rOSArito Baja News-2

Hello Friends,

 

  So this week was eventful. We had a family visit Rosarito from Washington and they joined our congregation in the preaching work. On Tuesday my mother and I went to study with a mother and daughter, respectively. For lunch we had some Salvadorian Pupusas. Wednsday morning service and for noon time, a sister had some girls over. We made some jewelry. Thursday we had a busy day. That morning I was partnered with Christina, the daughter of the family which came to visit. It was a great morning, and I showed her some Spanish expressions and introductions. She was able to place a book with a woman who showed interest. Her dad, Bruce, also found a woman who had just been asking for someone to visit her and comfort her. She has known about the witnesses for over 20 years, and after just having heart surgery, she wants to start studying. He was very excited and I think the whole group felt happy. Around 11:20 we stopped doing territory and moved onto doing calls. I had the Pioneer Mtg with the Elders at 12pm, so they dropped me off at the K.H. The information that was discussed was encouraging and definitely stimulating boosts. We all need to be joyful! Since a small lunch was prepared for the pioneers we went to an elders home immediately after. We had taquitos and some rice and beans. I thought it was nice and the food was yummy. The Washington fam picked me up and took my brother and I to the beach. We walked around osme curious shops, walked on the pier and soaked our feet on the icy cold ocean water. We had some icecream and the they drove us home.

 About 3 months ago I started to have this small gathering at my home every week, and we've chosen to call it Teen Nite. We read one chapter of the Young People Ask bk Vol. 1 and once we're done, we usually play a boardgame, cards, etc. It allows the young ones in the area to become familiar with one another, and also lets us express our thoughts on various themes in a spiritual manner. I know that many of the youth have appreciated it, and are upbuilt by their peers opinions. We each are trying our best to serve Jehovah and individually have our setbacks, so its motivating. It is always conducted by a teen bap brother, and my parents though not involved in the discussion, are chaperoning. Anyways, Thursdays at 6pm we have it at my place. The 2 teens from WA, Paul and Chirstina, helped my brother and I set up the living room. Soon enough, we had the house packed iwth 14 kids! We did the chapter on Health and had a lot of feedback and comments about it. I think each individual set a goal and hopes to implemetn what was learned.

 Ok, so Friday I also went out preaching and was really hoping a young girl would study with me. All week, since Tuesday, we had been calling eachother to set a time, and it did not work out! I hope that this week we actually do get together. I had my meeting that night and we were told that our Circuit Overseer visit is in 1 month. Im getting very excited about this upcoming visit. He is Rick Malet-veale and was one of my Instructors. He's originally from Canada and has served all over Mexico, as well as in the Caribbean. His oldest daughter got very sick last year and she had to go to Canada. Since their daughter was in a critical condition, aftr having one leg amputated, their service here was put on hold. He is finally back and Im really hoping to see him. Oh, one quick fact. When we first moved to Mexico 4 years ago, the whole country was divided into 4 Enlgish circuits. Now there are 7. Still, since one circuit alone is so large, we needed Sub C.O.'s throughout the country. For example, when Rick was here he had so many congs and groups to visit throughout baja and sonora, like 40 or more, that he just couldnt do it within the year. The work here is increasing tremendously!! We need brothers who are willing to work hard and give their energy to Jehovahs service. A scripture that is often used is 1 Corinthians 15:58...we should always have 'PLENTY to do' in the work of Jehovah.

 

 The weekend was also pleasant. Service in the mornings, and dinner invites. I will include more facts about service here in Mexico too. Oh, and thanks to those who sent me your experiences. I enjoyed them thoroughly and its evident how Jah, everywhere, is speeding up the work!

One last thing, remember the family I mentioned that came to visit from WA? Well, it was their first time in Mexico. They drove all the way from their town to check out the service here. They were able to stay at the house of a brother who lends his home to anybody that is going to focu on the ministry. ( He'll do the same with you too! Unless, you stay with us...) After being here only one week, they have chosen to move here. They will start to arrange matters back home to make that a possibility. Paul still had to finish HS, so once thats over, they seriously are planning to come to Mexico. I just wanted to share that quickly and ask that we pray for them too.

 

   Bueno, eso es todo for now! Keep it Up!!!!  

 

 

Izmir :) ;)

rOSARITO bAJA nEWS-sAT dEC 17TH

Hello Friends Everywhere!

 

  I had mentioned to some of you that I would start to share how the ministry is in Mexico, and this will be my first email! I have begun to take pictures of my congregation while in service and will now share some with you. Everyday we have success in one form or another and Ill share some experiences with you too. Not only are we in a different country but we are looking for a specific group of people. Those who speak English. It is very different from preaching in the US and the needs of poeple are also particular to here.

 The majority of the people we find are men, and men or women who have been deported. They have ugly pasts and also some have just gotten out of jail. Though they are in their homeland, they are so hopeless, distressed, and suffer since it is a complete change of lifestyle. The majority have grown up in the States and dont speak Spanish fleuntly or at all. Others because of their inability to communicate, their appearance, and background cant find work. They are brought here with nothing and usually have their whole family in the states. Well, these are the types of persons we preach to and almost always they will listen and many become sincerely interested. So, when we walk by someone who looks tatooed up, or is dressed with baggy pants, and has a shaven head.. we usually approach them. This is in contrast to what we might be used to doing in California or elsewhere, but we have success! Yes, sometimes we do find bilinguals and they also progress. Americans though are almost never interested. They have moved to Mexico to relax and enjoy the weather. 

  Just this summer, I know of at least 3 Bible studies that have progressed to the point of becoming Non-Bapt Publishers and are already in the school and active in the ministry. I find it to be soo exciting and a real adventure to preach here. Our 'public' witnessing skills have become sharper due to the fact that we are always, always looking for someone who might fit the descrpition I mentioned. And our hearing has also become more acute, because we are listening to people around us, checking if they might speak English. Its sometimes very funny because a group of us might be walking on a street and then we all realize that the person walking by is speaking English. Anyways, I dare say that everyday one person, if not the whole group, finds an iterested English speaker.

 Its also easy to start Bible Studies because these persons are so desperate for hope and want to know of a solution to their problems. Door-Step Bible studies are very common here, and tend to be constant. The only problem is the finding them at home again. Im not sure why, but the move a lot. They also might have not moved, but have found work and immediately take advantage of it.

  On Thursday a group of about 20 went out to do some territory, rv's and studies. From those 20, 8 are reg pios and 3 are aux. pios. I had a return visit that morning with a man at a bakery and I chose to just lead him to the BT book. I showed him page 6 and  and the few questions that are mentioned. The one that interested him was family happiness chapter though he has no kids, and Im not sure if he's married. What he did say was trhat he has all of his fam in the States. It seems like he's alone here. Well, we read 2 pargraphs of chapter 14, and we were about to finish, when drop-drop-splat!! I hadnt realized we were standing below an electricity wire and some pigeons were on them. Yeah, they chose at that particular moment to detox and what not. It was gross. It all splattered on my book and part of my sweater. It was funny afterwards, but still kinda disgusting. Anywyas, he said he thinks he already has a copy of the BT book and is expecting me and a brother next week. I will pass him on then. The group of 5 that I was with did some informal or rather, public witnessing at that flea-market around lunch time. Flea markets or open swap meets are very popular here. Every day of the week, in some part of Rosarito you will see one. Well we each got to speak to someone and I met a woman who spoke good English at her stand. We spoke a bit and I left her a mag and I hope to also start a door-step study.

 Ok, thats it for now. I will share more next week or in two. Here are some photos too. Oh, and dont forget we are always welcoming visitors and love hosting! Or if you know of anyone who would like to come, invite them right over! Mexico is something that is not out of reach for many and even if you were to come for a weekend, we'd appreciate it. Mexico is in need of those who want to step over!

 

  Many Hugs!!! Izmir:)

 

PS: Could you also please share some experiences of the ministry where you are with me?

 

(: Step on Over into MEXIdonia-Acts 16:9 :)

NY-2---tUES, oCT 25TH

Hello Friends....

   I have really wanted to write down and share what Ive done, but havent had much access to Internet. Anyways, heres my 2nd email! The day I left was Thursday and we flew from Orange County for about 4 hours to Minnesota. We stopped for a bout 1 hour and then had to wait a bit longer due to a delay. I tried to connect to the Internet while we waited, but to no avail. We flew out from there around 7:55, local time. We flew for about 2 more hours and I read a new book on Princess Vicoria as a young woman. The flight was okay, except for some mild turbulence. After landing, we waited for the brothers who would host us to arrive. It took them quite a while, but we finally met. My mom, brother and I stayed with Familia Vega and the rest of my family went with another family. That day we went to bed around 2:30am. The next morning, which was friday, we slept in until 10 NJ time, 7 CA time. The Vega Family had already left either to school, work or service by that time. Around lunch time my family had come by to pick us up in a van, and we headed to Sesaucus. We went to a family friends home and had chicken for lunch. We drove by the Stanley and my camera stopped working that afternoon. I was very very very very very dissapointed and still am!!!!!! We drove into New York and I loved seeing the lights, the trees and buildings. We headed to Times Swuare that evening and went home around 12am. I got soo many postcards and went window shopping. We went to the Hersheys store and M&M'S Store. I also saw the Statue of Liberty from a New Jersey tourst spot.That night we stayrd up taling with the Vega mom and boys until 3am.  Saturday we went to brunch and met up with some more old friends. I met their kids and enjoyed meeting them. I also had a Snapple.  Later that day we drove around again into NY. By saying into, I mean going trhough a tunnel that has been built under th river. It was an icredible feeling, I had never done that before, and it lasted 2 whole mintues. Anyways, I saw lots of bldgs getting remodeled and a few film crews. We drove trhough Boradway, 5th Ave, near Grand Central Park, and a loong Avenue filled with expensive shops. Oh, we had also gone to Ground Zero, whihc hadnt really interested me before, but my, was it overwhelimg! Ok, I loved loved seeing the people. THAT  in itslef was something Ireally enjoyed seeing. Their styles, hairdos, clothes, or ethinicity..Its so diverse. Ok, so we snakced on a Pizza slice, and I was idssapointed. Sorry! I look froward to another one though, and hope this one is actually AMAZING! What else??? Oh, we had Colombian food in the late evening and I liked their special pan. Yummy! I also liked a smoothie Ziv bought. A lot of the stores have such cute names!! I wrote a whole bunch down. Plus, we stopped wuickly to the MET. OH MY!! IS IT beautiful!!! I loved it, so impresive. I just saw the girft shop( which was hugeee) and bought a postcard and pencil. I also finally, finally had hot chocoalte! Ok, so we went home again around 12.  Uhm the next morning was the Vega mtg and we joined them. Went to the Stanley Theater and actually got inside. It was gorgeous, I was so enthralled by its magnificence. I am still in awe. Well, the Chinese Sp Day Assem was going on and we found this sister from Miami whom we saw In May. Ot was really nice seeing her. Another brother also showed up with his family to give us a tour. I lvoed Stanley!!! From then we had lunch with another family, and they gave us Portgoguese food....delicious! After drove to another sisters, but wasnt homeo or either we didnt find the right home. That late afternoon we just went back to the Vega home and the rest of my family did too. I organizned my luggage and then spent some time with our new friends and their neighbors watching Utube in the Living room. We played some cards and also went to get IceCream. Ok, so I have to go now...but I still havent even talked about today. TODAY was IncredIBLE!! We went to WLK and we had lunch with a sister I know. She was so nice to us and let us see 3 other extra locations. I did a frame, Ziv fixed a box...you know, like the borthers do in the DVD's...super fast! Yeah, he got to do that. I just loved it. So, we were there from 10:45-3:30 or so. Lunch was yummy, I got to meet quite a few brothers, saw new literature and felt so great. I am now at a Hotel in between Patterson and WLK. We go to Patterson tomorrow. It is so beautful here. The landscapes, the weather has actually been very nice, and everythign!! I am really enjoying myself. I will try to write again tomorrow afternoon, and maybe I can give more details tomorrow about today. I hope you are all well. Im SO happy Teen Nite was awesome last week. Miss it! Take care!!

Hugs,

Izmir :) ;)

NY-1

Hi!!!!

 

  I am going to try to blog or write what adventures I go through in this trip and email you. I will begin my first one now....

So, its 11:40ish and I am at the airport waiting for them to announce the boarding. I am getting very excited and we all are awaiting the next few days. Since yesterday we've been getting the last details ready. This morning was not as hectic as I had expected, but we were all trying to settle evrything. Two friends drove my family and I of 7 to the airport and dropped us off. Haha...I just heard an airplane land. Well, from my seat I smell McDonalds, and also some coffee. Wish they would accept my Starbucks giftcard! :( Anyways, my grandma and aunt have been trying to calm their nerves. My grandfather is sitting down, waiting...checking his wallet. My brother is excited, he hasnt been on a plane since we last came form Ecaudor, over 5 years ago. He's observing the planes outside...he just saw one that has 3 windows. My uncles is also seeing the planes outside. I am getting a good nervous feeling. I wish I had some chocolate...and as I say that...ok we have to start preboarding. Okay, well thats it. Hope you;re all good!!!

4/30--5/3

Hiii....I know I havent written in this blog for a LONG TIME, so forgive me but life's been very busy. An 'aunt' came from Florida last month, maybe longer, with her son and we took them to Mexico and also around in L.A. We had fun and I spent one day with some friends in Playas and preached. After leaving Mexico we stayed in San Diego in a hotel and I liked it. I had lots of Star Testing going on for about 3 weeks and I turned in lots of work too. Then we started getting ready for our Memorial and gave out invites...205 people showed up and someone we hadnt seen for years was there..We of course approached him and he began to cry...which was nice to see. I think that the next week we went to Rosarito and finally finished moving out all our stuff from the house. I really, REALLY miss Mexico and especially my friends, the service and the atmosphere. I am at the moment in Florida and will be here for 2 weeks. This weekend I spent this weekend with Samys aunt and went to the SunFest. I had lots of fun and saw MGMT, Prince Royce and Andre MC. I danced a lot and my feet were hurting afterwards. Ive gone out preaching twice and to a meeting. I'll write more later on. Someone showed up and Im kinda busy..so later...

Sorry Ive Abandoned You Dear Blog...PART 1.

Hello...
 Its been a while since Ive had a computer at my disposal therefore not much of a chance to write. Iknow I havent written and I apologize.
But since the last time I wrote much has happened. I wrote in my last entry that we were going to the Circuit Assembly and we did. On Saturday we had a good day. When we arrived I saw a few brothers and sisters I hadn't seen in quite a few years, others more recently. I went to see two girlfriends who were getting baptized that day with their mom. They looked very happy and so I took a picture of them.  A few minutes after the program began so I went back to my seat. My mom and aunt both had to leave to clean the restrooms each at 10 and then 11. My uncle and dad both had to be outside in the parking lot, so for some part of the morning Ziv and I were alone. A while later my dad came back and my mom returned. I had to go the bathrooms to clean them too around 12pm, so I left before the song began. I knew it would be hectic to work during the lunch time and for a large portion of it, it was. I know that Jehovah helped me and the sister, because it was a huge bathroom that we had to keep clean. Crazy! But, we did it, and on both days! After I went to eat and had about 15 minutes left to socialize and say my two friends who got baptized. I wasn't able to see them , but I hope to see some pictures soon. They were all smiles, as I was too. When the afternoon session began I wrote many notes since I enjoyed all the illustrations used. Once it was over, we saw more brothers and sisters and conversed. A family was sitting in the row in front of us and I recognized one of the boys as a old boy that went to my school. I approached him and I his name was Henry. My aunt, mom and I then went to the main bathroom and volunteered to help clean the restrooms. My grandparents, uncle, dad and brother had already gone home.We cleaned them and stayed for quite a while, but we w that the next day we'd have to do extra better. Once we finished us ladies headed to an anniversary party of some friends of my mom and aunt whom they had known for 20 years. I was able to meet the couple and their sons, their last name is Fonseca. I also met other family members and friends. We had such fun! We danced to cool music and saw a slide show of pictures of the couple for over 20 years. I was able to exchange info with them and am now communicating with some. I was happy to get to meet some of my moms former peers and their children which are now my peers!! We stayed for quite a few hours and helped pick up the place. When we got home it was late and everyone except my grandparents were asleep. We went to bed right away! The next day was another Assembly day. It went well and we also cleaned that day, but we had extra help since the Bathrooms were packed even more. Afterwards we stayed cleaning till the very end. A group of about 7 brothers came to check the restrooms! It was nerve-wrecking! Well the few days after I cant remember what we did. I think that the next weekend we came to Rosairto and I had a good time seeing my old friends and going to the meetings. I saw quite a few on Friday like Jailine and Gus DLM, my old study Anabelle and her sister Jazmine, as well as others who were also glad to see us. We had to pack a lot and we had a huge sale. My bed sold on the last day!!! Ok, so I we came back and I went out on service the rest of the week. The next weekend I had planed on going to my first ASL meeting in the area, but when I showed up, no one was there. It turns out they had had their C.O. visit and met at Rancho Cucamonga instead. Well, we went to Borders afterwards and then came home. My aunt, unlce and parents were invited to a party at the Perez' home and they left around 7. Later, they called me saying that teens were there too and told me they'd come to pcik me up. They came for me about 20 mins later and when I arrived they had just started dancing. They needed someone to DJ, since the person who was supposed to didint show. They were using Utube and I had a playlist saved there just for Dancing and they started to use that. I had fun dancing and laughing along with the friends there. They had some nachos and even though I mnot a fan, I really liked these! I had no idea they could be that good. Well, the night ended and we came home to rest. On Sunday we had our first meeting at 9am, so a group of brothers we re planning on going to the Park. I didnt want to go and stayed home and showered. It started getting dark and I had expected my parents to be back with Ziv since they had planned on staying only a few hours. After a while, the rest of my family began to question why they weren't back yet, so we tried calling. Nothing. Well, we got an answer shortly after as to why they hadnt been back sooner. My brother had broken his wrist while paying soccer and had to be takn to the Hospital. He was ok but I knew that in a lot of pain. So, I wrote him a letter and as I finished, they got home. That week we had to get used to having him walking around with a cast on, since we kept bumping into him. Pobrecito! Well, that week I started a new homeschooling program which so far  really like. Its simple and easy. I have to go twice a week and turn in a packet every time I go. Im doing good so far. The weekend came and I wanted to go to the Sign Language Assembly but had no ride. My mo offered not only to take me but to come with me, so I was very happy and grateful. My brother tagged along too. At the Assembly we met a sister named Andrea who was sitting behind us. She started learning ASL 2 years ago with her husband and seems to understand it now. We also saw Rio, whom I met at the Anniversary party a few weeks back. She had gone that day with a friend. I also got to meet a friend who has known my mom since she was a teen! He also has 2 years learning with his wife and 2 young kids. A few days later we got the news that a friend of ours was accepted to Bethel!!! He is about 21 or so and is already a M.S. so I think he's ready! Wats funny is that he was planning on leaving to New York the next day for a vacation trip! Whats cool though is that he will be able to check out the facilities and see his future home. He starts in March and will be used for 3 months. I have to go now and start getting ready for the meeting. I will soon write the second part to whats been going on....

Bye!!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Special Session/Mtg for Pioneers...

I know that I havent written in a long time and I am hoping to catch up soon. Ive been in California for the past 2/3 weeks and am staying till the next. This weekend we have the Spanish Circuit Assembly in Mira Loma. Today we went to the Sp Mtg for Pios, and we had 286 in attendance. I was happy to see how many were pioneering, young and old. It started at 10am and we were driving back home by 2pm. This week Ive gone out every morning doing early service. Mostly letters at Starbucks. :) Ive also gone out with sisters from nearby Kingdom Halls. I had two appointments this week with a Homeschooling Program called Options for Youth. I have another scheduled visit on Monday. My gramps are looking for tickets to fly to Ecuador. I want to help out in the ASL group starting up in the area and I will go next weekend if possible, to their mtg. I went to the snow twice last week and took many pictures. I went bowling the week before that. I cant write anymore. I'll write about this weekend later. Bye...