Jim & Leslie's Adventures

Mar 1st, 2009 From feast to feast

And here we go again!

Saturday was mostly a study day. Leslie and I had two Watchtower studies to do. One for this week and one to get ready for Monday night’s family study. Yikes!

Then it was meeting time again. Remember the “Sunday” meeting here is Saturday at 5:00 pm. (Supper most nights is between 7:00 and 8:00 …. and I’m getting used to it!). We were both able to comment again and Marvin got me to say the closing prayer. I thought this wouldn’t be too bad as there were only about 40 or 50 people there when we started the meeting. Imagine my surprise when I got up to say the prayer and the place was almost full!! Probably about 100! I think some of them even understood my Anglo-Montrealais accent!

After the meeting everyone heads outside and talks for some time until finally they drift gradually away home. It is a happy congregation (everyone must shake hands with everyone – both before and after the meeting. ) They sing loud and give generous commendation after the meeting (even for strange anglos that try to pray).

After the meeting we were all invited to Serge & Elizabeth Seri’s for supper. They have 12 living under their roof, with only him working. They are very hospitable. They use to have the book study in their home and they still have service arrangements there. For our supper they set up a table outside, banished the children to the house and we had an very nice meal. Actually some of the girls ended up serving us some of the time. They are a lovable bunch.

For supper we had Poisson Braise (charcoal braised Fish) The fish was carp and very delicious. It was served with Attieke which we described before. We also had charcoal braised chicken. The side dishes were banane bouille and igname bouille (plantain banana and something very much like yam). A wonderful meal all around.

It is an interesting custom that some have here (and that I very much appreciate) that after the meal and some chat they say “Well, you have service tomorrow, so we will ‘liberate’ you now”. Which basically means “go home”. Now why can’t we learn that?!?

Today (Sunday) we had another major service day. Leslie & I keep thinking it is Monday. After all, a big service day following a meeting day must be Monday, no? We started with a little door to door. Leslie took a door today, but, as it was the offer of the Bible study, I chickened out. In my defense, Marvin & I only got to do about three doors, so I didn’t chicken out much!

While Marvin was trying to take some notes after our first doors, a man approached us and asked “What’s the good news of the day?” Marvin answered “we are sharing a message of the Bible.” He replied “I’m available”. He then led us to his home and got chairs for us to sit on. Apparently he had studied before and had since moved to the city. We had a good discussion and Marvin set up a study for Wednesday. The man, whose name is Ange (Angel), said he would be at the meeting Tuesday. We will see.

Leslie and Penny did several calls and studies too. Leslie was able to get some pictures of the children. Interestingly, she seems to terrify the babies. When she gets too close they start to cry. The strange white woman might eat them!!!

After service we got together with John and Mandy (who live in the same home as Marvin & Penny) and we all went out to a nice restaurant – La Nuit de Saigon. The food was delicious and a good time was had by all

Posted in The Really Big Trip by jimt with 3 comments.