I'm so glad that our assemblies this year have, in part, the same theme... Don't Give Up!
It is such a timely reminder for everyone.
So last week, we had our circuit assembly... "No Se Rinda - Siga Haciendo Lo Que Esta Bien" ("Don't Give Up in Doing What Is Fine"). It was our first assembly with our new congregation and circuit. We met so many new friends. And the information was even better.
During several of the talks, I found myself being reminded why I wanted to get baptized and why I love Jehovah so much. After the assembly, we spent the following week in Jarabacoa with the Peverini Family. And after such a fulfilling assembly, we had an even more fulfilling week with our new 'framily'.
First, the drive up to Jarabacoa felt a bit long (especially after a long, hot day at the assembly). It was a drive up the mountain. We arrived at the house around 6:30pm. Had some dinner and chatted with the family... Great end to a wonderful day.
The rest of the week was so much fun. We all had a wonderful time.
So for a quick run down of the events and highlights - here you go:
*and the slide show attached gives you the run down of everything*
Monday
Rest in the morning... And then Jon, Kei, Raquel, Chris, Jabin and Weston went to Salto de Jimeneo. One of the waterfalls in Jarabacoa. They had a great time. It was quite the hike down to the waterfall and they got down there pretty easily. They had so much fun there and exploring. --pause-- The crazy part was the hike back up to get to the car. So much so that the littles needed to be carried up. It was rough. But everyone got up - eventually.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
A few great mornings and afternoons in service. Then we had some much needed 'do nothing for the rest of the day' time. It was wonderful! We cooked yummy food, had great conversation and enjoyed the quite time too.
Friday
Visited Jamaca de Dios and Salto de Baiguato. This waterfall was much easier to get to (I went to this one with the family lol). It was a beautiful, tranquil area. We got in the cold water and had fun climbing up to the top..... well, the kids did, not me :) We also went to the meeting with the Peverini's; we visited La Colonial congregation.
Saturday
We had an early (a little earlier than the other days) start today. Since the plan was to go higher up the mountain and preach in the mountains. It was an amazing service day in the 'campo'. And I totally wish I could remember the name of the little towns we went to. The views were amazing... The ministry was better... We all had such a great time speaking with the people in these campos.
Sunday
We ended our little getaway with another spiritual 'power punch'. We attend the English assembly in Santiago. It was the same assembly that we had the week before - Do Not Give Up in Doing What Is Fine.
What a day! It was a great program, just as the week before. But because of who else goes to this assembly, all those the English congregations in DR, but also pretty much all, or almost all, of the foreigners on the island. So it's almost as if we all have a connection from the start. The talks were amazing. And in several of the talks, the brothers gear the talks for the needs of the need greater.
During the same talk that just the week before made me remember and appreciate even more the reason why I wanted to dedicate my life to Jehovah, this time it made me remember and appreciate even more the reason why we have decided to move to this country and serve here.
We really appreciated seeing how Jehovah really blesses us now for doing his fine works, and we are all anxiously awaiting what we'll reap in the near future.
This full week was, needless to say, a truly amazing week.
ENJOY the pictures!!
Satan is continually doing things to discourage all of us and take us away from Jehovah; but our continual faith and trust in Him is so important. We've seen the blessings and how He takes care of us here in our assignment, as we try to help where the need is great.
We're excited to see what Jehovah has in store for us in the coming months!