Our team is now in the process of taking a walk on the rugged side of the sunny Caribbean. On Sunday night after church at TTUM, we took the two hour drive up to Toco Trinidad which is a small town in the north eastern corner of the island. We are staying at a wonderfully rustic boarding house that has turned out to be an adventure for all. I am personally astounded that I get to have such an opportunity. I often feel like I’m staying in a cement block tent in the jungle. We are indeed in a house, but it seems that there are more open windows or spaces in the cement block walls than solid walls in any given room. All such “adventurous” opportunities continue to unify our team and impress me more every day. I’m basking in the wonderful differences of another culture.
We have been able to visit three schools since coming here to Toco. Yesterday we visited a small, Catholic nursery school, where most kids were around 2-4, and today we visited two other primary schools. All three visits were very enjoyable. I especially liked the last school we visited
today which is just up the road from where we are staying where I was able connect with several girls and boys. Trinidadian children especially love to touch soft hair or look at/ touch your skin. As a result, let’s just say I got my hair “styled” today by a few “helpful hands” as other children gathered around hoping to be able to touch my hair. – As this was happening, I looked across the room to my fellow teammate Melissa who was having her hair “styled” by more than 5 children at one time!!! – I never knew that taking a hair binder out of your hair could be so “dangerous” J
While we have been in Toco, I have been Immensely enjoying spending time with John Sylvester, our guide from TTUM who lives at the center with his wife and kids and is the caretaker of the TTUM compound. He is a wonderful man of God who loves to show us all his favorite parts about his country. John is always ready and willing to be asked any question about anything, which is so wonderful when you are in a different place. John also loves to serve the team by getting us special things that grow here. He knows of my love of fruits and trying new things, so whenever possible, he finds new things for us to try. I just tried some spicy green “mango chow” that was AMAZING. He never ceases to amaze he with the new fruits, leaves, plants, peppers, etc. that he pulls out of the woods for us to eat.
Our team also visited “the point” where the waters of the Atlantic and the Caribbean meet. The whole experience of visiting the point left in awe of who God. The point is very rocky, so when the waves come in, they break on the rocks and water shoots in the air… it’s just magnificent. It’s a wonderful little tiny picture of God’s greatness and majesty. We visited the point last night and we were able to climb to the top of the light house to watch the sun set over the water. Gorgeous isn’t even a good word to describe it. It was glorious.
Everyone has been in relatively well health in the last few days. We’ve had a few iffy stomachs, but as a whole, everyone is on the up and up! To everyone I have e-mailed a few times, please know that we don’t have internet here, so I won’t be able to e-mail till I get back to TTUM on Wednesday night. Brian will be sending this message via an internet café down the street.
And one last note to a special someone -- I’m rightly considering my inconveniences and having wonderful adventures in the process! Miss you and can’t wait to see you! -- p.s. No apple trees here. From the sunny side ~Liz Bird
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