Difference Between English and Spanish Service

Sometimes it's easy to forget the different lifestyles that the Ticos have from the Americans. The Americans here have all really simplified, but at least we all have cars for our long service days. English territory usually requires a lot of driving since our territory covers neighborhoods in many different towns. The Spanish brothers and sisters have one motorbike between them. They walk ALOT. We meet for service at different locations throughout the area so that it isn't such a hardship for the brothers and sisters who don't live near the Kingdom Hall. Many times the English car group will fit as many Spanish brothers into their cars and drop them off in the territory they are working, then come back through at noon to take everyone back home.

Yesterday was quite an eye opening experience for me! I usually get assigned to work with and English car group since that's where I'm going to be the most useful because i'm not fluent in Spanish. Yesterday though, Emily and I (a sister visiting) got the privilege of just working with 5 of our Spanish sisters. I came home exhausted! I think I walked about 4 to 5 miles in the hot blazing sun and got totally sunburned on my arms and chest.   Everyone who knows me knows I love to walk, but I think I met my match!

The day was very encouraging, the Spanish culture has a great respect for the Bible. Almost every householder asks questions and allows you to read at least one scripture. Usually you have to kiss them first on the cheek then take a seat on the porch before you begin your presentation. The Truth Tract is a great introductory publication because it allows the householder to point to the question that interests them the most. It seems to me that "what happens at death" is the most popular. Depending on interest, many publishers come back with a Teach book on the next call and go right to the chapter the householder was interested in and start their first bible lesson ...or start it right there that day on the porch.

English territory too is very exciting. It is different don't get me wrong, but it amazes me how many people will talk to you in their "vacation home" that wouldn't give you the time of day back in the states. Some  are still rude, but I also think they are curious how we found them, they thought they were safe in Costa Rica! There have been no bible studies started in english...yet, but the english group has placed a bible, a ton of magazines and quite a few books these last few weeks. It's an exciting time to be here because the English territory is just starting to open up and there is a lot of work to do! I feel that we are in an extra special position because we can continue to learn Spanish and progress with our language skills and also work a territory that the local brothers and sisters cannot reach. I hope I have encouraged some of you to come visit me, I miss you all!