Experiences
Trip Start
Jan 27, 2007
1
6
8
Trip End
Apr 02, 2007
Windhoek, Namibia
Friday, March 9, 2007
A couple brothers in my congregation were studying with a young man in the Require brochure. He speaks English, but I suppose certain phrases are misunderstood at times. They read the scripture that says the only grounds for divorce is fornication. After the student assured the brothers that he understood the meaning of the scripture, Mervin, who doubted his comprehension of the wording, asked the student to please explain to him what it means. The student went on to explain to the brothers that the scripture clearly shows that God allows fornication, as long as it is not done on the ground!....
A sister used an illustration with her study and asked, "in your family, if you had a loved one who died faithful to God and you also had an animal, one of your dogs, who had also died, which one is really better off?" (the answer she was looking for of course was the person who died, as they have the hope...) The women thought for quite a while and said confidently, "definitely the dog." "Why?" the sister asked. "Because," said the householder, "then you can eat it!"
The highlight of my service this week was when a young mother of 2, obviously very poor, went into her savings jar to get her last coins as a donation for the magazine. i hadn't even asked her for it, but she wanted to give something in exchange. it was only $3 namibian (roughly 45 cents) which reminds me: sometimes we forget that our donations at the hillsboro kingdom hall are not only for the needs in our own areas, our own literature placements, etc... how could these countries in Africa ever donate enough money to the society to keep their congregations stocked with the literature they need to preach at 45 cents a book, if indeed, it worked that way. Talk about an equalizing effect... Nice to know we can have a part in that equalizing.
At least you know where to come if you want some good bible studies. to NAMIBIA! Maybe we can get a field trip going next year. (get it? "field" trip? Ok, sorry, that was bad...)
on that note, i shall leave you. we see the falls in less than 2 weeks, so next blog will hopefully have some visual content for you. thanks for the emails. lekker dag!
Comments
Spiders, Cockroachs, and Wet roundabouts, O my!
Hi Elsie,
It's Scott and Jules Wick. Dorothy sent us a link to this and I've been up reading all of your entries(as well as everyones responses). As others have said, it's a good read. We're talking book of the month club here. Anyway, so glad you're having such a great time having a grand adventure. It strikes me though that any of us could have the same good time if we had half of your gumption, moxie,(and willingness to just do it and trust in Jah)! Jules hasn't read this yet(resting for tomorrow's assembly day), but I know when she does she will heartily agree with me that we are proud of you. It's been great to read and see that it truly is a small world. Or as a brother said to me in Boise once after I made that statement. 'No... it's just a large organization.'
Definitely encouraging!! Thanks and we'll buy you as many iced lattes as you need when you're home.
The grand adventure continues...
Hi Els,
So great to get your emails! I've shared them with so many people. I have Jade Wright asking me all the time if I've got a new installment of your adventures. She loves sharing them with her kids and other young ones to encourage them to expand their horizons and see how Jehovah can open many doors of opportunity to serve him. We had our first day of the circuit assembly today. My bible study whose name is Solly came along with me, also her young daughter. She really enjoyed the program in spite of having a hard time being in crowds, and we had a huge attendance today, over 1300! We have to set our clocks forward tonight for daylight savings so I'd better get to bed early since I'll lose an hour. Great to hear your experiencing the real joy of the ministry in your far away field, thanks for sharing some with us. So how are you doing, staying well? You've shared the bug adventures, but how about any interesting food adventures? Tell all the brothers and sisters hello from your auntie and have a wonderful time at the Falls. Oh and grandma said to tell you she has a new email address: aasuess@msn.com
Love and kisses,
Aunt Cheryl
no complaining for me!
I wish someone was with me when I read these experiences. I laughed and laughed! It was kinda lonely laughing alone.
I guess after hearing of some of the difficulties (extreme heat, masses of bugs, beyond basic housing, etc.) that are normal for those where you are, I would be showing a lack of appreciation for how very nice we have it here, if I complain about losing 1 hour of sleep (thanks for the reminder, Cheryl. I already had set the coffee pot for the morning, and set the alarm. I would have been an hour behind! I remembered earlier this evening. I think it's my subconscience rebelling). But on the weekend of the Assembly? Not fair. Whoops, no complaining. Guess I'd better get to bed then. More later. The program was excellent today. The many interviews were among the best that I can remember.
Funny...and yet very Up building
hey Elsie,
Wow, I almost died of laughter when I heard about the woman behind the curtain......HAHAHA!!....man that's funny. That language barrier can be hard though. 2 month ago in sign language I commented on how the angels help in the preaching work, and the praise of Jehovah. instead of signing Angels I signed Penguins. I was wandering why half the book study was on the floor laughing, but I found out later. . That language barrier can be hard to get through sometimes, so I know how you feel.
Story time with Elsie Suess!
Wow!! do you think she thinks you bought the sleepy just woke up Huh.... cleaning my windows or something? Sometimes I do that... sleep walk you Know.
I love reading your stories, and who better than you to share them you are so funny! I can actually can hear you telling it to me.
Let me know if you need anything!!!! I be in touch.
Love JoAnne
Would have loved to have been a roach on a wall...
to be there during your field service experiences! Oh, I guess in a way I am....without the roach on a wall part. Thank you so much for sharing!
I printed this edition and took it this weekend to Sunriver (Olivia-13 and Samuel-5 had their first snowboard experience) to share. Nikki said 'Did that sister really say that (tell your mom she should take her feet next time!)? I say, Good for her! Looking forward to the next chapter!
Love, Marsha
One day at a time...
Hey there! It's like youre writing your own little yearbook entry for the society. haha. I'm wondering if this kind of stuff happens all the time, if if it's just you and the swirl of exciting-ness that follows you around wherever you go. Maybe it's a little bit of both. It's weird reading 'I started 4 more studies on Wednesday in 2 hours', I kinda read that as if you said something like... 'I had a ham sandwich at lunch today', and then I was like... Yeah, why not? That totally could happen... wait what?
it's going to be a long day......
I just wet my pants.....which is a problem as I am at work. Or is it? I suppose 'one of my patients just peed on me again' could work one more time. 'Pay no attention to the woman behind the curtain!' Hands down - best story I've heard all year. Thanks again. Love ya doll. -M
better late then never right?
hey,i haven't forgotten about you,in fact i'm hesitant to write something that will be on the same page as your awe inspiring words.
i can't wait to see all your pictures and hear the all stories togo with them. i love reading your blogs,its probably the closest i'll be to seeing africa,or at least for now.
i hope you have a safe trip home.
love your favorite sis-in-law (holly)