1 week on La Isla Bonita

The end of week 1 ... What a week!

We've been on the ministry almost every day.  First call is nerve wracking!  "We're making a brief visit as I'm sure you're busy ..." doesn't work in San Pedro.  It is met with confused looks and "Noooo ... I have lots of time".  Big adjustment for us, we're slowly learning to relax on the doors!

We ventured up to the north of the island for a preaching trip.  It's not an easy terrain to navigate on golf carts - dirt tracks filled with pot holes and giant, deep puddles for miles.  We managed to reach some locals who live and/or work up there.  Phil and I were having a lovely chat with an older man, who we discovered was in the process of knocking down an African wasps nest.  After moving away pretty swiftly, and having a little chuckle at the westerners, we continued our conversation in the midst of a mosquito stronghold.  44 bites later, we arranged to go back and begin a study next week. Phil didn't get 1 bite.

Incidentally, I've discovered some ingenious ways of dealing with insect bites this week; rubbing them with banana peel and smothering them in coconut oil - both very effective!

We've had the privilege of accompanying other need greaters on their calls and studies over the last week too - it's incredible to see so much genuine interest in such a small place!

It's hard to believe we've only been here a week, we already feel like part of the congregation and some newly established friendships feel years old!  Being here really brought today's Watchtower to life; when the Welsh couple said "The little that we have given up cannot be compared to the happiness that comes from serving Jehovah full-time." we could feel and see the truth in that sentiment.  So many have given up jobs, homes, a comfortable lifestyle, hot running water, proximity to friends and family etc to be here. Whilst it is not without trials, they are happy and content and full of love. 

We have spent a lot of time with the brothers and sisters, both in the ministry and socially.  We've attached a few pics to give you a flavour of what we have been up to.  It won't surprise you to know that Phil and Assie go fishing most days, although they have yet to catch anything big enough for a meal.  Apparently Phil caught a decent size fish yesterday, bagged it and put it in the shallows to keep it cool - where it was unfortunately eaten by a Barracuda.  There is, however, no evidence to support this story!

We're enjoying the local cuisine; chicken, rice and beans; chicken, beans and rice; stew chicken; ceviche; conch (sea snail); fry jacks; meat pies; fruit juice; rum and coke!  It does mean that we need to make use of the pool and gym at the apartment complex! Pics attached.

Snorkelling has been great - lots of colourful fish, moray eels, rays and jelly fish around. Next week we're planning on going out to the reef to see the sharks and will make sure we take the GoPro so that we can upload some pics.

There is so much more to say, but we don't want to bore you! Thanks for reading this far, hope you enjoy the pics. 

The pool at our apartment complex

Phil on our preaching trip to the north

Lunch break for the hot & hungry preachers!

The beach in San Pedro

Phil & Tristan on a door

An evening on the pier with the local congregation

Fishing trip

Terrain in the north

Beach in San Pedro