Back in Matthew's Ridge

We are finally getting settled in here at Matthew’s Ridge. We flew in last Friday (9/18). Our driver was supposed to pick us up at 5:15 AM. About 5:25 we got a call that he had a flat tire on his car, but was going to try and get it changed. He called back about 10 minutes later and said he wasn’t able to get the wheel off. We ended up getting one of the brothers at the branch to take us. Then we were informed that one of our suitcases was going to be held back because they had too much weight. When we reached Matthew’s Ridge we discovered they had taken two more of our bags off without telling us. Monday we received all three.

We got to spend a few days with the Fishers before they left. They shared what a hard time they had had their first week here, but by the time they were leaving, they mentioned how much they had come to appreciate and enjoy their time here. When I was talking with Stephan, he mentioned how he had appreciated how encouraging and supportive they had always been. He said it wasn’t until they had been here some while that they shared with him their early feelings. He said that they had not complained or let on that they weren’t happy, something he really appreciated. It will be interesting to see if they decide to return to Guyana.

It seems as though we may have about fifty who want to go across to Barimita for the Circuit Assembly. After our last experience, I wanted to try and find a better route across. They have extended the road a good bit since we had gone out, so Wednesday we decided to take the day to go to Barimita. I planned on walking through on the old line I had heard about, and Stephan said he thought he would drive the road as far as they had improved it, and walk from there to see which was faster.

I was able to get one of the road workers to show me where the trail joined the road, so Roland and I set out. It was about 8 AM when we started walking. The trail wasn’t used much and was very narrow with the jungle grown up all around. Several times I had a hard time seeing the trail, so I would have Roland stay were he was, because I knew the trail was there, and then I go ahead and try to figure where it went. I would end up calling out to him so I could find my way back. One time I called and got no answer, I called again with the same results. I was starting to think that I had gotten myself lost in the middle of the jungle. Finally, the third time I was able to hear his response and make my way back to him. Each time after walking around trying to find the trail, when I got back to where he was, I could make out the trail. I guess I just needed to readjust my eyes to see a faint trail, compared to no trail.

Between the sessions of wandering around looking for the trail, and not walking real fast when we had the trail for fear we would lose it, or due to nagging doubts that we were on the right trail, it ended up taking us a little over five hours to reach Barimita. I was very surprise that the other group hadn’t already gotten there. I was able to talk with some of the brothers there about our plans to bring a large group, and what they could do on that end to assist. One thing I had wanted to find out was whether it would be better for the group to carry food for our stay with us, or plan on buying it there. I was informed that since no planes were flying between the Ridge and Barimita, not only was it significantly more expensive, but also the fact that if we bought our foodstuffs there, it would take it away from those who lived there.

We left Barimita about 2:30 PM. The brothers were very surprised to learn that I was planning on returning that same day. I decided that rather than go back the way we came, which would have had us in the bush after dark, I would just walk on the big road, since I knew we wouldn’t get lost, plus I was concerned because the other brothers hadn’t showed up. It ended up being another 5 hour walk to get back to where we had left the bike, the last hour being in the dark. When we reached the bike, we then had another two hours of riding on a muddy and slippery road. When I finally got back, I was so stiff, I could barely get off the bike to walk into the house. I figure we walked about twenty miles. I thinking I’m going to try to arrange to have someone from Barimita meet us at the trailhead and then guide us through. The trail through the jungle was less muddy than the road, and was basically level, while the road had several fairly big hills on it.

Everyone in the group seems to be doing well. We had 82 at the meeting Sunday, and a few of the ‘regulars’ weren’t there. It was nice to have a sound system to be able to hear the comments easier. But of course it slows the meeting down waiting for the microphone to arrive. Especially since we only have one microphone for commenting.

While we were at the branch, I was informed that due to some delegates backing out, an invitation to attend the International convention in Trinidad was being extended to Stephan. So I got to have the pleasure of informing him and seeing his face light up. He mentioned he basically had forgotten all about it, but was thrilled to have the opportunity. He made sure he sent his money in with Gary when he went out.

I’ve included a couple of pictures. One is of a bug convention that we happened upon while walking through the jungle. The other one is of the guys. I wanted to be sure to include a picture of our newest helper, Jonathan Brewster, from Massachusetts. From left to right you have, Stephan, Eno a local young man, Roland in the back, Jonathan, and Andrew.

Moving on

We are about ready to head off to Matthew's Ridge. We were able to take care of most of our affairs here in 'town. I had brought a new blackberry phone to replace the one I had left behind because it was getting so it barely worked. Since this was a new phone, I was able to set up my email account on it. It works sweet here in 'town, but it will remain to be seen how it will work where the signal is more marginal.

Gary was not available for our using this time, but we were put in touch with another brother, Joseph, who also drives taxi, so it made running errands much more pleasant.

I purchased a small cheap weed wacker to take in with us. It should make keeping the yard looking nice much easier.

We are anxious to get back and see how everyone is doing. I will be sure to include my observations in my next few blog postings

Since I am easily able to include pictures, I've put up two. One if of Terri and I with our new escort, Joseph, and the other is a picture of our room this evening with everything that we bought in 'town spread all over awaiting Terri's miracle of making it all fit in our bags.

I'm not sure how quick my next entry will be so don't get alarmed if it takes about a week.

We are back in Guyana

I apologize but there will be not picture with this post. We arrived back in Georgetown this morning (Sept. 15). We were able to make it through immigrations without too much trouble. The woman asked to see our tickets for departure and I explained that our departure arrangements were being arranged for us from here in 'town (we will be departing in December for two weeks to go to the Internastional Convention in Trinidad.) She told me she wasn't to issue visas without seeing departure tickets. I just looked at her and shrugged and she hesitated for a moment, but then gave us three month visas which will last until we go out for the convention. When we return we will be with a large group of witnesses, so hopefully it will go smoothly. But that will be another story.

We will be travelling to the Ridge on Friday. I understand the Fishers will be leaving the following Wednesday, so we will get to spend some time together, but not so much that the apartment would begin to feel crowded.

Stephan was travelling to the Ridge today. He had been back to the states (and Mexico) for a short visit and had returned to Guyana on the 2nd. He has another brother from the states with him for a short visit. On returning to Guyana, he had gone to Mabaruma for a couple of weeks since one elder there (brother Gomes) was in 'town getting married to Rasheeda and the other brother (brother Anthony) was in 'town for Pioneer School. Brother Gomes and his wife returned this last weekend, so Stephan went back to the Ridge.

I know this was short, but I wanted to post something up ASAP so everyone would know we reached back safely. I will try to do another post before we travel to the Ridge on Friday.

Hope everyone is well and thanks for your interest and support.