Monday, March 29, 2010

Changes and Preparations








This past week in Matthews Ridge was an interesting one that included some changes, as well as exciting preparations for the upcoming Memorial.

As was already mentioned on the blog, Stephan Johnsen said goodbye to Matthews Ridge last week, a departure that left few with dry eyes. A further departure was to come, though, and this unexpected to most. As you know from the previous entry, Jim Newton had traveled to Georgetown about two weeks ago now to look after some stomach trouble he had been having. He flew back into Matthews Ridge this past Friday. One and all were glad for his safe return and were hoping that this chapter was over. However, Jim’s symptoms of stomach trouble continued and just could not be shaken. If you know Jim at all, you know that it would be hard to find a more hard-working and determined worker than he. And so it was very sad to see Jim, obviously not feeling himself, still held down by these issues. And so, at last, Jim and Terri decided that since things were not taking any substantial turn for the better regarding Jim’s stomach trouble, returning to the states temporarily to resolve these would be the course of wisdom. And so, on Monday morning, a number of publishers and Bible students went to the airstrip for another emotional goodbye. Jim and Terri are out of the Ridge for the time being, but we have received word of their safe arrival in New York. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and if it be Jehovah’s will, we await their return with great anticipation.

This week was also a week of continued preparations for the Memorial. The decision was made to hold an additional meeting for field service during the week to facilitate a thorough coverage of the territory here in Matthews Ridge. This arrangement has been well supported. It is such a joy to see Jehovah’s people spreading out through the town, inviting people to recognize Jehovah’s goodness toward us! We had the opportunity to share in a special Memorial invitation distribution effort this Wednesday when a group of us from Matthews Ridge traveled to a nearby town named Arakaka. We hired a cruiser, as they refer to pick-up trucks in this area, to carry us to and from Arakaka. There were 12 of us in all who made the trip: Eugene, Mary, Doris, Stephanie, Aletha, Justina, Danika, Letisha, Sonia, Andrew, Jared and myself. We had a meeting for field service at the Kingdom Hall here in Matthews Ridge, and then we headed out on our way. 11 rode in the cruiser, and I took one of the motorbikes and followed, as we figured it might be helpful to have a bike there to reach some of the houses set back from the road. It took about 50 minutes or so to get there, the route being about 9 miles or so from what I figured with the help of a GPS. Once there we split into three groups, the “divide and conquer” approach you might say. We covered the main part of Arakaka in about two hours, and then we worked our way back towards Ridge, covering houses spread along the road as we went. And so after heading out of the main part of Arakaka, we spent about another two hours covering these additional houses. We invited those we met to the Memorial, but we also read scriptures and left additional literature where possible, as Arakaka does not get worked in the ministry routinely. It was an exciting day, and I can say with confidence that all who went enjoyed this eventful day of service.

Lastly, I wanted to share some expressions that were made by some in the Ridge that I found particularly encouraging. One of these was from a man that I’ve started to study with whom Jim was studying with named Lloyd. He was telling me how he attended other churches in the past but never really learned anything from the Bible. He said it was only after having studied with Jehovah’s people that he really starting learning Bible truths. Another man named Filbert who I’ve begun studying with since Jim left expressed something similar as to his appreciation for learning real truths from the Bible from Jehovah, something he never could do before he started studying the Bible with Jehovah’s people. Although these may seem to be simple statements, seeing their appreciation for learning the truth really affected me.

The pictures included with this week’s entry are of the preaching trip to Arakaka.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Forced departure




A lot has happened since my last posting. I had traveled back to Matthew’s Ridge Friday, hoping that if I just took things easy and watched what I ate, things would come around. Shortly after I returned, I sat down with Aletha and Justina and told them that if I didn’t feel like I was getting better, I was going to have to travel back to the states, and if that happened, they would not be able to remain there by themselves in our apartment. I told them it wasn’t that I feared anything would happen, but I wasn’t going to have ones in the community talking about how all those young people were living together at the Kingdom Hall

I told them they had two options. They could either pay to reschedule their flight and fly out with us. Or, they could go with us to ‘town and I was sure the brothers at the branch would be able to arrange for them to serve with a congregation there until the time came for them to leave. I told them that I hoped that didn’t become necessary, but they needed to talk it over and decide what they would do. A little later they came to me and asked if they were able to find somewhere else to stay there at Matthew’s Ridge, could they stay even if we had to leave. They mentioned they were thinking of the place Sister Garner had been. I told them I didn’t see why that would be a problem, and they should check to see if the place was available. They did, and it was.

I was very concerned with how things would be handled if I had to leave, but realized that as they say, “No one is indispensable.” I decided the best thing would be to plan for the worst, so I sat down with the brothers and discussed how things would be handled if I were to have to leave. We decided who would be responsible for what and went over how certain things needed to be cared for.

Saturday night was a very difficult night for me. I was in extreme discomfort and the only relief was to force myself to vomit. I realized that that was not a sustainable solution, so Sunday morning I went to the internet café to check on flights out of Guyana. I found seats on a flight leaving Tuesday. However, the flight left at 7:30 in the morning, so that would mean leaving Matthew’s Ridge Monday morning. I didn’t feel I had a lot of choices, so I went ahead and booked the flight, and then went to the agent there in Matthew’s Ridge and booked seats to fly out Monday (I had checked with him before going to the internet café to see if there were open seats on Monday)

I did the Watchtower Study Sunday and afterwards, I felt I needed to let everyone know what was happening. I had meant to try and keep it positive and upbuilding, reassuring everyone that the brothers there would be able to continue to assist them. I had even taken my camera with me as I was thinking I could get a picture of the group to bring back with me. Unfortunately I didn’t do so well, getting all chocked up and teary eyed. And of course that got everyone else going. I had even thought I would say the concluding prayer so I could ask Jehovah to watch over the group while we were away. I realized that was out of the question.

Sunday evening I spent most of the time with the brothers, talking about the various things that might come up. I had learned Sunday afternoon that the wood I had ordered for the temporary seating for the Memorial still wasn’t cut (just now), so we decided that rather than undertake all the additional work needed to prepare the area under the Hall, we would once again use the Kingdom Hall. I mentioned that since last year, we had built several more benches, so this year there should be significantly more seating. I also mentioned that I would not be surprised that with Stephan and our leaving, there might be a drop in attendance (I hope I am proven wrong). And if people had to stand outside like last year, so be it.

We left the Ridge Monday morning and spent Monday at the branch. While I was there, I spoke with the brothers from the Branch Committee about my concerns for the group at the Ridge. I mentioned to them that Bro. Branch had said he was planning on visiting the Ridge after he did the Memorial in Kaituma. I asked the brothers how they felt about encouraging Kenneth to say in the Ridge, rather than return to ‘town. They said that that seemed very reasonable. I was able to get in touch with Kenneth in Kaituma, and I explained what was happening. He said he would be very willing to plan on serving in Matthew’s Ridge, which made my departure a little easier, knowing there would be an MTS Elder to help with the group.

So now Terri and I are back in Western New York. I am hoping to try and arrange some medical insurance before I start visiting doctors. I think I have a little ‘wiggle room’ since for whatever reason, since Sunday evening, my stomach has settled down some and I am able to eat a little, as long as I am very careful as to what it is I eat. I have arranged for Jonathan to feed me updates for the blog, so that will continue on. And as I see fit, I will update everyone as to how things are coming with us.

This week’s pictures include the picture I had wanted to take after the Watchtower Study, only it was taken after everyone had stopped crying. I also included one we took in the room at the branch Monday night before leaving. I was inspired by an infomercial I had watched on some miracle weight loss program.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Moving On



I have been in Georgetown. I have been having problems with my stomach for some time, and coupled with a noticeable weight loss, I felt I needed to go where there were better medical facilities. I had an ultrasound done on my stomach and upper digestive tract (for $22.50 US) The technician doing the test said that I had so much gas in my stomach, he couldn’t get a clear look at my pancreas and recommended a CT scan, which I had done for $165US. I also had a bunch of blood tests run. In the end, the doctor said she could see nothing which explained my symptoms, and therefore couldn’t treat them. She recommended that I return to the states where I could get more quality health services.

I told her I wasn’t interested in taking that option. She said she could refer me to an endogastic specialist. I took all my tests results and went to see him for a $10US consultation fee. He had me lay on the examining table, and he started to probe my stomach. He told me to relax and not be afraid he would hurt me. I told him I was relaxed, my stomach was that distended. He took a look at the CT scan results and exclaimed, “Who could look at these and say you were normal!” He scheduled me for endoscopy the next morning. He joked and said that what I needed was for someone to put a tube down me and suction everything out. I told him he didn’t realize how often I wished for something like that. He said he was kidding, because it was a very painful process.

The next morning as I was getting prepped for the procedure, the anesthesiologist came in and informed me that since I had so much undigested food in my stomach, they were going to put a tube through my nose to draw it of so I didn’t vomit it up while under sedation. It was in fact, very unpleasant. Then I was knocked out and when I came to, the tube was still into my stomach. I was told there was a large mass of food that was so thick, it wouldn’t suction out. The surgeon informed me that they had discovered a small ulcer in my stomach, but it was quite close to the outlet. He said that that can cause enough irritation, that the outlet will constrict. He said he wasn’t able to pass the ‘scope through because it was so constricted, and my stomach was so distended, he ran out of scope line to push farther.

They said they wanted to keep me in overnight for observation. A few times the nurse tried to suction out the line, but it was like trying to suck paste through a bic pen tube. After a bit I got very uncomfortable and told the nurse I was going to vomit, and would that be a problem with the tube down my throat. She asked me when I thought I was going to vomit, and I said, “Right now, and started to hurl.” She grabbed a little spit pan, which I immediately filled, then she grabbed something which I more than filled, finally she got a sizable pan in front of me and I pretty well filled that. The stuff as very thick and nasty. They measured it at a little over 1600 ml. And this after fasting for more than 24 hours. After that, I asked if she would contact the surgeon, explain what had happened, and ask for permission to remove the nose tube. She came back and said he said she could do it. I told her I wanted to kiss her.

Near the end of the day, a couple of the surgeon’s associates, came and said I should go by the doctor’s office Friday morning for an evaluation. I explained that if I did that, I would be stuck in Georgetown for another weekend, and asked it there was any way I could see him Thursday afternoon so I could travel back Friday morning. They said that should be possible. So I went to see him today. He said that he couldn’t definitively say what the problem was, but there was a good chance it was the ulcer. He recommended that in about 5 weeks, I get a barium dye x-ray. I am hoping I can do that while I am in Mabaruma for the SAD program. I know the new hospital there has the equipment, but I don’t know if they have the technicians to operate it. In the meantime he recommended a liquid diet for a week, and then start adding other things, but preferable pureeing them before eating them.

I’m sorry I went on so long about this matter, but the main purpose of the blog is to keep our friends and families informed at to how we are doing.

On a positive note, Andrew, Jonathan, and Jared reached Matthew’s Ridge Friday and were able to assist with last weekend’s meetings. Another brother, Kenneth Branch traveled in to Port Kaituma Wednesday, along with Sherwin Gordon, who was originally from Port Kaituma, to prepare for, and hold the Memorial there. Since they will be there the next two Wednesdays, no one from the Ridge will have to drive down.

Stephan flew into ‘town on Wednesday, and he flies out tomorrow. I got to spend a little time with him here and it was bittersweet. I am going to very much miss his support, recommendations, and friendship and companionship, I have often said that is one of the hardest challenges of this work, the friendships that come and go. When you serve together, you can become so close, but inevitably people move on.

For this week’s pictures, I’ve included a couple of Stephan. It may be that I had used these in the past, if so I apologize, but I thought it would be a fitting send off. In Guyana when someone is leaving, they say, “Walk good.” In Carib it’s Chupwa changa. Walk good Stephan Johnsen.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Bits and pieces



I seem to be at a loss as things to write about, but as I get going, hopefully things will come to me. Yesterday was to be my day to go to Kaituma. Terri expressed a desire to go, since with having house guests, she at times likes to be able to ‘get away’. Because of the change of my usual routine of getting ready to go, (yeah, I’m trying to shift the responsibility) I didn’t pack my tool kit and after about five miles, I had another flat on the front of my bike. But without tools, there wasn’t much we could do but wait and hope for a passing vehicle, either going to Kaituma or back to the Ridge. After a bit, I said if nothing came in the next fifteen minutes we should start walking home. Nothing did, so we did, and ended up walking an hour and a half back home. When we got there I asked Stephan if he would go to Kaituma for the study and drop me off at the bike on his way by.

I fixed the tire, (without leaving the tool inside this time) and drove back home. When Stephan got back, he remarked on what a nice study it had been. The one woman, Naomi, was there again, (third week in a row) as well as another new one. He mentioned there had been quite a bit of discussion after the study, generated by the subject of the study, namely dedication and baptism. One of the women had asked if a woman could get baptized if her husband was an ‘unbeliever’.

When I was studying with Mr. Gaskin on Tuesday a vehicle stopped by the place we study and the driver spoke to Mr. Gaskin and mentioned he was showing someone around Matthew’s Ridge. Another man then stepped in and introduced himself. He said he was with Church Of Christ, and he had been here ten years ago. Mr. Gaskin acknowledged remembering him. The man said he was just looking around, but might possibly be coming back next year. Mr. Gaskins told him he would be there. The man laughed a bit and said, “The Good Lord willing.” Mr. Gaskins said, “Yes, with Jehovah’s help.” I wondered what the man thought of that.

This last week I was standing in the back of the Kingdom Hall after the Sunday meeting. I couldn’t help but notice Juliet stop and push some money in the contribution box as she went by. I don’t know if there are any much poorer than she, but she was moved to make a donation none the less. It certainly called to mind Jesus’ comment about the widow’s mite.

We have received further word of James. He had an appointment with an eye specialist, and is scheduled for some sort of procedure in the middle of next month. So it seems like they think they can do something for him. It will mean staying in ‘town for a good bit longer, but he will get a lot of exposure to the brotherhood while there and this weekend is the Special Assembly Day program, so he should get to meet many more.

We are very much looking forward to the arrival of more brothers, Andrew, Jonathan, and Jared Forman. We have received word that they will be flying into the Ridge on Friday, so this weekend’s meetings should have plenty of helpers. But then next week Stephan is leaving us. He flies to Miami to spend a few days with his father, then to Norway to spend a couple of weeks with his grandfather, then to Mexico to spend a few weeks with his mom, brother, sister, and step-dad, then finally on to Peru where he is planning on serving next. He will be very much missed here in Matthew’s Ridge, but as Jesus said, the field is the world.

We are once again without the services of a Post Office in Matthew’s Ridge. As you may recall, it had been closed for several weeks due to fraud on the part of the local Post Master. They hired and trained a replacement and reopened the Post Office, but I was informed that they had problems with the new one and it has been closed again. You would think that someone who got the job due to the wrongs of another would be aware that they were watching that sort of thing and not try it themselves, especially when jobs are so hard to come by in these parts, to get a decent job, and then lose it due to dishonesty. Someone once said that the mind of a criminal does not work like a ‘normal’ person’s mind.

For this week’s pictures I’ve included one of our papaya tree which has grown up next to the Kingdom Hall. This week we were able to experience the ‘first-fruits’ from the tree. The other is a picture of a couple of white girls out walking to a study in the middle of the jungle. The hike back involves a fairly strenuous uphill climb, and I was waiting a little way past the top to get a picture of Justina when she reached the top. But she was too quick for me and threw her hand up to block the shot.

Friday, March 5, 2010

This week's adventure



Before I share our adventure, let me share some exciting news from here. Sometime ago, James had told me that a while back there had been an eye doctor who had visited the Ridge and James had gone to see him. The doctor had told him that if he could get to ‘town, they would be able to do something about his eyes. After hearing that, I had gone by the hospital and inquired of the Medics about the procedure of getting people evaluated for further treatment in ‘town. She had told me to bring him by and she could evaluate him, and if justified, arrange for his passage to ‘town.

Several weeks ago now, Stephan had taken James up after service on a Wednesday and the Medics said she would check into getting him a ticket to go to ‘town. We checked back a few times and were always told, “Just now.” Sunday, James asked to speak to Stephan and I after the meeting. He told us that someone had given him money for a ticket to ‘town and told him to try and have us arrange it. I told him I wanted to try to speak to the Medics one more time because if we could get them to provide the ticket, it would give him more money to keep himself in ‘town.

I went and spoke to her. She mentioned one of the problems was getting fund to pay for someone to travel with him. I told her that that wouldn’t be necessary, as we would arrange for someone in ‘town to collect him and get him around. When she heard that, she said that the woman who schedules the plane was there using the phone, and when she was finished, she would see if there were any seats available. When she asked, she found out there was a seat, so it was set for Wednesday.

Tuesday morning I went by the hospital to make sure everything was still in order. I had also wanted to get a referral letter for him. I was told that the Medics was in the back dam and wouldn’t be back until sometime Wednesday. The nurse said that she could write the letter, and she said that she had been told he was going to have to pay for his own ticket. I told the nurse that I had spoken to Medics on Sunday and she had checked with the agent and had told me that there was going to be a seat for him on Wednesday’s flight. She thought for a minute and then told me that they had originally had two patients going out, but one got put on a Tuesday’s flight, so she would write a letter that I could carry to the agent to see if James could fly. I did and it was confirmed.

I picked him up Wednesday morning and took him to where they do the check in. Gary picked him up when he got to ‘town and they went to the eye clinic and an appointment was made for him to see an eye doctor the following Wednesday. He then took him to the Amerindian Hostel where he will be staying. He also contacted the Congregation Coordinator of the congregation nearest to the Hostel. That brother will arrange for the friends to check in on James, take him to the meetings, and help him get out in service. So he will be getting to experience firsthand the brotherhood.

Now for our adventure, since our Sunday meeting attendance has gone up so, we are often short of Watchtowers for the study. I had tried a few times to get word across to Baramita to see if they could send some over, but with no success. We are starting a new Watchtower this week and we had placed out almost all of them after last week’s meeting. Since it has been so dry here, I have wondered how far they have pushed the road through to Baramita. I also have wanted to talk to some there about making a literal English translation of the new Carib tract to assist us in learning the language. For all these reasons, I decided to take my bike as far as I could drive it, and then walk the rest of the way, get the magazines, try to arrange for future ones to be sent across, and express our interest in having a literal translation of the tract.

Since Thursday is my ‘day off’ I announced my intention to go. Terri said she wanted to join me. I told her that there would be a fair amount of walking involved, but she assured me she was definite in her desire to go. So we set off a little before 8 AM. We drove for about two hours, and went about twelve kilometers past where we had walked through before. We then started walking. We walked through in an hour and a half.

It was nice to meet the new couple who are now in Baramita. I was able to get a little over thirty magazines to bring back. I spoke to ones there about a literal translation. The new brother also showed me a language manual he had and offered to copy some sheets for me. We spent about three hours there and then it was time to go. We started walking back and after we had walked a little over half an hour, I happen to check my pocket, and I couldn’t find my bike key. So now I had a dilemma, should we walk back checking as we went because I had taken a cloth out of my pocket to clean my sunglasses? Or should we press on because I felt I might have left it with the bike?

I decided to keep walking, hoping that it was with the bike. The last thing I had done was to unlock the helmet lock to put Terri’s helmet with mine. But I could almost remember playing with the keys as I spoke to the brother in Baramita (those of you who know me, know that I can be a fidget). Terri was not happy at the thought of walking all the way to the bike, only to have to turn around and walk all the way back to Baramita. I told her she could just wait where we were, I would walk to the bike and if the key was there, I would walk back to get her. If it wasn’t there, she would then walk back to Baramita. She said there was no way she was going to sit for an hour all alone in the middle of the jungle. So we walked, and thankfully, when we got there, the key was there.

For this week’s pictures I have included one from our trip to Baramita. At one place along the road there are a bunch of large (huge) rocks, one of which you can see here. The other is a picture Terri took while on a study. When the study was finished, she looked over and here was this little boy standing. She told the mother, “I think someone has gotten into the powder.”