Matagalpa Assembly

The CA in Matagalpa was a real treat. There are something like 30 special pioneers in the circuit, I'm not sure whether or not the missionaries are considered special pioneers or not but there were 6 of them at the assembly as well. It was great to see them in action. Each of them had parts on the assembly with the exception of on of the missionary sisters and all of them were working hard with various assignments.

The location of the assembly is a small basket ball arena. The bathroom situation for almost 900 people was quite interesting. There are 2 bathrooms. (In the picture above it's the small shed on the right against the far wall, yep that's all of them) The mens restroom is only a small drain, probably 1-2 inches in diameter, so there are signs posted everywhere that you should only urinate there. However, Andrew, a brother in our congregation assigned to cleaning, was forced to handle the actions of a brother that evidently could not read the signs posted all over the little room. I hope that describes the situation without actually spelling it out for you. But I guess, in defense of the brother, if you've gotta go you've gotta go. This story really highlights some of the unique situations that come up here that likely wouldn't happen at home.

Another quite interesting thing involved the location of the assembly. It's basically a steel framed structure with no complete walls. This is fine in many places but Nica is special. I don't know if it's because of a lack of media exposure or what but people drive around here blasting advertisements about everything. Think sound cars in the JV book. They talk about people dying that day, and then subsequently name the 10+ names of the people that paid for the sound car to declare it. Quite interesting. Or sometimes it's just an advertisement to go somewhere or some religious proclamation, etc. The problem at the assembly is that because there are no complete walls, and the street is just on the other side of the small half high walls, the sound at the assembly is oftentimes in competition with the speaker. Something I found quite unexpected. I've never been to an assembly where the speaker was drowned out by ambient noise. Makes you appreciate what we have in the states.

I've included some pictures and perhaps Vanessa will blog a bit later.

written by

Shane Perry on August 11, 2008 from Matagalpa, Nicaragua

from the travel blog: Shane and Vanessa's Nicaraguan Adventure

tagged Matagalpa, CircuitAssembly, SoundCar and Toilet

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Love your blog! I tried to print a copy of it at work--but no success. I'll try again at home.
I remember those sound cars in Matagalpa. They do not have media coverage so that is the way to advertise or to inform folks of neighborhood happenings, such as deaths and funerals. I found it unique. Looking forward to seeing and hearing more! It will truly be an adventure! Love, Mom

written by Betty Perry on August 11, 2008

Wow! Makes you realize the need to continue to donate to support the building of more AH. What a great privledge to be there though.

written by Josh Gill on August 11, 2008

What a wonderful adventure!!!It's like being there with you. We enjoyed the pictures and narrative. Looking forward to more of your experiences. It's like reading about Paul's missionary trip only much quicker. Technolgy is great. Judi and Debi

written by Debi Dotson on August 11, 2008

Yeah it really does make you want to donate more doesn't it? I remember hearing the accounts for the circuit and it only cost something like $800 U.S. for all the expenses involved. They did something interesting to pay for the whole thing, which was also included in that entire expense, they purchased cases of juice and Coke and Fanta and then sold it at a profit to make everything work out. What would you call that? A donation incentive? :) It was nice, though, to have something cold in the middle of the day. You could buy something like a half a quart of water in a plastic bag for something like 2 cents. Not sure how they make any profit on that.

written by Shane on August 11, 2008

Was so nice to get a message (even if through ODT). Loved your blog. It's such a nice way to see what you all are up to there, so far away. I know you will soon learn to communicate better and have some interesting Field service experiences. Keep up the good work for Jehovah's glory!! Your other Mom, Doris

written by Doris Thomas on August 12, 2008

shane & Vanessa,
Just got to see and read your blog. It is great to hear from you and glad things are going good for you. Look forward to hearing more experiences from you. Miss you but know you are having fun and enjoyment in a new feature of Jehovah's service.
Joe & Pam Lovett

written by Jpe & Pam Lovett on August 16, 2008

Hey guys just got 2 see your blog! Hope things are still goin well 4 ya. And I hope your gettin some sleep at night, despite random animal and people noises. Grr I'm still workin on the whole trip thing. ill keep ya posted regarding that. Yesterday was my first official day pioneering! Raina just came back from pio. school and now I'm super excited to go. Hope your havin fun!
Much Love
~Bailey & the rest of the Stewart clan

written by Bailey Stewart on September 2, 2008

E-mail me sometime... in English.

Love,

Your Brother-In-Law

written by Jason on December 24, 2008

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