Hi this is Shelby, has everyone can probably guess from the... interresting title.
Mom is doing fine and will probably be in tomorrow or Saturday. We didn't get to come in Tuesday like we usually do because of Christmas. And Mom walked in the tract work for over 4 hours. Her and the sister she was with finally after 2 hours of climbing up hills had to just sit down.
The president here promised National Power 24/7 by Christmas well Christmas has come and gone and no power. We don't mind so much it comes now and again. We also have the genorater which makes things better.
Last night from 5 to 7 Lorelle and I went to Bethel. A sister had invited us on Sunday to come and visit her. Her name is Christiana she is 22, and has been at Bethel for 2 years. She has always lived in Freetown and her family is not in the truth but are starting to come to meetings, along with her three younger brothers and three younger sisters.
Lorelle and I were a little cold when we first entered we were not used to the AC,but we liked it.:) Lorelle and I were also excited when she had hot running water. We are lucky if we get running water and it is always cold, even for showering. So to have hot water caome from the tap was very nice. We had a nice visit and we watched the News on CNN, Bethel has a satilite dish so she had real TV.
Lorelle and I also tried this drink they call Ginger beer, not it is not real beer. It was very good but a little spicy, for my like anyways. We really had a nice time.
When we got back, Lorelle and I went upstairs and visited with the girls. First they just wanted to say Hi, and I asked for my CD back that I had let them borrow the day before. Well Issha said I couldn't have it 'til I danced. She had tried to get me to the night before but when I started to dance she just laughed and ran away. So I said fine and canced to one song then another and Issha said just one more. Well that did it I couldn't stop I ended up dancing for another hour!! And no one would jion in I felt a little awkward, but I couldn't stop. A little girl that was visiting started to dance and that made me feel better. Sister Samouri asked to see me dance before I left, she laughed but in a good way. She was happy I knew how to dance and her friend jioned in too. It was alot of fun.
Mom is doing really good. We got our bookshelves this morning so it was nice to get them set up this afternoon. Every one went in service this morning and all the young ones, even Hunter, placed at least one of the inventations. It was really nice. The kids are all coing well, and school is going good. Lyam is really enjoying reading now and has a few easy readers he is enjoying.
Well, I have to go. I hope every one is well and staying extra warm!! I send my greetings to everyone I miss you all very much!!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Along the road....
Hello one and all,
Hope this post finds you happy and healthy. The girls are doing much better and back to their usualy selves, now the boys are getting a bit of a cough, so maybe it is their turn to have the cold that has gone around... no big deal. We found a good place to get cold med and we also brought some with us.
Yesterday, Shelby and I went in the afternoon to conduct studies, none of them were home though since the people they work for had traveled and they were therefore not at work.... heading home two men called out, "you Jehovah Witnesses?" we said yes and they said that they had been given something by a tall man in a hat :) oh wonder who that was...... long story short they loved what they read had many questions and want to study, we placed the Require brochure with them and set up to go back next thursday afternoon. (Dennis, for your info they are the ones along babadory road at the food stop, they said to meet them at their mothers behind the shop)
This morning walking we had a man approach Shelby and I and ask if we were from Mercy Ship, we said no Jehovah Witnesses. He said he wanted to go to meetings and he wanted to learn more, we gave him the invitation to convention and showed him the coupon for the bible teach book, he said he will come and get a book now that he knows where the meetings are, he had seen the kh torn down and didn't know where to go.
Last Sunday friends from Cockerel North told us an experience, they were in sunday afternoon service the week before and two men came running up to two sisters as they were entering a gated compound in the ministry work, they called out "we want to join you!" The sisters stopped and said "what are you talking about, we are not living here, we are preaching". The men said "we know you are Jehovah Witnesses, is this where the meetings are?"...... they had spent over an hour going up and down roads looking for the private home that was holding the meetings. It was now after 2:30 and the sisters told them where to go, to join our Cockerel South meeting from 1:00 to 3:00, they ran saying thankyou thankyou. (Dennis, these are the two men that arrived late and asked for you and Lorelle after the meeting, they had tried so hard to find the meeting place, they have since continued to study and come to more meetings)
Weds. was a holiday here for muslims so most shops were closed. The Joseph family invited us to join them at Beach River No. 2, we had a wonderful day, the ocean water was so nice, waves perfect and the white, white beach sand. The river current was not strong that day and I took the little ones to the river inlet to swim, it was as calm as a swimming pool, they enjoyed running and jumping off the washed out embankments into the deeper water. (Dennis don't worry they say we can all go again when you return :)
So long to all, will try to post next week, but may not be able since it is xmas week, so if you don't read from us for two weeks don't worry, we are still thinking of you!
Love, Swift Crew
Hope this post finds you happy and healthy. The girls are doing much better and back to their usualy selves, now the boys are getting a bit of a cough, so maybe it is their turn to have the cold that has gone around... no big deal. We found a good place to get cold med and we also brought some with us.
Yesterday, Shelby and I went in the afternoon to conduct studies, none of them were home though since the people they work for had traveled and they were therefore not at work.... heading home two men called out, "you Jehovah Witnesses?" we said yes and they said that they had been given something by a tall man in a hat :) oh wonder who that was...... long story short they loved what they read had many questions and want to study, we placed the Require brochure with them and set up to go back next thursday afternoon. (Dennis, for your info they are the ones along babadory road at the food stop, they said to meet them at their mothers behind the shop)
This morning walking we had a man approach Shelby and I and ask if we were from Mercy Ship, we said no Jehovah Witnesses. He said he wanted to go to meetings and he wanted to learn more, we gave him the invitation to convention and showed him the coupon for the bible teach book, he said he will come and get a book now that he knows where the meetings are, he had seen the kh torn down and didn't know where to go.
Last Sunday friends from Cockerel North told us an experience, they were in sunday afternoon service the week before and two men came running up to two sisters as they were entering a gated compound in the ministry work, they called out "we want to join you!" The sisters stopped and said "what are you talking about, we are not living here, we are preaching". The men said "we know you are Jehovah Witnesses, is this where the meetings are?"...... they had spent over an hour going up and down roads looking for the private home that was holding the meetings. It was now after 2:30 and the sisters told them where to go, to join our Cockerel South meeting from 1:00 to 3:00, they ran saying thankyou thankyou. (Dennis, these are the two men that arrived late and asked for you and Lorelle after the meeting, they had tried so hard to find the meeting place, they have since continued to study and come to more meetings)
Weds. was a holiday here for muslims so most shops were closed. The Joseph family invited us to join them at Beach River No. 2, we had a wonderful day, the ocean water was so nice, waves perfect and the white, white beach sand. The river current was not strong that day and I took the little ones to the river inlet to swim, it was as calm as a swimming pool, they enjoyed running and jumping off the washed out embankments into the deeper water. (Dennis don't worry they say we can all go again when you return :)
So long to all, will try to post next week, but may not be able since it is xmas week, so if you don't read from us for two weeks don't worry, we are still thinking of you!
Love, Swift Crew
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Pictures!!!!!
Dennis and I, Taylor Michaud, spent a few hours putting together some of the pictures that he brought back to the U.S. Your can view a selection of them by clicking HERE. It will take you to a different site but it is own and opperated by my family so I know it's safe for use. Enjoy!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Sunny and Hot.... in December?
Hi, this is Shelby. As I said it is sunny and very hot today, it is hard to imagine it is December. We heard that everyone in NH has lots of snow, please enjoy it for us. The boys miss sledding, but do like to play outside everyday in the sunshine.
Mum is home this afternoon, she went in service this morning with lots, and lots of walking. We have the District Convention Tract campiegn now for the Follow the Christ Convention. So they are working far out territoies with lots of walk because you are so breif not talking and sharing scriptures for ten to fifteen minutes. She may be able to come email tomorrow but if not don't worry. We are just very busy with service and we are getting our routine down we had to change some things with Dad working and not here with us.
We miss him very much!!! Lorelle and Shelby are feeling much better, they have got over the cold tht was going around. It is just like the winter colds in NH and nothing to worry about.
Brother Howard came over last night and played Checkers with Shelby, he taught her African checkers. It was very fun, Shelby lost every game but she doesn't mind. Br. Howard learned that Shelby wanted to be a nurse in the future so he got her a gift to encourage her to keeping going with that goal. A stethoscope and blood pressure meter they are so cool. Kadence and DJ liked being able to hear their heart beat and they thought the blood pressure meter was giving them more muscle, Shelby couldn't help but laugh.
We have had National power every night for the past week it is so nice some times it stays all night and frezes all our water. Which quickly thaws out in the heat. It is nice we have running water almost all day and eletricity almost all night. It is so nice. When Shelby first came to visit two years ago there was never runnign water or eletricity. We stiil have the genorator and buckets of water on hand just in case.
Nothing really special going on the kids are doing good in school and Mum. and Lorelle have been going in service. We are getting in to a nice routine.
Please continue to email we love to hear from you. We send our warm greetings and Christian love.
Mum is home this afternoon, she went in service this morning with lots, and lots of walking. We have the District Convention Tract campiegn now for the Follow the Christ Convention. So they are working far out territoies with lots of walk because you are so breif not talking and sharing scriptures for ten to fifteen minutes. She may be able to come email tomorrow but if not don't worry. We are just very busy with service and we are getting our routine down we had to change some things with Dad working and not here with us.
We miss him very much!!! Lorelle and Shelby are feeling much better, they have got over the cold tht was going around. It is just like the winter colds in NH and nothing to worry about.
Brother Howard came over last night and played Checkers with Shelby, he taught her African checkers. It was very fun, Shelby lost every game but she doesn't mind. Br. Howard learned that Shelby wanted to be a nurse in the future so he got her a gift to encourage her to keeping going with that goal. A stethoscope and blood pressure meter they are so cool. Kadence and DJ liked being able to hear their heart beat and they thought the blood pressure meter was giving them more muscle, Shelby couldn't help but laugh.
We have had National power every night for the past week it is so nice some times it stays all night and frezes all our water. Which quickly thaws out in the heat. It is nice we have running water almost all day and eletricity almost all night. It is so nice. When Shelby first came to visit two years ago there was never runnign water or eletricity. We stiil have the genorator and buckets of water on hand just in case.
Nothing really special going on the kids are doing good in school and Mum. and Lorelle have been going in service. We are getting in to a nice routine.
Please continue to email we love to hear from you. We send our warm greetings and Christian love.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
8 weeks and counting...
This is dedicated to my dear husband, Dennis, he is currently enroute to the cold country but warm hearts in NH. Please all who read, if able, give him a hug for me :) and the children.
We as a family have thouroughly enjoyed our time together in the ministry, at home and in the markets here in SL. Never before have we been able to spend so much time together, it has truly been a blessing beyond compare!
The countdown is on to the day he returns to SL. I know his studies are also counting the days. He had four attend on Sunday, the house was again overflowed with 164 in attendance. We have convention January 4,5,6 in Freetown at the National Stadium, we are awaiting it with joyous anticipation.
The children are doing well, they have started to talk of snow since hearing of the snow back in NH. Here it is quite comical to hear christmas songs with it being so hot and feeling like August. We heard there is a wonder boy by the name of Spencer in NH that is planning to make three snowmen, named Hunter, Lyam and DJ :) thankyou Spencer! Have fun! Maybe even have a little hot chocolate for us too?
We were pleasantly surprised that I was able to find a place in the city market that sells american food, dent and dinged cans etc at very reasonable prices, we even got chocolate rice krispies! and gummie princess candy, and potatoe chips, Hunters favorite Dorito's and Pop tarts, can you believe it!!!! Pink pop tarts for Hunter!
They even had Sloppy Jo, so we purchased ground beef and treated brother Howard a special pioneer visiting from Liberia, serving here temporarily, to a traditional sloppy jo meal, with whole kernal canned corn too! Yum a taste of home.
Well now that I have made you hungry, I will let you know what Shelby did last night,
she nearly swallowed a fly! It was quite hillarious as she had been trying to just trap it under her cup and instead it was in the cup 5 minutes later without her knowing. We were playing trivial pursuit and suddenly she spewed water, all over the table, game, herself etc, and the fly...... it was still alive..... until she stepped on it :0
Our studies continue to come along well, Lyam even though not a publisher yet, has a study! Go figure! He was even busy yesterday trying to read ahead to prepare, he is really trying to learn to read and we are seeing good progress, it has been a struggle for him since coming home with no english. He is very mathematically inclined and excells in that aspect.
All the kids are doing well with their schooling. Shelby and Lorelle have colds this week, nothing too serious, although the little ones laugh when Shelby speaks as her voice is hoarse. They will try to come to the internet tomorrow, but if not don't worry they will email again as soon as possible. Thankyou, to all their email pen pals it is truly a blessing, they look forward to the communication very much.
Some have asked about DVD's and CD's, yes we can play picture cd's and dvd's we have a personal laptop at our house.
Thankyou to all for your love and support, may Jehovah be with you and keep you warm and safe,
Lorie
We as a family have thouroughly enjoyed our time together in the ministry, at home and in the markets here in SL. Never before have we been able to spend so much time together, it has truly been a blessing beyond compare!
The countdown is on to the day he returns to SL. I know his studies are also counting the days. He had four attend on Sunday, the house was again overflowed with 164 in attendance. We have convention January 4,5,6 in Freetown at the National Stadium, we are awaiting it with joyous anticipation.
The children are doing well, they have started to talk of snow since hearing of the snow back in NH. Here it is quite comical to hear christmas songs with it being so hot and feeling like August. We heard there is a wonder boy by the name of Spencer in NH that is planning to make three snowmen, named Hunter, Lyam and DJ :) thankyou Spencer! Have fun! Maybe even have a little hot chocolate for us too?
We were pleasantly surprised that I was able to find a place in the city market that sells american food, dent and dinged cans etc at very reasonable prices, we even got chocolate rice krispies! and gummie princess candy, and potatoe chips, Hunters favorite Dorito's and Pop tarts, can you believe it!!!! Pink pop tarts for Hunter!
They even had Sloppy Jo, so we purchased ground beef and treated brother Howard a special pioneer visiting from Liberia, serving here temporarily, to a traditional sloppy jo meal, with whole kernal canned corn too! Yum a taste of home.
Well now that I have made you hungry, I will let you know what Shelby did last night,
she nearly swallowed a fly! It was quite hillarious as she had been trying to just trap it under her cup and instead it was in the cup 5 minutes later without her knowing. We were playing trivial pursuit and suddenly she spewed water, all over the table, game, herself etc, and the fly...... it was still alive..... until she stepped on it :0
Our studies continue to come along well, Lyam even though not a publisher yet, has a study! Go figure! He was even busy yesterday trying to read ahead to prepare, he is really trying to learn to read and we are seeing good progress, it has been a struggle for him since coming home with no english. He is very mathematically inclined and excells in that aspect.
All the kids are doing well with their schooling. Shelby and Lorelle have colds this week, nothing too serious, although the little ones laugh when Shelby speaks as her voice is hoarse. They will try to come to the internet tomorrow, but if not don't worry they will email again as soon as possible. Thankyou, to all their email pen pals it is truly a blessing, they look forward to the communication very much.
Some have asked about DVD's and CD's, yes we can play picture cd's and dvd's we have a personal laptop at our house.
Thankyou to all for your love and support, may Jehovah be with you and keep you warm and safe,
Lorie
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Winter Rains
Hello All,
I am back and feeling much better, the malaria and throat/ear infection threw me a loop for a near two weeks. It is easy to get medicine here, so we were not overly worried, it was just my needing to rest that stressed me the most. I don't like to stay still.
This week has started with lots of rain, some are joking it is as if it were the rainy season. Dennis and Lyam went on studies on Saturday and the small brook they cross was swelled high, there were sand bags to walk across. And a local man carried Lyam. It was not so high to cause danger, just not wanting to get shoes soaking wet :)
This past Sunday another of Dennis' studies attended, he even answered his first meeting.
There is a woman here that I met my first trip to SL, she couldn't read well and was just an acquantance, not an rv or study. We have enjoyed visiting on a few occasions, but difficult to witness to as she was not speaking or understanding english and illiterate. Over the past few years I have learned more Krio and been able to witness a little to her, last month I found her again, she moves alot. She is doing well and has been taking english and reading classes. She accepted invitation to the KH and has attending two sunday meetings, after meeting this sunday she accepted the bible teach book and asked for a bible. She wants to attend Sunday meetings and study afterwards. What a blessing! It is a joy to see small seeds start to sprout even if at a slow pace.
Dennis was talking with a woman on Sunday after the meeting, she had arrived a bit late, usually she is early. She explained that she has an unbelieveing mate and has been through much opposition the past eight years while she has studied. This morning he had forbiddden her to go to the meeting. She prayed and prayed and prayed continually, 10 minutes before the meeting time, he said "ok, well go to your meeting", she came as quick as she could but was late as it is a long walk. It nearly brought tears to my eyes to hear this, as this morning was the morning that had been set up for her to go over baptism questions! Praise Jah she was able to come!
Two weeks ago I had stoped by the side of the road to rest from a long morning of walking in service. A woman approached asking if I was a JW, she said she wanted me to come to her house, and study with her. I set up to go, but missed because of being sick.... This past Thursday I regained just enough strength to do a few calls with an older sister who uses a cane. We went to find the womans home, we found her and she was overjoyed that we had come, she said she had waited and missed me on the day I had said, but she understood. We started studying, then a young woman came and was introduced as her youngest sister, she said she used to study, and would like to again. After studying we visited for a bit and learned that their father is a brother at the New England Congregation. The oldest sister though that stopped me on the road has never studied and is eager to learn. Just before leaving the younger one, who studied before, asked for the magazine for Sunday as she realizes she needs to restart her study and be more serious toward Jehovah. I have set up to study there on Tuesday after the internet cafe break.
We have had lots of rain, nearly every day, it is refreshing and has helped the weather to be cooler, it is also good for keeping the dust down.
The KH project is coming along well, they hope to begin using it end of December.
Dennis has been volunteering at Bethel working on cement projects.
Shelby, Lorelle and I are enjoying French book study on Saturday afternoon. It is at Liverpool Freetown KH so we have about an hours travel to get there. We first walk 15 minutes to where we take a poda poda, minivan size vehicle with benches and crammed in for space for a 30 to 40 minute ride, then a taxi if available for a 5 minute drive unless traffic is heavy than can be much longer, this Saturday we missed taxi and walked an extra 25 minutes. We hope to join the French language classes that will be beginning soon. Our Krio is coming along "small small" as they say.
Hear you are due for lots of snow! Keep warm! Thankyou for the personal emails to
LS2n2@yahoo.com and the comments posted, they mean so much to us! Eventhough we have a huge body of water between us we are still together in spirit and love.
Greetings and Love to all,
Jehovah be with you,
Swift Family
I am back and feeling much better, the malaria and throat/ear infection threw me a loop for a near two weeks. It is easy to get medicine here, so we were not overly worried, it was just my needing to rest that stressed me the most. I don't like to stay still.
This week has started with lots of rain, some are joking it is as if it were the rainy season. Dennis and Lyam went on studies on Saturday and the small brook they cross was swelled high, there were sand bags to walk across. And a local man carried Lyam. It was not so high to cause danger, just not wanting to get shoes soaking wet :)
This past Sunday another of Dennis' studies attended, he even answered his first meeting.
There is a woman here that I met my first trip to SL, she couldn't read well and was just an acquantance, not an rv or study. We have enjoyed visiting on a few occasions, but difficult to witness to as she was not speaking or understanding english and illiterate. Over the past few years I have learned more Krio and been able to witness a little to her, last month I found her again, she moves alot. She is doing well and has been taking english and reading classes. She accepted invitation to the KH and has attending two sunday meetings, after meeting this sunday she accepted the bible teach book and asked for a bible. She wants to attend Sunday meetings and study afterwards. What a blessing! It is a joy to see small seeds start to sprout even if at a slow pace.
Dennis was talking with a woman on Sunday after the meeting, she had arrived a bit late, usually she is early. She explained that she has an unbelieveing mate and has been through much opposition the past eight years while she has studied. This morning he had forbiddden her to go to the meeting. She prayed and prayed and prayed continually, 10 minutes before the meeting time, he said "ok, well go to your meeting", she came as quick as she could but was late as it is a long walk. It nearly brought tears to my eyes to hear this, as this morning was the morning that had been set up for her to go over baptism questions! Praise Jah she was able to come!
Two weeks ago I had stoped by the side of the road to rest from a long morning of walking in service. A woman approached asking if I was a JW, she said she wanted me to come to her house, and study with her. I set up to go, but missed because of being sick.... This past Thursday I regained just enough strength to do a few calls with an older sister who uses a cane. We went to find the womans home, we found her and she was overjoyed that we had come, she said she had waited and missed me on the day I had said, but she understood. We started studying, then a young woman came and was introduced as her youngest sister, she said she used to study, and would like to again. After studying we visited for a bit and learned that their father is a brother at the New England Congregation. The oldest sister though that stopped me on the road has never studied and is eager to learn. Just before leaving the younger one, who studied before, asked for the magazine for Sunday as she realizes she needs to restart her study and be more serious toward Jehovah. I have set up to study there on Tuesday after the internet cafe break.
We have had lots of rain, nearly every day, it is refreshing and has helped the weather to be cooler, it is also good for keeping the dust down.
The KH project is coming along well, they hope to begin using it end of December.
Dennis has been volunteering at Bethel working on cement projects.
Shelby, Lorelle and I are enjoying French book study on Saturday afternoon. It is at Liverpool Freetown KH so we have about an hours travel to get there. We first walk 15 minutes to where we take a poda poda, minivan size vehicle with benches and crammed in for space for a 30 to 40 minute ride, then a taxi if available for a 5 minute drive unless traffic is heavy than can be much longer, this Saturday we missed taxi and walked an extra 25 minutes. We hope to join the French language classes that will be beginning soon. Our Krio is coming along "small small" as they say.
Hear you are due for lots of snow! Keep warm! Thankyou for the personal emails to
LS2n2@yahoo.com and the comments posted, they mean so much to us! Eventhough we have a huge body of water between us we are still together in spirit and love.
Greetings and Love to all,
Jehovah be with you,
Swift Family
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