Anyhows, I have a few mins, so here I am. I am ashamed to see that the last time I posted was back in May! So, now we are in October, what has happened...?
I guess the major thing is that the temporary move to New Amsterdam Sign Language Group has become a permanent thing. It has been a strange transition as I came over for a brief 'toe in the water' and have just ended up staying (familiar story for those that know about my Bethel and original Guyana stories). Deciding to stay and assist has opened up a whole load of new blessings and challenges, along with some of those rather special ones that come with serving in sign language. That said, I do feel Jehovah's support on the decision and don't regret it. I have still been going back to Skeldon to conduct one study that I am not ready to give up and so I manage to catch up with most people still.
So, I am now in my new 'pad' - which is next door to the house I was squatting in, next to Luke and Laura. Although I am sure I annoy them, they look after me really well and Laura is the 'back-step fairy' who leaves amazing dinners on my steps and disappears into the night. I have a strange apartment that feels like a villain's lair (original Batman series reference) as it is basically like the leaning tower of Pisa. The place is big, though, and has been great to be able to entertain a little. My favourite thing is I have a veranda where I can sit outside on a morning and watch the world go by with my coffee.
I guess one of the most amazing things that has happened was the convention - I know you will all agree for your own reasons. I decided not to come back to the UK for the convention as many from here were going home for their conventions and we were running on skeleton crews somewhat. After all the instagram posts, I really regret that decision as Twickers looked amazing. Thanks for all of you that posted from there though, as I could live vicariously for a month with all the preparations and the actual event. Here in Guyana, though, we had a special time with the baptism of two of our young Deaf ones: Niasia from Skeldon and Anthony from New Amsterdam. Both of these have been studying since they were young. Anthony is now 17 and Niasia is 16. They have both blossomed into amazing young people. Niasia is the proof that a village raises a child - she has been studied with by every sister that has come through Berbice. A few years ago she was a Beyonce wannabe who could not string a coherent sentence together - just garbled sign language. With great effort and many prayers, though, the sisters have worked with her to become a publisher, be able to take picture notes in talks, give assignments on the school and get baptised. I had the privilege of conducting one of the sets of questions with her and she blew me away with her maturity and ability to articulate her understanding of the truth. Her baptism was a really emotional time for many of us. I also got to interpret the baptism talk and direct the questions - seeing them both sign 'YES' with conviction was a tear-jerker.
Other news is Robin - a young lad who has appeared through this blog from time to time. He was actually my first instagram post from over three years ago - a 13 year old lad who showed such promise. Sadly, due to his parents splitting up and some other big changes in his life, he kinda dropped out from coming to meetings and got caught up with the world. Scott and I never gave up with him though and kept visiting him even though at times he would walk past us without saying hi or would tell people that he was never going back to meetings. Eventually, he saw the world for what it was and he suddenly asked me to resume his study. Since then (around May), he has progressed to become a publisher, giving assignments on the school once again and has the goal of baptism firmly in his sights. He is absolutely amazing on the ministry and has been reporting over 40 hours a month each month - so cool for a 16 year old Deaf lad. He has a few RV's and is developing into a beautiful teacher.
I have two guys from Scotland staying with me at the moment - a brother from my mother and brother's congregation, and another brother. It is so nice to have the humour and banter from home, thought they are both 21, so I am definitely feeling my age! Going to bed at 9pm and hearing them play fight and laughing til gone midnight is doing nothing for my self-deception of being young and fun. They are finding Guyana a challenging place and are very intimidated by the more special parts of living in Guyana and a 'third-world' country. It has been funny to hear them and reflect on how much I have made this place my home.
Anyway, enough of all that - here are some pictures:
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| Robin and I on the campaign. He loved it! He did over 50 hours and was definitely what we needed to keep us motivated |
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| Dillon! This lad and I are in the group together. He and his wife are here from the States and have moved here and work from here. They are an amazing energy. |
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| This was one of my happy days where Skeldon's Denzel came to NA and attended the sign group. Having him and Robin side by side was so lovely |
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| A happy day! Denzel's sister and cousin got baptised at the convention! |
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| Niasia and Anthony. Can you spot them in the picture below from years ago? |
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| Robin teaching another of my studies! So cool |
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| The campaign was a weird one as most people do not have internet or computers. Regardless, we have the new signs on our halls! |
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| Robin and his hair - a constant battle lol |
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| Having fun with this group on the ministry |
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| Another one of Robin - this time with a 5 year old deaf boy! |
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| Me and the lads - Michael is now 18! and Denzel is in his final year of school! |
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| Michael's first legal cocktail! |
Okay so reading this post was a perfect end to the amazing weekend we've had...so proud of you, and quite inspired as well...keep up the fight it's clear JH is blessing you...I think your your sis needs to see you soon (aka: we need to see you soon), but that's just selfish thinking....
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