Next door to my work is a small office supply store that my bosses send me to from time to time to make copies. I have also used it to have my Bible Teach book and new song book ring bound. In my visits to the store I have gotten to know the owner, a nice lady, and we have had short conversations.
Thursday I was sent once again to make some copies and when I entered the store the owner is sitting there having a bible study with two sisters. I was so delighted to see them and, of course, the sisters greeted me and we talked a bit. When the lady got up and excused herself to the sister in order to make my copies, she said "you are a Witness, too? I'm going to be one soon." She told me that she used to be opposed, but when I brought my books in to be bound, she was curious and read some of them and decided to listen the next time the witnesses came around. She is loving what she is learning and and can't wait to learn more. I was so excited!
Even though it was a crazy, busy day at work, that brief moment just made my day!
About Me
- Rebecca McCleskey
- In October, 1997, my husband Mark and I, decided to move to Ecuador. We settled in Cuenca, the third largest city. It is nestled in a valley surrounded by the Andes Mountain range. It has been an amazing aventure.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
It's Good to be Back in the Swing of Things
Today was my first day back in the preaching here in Ecuador. I must say it was a pleasant reminder of why we are here. Since I was a little sad to return because I miss my daughter so much, I have been a bit down. But as always, Jehovah gives us what we need.
Met the group this at 8:30 a.m. and started in the ministry immediately. In just one hour placed everything in my bookbag and the magazines and book of the sister that accompanied me. With the book started a study with a very interested gentleman and made arrangements to return on Friday. Also had a door step study with a young girl. Once again, Jehovah lovingly reminded me what I need to be doing. Just wish everyone could have this much fun.
Met the group this at 8:30 a.m. and started in the ministry immediately. In just one hour placed everything in my bookbag and the magazines and book of the sister that accompanied me. With the book started a study with a very interested gentleman and made arrangements to return on Friday. Also had a door step study with a young girl. Once again, Jehovah lovingly reminded me what I need to be doing. Just wish everyone could have this much fun.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Back in Cuenca
After 6 weeks away visiting my daughter in the beautiful state of Colorado, I am back in Cuenca. The weather is very pleasant and cool which is refreshing after being in the summer heat.
The visit was the best and Aimee and I had a lot of fun catching up and doing mother-daughter stuff. But, it was time to get back to business.
One nice experience that I want to share although it is not mine but was told by a brother where we stayed in Guayaquil on the trip back to Ecuador. His name is Luis and he told us that he was preaching and a householder said "it bothers me that you people think you have the only right religion. Can you prove to me that yours is the right one?" Luis answered by asking "I'm new here, do you know any Jehovah's Witnesses that live in this neighborhood?" He answered, "yes one lives up the hill there and another down the hill here." Luis said, "lets go see them." And they did. When they arrived to the first house, Luis knocked on the door, a brother he didn't know answered. Luis said, "Hi brother, I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses preaching in your neighborhood." Immediately, the brother warmly invited them into the house. They visited for a few minutes and left. Then they went to the next one and the exact same thing occurred. Luis then asked the incredulous man, "do you know any Catholics around here?" "Yes, we are all Catholics." he said. Luis said, "okay let's try the same thing and go to the house of a Catholic you don't know. They did and not surprising they didn't get the same reception. They knocked at a door and a man answered. The householder said "hi, I'm your neighbor and I'm Catholic." The man replied "so?" The householder immediately saw the difference, accepted a bible study and became our brother.
I thought this was a cool experience. I hope you enjoy it.
The visit was the best and Aimee and I had a lot of fun catching up and doing mother-daughter stuff. But, it was time to get back to business.
One nice experience that I want to share although it is not mine but was told by a brother where we stayed in Guayaquil on the trip back to Ecuador. His name is Luis and he told us that he was preaching and a householder said "it bothers me that you people think you have the only right religion. Can you prove to me that yours is the right one?" Luis answered by asking "I'm new here, do you know any Jehovah's Witnesses that live in this neighborhood?" He answered, "yes one lives up the hill there and another down the hill here." Luis said, "lets go see them." And they did. When they arrived to the first house, Luis knocked on the door, a brother he didn't know answered. Luis said, "Hi brother, I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses preaching in your neighborhood." Immediately, the brother warmly invited them into the house. They visited for a few minutes and left. Then they went to the next one and the exact same thing occurred. Luis then asked the incredulous man, "do you know any Catholics around here?" "Yes, we are all Catholics." he said. Luis said, "okay let's try the same thing and go to the house of a Catholic you don't know. They did and not surprising they didn't get the same reception. They knocked at a door and a man answered. The householder said "hi, I'm your neighbor and I'm Catholic." The man replied "so?" The householder immediately saw the difference, accepted a bible study and became our brother.
I thought this was a cool experience. I hope you enjoy it.
Friday, June 25, 2010
My First Convention in the US in 14 Years!
Today I attended my first convention in the US in 14 years. I am in Colorado with my daughter Aimee and her husband Steve and the first day was fantastic! The emotion, encouragement and counsel is motivating to keep going and stay close to Jehovah. I'm really too tired to say more, but just had to write this down before bedtime. Got to rise bright and early for tomorrow's session....can't wait.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Things I Love About Ecuador and Almost Forgot
After five years of not visiting the family, I was getting so homesick and wanting a trip back to the States. I am having the time of my life and the best visit ever with Aimee. However, I have been pondering some things that I have come to love about Ecuador and now miss very much. Here is a list.
1. No matter where you are in the country, you see the brothers preaching: day and night.
2. When you walk into the Kingdom Hall, EVERYBODY greets you. It doesn't matter if it is a large or small congregation. They at least shake your hand or kiss your cheek. You feel welcomed even if you are a stranger. The rest of the world could learn a lesson from the Ecuadorian brothers.
3. The same with a party or get together. Everyone greets you AND says goodnight when you leave. Sniff.
4. The food prices. WOW, everything is expensive here.
5. Nothing is rushed. The lifestyle is much slower and relaxed.
6. I miss my afternoon siesta. I always complained that everything closes between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and I couldn't get anything done. Now I sort of miss the quiet time.
7. The family lunch. Everyone goes home to eat the big meal at 1:00 p.m. with the family. It doesn't matter if you work, pioneer or go to school...you go home to eat (then the siesta is necessary.)
8. Walking. We walk everywhere, to work, to the grocery, in the ministry and to return visits. I used to complain, but now I sort of miss it. hmmm.
9. The parks. Every weekend families go to the park to play, rest, sleep and visit.
10. My bible students. I really miss their faces and watching their progress.
No, I'm not ready to go back yet. I'm still enjoying myself way too much. But, I did have a moment of reflection that I thought I would share.
1. No matter where you are in the country, you see the brothers preaching: day and night.
2. When you walk into the Kingdom Hall, EVERYBODY greets you. It doesn't matter if it is a large or small congregation. They at least shake your hand or kiss your cheek. You feel welcomed even if you are a stranger. The rest of the world could learn a lesson from the Ecuadorian brothers.
3. The same with a party or get together. Everyone greets you AND says goodnight when you leave. Sniff.
4. The food prices. WOW, everything is expensive here.
5. Nothing is rushed. The lifestyle is much slower and relaxed.
6. I miss my afternoon siesta. I always complained that everything closes between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and I couldn't get anything done. Now I sort of miss the quiet time.
7. The family lunch. Everyone goes home to eat the big meal at 1:00 p.m. with the family. It doesn't matter if you work, pioneer or go to school...you go home to eat (then the siesta is necessary.)
8. Walking. We walk everywhere, to work, to the grocery, in the ministry and to return visits. I used to complain, but now I sort of miss it. hmmm.
9. The parks. Every weekend families go to the park to play, rest, sleep and visit.
10. My bible students. I really miss their faces and watching their progress.
No, I'm not ready to go back yet. I'm still enjoying myself way too much. But, I did have a moment of reflection that I thought I would share.
Seven Siblings
Our anniversary party gave us an opportunity to see many old friends, but it also gave the McCleskey clan a rare chance to all get together. Here is Mark with his six brothers and sister and Mom. Can you see the family resemblance?Monday, June 7, 2010
Some Cake
The anniversary party was a great success! I will be posting more about it later. But, for those of you who couldn't attend the great event, I wanted to share with you a glimpse of the enormous cake that Scott, Lori and family provided. It represented many of our Texas memories. Take a look at this work of art! Thank you guys for this wonderful surprise!
I will be posting more pictures of the party once I recover from the trip. It was a wonderful party and we got to see many of our friends that we haven't seen for many years. Thank you all for your participation and loving support. A special thank you to Aimee who make it all possible and was responsible for making this an event we will always cherish.
I will be posting more pictures of the party once I recover from the trip. It was a wonderful party and we got to see many of our friends that we haven't seen for many years. Thank you all for your participation and loving support. A special thank you to Aimee who make it all possible and was responsible for making this an event we will always cherish.
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