It gives people a chance to pick up something to read - with no charge (and no 'contribution' requested or even accepted) and no questions asked. Many are much more comfortable with that than having a home visit, so we're happy to oblige. We won't stop our home visits, but this adds a new dimension. The program is now being expanded to other cities, large and small.
So - we started one in Panajachel, starting August 1! We have books and brochures in Spanish and English, in Kaqkichel and Quiche, and also in many European languages as well as Japanese and Chinese.
We've had some great experiences. One man picked up a book, and the next day, came back to thank us - he had been reading all the previous day and really enjoyed it. Two local men - Pablo, and Ismar, stopped by, and after initiating a conversation with someone, came to the Kingdom Hall for a meeting and really enjoyed it! A local woman from a town up the mountain stopped, and asked for someone to call on her. And even if they don't pick up anything, it allows us to just be friendly. A man named Marty has stopped by to just visit, and we found out that he lived very near where I did in both the Bronx and in Texas! A woman who has lived here for a long time picked up something in her native French, and was delighted to have it. And those are just a few experiences based on my own time there!
Here are some pictures:
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| The first day! Now we are in front of Guajimbo's kitchen. From left: Natalie and Andy Perez, Josue Garcia, Julene Eisenhauer, and me. |
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| Our view across the street, from behind the table. |
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| A girl looking |
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| A girl and her brother |
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| Some folks looking for Kaqkichel |
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