Andrew and Roland have finally arrived here in Matthew’s Ridge, but as so often is the case, it was not quite as planned and not without hitches. To begin with, the steamer did not leave Georgetown on Wednesday as scheduled. We had heard rumors to that effect, so Thursday Stephan stopped where we are able to get phone signal and called ‘town to see what the status of the steamer. He learned that in fact it had been delayed due to mechanical problems (not too comforting), had been scheduled to leave Thursday morning but it still hadn’t left. The latest was it would leave later in the day. He drove back out in the afternoon and learned it had left about 1 PM. So Friday late morning he left for Kaituma.Friday about eight PM, Roland arrived on a bus with a few bags. He mentioned that Andrew’s bike wasn’t going to be brought off the boat until the next morning, but he thought Stephan was going to be coming along on his bike. About forty five minutes later, Stephan arrived with Andrew. It turned out that Andrew had gotten a ride on a cruiser with his luggage, and Stephan was going to come on the bike. But as he was leaving, Stephan noticed the cruiser pulled over on the side of the road, so stopped and discovered they were having mechanical problems, so he brought Andrew, and his bags would come ‘just now’ They finally showed up about midnight. The next day (Saturday) Stephan drove Andrew back to Kaituma after the meeting and they finally got back about 8 PM. Sunday we had our final meeting here. It was kind of strange for me, because I sat in the audience during the Watchtower study. I think that was the first time since I came to the Ridge that I had done that, every other time I had either conducted it, or had been the reader. But Sunday, Stephan conducted, and Roland read. It felt a little strange, but yet kind of nice to be able to participate as a member of the congregation.Sunday was Terri’s last class with her students that have been learning to read and write. We printed up certificates for them all and she baked a cake and they all enjoyed that afterwards. She is already signing up new students for when we come back.As I had mentioned, Saturday after the meeting, Stephan and Andrew had to go back to Kaituma. I have a couple of bible studies after the meeting, as did Terri, so the only ones going out in service were the local friends. It was so nice to see the group going out and realizing they were doing it on their own.When Andrew and Roland arrived, they had brought with them some sound equipment. So now we are working to try and get it ready for our next meeting. It can only accommodate two microphones, but should be very helpful as many times the comments cannot be heard from those in the audience. I think that will be the primary use, although it will also be useful when the rain is falling hard on the metal roof.So our remaining time will be spent handing over our studies and packing things away so the Fischers can move into a somewhat empty apartment. But at the same time, it will be nice not to have to bring all the basics with us when we return. That also makes the leaving so much easier, knowing that we will be back. And I have been telling everyone I am looking forward to see how much progress they continue to make while we are away. And letting them know they are going to have to do some explaining if they are still at the same place when we return.This week I will try to make up for last week’s lack of pictures. I have included a picture of Saturday’s service group, including our newest addition Danika Williams, There are seven, which is one more than the total group when we arrived. We have increased from six to ten. Another pictures shows all of my studies who were at my last meeting. From left to right it is Filbert, Watson, Gilbert, Lloyd, James. Eugene, and Mary. I had hoped for more, but a few are away in the backdam, and Krishna had no one to mind his shop Sunday morning. The other picture is of Terri with her class. From left to right the students are, Regina, Beatrice, Iona, Ceceilia (that’s the way she spells it), and Claudette.My next post will probably be from the airport in Georgetown next Tuesday, as we are waiting for our flight (they have high-speed wireless there) .
