Wednesday, July 16, 2008

A new chapter begins...

Now it's time Ladies and Gentleman, Brothers and Sisters, Boys and Girls, for the continuing saga of... Los Haanpää's en Costa Rica.

We begin our story in a truck -specifically a Toyota Hilux truck. Our great boss, Alex, let us borrow it Tuesday night to go to the School and Service meeting. One must bear in mind that from our hotel to the Kingdom Hall is a mere 10 or 12 miles. Simple you say. No problema you say. Yes, we have been on the bus already, so we knew kind of what the roads and traffic and all of the other things were. But let me tell you my friends - the fun just begins when you get behind the wheel of an automobile in this country!

Now we were fully equipped with a GPS all loaded up with our destination. And so off we go - and there are people to watch out for. There are animals all over to watch out for. There are cars and motorcycles passing you on the right -on the left- and any other way they can to get around you if they think you are going too slow to watch out for. Then there are those that will not pass, but instead ride attached to your bumper -flashing their lights -honking their horns. All the while you are trying to keep an eye on the oncoming traffic which may or may not be in their own lane -or may be passing. All the while you are trying pay attention to the GPS telling you to turn - and there is no place too turn! Also picture a narrow country road - with most of the sides of the road eroded away over time - and potholes, and rocks that have been used to fill in potholes at some point in the past. And a very large Greyhound style bus is oncoming - and there is no room for you and him to pass - yeh. Its fun. We will probably be looking at the local transport system a bit differently now. So, after getting lost twice - even with the GPS - we arrived to the Kingdom Hall.

I must tell you - the spirit of this congregation is tremendous. We have not felt this kind of spiritual energy since the days of Vine Grove Spanish group. High quality speakers, and enthusiasm for the ministry even in these challenging circumstances. Real love being displayed from the Brothers - and, well - it really is a true spiritual refreshment to be there -especially after what it takes just to travel to get there.

Jehovah has truly blessed us by allowing us to come here and have true joy and happiness in serving again.

And as a special treat - we are just in time for the visit of the Circuit Overseer. Abel and Vivian - this part is just to you. Brother and Sister Scribner send their love and greetings to you both!
Yes, it truly is a small world in Jehovah's organization. To everyone else, the Scribner's served in the Kentucky and Tennessee Spanish Circuit some years back. Brother Scribner also taught a Branch Language Class with Abel in Tennessee. Here now they serve in both the English circuit and the Sign Language circuit. It is always more fun when there is some connection with people you know and love. I will post the pictures of them - and Abel, he is waving specifically at you! Its your twin brother from a different mother!

So we are going to do all that we can to enjoy the visit this week - we will get off a bit early Thursday so that we can go to the Pioneer meeting and the Elders/Servants meeting and some service in the afternoon.

We love everyone out there that reads this - and we really do love your feedback and comments - so keep them coming!

Until next time... but, probably not the same bat time or same bat channel...

1 comment:

Jerry said...

It all sounds too hair raising for an old timer to put up with; but It is encouraging to know how adventuresome you guys are. You have only been there one week & you have accomplished a lot. We would like to see pictures of your magazine display tables too when you have time!
Keep up the good work!
Love Mom & Dad