Where?...

We often rejoice in the simplicity life in Africa offers. We both were sick with colds week before last, and for the first time pretty much ever we didn't feel a pressing need to push ourselves to resume normal activity before we were feeling good. Back home we, especially Steven, had many responsibilities. His job only allowed so many sick days, and for me I didn't get paid if I didn't work. With that we often exerted ourselves before ready, took the medicine to cover symptoms and dragged ourselves out of bed! Here... not so much. We still have many responsibilities, but not as many urgent or immediate. Africans by culture have a very laid back attitude about all things. "Maybe today, maybe tomorrow, I'll get to it... eventually. " Running late? No need to rush. "This is Africa..." Sometimes that's very frustrating when you come from a "I want it NOW" culture, but when embraced it's quite nice. Our language teach told us there is no word for "planning" in the local language, because Africans don't plan! I suppose if we could all find a balance between both cultures that would be healthier. That will be a gem of wisdom we take with us from this experience.
Among the various gems are also these things: Life is not about what you can get, but what you can give. (Acts 20:35) Something we also heard in the latest Gilead graduation on tv.jw.org Because of that attitude, is the very reason we have life at all. No one show that better than Jehovah and Christ Jesus. We feel closer to them reflecting on that. I think we always thought that, but now we KNOW it. 

I like the quote "You'll never become who you want to be by staying where you are." That "where" can be physical or where you are in your thinking. Self examination is key. (2 Corinthians 13:5) We all have to keep putting on "the new personality" .(Colossians 3:9,10; Ephesians 4:22-24) Each of us are a work in progress. Overall we feel the positives of being here far outweigh the negative.

Here are some highlights of the last few weeks!

These two joined us for the ministry for the first time! Santino is in the first photo and Gabriel in the second. One day Santion's teacher did not show up to school. Which apparently is common here. So all the kids just play when that happens, but not Santino! For 2 hours he taught and shared scriptures with his classmates and gave out over 30 Bible tracts! These boys have a bright future.

Beautiful territory with my beautiful sisters. 

Where are we? Despite the appearance we are not in Japan... although we feel like it sometimes being with our super Japanese family! And... Yea it's sushi!