Life Got in the Way

As the title of this blog states, "life got in the way".  We have so been busy living that we've neglected to take the time to blog about it.  Of course, that's not to say we haven't wanted to sit down and send something out it just never seemed to happen, until now. 

Since our last blog we've had some more brothers and sisters visit with us, for instance. There was Timothy and Wesley Mills from California who came and preached, played and for the first time in their life's had the opportunity to live on their own.  One of the culinary arts they perfected while with us was how to make pancakes, which they made on a "very" regular basis.  I loved having them because of their willing spirit and youthful energy.  It was also a plus that they loved basketball and were really good.  Here is Tim and Wes.

 

We also had a couple from Wisconsin who came about a year ago and promised they would return, they kept that promise and came back for a couple of months.  The time went by to fast and now they've gone back to the dairy land and we miss them a lot.  Kevin and Liz Lipman with a deaf sister named Sarojini.

 

In addition we had a young sister, also from Wisconsin who came for a visit back in November of 2013 and planned to stay for 3 months but the ministry got her hooked and she extended her stay till the end of April.  She has been a tremendous help to the group and our interpreting efforts.  Crystal and I have fallen in love with this zealous faithful sister and will truly miss her when she heads back home.  We're excited for her future plans in theocratic service, for example she has been invited to attend the International Convention in Seoul, Korea this July.  We hope the best for her and will never forget our time we had together.  Her name is Makayla Szmania.

 

 

Some other activities that we've had a chance to enjoy over the last few months are as follows.

Attended a polo match for the first time.  The horses were beautiful and I learned some things about the sport I had never known, for example they only play for seven minute matches and then take a break to switch to another horse, throughout the match each rider will use up to four different horses.

Crystal and I have fought against the urge to get a pet while in Guyana for many reasons but a recent event involving my neighbors dogs put us in a situation where we had to intervene in order to save the puppy's life.  Our efforts were successful and we eventually found a good home for our new friend, we named him Peanut.

 

 

When out in the ministry I'm always watching out for something special and on one day while alone in a remote area I looked up and saw this amazing bird, it was a Toucan.  I was able to take a picture but my camera is not so great so you have to look close to see him.

 

In January and February we traveled back to the United States to attend my daughters wedding, we stayed both in Florida and Indiana during that time.  Unfortunately due to the weather and our schedule we were not able to visit with everyone and regret things did not work out as we had hoped.  While in Indiana we mostly stayed inside because of the constant snow and icy conditions, this is what we saw out our window for about two weeks.

 

 

But eventually we made it back down to Florida and the weather was perfect.  My daughters wedding went well and I got a chance to spend time with my Dad, whom I had not seen in 2 years.  Some pictures of the bride ( nowTessa Rey), Crystal's parents and my Dad and his girlfriend.

 

Mike & Cyndee

 

David & Mary

 

And last but certainly not least are some pictures from our recent Memorial.  We had 75 in attendance (49 Deaf).  All went as planned and every one enjoyed the opportunity to associate and see friends  they had not seen in awhile.  

 

 

A simple setting.  The Memorial was held at Town Hall in New Amsterdam.

 

 

Steven (deaf) and his sister Ashley, (she is dressed in traditional Guyanese attire)

 

These two guys are Lukram and Errol (both deaf).  Even though this was the first time they meet they immediately became buddies. 

 

Here is most of those that attended.  We felt it such a privilege to be in this group picture and will always remember these moments because this is what it's all about.  Crystal and I send our greetings to everyone and pray your happy, safe and staying ever faithful.