHJASjXzoM9M64aKuKj63JZzMhMbyiuLt4AeQVWnqWuARJ0TsHc7nMlsVeHdgu5edlY38SrjbQszj6ro2f5jn9gaVHQvj4lPq3eiiC6OZ0YbiJA/s1600/image(14).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCksYJyqNtKjk7QbAKoRLd_mP6voOpHJASjXzoM9M64aKuKj63JZzMhMbyiuLt4AeQVWnqWuARJ0TsHc7nMlsVeHdgu5edlY38SrjbQszj6ro2f5jn9gaVHQvj4lPq3eiiC6OZ0YbiJA/s1600/image(14).jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI5UhtZ0A_ZNgkEt__X7tIMZrWzRs2ITFLCiucRs8AlV7uiNlZO4pkknLWeWW9UtzmP_IurIS7faMbbbNeG85Ggm3gOgT4VvGHoerVF9a_ewcGsLfKct5cYVfpORSFm96q1Ct25E9_iI/s1600/image(18).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI5UhtZ0A_ZNgkEt__X7tIMZrWzRs2ITFLCiucRs8AlV7uiNlZO4pkknLWeWW9UtzmP_IurIS7faMbbbNeG85Ggm3gOgT4VvGHoerVF9a_ewcGsLfKct5cYVfpORSFm96q1Ct25E9_iI/s1600/image(18).jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can tell these girls are totally thinking, "Girl, do you think he knows he's white?"</td></tr>
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Jefté, knowing I was desperate for hours last month, helped me out by taking me on some of his late-night Bible studies. We always have a great time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2O6nt8BGf8QXBcuuYHDteEGM3ormsuFYuZVRwOSrrnh2UxZQeEk2GVU5rDE7v2iTKrXyJBE9sm4JvDQoaecL2XEdFiemQwoYsbdfnwvGR4ArlAqB1EHzs9hzciszam3eMJ6TqIeQ_dc/s1600/image(8).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2O6nt8BGf8QXBcuuYHDteEGM3ormsuFYuZVRwOSrrnh2UxZQeEk2GVU5rDE7v2iTKrXyJBE9sm4JvDQoaecL2XEdFiemQwoYsbdfnwvGR4ArlAqB1EHzs9hzciszam3eMJ6TqIeQ_dc/s1600/image(8).jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice that the tracts are different? The sign language tract is different, and it looks awesome!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGLK-kxsOnfkdMVQ58xY9-vNR1hmlCWHk7bXXAhMfLQIS3Yl6AM9AvRXa4FvAy7xnc2wQlKjdZiQvrJd3mPa1TinXe-USgNna-8ZzgJM37dWreA4b603en45sJIApIp0PF1kaIA0lPyY/s1600/image(20).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGLK-kxsOnfkdMVQ58xY9-vNR1hmlCWHk7bXXAhMfLQIS3Yl6AM9AvRXa4FvAy7xnc2wQlKjdZiQvrJd3mPa1TinXe-USgNna-8ZzgJM37dWreA4b603en45sJIApIp0PF1kaIA0lPyY/s1600/image(20).jpeg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Jef's calls watching the "Why Study the Bible?" video.</td></tr>
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This next one has a bit of a story behind it. You might remember me mentioning my progressive study, <a href="http://stepintonica.blogspot.com/2013/04/jorge.html" target="_blank">Jorge</a>. While I was in the States this summer, I got a call from my friend Zach, who was covering the study for me, saying Jorge had passed away unexpectedly. It really caught me off-guard, and I didn't take it well. Jorge and his family were always one of the biggest sources of encouragement to me down here, and without that, I began to question whether or not I had really accomplished anything during my time in Nicaragua. It was was one of the things that held me back from returning, to be honest. However, I knew that the best thing to do was to go back and get some closure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzKZpKqR6i6hQKdxoybDzo2He5HCCwH0D3brAozUY4VzpKGghiqtpBLWYc4X0lbayEA3FrgWRMmhsjA41zEM8o8poFus_6uDLwl2edCQA5Ngc49wKV8H3H5XxwIZbLc1FNNJCfostJZQ/s1600/10373844_10203343044244100_4136043780850616988_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzKZpKqR6i6hQKdxoybDzo2He5HCCwH0D3brAozUY4VzpKGghiqtpBLWYc4X0lbayEA3FrgWRMmhsjA41zEM8o8poFus_6uDLwl2edCQA5Ngc49wKV8H3H5XxwIZbLc1FNNJCfostJZQ/s1600/10373844_10203343044244100_4136043780850616988_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jorge at his first meeting a year-and-a-half ago.</td></tr>
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As hard as it was, I'm very glad I did it. I spoke to his wife, Sandra, and she said it has been difficult for her, but she knows the best thing to do is to continue on with her study. When I saw their son Jorgito again, he ran right up to me, calling me "Uncle Sam" as usual and gave me a big hug. Sandra and I then discussed a new idea...the possibility of me studying with Jorgito. She said that would make her very happy, especially since Jorgito no longer has a male figure in his life to teach him the Bible, and that it would be best for me to do it. Jorgito was overjoyed at the thought, and we've been going of the Bible Story book ever since. It's helped both of us a lot. One thing that has especially comforted me is knowing that Jorge died doing the best thing, and that his life was worlds better when he was studying than it was years ago. He always told me to never forget his family. How could I, Jorge?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVquZfXoi40uD4fNwBUhLP7kTH8tdb-TGUh82jJ48zc7InvV31Md_GMlqYKhCrYBmpVhgGzF7AruV5NcDPaz5rza9qjwKcw8SGavkca49g3h22artlr7gs04JNXEmx0azjd_IbYQMp2cE/s1600/image(9).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVquZfXoi40uD4fNwBUhLP7kTH8tdb-TGUh82jJ48zc7InvV31Md_GMlqYKhCrYBmpVhgGzF7AruV5NcDPaz5rza9qjwKcw8SGavkca49g3h22artlr7gs04JNXEmx0azjd_IbYQMp2cE/s1600/image(9).jpeg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jorgito watching the Noah video the other day. A few of his friends came and joined us as well!</td></tr>
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Sorry if that was a bit too depressing! I'm doing much better now, and being in a new hall has been a very refreshing change. I've been making the most of all the changes that have occurred here, and each change has brought along new blessings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzx9sxGNLWf86SR5pqVsZZhyphenhyphenwfRbt0zcJE8F_7KQPuyHI2KHdC-5uLj4dO7LxcecTBmdbH_h50AP1z9cIeZuqXnY4HSwqZNPOXUEmfmSaRIY92LkU4BWNpK6s76ppn28auiHp5m_2PnY/s1600/photo(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzx9sxGNLWf86SR5pqVsZZhyphenhyphenwfRbt0zcJE8F_7KQPuyHI2KHdC-5uLj4dO7LxcecTBmdbH_h50AP1z9cIeZuqXnY4HSwqZNPOXUEmfmSaRIY92LkU4BWNpK6s76ppn28auiHp5m_2PnY/s1600/photo(18).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...like having easy access to Coca-Cola, for instance!! This is how Elvis and I end each morning of service: having a cold bottle of coke (or poison, as we call it). Hey, man...when in Rome...or Chinandega? </td></tr>
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Oh, and another reason why this past month was so crazy was that we had our convention here in Chinandega. I worked in the sound department for the first time, and it was a challenge, but a lot of fun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwohRPpWxbMhZq17KAyvWGR64l_9wTi4EdwdN_7dNYGdzKBIAyNXvw9FqyPF2xQag44Ths9ObdbSo042reSQO9fmmZBV3ofwAi3NRuTs0g7rF1_2p54gyUrl1fkOsQWYDUfaaZ-6kZNrs/s1600/image(3).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwohRPpWxbMhZq17KAyvWGR64l_9wTi4EdwdN_7dNYGdzKBIAyNXvw9FqyPF2xQag44Ths9ObdbSo042reSQO9fmmZBV3ofwAi3NRuTs0g7rF1_2p54gyUrl1fkOsQWYDUfaaZ-6kZNrs/s1600/image(3).jpeg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the Chinandega family!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzJL0yF63HbNM_WROPGyGfvyZQR7MAI86syhtR_w3JxCnsyMnSlpFSVQQwAjUFPeI58s36_keVsybf3z3SzOw07MFUa4h01bcDI9GJODuO_L9Ha9SZc6i6Da4CHl6ks8nv2SZ1hTMyMA/s1600/photo(19).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzJL0yF63HbNM_WROPGyGfvyZQR7MAI86syhtR_w3JxCnsyMnSlpFSVQQwAjUFPeI58s36_keVsybf3z3SzOw07MFUa4h01bcDI9GJODuO_L9Ha9SZc6i6Da4CHl6ks8nv2SZ1hTMyMA/s1600/photo(19).JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sound check...and butchering reading.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPqWXYA_wE8pqr_gtS4cOKIqpzGzSsE7FcRwn3W_EjZIMulaLbSPJUDOyz0hk3jgL4lwaon61XDDN2RVj9Ig5e9gZYmOnOp9Gx50tW54B8BrvgQsdwkGuEkHpFG7lX8X3p-QVfX_s3H4/s1600/photo(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPqWXYA_wE8pqr_gtS4cOKIqpzGzSsE7FcRwn3W_EjZIMulaLbSPJUDOyz0hk3jgL4lwaon61XDDN2RVj9Ig5e9gZYmOnOp9Gx50tW54B8BrvgQsdwkGuEkHpFG7lX8X3p-QVfX_s3H4/s1600/photo(14).JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sound team - a hilarious and very fun group of brothers, with whom I totally blend in.</td></tr>
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If you couldn't tell by now, August was insane. We were encouraged to make it the best month in preaching history, and I can say for certain that for me, it was. It was a mad dash to make my pioneer hours, but I made it by the skin of my teeth! Fernando, Denise, Zach, and I went to the beach yesterday to celebrate. (Celebrating the first day of the new service year by taking a day off...? It was an exhausting month, bros.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZx0aJc4ItFK5nFKgCmlSRJIrcsxdTN-ZlANlJCfp2ZNyoddpYJB-4V0iT05ZMHuHXy7piKoiBgCnzhcwjn17WysYbqPnZslZcaPDRG2nX7rs4g7Bt3YPvJMflxAVs3CWTIP2fVO-N8Qc/s1600/image(16).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZx0aJc4ItFK5nFKgCmlSRJIrcsxdTN-ZlANlJCfp2ZNyoddpYJB-4V0iT05ZMHuHXy7piKoiBgCnzhcwjn17WysYbqPnZslZcaPDRG2nX7rs4g7Bt3YPvJMflxAVs3CWTIP2fVO-N8Qc/s1600/image(16).jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fernando, Denise, and I pondering creation...and Zach being a very patient photographer.</td></tr>
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Is that it? I think that's it. I'd better stop now before I ramble about anything else. Sorry, guys...can't say I didn't warn you. I've only been writing this for about three-and-a-half hours. What else am I gonna do on my day off? Something productive? Do you <i>know </i>me?!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4UaQhfiLGA3n5EiuSSMc3EaH24p4yNox8QnQpDaGQt8SRh5tXm-4qXFHJn4gC4e7T6BwyuBegzYJgfwdMYuGLtIDoXzbZw2RaxD2xvsDf33kr2p8qWBXChXqQ_dFrcQ5a-fpf81R-jM/s1600/image(17).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4UaQhfiLGA3n5EiuSSMc3EaH24p4yNox8QnQpDaGQt8SRh5tXm-4qXFHJn4gC4e7T6BwyuBegzYJgfwdMYuGLtIDoXzbZw2RaxD2xvsDf33kr2p8qWBXChXqQ_dFrcQ5a-fpf81R-jM/s1600/image(17).jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bring it on, new service year! (Yeah, I've got moves.)</td></tr>
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I hope you all are well. Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement. I know I say that a lot, but I do mean it. You guys are the best! Miss you all and I'll talk to you soon.<br />
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Take care,<br />
<br />
<br />
Sam<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-38370825951216139552014-08-26T20:15:00.003-07:002014-08-26T20:15:59.708-07:00First Impressions of La NorteHello there!<br />
<br />
Sorry that it's been a while. I know that a lot of you were waiting for a post - and by a lot of you, I mean like three of you. No worries, bros. I'm gonna fill this page up anyway.<br />
<br />
But seriously, apologies. It's been an insanely busy month, as I'm sure this August has been for all of you as well! (Sidenote: I'm running out of ways to say it's been a busy month. I've done very busy, crazy busy, insanely busy, extremely busy...I'm gonna think of a more interesting phrase. Stay tuned. Just know that I mean it when I say it's been busy.) I've got a lot of things to catch everyone up on, but I'll do a few posts instead of trying to fit it all in one.<br />
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Settling into La Norte congregation has been a lot easier than I was expecting. Everyone has been very welcoming. I was a little nervous at first - making a good first impression in a new hall is tricky enough, and it's even trickier trying to do so in another language. A couple weeks in, though, I received my first invitation to a congregation party! To say I was excited is an understatement. I kept the invitation (no joke, it's still on my fridge). Is it obvious that I'm flattered easily?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8y40-_3ljfVg5CFlaswdi200aKKYgMcYSj0saqCD6qlSx3rjPbgvcWqoLDLxWz8fNC_2vpGAmliiN9NniFZ-KkTcBzn7jXc_ej-62OIb42ISFrjHp3f-Z7BxhYFU-MYlRk5ydVHBgyxk/s1600/photo(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8y40-_3ljfVg5CFlaswdi200aKKYgMcYSj0saqCD6qlSx3rjPbgvcWqoLDLxWz8fNC_2vpGAmliiN9NniFZ-KkTcBzn7jXc_ej-62OIb42ISFrjHp3f-Z7BxhYFU-MYlRk5ydVHBgyxk/s1600/photo(6).JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, it looks like either a Valentine's card or a birthday party invite, but it's the GESTURE, guys.</td></tr>
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On the night of the party, I was still excited, but I was only planning on staying for like half-an-hour. No offense, Nica friends. I've been to plenty of fiestas here, and after two-plus years, you've just about had your fill of trying to dance to music that you, as one of the whitest boys on Earth, simply will never be able to dance to. Just to prove my point, here's a picture of me at my first Nica dance party back in July 2011:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxT12itos73GXRtTRPiaA9fE9rTvDimzhwQOcmKz3CFpQWJVhHRgPrfSNMFW6esuEXD2LfZsGV0F6-ui6jWWL-qS4Hfv6nWbsZBS6Zw6eMvWr5a9baFzrGaD1FJ0J5uF6AeXM2EOfiBc/s1600/meandanna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxT12itos73GXRtTRPiaA9fE9rTvDimzhwQOcmKz3CFpQWJVhHRgPrfSNMFW6esuEXD2LfZsGV0F6-ui6jWWL-qS4Hfv6nWbsZBS6Zw6eMvWr5a9baFzrGaD1FJ0J5uF6AeXM2EOfiBc/s1600/meandanna.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with Anna, an old friend from England. Look how coordinated I am! (And yes, the glasses, I know.)</td></tr>
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Anyway, I was planning on jetting out of there pretty soon...until I saw this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLDLx2-Lfd74qzWp5hGZE8SVW8eLNGqZL0nGlN6T0QLh2ON80r5kPu3lD8LvvuVkhYOL2Bohyphenhyphen-eHkQPYt9-uaKYVGGzfdmYgQeiMWz1YZ822LtM1vyFhsBJni0OBBSGBkGpF6SLZ8jEA/s1600/photo(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLDLx2-Lfd74qzWp5hGZE8SVW8eLNGqZL0nGlN6T0QLh2ON80r5kPu3lD8LvvuVkhYOL2Bohyphenhyphen-eHkQPYt9-uaKYVGGzfdmYgQeiMWz1YZ822LtM1vyFhsBJni0OBBSGBkGpF6SLZ8jEA/s1600/photo(2).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I asked Ladislao, the elder whose family was hosting, "Why did you have the cake written in English?" He told me, "For you! This is your welcome party!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAU_1E5Z_f23v6eFPSs_i38uulmspQ3c0mbMS5gnOcdiSATqJzbx-zaNV4TCXouc_zFl_iT853dNbE47QTzCV4LY4huenBe5dsOZZ9ifwfAmr6NgfrAhAiybckOIAQr_xqKxT8A3y7w4/s1600/photo(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAU_1E5Z_f23v6eFPSs_i38uulmspQ3c0mbMS5gnOcdiSATqJzbx-zaNV4TCXouc_zFl_iT853dNbE47QTzCV4LY4huenBe5dsOZZ9ifwfAmr6NgfrAhAiybckOIAQr_xqKxT8A3y7w4/s1600/photo(3).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, so I know this picture doesn't make it look like there was a ton of people there, but...wait, maybe there wasn't.</td></tr>
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Man, did I feel like schmuck! Of course, I stayed for the whole party. Turns out it was half my welcome party, half a going-away party for Ladislao's visiting family (who apparently went to the same international convention we did!), but hey, I'll take it! It was really nice of them, and it was a great way to break the ice. They told me (and have kept telling me) that they're really thankful and glad that I've moved in. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkykcptIRRAXCSkbOJ_bB6lK6jEIMrYF5mTuKSAhdsfrScfFw8wlelZ82-CmE7J2Ic8hHF55vTQBB53SONzusOA-aIE3rpr2UYFgFC_R8gpIDxnIY-pYZUZQzHH5GEgYRqF7IKj_PPono/s1600/photo(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkykcptIRRAXCSkbOJ_bB6lK6jEIMrYF5mTuKSAhdsfrScfFw8wlelZ82-CmE7J2Ic8hHF55vTQBB53SONzusOA-aIE3rpr2UYFgFC_R8gpIDxnIY-pYZUZQzHH5GEgYRqF7IKj_PPono/s1600/photo(5).JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Any party is made ten times better with glowsticks!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6W7RpZV7Tx9BveOG6mWS69WIbg0SirKt9A2BZddUm8HRMlssuKga8_t1S67Zdv3j8BohWnwGCL7OfDfrI4yf5vei6nNugB-lJAZuFClarP9AlatvUrRSM3_6Nhr9wTGrc1L9SshbH-bw/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6W7RpZV7Tx9BveOG6mWS69WIbg0SirKt9A2BZddUm8HRMlssuKga8_t1S67Zdv3j8BohWnwGCL7OfDfrI4yf5vei6nNugB-lJAZuFClarP9AlatvUrRSM3_6Nhr9wTGrc1L9SshbH-bw/s1600/photo(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After many failed attempts by others, this girl was the one who finally convinced me to get on the dance floor.</td></tr>
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Another sidenote: The party was a lot of fun and it was a really sweet gesture...but, the cake was disgusting. I'm sorry!! Again...it's the GESTURE that counts, I know.<br />
<br />
One thing I've really enjoyed is living so close to the hall and to everyone here. It's made it much easier to cultivate friendships. A couple named Erling and Rebecca, two regular pioneers, have been really cool and welcoming. Speaking of which, he was just appointed as an elder, making five elders in our hall! It's awesome, but also kind of ridiculous, right? Like I said, the need is in other areas.<br />
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Speaking of elders (man, I am on a roll with the segues here!), the elder body has been great. Each one of them has taken the time to get to know me, especially Elvis Acu<span class="st">ña and his family. He's a really balanced brother. More importantly, he's hilarious. We've had some really good times out witnessing. He's been teaching me a few idioms as well.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQqMG2qzf0ywUS6gaZ4lb43TtuPrbUEb4a8W_qsf4HjlnoR_mc2qWbPdwOdZl01cBt05xmeJ78rSJ2rUO5QnrsyyjhZwKbhUyB5Df29h0Vh-XTUDcqJdn_V-LQbop9MgYjcZgZ7EPK5s/s1600/photo(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQqMG2qzf0ywUS6gaZ4lb43TtuPrbUEb4a8W_qsf4HjlnoR_mc2qWbPdwOdZl01cBt05xmeJ78rSJ2rUO5QnrsyyjhZwKbhUyB5Df29h0Vh-XTUDcqJdn_V-LQbop9MgYjcZgZ7EPK5s/s1600/photo(7).JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This doesn't have anything to do with the post. I just wanted to show how we go about moving and selling a bed here...and I'm trying to fill space.</td></tr>
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<span class="st">Speaking of idioms (seriously, somebody give me some kind of award for segues, please), that's been the only annoying thing so far. If you've been keeping up with me since the beginning, then you know that I didn't speak a lick of Spanish when I first moved here. I learned it purely by being in the congregation and studying the publications. Hence, I speak theocratic Spanish pretty well, but conversational Spanish, not so much. So during my first couple weeks in this hall, there were a couple of occasions when a brother or sister would use an idiom, I wouldn't understand it, and they would immediately conclude, "He doesn't understand!! He needs to learn Spanish!!" Anyone who knows me knows that I don't respond well in those situations. However, patience is the key, and I'm learning new things every day!</span><br />
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<span class="st">The territory is also very nice. It's one of the biggest territories in the city, so there's a lot of potential. I'll do a separate post about how this month's campaign has been going, but let me just leave this little tidbit: for the first time in all of my sneaky photo-taking history, a householder caught me taking photos of them while the brother was preaching to them today. It was humiliating...but I still kept the pictures.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_tRjdiq6uyh376Fdbl_R_6OvR3pAHVQoyLZiC34ovLF9O5xlfmyuVU5CCoIj0ohWcy8yeXBhL8GtkVby1W5Esf86yG8yFgfjqXZQvO-3btGM9piiOl1Ys97znD9hKIu0sLPpmMpCoRo/s1600/photo(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_tRjdiq6uyh376Fdbl_R_6OvR3pAHVQoyLZiC34ovLF9O5xlfmyuVU5CCoIj0ohWcy8yeXBhL8GtkVby1W5Esf86yG8yFgfjqXZQvO-3btGM9piiOl1Ys97znD9hKIu0sLPpmMpCoRo/s1600/photo(4).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof that I was able to get along with a group of kids long enough to get a picture of it.</td></tr>
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<span class="st"> Speaking of pictures (my incredible segues are probably getting annoying by this point), sorry for the low-quality photos and lack of many. I've mainly been taking pictures with my smartphone and tablet instead of my good camera.</span><br />
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<span class="st">Overall, this has been a very refreshing change so far. It was a tough first couple of weeks, but I once I decided to embrace the change, things really turned around. I'm really looking forward to what the next few months have in store. Hopefully that includes a Tim Horton's being constructed in Chinandega at some point. Let me dream, guys. Just let me dream.</span><br />
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<span class="st">Talk soon,</span><br />
<span class="st">Sam</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-62574352008703337402014-07-25T11:59:00.000-07:002014-07-25T12:02:18.299-07:00Changes, Changes!Hello there!<br />
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Yes, it's been a while, hasn't it? I live such an incredibly busy life seeing important people and doing important things that I just haven't had time to come mingle with the common folk. Jokes, jokes! The truth is that I've just returned from working another summer in the States and I am back in Chinandega once again.<br />
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It was a busy few months back home. I picked up two really great Bible studies in my home territory, one of which came to the Memorial! That was very encouraging, and they're currently continuing their studies with two brothers in my home congregation. I also got a new job teaching English online, which is a definite answer to my prayers because it's a great way to support myself while living abroad.<br />
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In other news, a group of us serving in Chinandega had the privilege of attending the Spanish International Convention in New Jersey last month!<br />
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I'm gonna try not to blabber too much about it, but needless to say, it was an unforgettable experience. We had a peak attendance of nearly 60,000. On Saturday, 808 were baptized! They set up four different pools to speed up the process, but it still took almost the entire lunch period to get through everybody! Very encouraging to see.<br />
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As delegates, they treated us VERY well. We were in shock of how much they did for us. Every day that we boarded the bus to go to the stadium, one of these lunch bags was waiting in each and every seat for us! That's not even the half of it. They provided just about every meal, had gift bags waiting for us upon checking in at the hotel (which included special notebooks just for the convention), gave us several tours, and we received hundreds of little gifts everywhere we turned.<br />
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We also got a special tour of the Stanley Theater, one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen. That was by far and away one of the most encouraging days most of us have ever had. It included a special program (introduced by the brother above who started off by taking a selfie in front of the audience) about the theater's history and renovations.<br />
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Oh, and as one last gift for the day, as we were leaving to board our buses back to the hotel, they surprised us with another buffet accompanied by live music! They also handed out more gift backs, and before we knew it, the whole thing turned into a huge fiesta in one of the back rooms of the Stanley Theater. ?!?!?!?! The whole day was very overwhelming - in the best way possible! Jehovah really does love us and gives us just the encouragement we need. It was a day none of us will forget.<br />
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Over the course of the weekend, Brother Jackson came to give four talks (accompanied by a great Spanish interpreter). They looked so tiny on the field, so we were glad we had those giant screens. He is an incredible speaker, and he brought so much life to his talks that by the end of each one of them, the audience was not only applauding, but cheering! Definitely an awesome privilege. <br />
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One of my favorite interviews over the weekend was from a brother in his 90s. Speaking about blessings he has received from his endurance, he said to the brother interviewing him, "Look around at all these people in the audience. You know who they are? They're my brothers and my family."<br />
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I got to see many old friends over the weekend as well, including my friend Lynette. She was the person who convinced me to go to the Nicaragua in the first place. Without her, I probably never would have gone to Nicaragua, attended that convention, or even be writing this blog post.<br />
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I also got to bump into my friend Bridget, the person who convinced me that I should stay in Nicaragua. She was serving in Esteli the first time I came. She helped me a great deal to get settled in and was a great pillar of support. To this day, whenever I need Nica advice, I still go to her!<br />
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On Sunday, our group had to dress full-on Nica style. Even though there were technically only one-and-a-half Nicaraguans in our group, it was a lot fun - and much easier to wear than a suit in that hot weather!<br />
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To end an incredible weekend, we spent some time in NYC, went a Yankees game (where the Red Sox crushed them!), and toured Walkhill. Afterward, Jefte and Zach came to visit me in Maine for a few days. We had a blast!<br />
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After a crazy yet very fun couple of weeks, it was time to return to Nica. Jefte, Zach, and I flew in about two weeks ago. Since then, it's been a busy time adjusting to many new changes. I'm still living in the same house, which is good because it adds a level of stability. However, this time I have changed to a new congregation. With some help and advice from my C.O., I've finally chosen a congregation that I feel comfortable in: Chinandega Norte. (Yes, Chinandega North)<br />
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My new Kingdom Hall. It's only a few blocks away from my house, which is a <i>huge </i>relief. I cannot tell you how good it feels to go from constantly worrying about transportation to be able to just walk to the hall.<br />
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One of the reasons I chose this congregation was that I already knew a few people from there. That made me feel much more comfortable. Surprisingly, they have many elders, servants, and pioneers - four elders, three servants, and ten pioneers. However, from what I've gathered, the major need here is for encouragement and stability. They have a fairly large territory for a city congregation. It takes them fifteen days to cover it, which is actually a long time in comparison with most other city congregations who cover their territories in just a few days. Mid-week ministry support is pretty weak. So far, there's only been about five people out on a given day, which isn't too good for a hall with 72 publishers. Our C.O. said that meeting attendance is a big problem as well. On Sundays, they are averaging 66, but that includes Bible students coming as well, so as a congregation, it's lower than that.<br />
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However, everybody has been very friendly thus far. Although I still have quite a ways to go with my Spanish, it feels good not going into it having to start from scratch. I can actually focus on getting to know these brothers and not struggle with the language. The elder body told me they are very grateful for the help.<br />
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Obviously, the need in this congregation is nowhere near as desperate as Ojo de Agua. Sometimes I think that maybe I'm being too lazy by being in this hall. However, I realized that not every hall here is going to be an Ojo de Agua. You don't need to be working yourself to death in a congregation in order to be serving where there is a greater need. Actually, it looks like this hall needs help in certain areas that Ojo doesn't. For example, overall, Ojo didn't really have any internal problems. Overall, the congregation gets along like a big family. That doesn't seem to be the case here. Also, witnessing support in Ojo improved a lot over time, whereas it is pretty weak here. The brothers in Ojo were pretty diligent about fulfilling their responsibilities as well, but according to the elder body in Norte, that is an area in which they need a great deal of help. So even though Ojo primarily needed help in that they needed more brothers to do more parts, they were doing fairly well in most other areas. With Norte, even though they have plenty of brothers, they need a lot of help in most other areas.<br />
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All in all, I spent two years in Ojo de Agua, and even though I don't have the energy for that in me anymore, I feel like I can use my experience from that to benefit this congregation. I really like it so far. I've already started three new Bible studies - one of which I'm going to go see this afternoon!<br />
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As far as the weather goes, it's been rough, honestly. Temperatures have been about as high as they are in April, and this is supposed to be a rainy month. There has been a drought that's lasted about two months now! Thankfully, it rained a couple of days ago. I was overjoyed, to say the least.<br />
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All the guys together once again (recreating the same picture we took a year ago in one of my previous posts, "Tu Palabra es la Verdad").<br /><br />
That's about it for now. Between adjusting to a new hall, readjusting to the heat, and living alone again, I have to say I've been missing home a lot. I thought leaving my friends and family would get easier each time, but it's been getting harder. However, I'm determined to make the most of my new situation, and each day gets easier. Nevertheless, please write or send me an e-mail to let me know how you're doing! You may not think it, but each and every message means a great deal to me. Thank you all for your love and support as usual!<br />
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Talk soon,<br />
Sam Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-84131922410693158972014-02-09T19:32:00.001-08:002014-02-09T21:06:04.933-08:00Farewell, Ojo de AguaHello there,<br />
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Well, after a year-and-a-half of what has been a roller coaster experience, I have made a huge decision: I will be leaving the Ojo de Agua congregation.</div>
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This may not be a huge shock to some of you, but allow me to explain myself.</div>
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As I said before, I moved to Chinandega in late 2012, hoping to be in the English congregation. Instead, my friend Simon and I were asked to go to Ojo de Agua. At first, it was completely overwhelming. However, with time, I was able to pick up the language and start getting some work done.</div>
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Giving my first Bible reading in Spanish. I think this was November 2012.</div>
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With a lot of help from Jehovah, I was also able to have a productive ministry. Conducting Spanish Bible studies was such a challenge, but it brought me incredible joy.</div>
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Simon and I were also able to help out with a lot of congregational responsibilities. It made both of us very happy to be of good use in Jehovah's service.</div>
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Picking up people in our territory for the Memorial last year.<br />
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Best of all, I became acquainted with a very loving and welcoming congregation. Breaking down the language barrier allowed me to cultivate friendships that I know will last forever.</div>
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Roberto, Simon, and I having some fun about a year ago. Roberto has been a major support system for me. We may bicker now and then, but we have each other's best interests at heart. Those are the kind of friends who are there to help you up when you're down.</div>
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Little Juanita and I, over a year ago now.</div>
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However, a lot of things changed. Over this past summer, I found out that Simon wasn't going to return to Nicaragua. While I understood his reasons for not coming back, it was going to be a challenge tackling Ojo without a partner. Also, upon returning to Chinandega, I learned that Stephane, our only elder, and his wife were leaving Ojo de Agua. That left us with just three ministerial servants: Domingo, Roberto, and myself.</div>
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Ready to take it on alone!</div>
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This was another overwhelming situation. As I wrote here before, I was feeling very discouraged, and for many reasons - transportation problems, a huge work load, and going through it alone.</div>
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Now, I know you're gonna say that I'm not alone, and I know that. The congregation has been very supportive. I think it's been the fact that I live so far from the territory and I've come from so far away that at the end of the day, I don't really have anyone to vent to. Yes, there are many great friends in Chinandega, but it's different with your living situation. Living alone has been easier in a lot of ways, but difficult in that sense.</div>
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Things changed in December. I finally started to feel much more comfortable with my Spanish, and our local servant, Domingo, was appointed as an elder.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This was a major relief! It has brought the congregation a sense of security that they never had before, and has lightened our work load a little bit as well. </span></div>
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Still, I couldn't help but feel like my joy was slowly being drained from me. I think it was the fact that I was working so hard to keep everything functioning perfectly that eventually, that was what I came to view it as: my <i>job. </i>Soon, I felt myself losing the motivation to comment or even study because I felt like doing those things were part of my job, and not sources of joy. I had been giving so much of myself for the past year-and-a-half that I felt nothing but frustration. My transportation problems had hindered me from getting into a routine and being closer to the congregation that I realized, "Maybe Jehovah is pushing me in another direction."</div>
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I was explaining all of this to my C.O., and he agreed. He was very understanding, and said that he would send me to a congregation in the city of Chinandega the next time I return. That way, even though there will still be work to do, I won't have to worry about a commute. I happily agreed, and I'm looking forward to the change. </div>
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Please know that this isn't a reflection on the congregation. I've said it before and I'll say it again: it is a very loving and close-knit congregation. It has been a pleasure to be a part of it. Put simply, for me, I'm just ready for a change!</div>
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In the meantime, I had to tell people that I was leaving. That was the part of the process I was dreading. First, I decided to tell my very good friends, Ervin and Yorleni.</div>
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This is Ervin. He's 17, and is the younger brother of Yorleni, our only local pioneer. He was struggling with associating with his schoolmates last year, so I really wanted to reach out to him. We worked out in service together a lot, and became very good friends by doing so. I took him and Yorleni aside about a month ago and told them the news.<br />
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It didn't go as planned. They were both shocked. Yorleni told me, "You too?! But Sam, we need your joy and spirit here!" I replied, "But Yorleni, I'm <i>losing </i>my joy!" Ervin gave me a quick hug, said, "I don't know what to say," and walked off. Yorleni said to me, "I think he's just sad because we were just saying the other day how much we love you and think of you as family!"</div>
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That was when the tears came on.</div>
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Later that afternoon, I received a message from Ervin that read, "Sam, you know I don't talk a lot...and even though you're not leaving just yet, I wanted to tell you this: the time that you've spent with our congregation has been very valuable to us all. Our congregation, my family, and myself have come to consider you as another member of our family. You are a great brother and friend. Remember last year's year text: 'Be courageous and strong. Jehovah your god is with you.' And all of us, Sam, hope that we will be in your memories wherever you go. Thank you for everything."</div>
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Today was my last final meeting. It was overwhelming having everybody come up and say bye, so much so to the point where I didn't really have time to feel sad. It was very strange...but I know that I'll at least come visit them!</div>
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Louis-Santiago giving his first Bible reading!<br />
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My last talk.</div>
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Me with Arlen and José-Louis, two siblings who were baptized together about a year ago. They still haven't finished their studies, so Renee asked me to study with them a few months ago. It was a real pleasure studying with them. They are both so smart and have grown so much spiritually. We had a lot of fun together, and I'll truly miss it.</div>
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I sometimes wonder what my life would be like had I not been put in Ojo de Agua. It's given me a great opportunity to learn many things about myself and to grow in my relationship with Jehovah. It's proven to me that He can sustain you in any situation as long as you give Him your best. More than that, it's not always about making sure that the congregation is functioning perfectly. It's about the spirit of love among your fellow brothers and sisters. Maintaining that spirit will make it much easier to maintain everything else.</div>
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What I'm taking away from Ojo is this: Jehovah loves every single congregation, no matter how isolated it may be. He takes care of all of us. Many times, the ones that are helping out need help themselves, and that is what He has done for me. </div>
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I truly wish all the best for this congregation. It will always hold a special place in my heart. Thanks for everything, Ojo de Agua.</div>
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Talk to you all very soon.</div>
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Take care,</div>
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Sam</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3912571605452134105.post-59366866905632212014-02-03T16:51:00.001-08:002014-02-03T16:51:37.679-08:00English Circuit AssemblyHi all,<div><br></div><div>I decided to attend the "God's Word is Beneficial for Teaching" circuit assembly in English this past weekend, and I'm so glad that I did. It was a very encouraging and refreshing weekend!</div><div><br></div><div>A few of us went down to Managua a day early. We spent the afternoon visiting a house that Dave and Junea rented on the Laguna de Apoyo, a volcanic crater lake in Granada. I've been there a couple times before, the last time being at the same house. It is unbelievably beautiful there - a preview of paradise!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5pOsP-m-2iE7dGS0YDIVxRS8Tqjo4etkQSDaCtLfWDNn94u-JBThXVSmuNZVfXQPmqSmrS9LdY2vx_Z22u_v5ySOpv0dCGh3cYYccH1uc1nQlViKB0ZBRkVZi1_SoGunMqByr9dDAaA/s640/blogger-image-1737590397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5pOsP-m-2iE7dGS0YDIVxRS8Tqjo4etkQSDaCtLfWDNn94u-JBThXVSmuNZVfXQPmqSmrS9LdY2vx_Z22u_v5ySOpv0dCGh3cYYccH1uc1nQlViKB0ZBRkVZi1_SoGunMqByr9dDAaA/s640/blogger-image-1737590397.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The water is perfect - it's geothermally heated!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I got permission to attend the regular pioneer meeting the next day, even though I'm not in the English circuit. It was a great privilege to be able to attend. There was 168 in attendance. The meeting was all about maintaining joy in our Kingdom service. It was very practical counsel that came at the perfect time for me, considering that's been my biggest struggle this time around! The talks encouraged us to take all the negatives and try to turn them into positives. Much of the outcome of a situation depends on our personal outlook, so keep it positive! That's what I'm determined to do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu11tEA7Dr_o1u4Qq2uiTk4qE7edm26nY7V9dqTtvG2dTBXm_WFID1B8SYEec1ZkyrX8SfNct2sAvR7ALqbfz600QWfb1sf50QIEhTiLNzhbE-lWyZd2qV3vSQqt8dVNVQ0gGtbtBtGc8/s640/blogger-image--381863147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu11tEA7Dr_o1u4Qq2uiTk4qE7edm26nY7V9dqTtvG2dTBXm_WFID1B8SYEec1ZkyrX8SfNct2sAvR7ALqbfz600QWfb1sf50QIEhTiLNzhbE-lWyZd2qV3vSQqt8dVNVQ0gGtbtBtGc8/s640/blogger-image--381863147.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is Brother Ruben Garcia, the English circuit overseer, giving a talk at the pioneer meeting. He's originally from New York, and is a very friendly & effective speaker. He's always got that big smile on his face! He has a way of putting things into perspective and helping you not to worry about the small stuff. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One thing that stood out to me from the meeting was the experience of Ashley, a sister serving in León with her husband, Nate. The talk was about fighting discouragement despite challenges, and they certainly had many. They had a goal of attending Gilead, but soon after setting that goal, things began to fall apart. They had to spend thousands of dollars on a car repair, which was a waste because that car died soon after! Finding a stable living situation was also difficult. They stayed with many friends of theirs over time. Eventually, they found out that she was pregnant! Giving up would've been easy, but instead, they turned what could've been a depressing situation into a positive one. They prayed a lot, and have adjusted their circumstances so that they can pioneer full-time here in Nicaragua with their beautiful two-year-old daughter, Lily.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The next day was the start of the assembly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38lS5YXuJU5EzE6MLpkdY3GMTDSmFXZ2ezJxNewhmpzA5Uj35EJXEUc9wn0-Y5asPnVKJaupSCUfcxouTorSpexTlWYGauWqyx-4uISo35ndwhVp12TA3J7rhioUd0HHnlgmHz21E0k8/s640/blogger-image--1722919451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38lS5YXuJU5EzE6MLpkdY3GMTDSmFXZ2ezJxNewhmpzA5Uj35EJXEUc9wn0-Y5asPnVKJaupSCUfcxouTorSpexTlWYGauWqyx-4uISo35ndwhVp12TA3J7rhioUd0HHnlgmHz21E0k8/s640/blogger-image--1722919451.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4WTtCdEs7-SA80MfORsBnRNS7PcWzwa8z8v-AAl1Xp6MC0sKUA7_RD6KcvHJjM3kVtTUI74u8TK9gW2CYwI-PUUCKbIzwClHJYeMg6Pu8SQnMyuz-Ews8UAAi7zSv_BY87gy0xmm9V8/s640/blogger-image--2032249867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4WTtCdEs7-SA80MfORsBnRNS7PcWzwa8z8v-AAl1Xp6MC0sKUA7_RD6KcvHJjM3kVtTUI74u8TK9gW2CYwI-PUUCKbIzwClHJYeMg6Pu8SQnMyuz-Ews8UAAi7zSv_BY87gy0xmm9V8/s640/blogger-image--2032249867.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It doesn't look like a humongous crowd, but there were many different countries represented at this assembly: Nicaragua, Australia, Canada, the United States, Austria, England, Ireland, France, Italy, Mexico, Venezuela, and more. We are definitely an international brotherhood!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOLdIpLNjWQk92jWJ7y-wQodBA8jT7z_HgHcdhkoGIjSaWgnPAvn4X2M6NsNCoqpq0tbmYn3wuTc4uoSy9VJuVjfCYkgS2owMvVKcGPyyT5uFdrsTBZwRLDdZhcNm7lcs7CUchWAA9Eg/s640/blogger-image--608505516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOLdIpLNjWQk92jWJ7y-wQodBA8jT7z_HgHcdhkoGIjSaWgnPAvn4X2M6NsNCoqpq0tbmYn3wuTc4uoSy9VJuVjfCYkgS2owMvVKcGPyyT5uFdrsTBZwRLDdZhcNm7lcs7CUchWAA9Eg/s640/blogger-image--608505516.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My friend Moises giving a soliloquy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCBXbmBJSrPxESRmtMxblNZjLek39oR_-CbYbP8NqWI-lkzXvAD04feoKMZLIrLhuUVfdyt5ZJQDZf3z4c6A0wlLxVCu7CfpV-NAKNaTfGW7hnZNzb0Y0vN6bc4odj6Dh2z7pYD7sLis/s640/blogger-image-435869654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCBXbmBJSrPxESRmtMxblNZjLek39oR_-CbYbP8NqWI-lkzXvAD04feoKMZLIrLhuUVfdyt5ZJQDZf3z4c6A0wlLxVCu7CfpV-NAKNaTfGW7hnZNzb0Y0vN6bc4odj6Dh2z7pYD7sLis/s640/blogger-image-435869654.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There was one person baptized on Saturday, and her name is Mary. She is a very sweet girl, and has done considerably well with her circumstances. Her family is opposed, but she kept up with her studies, and now she's officially a sister!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ibyFLRkZuYweR8NlMtLTnUbf3PX-oUgObJmXbiCVf-C2wjuXvdd-BUEAfUVR3hUxiqn9JncHWS4YlrxfY-1MwDlKLG3fQWvCcOp7Z_6mBZh2GemeMLvKqAtbqgtpbmV71e6Ms-1_Lhs/s640/blogger-image-1562838772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ibyFLRkZuYweR8NlMtLTnUbf3PX-oUgObJmXbiCVf-C2wjuXvdd-BUEAfUVR3hUxiqn9JncHWS4YlrxfY-1MwDlKLG3fQWvCcOp7Z_6mBZh2GemeMLvKqAtbqgtpbmV71e6Ms-1_Lhs/s640/blogger-image-1562838772.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Two sisters re-enacting an experience in which someone requested a Bible study at one of the public witnessing stands in Managua.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4CQsms6XbxftGXA-juHdiGe4K44lf0QOH-yTDcr_d2NQu6Oy3hFmJZVPskljX3fcln965t3XQv_bi1LNTZ5FsCMF9eueapVXAXcK8aw99kQ8e9k5ePcHqSkEVtzqPgXgwwhej9ynKlg/s640/blogger-image--1349910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4CQsms6XbxftGXA-juHdiGe4K44lf0QOH-yTDcr_d2NQu6Oy3hFmJZVPskljX3fcln965t3XQv_bi1LNTZ5FsCMF9eueapVXAXcK8aw99kQ8e9k5ePcHqSkEVtzqPgXgwwhej9ynKlg/s640/blogger-image--1349910.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Josh was the chairman Sunday afternoon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgax5QOoY6J3toNrwlGXxoZXQYyHqZPk_ukLQ4iyggyge0RuvnsYDY5tJKQuJaF05qfEhmfcMUaS0-uZPGsb0WocR7O1Q89PZdTR2gJkThxEl2Imr2LbfYFB3Ik4zTa0i3liIFjmEYFQIk/s640/blogger-image--346936669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgax5QOoY6J3toNrwlGXxoZXQYyHqZPk_ukLQ4iyggyge0RuvnsYDY5tJKQuJaF05qfEhmfcMUaS0-uZPGsb0WocR7O1Q89PZdTR2gJkThxEl2Imr2LbfYFB3Ik4zTa0i3liIFjmEYFQIk/s640/blogger-image--346936669.jpg"></a></div>Jen and I. She has encouraged me a lot during my time here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheF2jkpHedSA5sintXaWJGZ4NxBFQPbK-bZjg0-lQN3vGT-tmTXw2mOMYuvwLUrW9opLkmhy8Y37R0LyQImNAQSnQcwmSvMYSjVHKM7el5Xel7Dbqfh8hv7o9r37fQ8NTc0t9ZgShK_x8/s640/blogger-image-1388404268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheF2jkpHedSA5sintXaWJGZ4NxBFQPbK-bZjg0-lQN3vGT-tmTXw2mOMYuvwLUrW9opLkmhy8Y37R0LyQImNAQSnQcwmSvMYSjVHKM7el5Xel7Dbqfh8hv7o9r37fQ8NTc0t9ZgShK_x8/s640/blogger-image-1388404268.jpg"></a></div>Our weekend group. Left to right: me, Moises, Gavin (from England), his sister Amy, Eduardo, and Josue. Gavin and Amy flew out of Nicaragua today. They will be missed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The program was just what we all needed. The brothers applied the information in the perfect way so that it hit home to us serving where the need is greater. Although I feel pretty comfortable with Spanish, it was refreshing to hear it all in English! As one brother put it, "If this was physical food, we'd all be overweight!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We relaxed Sunday after the session by watching the Super Bowl (which was a joke) at a restaurant in Managua.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjiODv-hdpIRb88XMr0XSERph60T-4fqdVpi2Hly5sUMO4LpPYPs67N33wtlB9X792r8ipgN09TfAFtKj-Tfyrln-gLr03Tr_0if3bs69PiNRSo4hZWstsg4tNTzsjDpOF-3RwwW4hhM/s640/blogger-image--1831387924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjiODv-hdpIRb88XMr0XSERph60T-4fqdVpi2Hly5sUMO4LpPYPs67N33wtlB9X792r8ipgN09TfAFtKj-Tfyrln-gLr03Tr_0if3bs69PiNRSo4hZWstsg4tNTzsjDpOF-3RwwW4hhM/s640/blogger-image--1831387924.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoDkjIxAtrEt6CHpCmct8h6AhvWR1PE-WjMfokMzZNDAmlXT8uMwfQf9FoqQvzZlOt1Oss9i-weq066aDh9IMUCvg8VL-DUCWAloS0rcdSXn484AWCyhfi-Ic4HFuXCWj1HbrBFyuric/s640/blogger-image--2009071117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoDkjIxAtrEt6CHpCmct8h6AhvWR1PE-WjMfokMzZNDAmlXT8uMwfQf9FoqQvzZlOt1Oss9i-weq066aDh9IMUCvg8VL-DUCWAloS0rcdSXn484AWCyhfi-Ic4HFuXCWj1HbrBFyuric/s640/blogger-image--2009071117.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I love football!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We also played some games with some of the brothers from Pearl Lagoon who were staying at the same house as us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKQAVydkui2ich6jX6naGv79CytCVuTyuzdCOKLwTaF90NEaTdUBNIs7x-XMnx5PRhZATPB-vyYvdvVAfHHiR52l2kpV9-guY59cVamoEiCSCQhWSY0Om-EHDZeFhFCKA18At-uelsfg/s640/blogger-image-788915663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKQAVydkui2ich6jX6naGv79CytCVuTyuzdCOKLwTaF90NEaTdUBNIs7x-XMnx5PRhZATPB-vyYvdvVAfHHiR52l2kpV9-guY59cVamoEiCSCQhWSY0Om-EHDZeFhFCKA18At-uelsfg/s640/blogger-image-788915663.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This was the longest game of UNO I've ever played. It went til midnight! We had a blast though. My stomach hurt from laughing so much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All in all, the assembly was just what the doctor ordered. Jehovah gives us a nice boost at just the right time! Now it's back to Chinatown and back to Ojo. I'm ready for it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thanks for reading. Talk soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sam</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09852219151200879334noreply@blogger.com0