Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Midweek Practice.

Practicing talks after the midweek meeting.
Maddie, Sebastian, and Lydia.

This was our first regular meeting back in Panajachel because of the Circuit Assembly and Circuit Overseer visit. Had my first part and was reappointed as an elder. Another brother who was with the original English group here was also appointed. Hes been here about 4 years and probably has the most local avvy. The meeting was an hour early because the Cakchiquel Congregation has their C.O. visit. Many stayed late because it started raining heavily just as the meeting finished, so we got to meet the Cakchiquel C.O. and his wife. He had to jump out of his car to open the gate and got a little soaked.

Today was supposed to be a Service Day for all of us, but in contact with the other elders it was cancelled.  The other congregations, in spite of the visit, had already cancelled in anticipation of the planned protests around the country today. These are expected to be heavily attended and could be problematic.

The earthquake in Mexico yesterday had no effect here. We weren't even aware of it until someone mentioned it at the meeting. We are all fine and hunkering down today until later when we'll venture out looking for food.

Please feel free to comment. It's how we stay connected.
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10 comments:

  1. UnknownSeptember 20, 2017 at 1:57 PM

    Good afternoon to all and a congratulations to Rob with your announcement of being an elder there in that congregation.

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  2. UnknownSeptember 20, 2017 at 1:58 PM

    So I just read like six posts I don't know why but I got them all just now today sometime. I do watch for your posts every day and I read them as soon as I am able. Thank you for sharing all of your experiences with us regarding the food City activities field service and accommodations and restaurants. It makes me continue to look forward to 2018 when I will be traveling to see you.

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    1. WarnerstriptoguatemalaSeptember 24, 2017 at 8:24 AM

      A flurry of Posts often reflect downtime when we have the energy to post. Too often exhausted to work at it. The program is somewhat clunky and slow, and takes a lot of futzing around to add pictures. Raquel posts more often on Instagram.

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  3. UnknownSeptember 20, 2017 at 3:38 PM

    This is all so encouraging, thanks for sharing, and I must admit I am a bit jealous...Spanish will come now that you are needing to comunicate...you will be surprised how quickly you will progress...

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  4. UnknownSeptember 21, 2017 at 5:31 PM

    I love hearing about all that you guys are experiencing. Tell Rob congratulations! Will he get to conduct the Watchtower? I had been wondering if you had felt the earthquake too. Miss you and your family! Keep on posting! Love Christine

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    Replies
    1. WarnerstriptoguatemalaSeptember 24, 2017 at 8:37 AM

      The brother currently conducting, Tim Hester, is more than capable. This venue is very daunting, especially in high season November through April, when there may be as many visitors as residents. I am pretty much starting from zero here as an elder, and really need to get my feet on the ground before taking on too many responsibilities. We had our first elders meeting yesterday - 4 instead of 2 - another brother was also appointed. This was the first time they had to meet at the kingdom hall instead of the COBE's home.

      We felt the first earthquake when Flemings were here, the bed and house were undulating or quivering more so than shaking. Quite a weird experience. The second quake nearer Mexico City we didn't feel, only heard about it afterward. If you look up online, there are quakes here almost every week, primarily intensity 4 or less, which often go unnoticed.

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  5. UnknownSeptember 23, 2017 at 5:57 PM

    We just saw the video again of "Walk by faith not by sight". We thought of all of you! we are so proud of the huge steps you all have taken. Jehovah will certainty give you what you need when you need it. What a great example you are personally to our family! Love you all. The Jonett's

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  6. WarnerstriptoguatemalaSeptember 24, 2017 at 9:04 AM

    Before we left, I had some feelings of guilt because in a way we were going on a permanent vacation. Now that we are here, it has been and continues to be a physical and mental struggle, and
    I don't feel that way anymore. We are still searching for a better house and trying to establish our daily routines, so we feel very unsettled. We often have to take a step back from our frustrations and anxieties and reflect on what we DO have and why we are here. We are still committed and would make the same decision if we had to do it again.

    We are looking for a larger place so we can better accommodate visitors from the states. And a place that better fits our needs and wants. A home needs to be a place that makes you happy to come back to, not just another part of the struggle.

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    Replies
    1. UnknownSeptember 24, 2017 at 2:19 PM

      Thats why it's called a sacrifice...the place you have is nice, maybe just doing some things to make it feel cozy and like home would help...anything we can send with Annette to help in that just let me know....

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