A Few New Things

     I mentioned in a previous blog that Nettie has been a volunteer during this lockdown, delivering medicine and food to people 65 and older (who need to stay home to be safe).  The way the program is set up, she has a partner that she goes with each time.  As things have begun to open back up, her partner has started going back to work and wasn't available to help one day.  I jumped at the chance to leave home and go with her!  It was very interesting for me to see what she's been doing these weeks.  We had a long list of addresses.  Each person had a number next to their name that corresponded with a bag of medicine that nurses had already prepared.  Everyone was very kind and grateful, even if they needed something to be corrected.  We helped by relaying their messages to the nurses.  Nettie said a blessing over each person as we left them.



     I took this picture outside of the local clinic once we had finished.  This bin had been full of individual bags of medicine.  While we were out, everyone had to sign a paper to show that it was delivered to the proper person.  We had to use antiseptic on our gloved hands between each home and disinfect the pen between each person, too.  Inside the clinic, a guard took our temperature at the door and sprayed everyone's hands.  There was someone cleaning surfaces and floors with bleach constantly.  And, of course, everyone was in masks.  I was thankful for this opportunity.



     One exciting new thing from the past weeks is that Leif has been a part of leading two groups of men (over Zoom) with the Training National Trainers (TNT) program.  He went through this program several years ago, and is now able to share the things he learned with others!  Because of the lockdown, these guys have more time to commit to something like this and are really soaking it all up.   TNT helps men learn how to study and teach the Word of God to others.  Right now they are studying the book of Jonah.  A couple of them have already given sermons from Jonah in their church services (also over Zoom).   It's been encouraging for Leif to see the excitement of these guys and to hear how helpful the materials have been for them.



     Another new thing we've started this month is a neighborhood English conversation group (over Zoom).  It's really been on Yulia's heart for us to do this.  She asked us, and we decided to do a trial month to see how it goes.  So far we've met some new people.  One lady has a daughter Anneka's age, and she and Anneka are on a bike ride together right now as I type.  We're not sure where this will go, but it's been fun to get to know some new people from the area and to speak in our native tongue.  =)  One lady commented that she appreciates how we talk about valuable things that make her think.  It's gone well enough that we've decided to continue into July.