ASL Assembly

Assembly was very encouraging! I enjoyed it all! They actually used more videos than at the Spanish convention I attended but ASL uses all those resources in order to help the deaf understand. The assembly hall recently got a huge screen installed and we all loved it! Everything can be seen clearly. 

Cleaning assignements can be outside or inside, our hall was assigned outside in the front part of the surrounding wall/fence that encloses the assembly hall. 

Besides the beneficial spiritual food I enjoyed another 2 things.

1- I have been able to progress with my ASL so being at assembly I didn't feel lost of clueless I was able to understand each talk and follow along!

2- because I'm established here I felt like it was MY ASSEMBLY. I know more Brothers and sisters here so I felt real comfortable.

After assembly our friends invited us to Juandolio beach! 

For assembly we have to travel to Santo Domingo, that's something I'm not used to. I'm used to attending assembly either in Denton or Fort Worth and they aren't very far. But now I must pack and travel for assembly, something I'm getting used to. But we make the best of it!

Below are pics of all that I've mentioned and of friends and new friends at assembly!

Juan the Barber

Well the congregation was formed this past February, however the asl group had existed since about 8 years ago. Many of the JW's that have been in the asl group since then have met many of the deaf here in Higuey. Well there was one that they always mentioned to me, his name is Juan and he is a barber. I finally got a chance to meet him, he is the sweetest thing! He greeted us, let us come in a sit, we got to talk with him a bit and give him the assembly invite. He used to study but for some reason stopped, hopefully he can start again and progress. Even though the deaf are very responsive just like with all people some study and progress but stop, and others aren't interested. But we keep trying! Jehovah has given them time and we should use it! Well Juan is a barber and his set up is just the same like any other place. However you can tell that his barber shop is adjusted to the DR lifestyle. I just love the pic I took of him!

His sign name is a J and then the sign of scissors cutting hair, I think it's very appropriate for him!

We also had the Kingdom Hall cleaning, all congregations came together. We don't have carpet so don't vacuum, our windows are always open so we had to really scrub those down with soap and water. Since the Kingdom Hall is usually open to let air flow through we get a lot of dirt and dust. So dusting, sweeping, mopping is always a must! Oh and can't forget how important it is to kill the bugs and spiders that get in! Lol

Spider-man is nothing compared to these sisters!

Kingdom melodies were on and it alternated between French (for the creole brothers) and Spanish!

Oh and we were kindly provided with homemade juice! And cake! Yum

The other day we did deaf search work. We came across a young girl and talked to her about how we are searching for the deaf to share with then the bible. We preached to her and at the end mentioned about her visiting jw.org. As soon as we said that she said "I love the website, they have so many videos and interesting information, I look it up all the time!" 

Wow it was so awesome to hear that. Here we are trying to share it with her and she has it all covered! Haha it just shows how the website is known and is thoroughly enjoyed. 

Also this young girl was taking care of these 2 younger girls. We thought they were her sisters but to our surprise she said "they aren't family, they are the neighbors kids but I love them a lot. So I take care of them and help with their homework. But I feel as though they are my little sisters."

It was just nice to hear that from her, how such a young girl, I think she is 13, has such a kind and helping heart. 

The girl was just full of surprises. Just a lovely experience to have met her that morning. 

Well we have assembly this weekend next post will be about that! Till then much love and take care!

Interpreter, service, and all smiles!

Hello family and friends! 

Sorry for the delayed post. My last post was July 23 and since that time I visited Texas, attended international convention, spent time with family and friends, and flew back to DR. I must say it was a wonderful experience and meeting JW's from other parts of the world was encouraging! Love the brotherhood! 

Ok well since I've been back I've been a busy bee! 

I came back with friends from the sign language halls in Dallas and McKinney. They enjoyed their stay here in the Capitol and in Higuey- although they preferred Higuey! Just thought I'd throw that in there! Lol it was Beatriz, Jessica, and a deaf brother Joshua. It was nice having visitors. Jessica and I even got to do a demo for one of the thursday night meetings!

I love the pic above with the Tract! I'm sure we have all thoroughly enjoyed the campaign work for August! 

I also visited for a second time a town call Boca de Yuma, it's about 30 min away. A couple from the hall invited me to go eat at the Italian restaurant located there and it was lovely! The food was good and it's right next to the beach! It's beautiful! We stood and stared out into the water...just feeling relaxed and enjoying the view. It helped me meditate. I came to realize that my first goal was to move to the DR. Now that being accomplished what's my next goal? The goal to stay longer. I promised at least a year, and I've decided to make moves to make my stay for a longer period. Jehovah willing it all works out! 

Below Boca de Yuma! 

Well as mentioned in a previous post, I was given the responsibility to interpret a Sunday talk. As mentioned there isn't any nearby asl congregations, sometimes there are asl brothers that can come give a talk maybe once a month or so but usually the Spanish brothers locally from Higuey give the Sunday talk and someone from the hall is assigned to interpret. Well August 24th was my set date! They can provide the outline for the talk ahead of time but we aren't suppose to memorize it, it's just for us as interpreters to have an idea of the topic and what will be said. I am suppose to interpret whatever the brother is saying at the time on stage. Well it was awesomeness! I was so nervous and full of anxiety. After 10 mins into the talk the power went out, the projector could continue to work but the lights and fans shut off! Keep in mind it's hot and I was nervous omg!!!!! I was sweating hard! Lol but the talk had to continue and we made it to the end! Jehovah is kind to provide such privileges and responsibilities. Afterwards I recieved some positive feedback and points that I can work on. Always room for improvement!

Also in our large territory to the southeast part we have Bavaro, a town about 30 min away. Well at this time they are having a sign class in hopes of establishing a group there in asl! I got to visit the class, participate in the activities, and help the members with their signing! It was fun! We got to play with balloons! Haha 

And for my last topic of this post lol

I accompanied a friend on her study. Just like we learn in the kingdom ministry we should always be good partners/assistants. Well on the study my friend explained it all and then made me draw! It was funny.... for y'all who know me I can't draw for nothing! But a lot of the friends here like the way I draw the asl signs....call me ASL PICASSO! Lol just kidding! I love the pic of took of my friend Sohanny... Bible student is Maria who regularly attends and comments at the meetings!