In a Nutshell...

Wow...the ride is just finished and we're back on it. Off to another world wind adventure and again we apologize for not blogging...Meli's computer has been sick for quite some time now and we've just been a little too busy. But let's try this again.

We left you off with our trip to Africa for the International Convention (Video in Progress). Our stopover in Egypt and returning to the states. I have to say that returning to the states was a good experience for us. Our family welcomed us with open arms. It was good to spend some time with familiar faces.

The Vietnamese Gang

Unfortunately, the economic situation back home wasn't great. So as for working, we didn't do much of it. But hey, that's how the cookie crumbles. Thanks to Jehovah, we were well taken care of.

We did take advantage and attended the Circuit and Special Day Assembly. We got to sing the new songs in languages we were familiar with and enjoyed visiting the Thai Group in New Jersey.

We even got to preach to Thais. I'll tell you how that happened: We met a young sister in one of the congregations we visited but never got a chance to exchange telephone numbers or emails. One morning Jeff and I, decided to do some street work around the Fordham Road area. Now anyone who has been to the Bronx knows how busy this area is. We were standing in a corner when we spot the same sister. She was very excited. She had been thinking of how to look for us because, of course, she didn't have any of our info. That very morning, she went door to door and met 5 different Thai families in one building.She gave us the info and we went the next day and Yep! there they were...Coinsidence...I think not! Angels at work. It's amazing the reaction you get from anyone when you actually say you've moved to their country and learned some of their language. Their eyes light up when we mention things they can relate to...for example...places, food....We also met Laotians, Cambodians, Vietnamese. So for those who can't serve where the need is great in another country, just pick any language. There's enough need great work to do in your hometown. But enough of the states because then I start to get homesick.

Now we're back in Thailand. First it was tough to get back into the swing of things. We started Thai classes..ouch! We also have been meeting more deaf in the community. One of the young ladies that attends the meeting regularly has signed up for the Theocratic Ministry School and is talking about being a publisher...she would actually be the first here in Krabi. We also traveled with our Japanese sister to one of the surrounding towns. We met one deaf family then 2 more then 3 more and by the time you knew it we ended up meeting a total of 13 deaf that day. We did invite many to the Memorial but that day it rained. Many of them only have motorbikes and it was difficult for them to go. But despite that, we had 6 deaf that showed up. And we're very happy to report that we just received 2 new Thai Sign Language DVD's..... So our work does pay off...thanks to Jehovah.

Now Jeff started focusing his attention to the Nepalese and Hindi people here. He also started Chinese classes..talk about being busy.

Could you believe we've been here now for 2 months which meant Visa Run. We decided to head to Lao PDR. We traveled from, stay with me now, Krabi to Bangkok to Chiang Mai, where we heard the special talk, then to Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong to Huay Xiai(Lao) to Luang Namtha to Nong Kiew to Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng to Vietianne, seeing beautiful sights along the way, then back to Bangkok, for pioneer meeting and assembly, then finally to Krabi...in a matter of 3 weeks. Wow..that was a mouthful.

Lahu Hill Tribe Language

We had the opportunity of going to a Rehabilitation Center in Vietianne which had a deaf school so we got to meet many deaf children who were excited to see 2 foreigners using sign language. On our way back from Vietianne to Bangkok, we had another good backpack witnessing experience. We met a man from Cameroon, Africa. Jeff initiated a conversation with him. He asked us what we were doing in Thailand. Jeff explained to him that we are Jehovah's Witnesses. He stated how he used to study the Bible with the Witnesses but stopped. He did say that he liked the Witnesses because they never asked for money unlike other churches. He had many questions about Bible prophecies. For about an hour and a half, they discussed Daniel's prophecies. He mentioned that when he returns to Africa he would like to restart his studies again...we hope!

We did end up going to Bangkok for the Circuit Assembly. Now I told you we already went back in the states. But we usually go just for the encouragement. And let me tell you we needed it. Like I mentioned before, I have been dealing with homesickness and at times I thought I was going nuts. I literally felt like packing my stuff and booking my trip back to NY. Am I the only one who feels this way? NO...I spoke with other sisters at the Assembly going through the same thing. I honestly have to say that I received some good advice. And even so, just knowing others feel this way made me feel so much better. Thank you Alanna and Terry. By the way, we read many other blogs, especially Jeff who enjoys looking for them, so many we can't even list them, and let me tell you how encouraging and up building they have been. Keep it up guys! It helps us not to give up and see how things are moving and shaking with Jehovah's spirit in these last days.

Joaquin and Francesca...from Chile but trying

to start a Chinese Group in Bangkok

Peter and Fiona...missionaries from Hungary

w/ Tia from Australia


Me with some of the single ladies...

I'm sure most of you have been wondering about the situation in Bangkok. It has been tough for some of our brothers in Bangkok to get around but they are all safe. As for those outside of Bangkok, we're all doing well. It's obviously having an adverse affect on the economy here in Thailand. Based on the current news, it's gonna get worse before it gets better. Signs of the times and the severe need for God's Kingdom.

We'll keep you posted...and the ride continues!!!

A December Day in Egypt

On our way to the international convention we had a layover guess where????? Cairo, Egypt. Not only for just an hour or so but a whole day. Our plane arrived in Cairo at 6 am and did not continue to Kenya for another 12 hours...what to do? A tour of the pyramids and the city of Cairo, of course!!! Here are some of the beautiful sights we enjoyed....

Wow...Breathtaking

These are some BIG blocks...sure aren't Legos

Hey look...I can touch the top!

How many pyramids can you find in the picture?

He still hasn't gotten that nose job done yet?

This is how traveling should be...anybody got some water?

The Nile River

Boat Ride along the Nile

Further South...

Visa run… back in November (yeah yeah...we're behind again)

Here we go …back on the saddle. But where to go… Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia look good. Twin Towers, call for prayer, Indian food, beaches, mixed cultures: Chinese, Malay, Indian. That’s Malaysia!
Security Cameras, Merlion, Theatre on the Bay, expensive and terrorist paranoia, near the point of getting arrested…we’ll explain later. That’s Singapore! As for Indonesia…nothing. Sit back, grab a cup o’ Joe and listen to the tale.

Malaysia…a beautiful country of mixed nationalities. We decided to take the train…well actually the bus to the train to another train to a ferry then back to a train. With a backpack strapped on...off we went. In the last blog we talked about backpack witnessing. We’ve discovered in our past travels many other backpackers who travel extensively on month’s end and even years, usually never get a witness. So we’ve decided that as fellow backpackers we’ll do our part! We’ve had some great experiences. Just to tell one in a few…we met a young man on the train station who actually approached us. He asked where we were from. I told him we were in Thailand then explained why. He also mentioned he was Christian and was avidly reading the Bible. I asked him which part of the Bible he was reading. Guess what he said...the Book of Isaiah. So I asked “Do you understand it?” Guess what he said…you see where this is going…he said “I can’t understand it until someone explains it to me.” My jaw dropped, a modern day Ethiopian Eunuch in Malaysia. I gave him a track and explained to him that we give free home Bible Studies and left him our email and the Watchtowers website. Let’s see what he does with it.



Among our backpack witnessing we met missionaries from South Africa who after a Biblical discussion, looked at Melissa’s facebook page, on their own private time during their travel and were impressed at the videos from the District Conventions that Meli posted on her page.

Now back to the traveling…we arrived first at Butterworth. We had to wait a couple of hours till our train connection to Kuala Lumpur so we took a ferry into Penang in the mean time. We took a small tour on one of their free bus rides. We ended up in Little India. The food was awesome but we noticed how, of course being a foreigner, the waiter was trying to push us into being the most expensive meals. That changed quickly once we caught on and saw most people ordering from a particular buffet that was more than half the cost. The food was great. We then walked around for the next few hours and back on the ferry to the train. We reached KL in the morning where we made our way to a young couples house who is also doing need great work in the sign language field. What a privilege it was staying with them. There also lived 2 young fleshly sisters from Arizona. How awesome it was to hear their stories on how Jehovah has taken care of them and also the hard work that they are all doing in Jehovah’s service. We had the opportunity to attend the meeting with the Sign Language group. In Malaysia, American Sign Language is used. It’s awesome to see the growth in the English field, sign language field and surprisingly there was also a Nepalese group being started so the meeting was interpreted in three different languages. To our surprise, everyone from the sign group was going to Cameron Highlands…the northern part of Malaysia…to do seldom work territory, which left two rats to play. We were left the keys to the house for the next 3 days with a pool downstairs…only in Jehovah’s organization. We did enjoy touring the city…Petronas Towers, Central Market, Chinatown, Little India…after a cool time in KL, our travels continued.















A four hour bus drive to Melaka…where Bethel is located. We stayed there for two days.
The encouragement we received there was incredible. For a long time Malaysia had been having success in the English Field. Now their focusing on the Malay language. That meant many brothers and sisters serving in the English for years have packed their stuff and moved over to the Malay field…learning Malay language. Rock on for you guys!!! We know how it is!!!

After a good time in Melaka...which has many historical sites and great ambience, I say #1 place to visit in Malaysia.





Now we head off further south…to the squeaky clean, Singapore. What can I say? Let me explain. Remember I mentioned at the point of being arrested (we’re grateful to Lonely Planet for the warning of the security cameras). Meli and I were doing some sightseeing when we got lost. We were walking along the coast in this beautiful park when we noticed the pathway ended. We walked through a patch of grass trying to get out but there was this odd tunnel that was not on our map. So we decided to see if we could go through the tunnel to the other side. When suddenly I remembered about the security cameras that are found everywhere. So we turned around quickly but to our surprise we surrounded by transit police. Thinking we were terrorist they ordered us not to move. We immediately put our hands up. And explained that we were lost. After a brief interrogation, and charges dropped…we were escorted to to the city. So I guess it turned out great after all since we didn’t have to walk there. If you look at it that way. Way to go Singapore…

Now to Indonesia…or not. Nothing to write about because of some technicalities we never made it…sorry Tom, it hurt us not to go but next time Baby!!!




squeaky clean beautiful Singapore






Island off north Malaysia: Pedang

Quite a few things we learned on this adventure. 1. Backpack witnessing pays off. We found a fertile territory that makes our service much more fun. Find your nitch. Like Road trip witnessing, Gas station witnessing, truck stops, camping. Just pick up a backpack and get yourself moving and spread that seed. 2. The International Brotherhood…that’s exactly what it is. It’s incredible how a person who never met you before leaves their home, picks you up, takes care of you as if your family. Just that should impress to you the fact that we’re in the truth. 3. Things usually never work out as you plan so always be flexible and open to adjust as things fall on your lap.

Like always so much to write so little time. We'll post soon with pics on the International Convention in Kenya Africa and our first trip home back to the States. Love to all and Jehovah's blessings be with ya.