It is truly a fascinating feat to be able to remember. Memories, like fossilized amber, capture moments in sealed fragments that glimmer and warp with every turn of the wrist. You hold onto them, appreciating the passage of time.
Today marks a year since my very first post on this blog. This, in turn, marks a year since my brother and I left the States to serve in Guyana. Nostalgia is nipping at me like the New York autumnal chill, so I felt it fitting to just sit at my leisure and just WRITE.
For any of you fine readers whom I know personally, you are very well aware that if the word "Guyana" is even remotely uttered within a mile radius of my earshot, I can't help but slide in to converse about our adventurous adventures. How could I not? It was life-changing. It was fantastic. It stretched my horizon to the point that it will never be able to reduce to its original size, but only keep reaching out in the direction of the sunrise.
Many things have happened since our return to the States. Living conditions have changed, friends gained, tears shed, laughter shared, prayers spoken, and other adventures have ensued. It honestly took the better of several months to even acclimate back to American lifestyle. Nevertheless, we did not stay frozen in that incredible time period, and continued to grow and do things here.
Beginning shortly after coming back, I had the insurmountable privilege of being able to work on the World Headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses project in Warwick, NY for several months. I had worked there previously over the course of two years, but returning to that energetic atmosphere post-trip helped bring me back to speed with being home.
During the summer months, I then transferred to working at the Wallkill Bethel complex with the Farm Department for the harvest season. Having worked there every summer since 2012, I felt more at home and at ease with the idea of staying in my home area. I had been plagued with longings to return to Orealla for months, and I truly believe that Jehovah answered my prayers to help me to be mentally content with whatever assignment received (even if it wasn't need-greater).
Do I miss Guyana? Beyond what words can describe.
Do I want to return? Of course!!!
If given the choice to either travel elsewhere or go back....there I'd probably have to say elsewhere. Goodness knows, I love love LOVE Guyana. However, there are still SOOOOOO many places to serve in and visit and experience, and I want to try out as much as I realistically can. I attended my second round of the Pioneer Service School in August and it relit a fire for the ministry that makes me hunger to go somewhere again. Maybe someday I will see my beloved Guyana again.....
Do I want to return? Of course!!!
If given the choice to either travel elsewhere or go back....there I'd probably have to say elsewhere. Goodness knows, I love love LOVE Guyana. However, there are still SOOOOOO many places to serve in and visit and experience, and I want to try out as much as I realistically can. I attended my second round of the Pioneer Service School in August and it relit a fire for the ministry that makes me hunger to go somewhere again. Maybe someday I will see my beloved Guyana again.....
Before I finish up this post, there are several people that deserve serious acknowledgement and thanks.
Mom and Dad, you above every other set of human beings deserve the highest praise and countless thanks. You aspired for nothing else for Ribz and me but the full-time ministry and loving our service to Jehovah. There are not enough words to thank you for all the sacrifices made and prayers and efforts poured out for us. I love you so much and I thank Jehovah God for the blessing of having you as a nonstop cheer squad, best friends, tireless pillars and eternal supporters.
Ribz! My brother from....my same mother. You stepped up to the "travel companion" plate without a shred of hesitation. I am so so grateful that we shared our first needgreater experience together. You are ever the ultimate teammate, favorite sibling and ready-made Broadway musical singing partner. May we continue to enjoy soggy hammocks and gigosmic mosquitoes for a long time.
Beloved "Fruit" (you know who you are)!
Whoever says they have the best aunt in the world....is obviously wrong. Why? Because I DO have the best aunt in the world! Your support through everything (from birth onwards) has been most constant and loyal. Your own travel adventures helped kindle my original dreams and your continued support still does the same thing. I love you so very much!
Whoever says they have the best aunt in the world....is obviously wrong. Why? Because I DO have the best aunt in the world! Your support through everything (from birth onwards) has been most constant and loyal. Your own travel adventures helped kindle my original dreams and your continued support still does the same thing. I love you so very much!
Josh, who would have thought that singing Bohemian Rhapsody in the middle of a busy blueberry field would have resulted in our friendship, hmm? Your wacky and weird lanky self wriggled into my Favorite Humans list. You were the catalyst for one of the greatest times of my existence. You pulled strings and made our stay a real joy. We'll see who makes it to SKE first!!!
Tom and Michelle, my wonderful far-away Guyana friends!!! Though we only spoke once over Skype, the many upbuilding emails and insightful words bolstered me and helped me feel better prepared for the trip. It is my sincere wish to finally meet in person someday.
Kayla, dear Kayla. Fiery, beautiful, and zealous, what's not to love about you? Between guiding us through the streets of Skeldon to nursing me back to health when we were leaving, you proved to be a capable young woman and a real asset to wherever your life takes you. Jonatán and I can't even say the words "child" or "babes" without hearing that irresistible Trinny accent.
Sherine and Phoebe, I MISS YOU!!!!!! I fell in love with you both instantly. I was so nervous about the new environment, and you made me feel right at home. I arrived knowing nothing and left, having gained a sister and little niece. You are very often on my mind and I pray that I will see you physically again.
To the Orealla Congregation, thank you for welcoming us with arms spread wide open. You embedded into our hearts and are most definitely never leaving. May Jehovah keep blessing you all as the growth and progress there continues.
Everybody else who encouraged us, supported us, cheered us on, prayed for us, and followed our adventures, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. It meant so much to us and was/is very much appreciated.
Before I finish, here is a quote from the 2005 Yearbook that captures our sentiments (and the sentiments of any who have gone to serve there): Most count themselves blessed for having served in Guyana. Especially have they appreciated being able to discuss spiritual matters with people who, in general, have a high regard for the Bible. Even many who do not profess to be Christian enjoy discussions with Jehovah’s Witnesses. What is more, householders will sometimes share a meal with the brothers. “So it is no exaggeration to call Guyana a pioneer’s paradise."
Paradise indeed. If you can make it, do it. You will not regret it. Take care, wonderful readers, and stay tuned for the next post!!
Love,
The Adventurous A
