Tomatoes, onions, and chiles make a great salsa!!

Today's talk was great!! I really enjoyed it!! The brother was a native speaker from Istapalapa Inglés, but spoke English very well! He used a few nice visible illustrations and a lot of gestures. My friend Anita, who has been here for a little over 2 months from Cancun and came straight into the English congregation without knowing a speck of English, said the talk was good, clear and understandable so much that even she understood it. Hehe.

One of the illustrations the brother used concerning the body of elders was the following: Our body of elders are like a good salsa!! There are 3 main ingredients to a great salsa: tomatoes, onions, and chiles. Brother Tomato is tender, very helpful, nice and sweet. Brother Onion is nice, always willing to help, but might make us cry. Brother Chile always helps but at times might be a bit irritating. None the less, all three are needed to make a good salsa!!

So true, right? Well, I must admit my (former?) congregation back home, North Cicero Spanish, is composed of 3 tomatoes, making a GREAT tomato sauce for an awesome pizza!! (Mmm..pizza..oh how I miss you..) I provided a couple pictures of some New York style pizza. My mouth waters..

Well back to salsa, I just simply loved that illustration!

"We all have reason to “be submissive” to the elders. As Paul wrote, ‘they are keeping watch over our souls.’" (Heb. 13:17) -W11 6/15 24-28

Thank you for stopping by!

Mucho love to all!!:-*

Ice tray

My mom just bought some ice trays!! Whoop whoop!!

But my reason for this post isn't just to let you all know that we have ice trays now but to share with you a good illustration a brother told me right before we moved down here.

He told me my trip down here will be like putting an ice tray in the freezer. He said, "allow Jehovah to make you solid, for that to happen you will need a considerable amount of time to pass, just like an ice tray, if you pull it out of the freezer before the water becomes ice what happens? You don't have full ice cubes."

I appreciated that advice tremendously!!

Isaiah 64:8 comes to mind

"And now, O Jehovah, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are our Potter; and all of us are the work of your hand."

I have to allow Jehovah to mold me, to make me solid, into an ice cube.

I am grateful to Jehovah that he has allowed me to come down here to mature spirituality, mentally and just simply grow as a person.

I must admit, if it was up to me. Up to my imperfect thinking. I would be in Chicago, or in New York City. But Jehovah just worked things out perfectly and well, here I am.

Questions answered

So a few of you have asked some questions. Sorry it has taken me so long to respond.


1. how far is your congregation from bethel?

A: approximately 40 min in car. There are about 25 Bethelites in Oceania Ingles. I haven't been able to associate much with them yet. But I will soon!


2. How far do others commute to get to the Kingdom Hall?
A: Anywhere from 10min to an hour or more. We are all spread out.

3. Are there some need greaters that only live part time in Mexico?

A: Yes, I met two sisters at the convention that go back to Florida to work and then come back. But there are those who work and stay here. Many are English teachers. Either for a school or give classes on their own.

4. Are you liking it?

A: I am liking it. Well, when I'm out in service, at the meetings or hanging out with the friends and when I'm at home (but not for too long) I am ok. But when I'm out en el mercado,or el centro, I don't like it. I don't feel safe. There's A LOT of smoke, cars, and people. BUT that's when I rely on Jehovah. That's all there's left to do. And of course I always carry my umbrella. But I need a pepper spray too!:D

5. Are you still sad? or happy?

A: I am happy because I know this is where Jehovah wants me right now. And I love meeting new friends. I love that I am with my parents. I love that I get to speak English and help the friends with their English.
Am I sad? Not really. I do miss EVERYBODY!! And there are times i shed a few tears because I wish I can just hop in my car and drive to see my friends, or hop on a 2 hour flight to see my friends in NYC. But Jehovah willing I will see everyone soon!!!:D With that being said I do plan on going for the month of February to Chicago and 2 weeks to NYC one before going Chicago and one after:D Thank you to Southwest for their rapid rewards program, haha!:D

Oh and as for Costa Rica, I don't think it will be possible for me to go. I'll just patiently wait until the next opportunity to apply for a special assembly.

6. Have you met anyone yet? ;)

A: LOL! NO!! I have not. I am focused on what I came here for and that is to help out where the need is great. So I have no intentions in "meeting someone".

Anyone else have any other questions please feel free to ask!!

Jehovah provides

While commenting on a friend's blog (he is serving in Nicaragua) about how he needed a fridge and was convinced he needed one and was determined to get one, he came to the realization he really didn't and came to terms with that. But thanks to Jehovah a sister lovingly gave him a mini fridge for free. Well, his story reminded me of our fridge story.

I often think bout the things we left back home, sold, or gave away, that we need now or had to buy. One of them was the fridge. For like 2 weeks we would by food by day or eat out (which I hate bc I'm having a difficult time getting used to the food here.) Well, a fridge can cost you an arm and leg. But we didn't have to look for long, because Jehovah moved my uncle's heart to buy my aunt a new fridge and give us theirs! Take into consideration that my uncle is cheap and they've had the same fridge for over 20 years! It was a miracle that he was moved to buy my aunt a new one and give us theirs! lol! and it works perfect, we don't really need a new fridge.

Reminds me of this text.

"For to the man that is good before him he has given wisdom and knowledge and rejoicing, but to the sinner he has given the occupation of gathering and bringing together merely to give to the one that is good before the true God. This too is vanity and a striving after wind." -Ecles. 2:26


Who is the man good before Jehovah? Us, Jehovah's servants. To us he has given wisdom, knowledge and rejoicing. But what job has he given the sinner? The occupation of gathering bringing together "stuff" to give to the one that is good before Jehovah.

In the brother's case the sister out of loving kindness gave him a fridge. She is not a sinner.

I definitely know how the brother felt about wanting a fridge! And it's those smalls things we take for granted in the states.

Garden of Eden

How do you picture paradise? How do you think the garden of Eden was like? What does garden of Eden mean? What's the difference between a forest and garden?

These were a few questions a brother asked his study. I was able to sit in on the study and I felt like I was learning right along with the student! The way the brother used these questions to help the study really imagine paradise in his mind was amazing.

He asked both of us. How many times have you heard the word paradise? Lots of times! But how many times have you imagined it? Few. Picturing it is well worth our time!

Garden of Eden: garden of pleasures.
A garden is made, cultivated, designed. A forest, is there. Not man made. The garden of Eden, was designed by Jehovah! If a man made garden is absolutely beautiful, imagine Jehovah's garden? Perfect! Future paradise? Perfectly beautiful!! Just close your eyes and imagine how it will be.

"They will* fear you as long as there is a sun,*
And before the moon for generation after generation.*
He will descend like the rain upon the mown grass,
Like copious showers that wet the earth.*
In his days the righteous one* will sprout,
And the abundance of peace until the moon is no more.*
And he will have subjects from sea to sea
And from the River* to the ends of the earth.
Before him the inhabitants of waterless regions* will bow down,
And his very enemies will lick the dust itself." -Psalms 72:5-9

The way this brother uses questions and illustrations is amazing! Following Jesus' steps for sure!

So much to share!

But for today it is all. We walked so much today and I am so tired I don't even feel like having merienda. (Late night snack) I need sleep!!

I Feel at Home

"Jehovah, I have loved the dwelling of your house
And the place of the residing of your glory."- Psalms 26:8

Truly these words have become so true for me. I am happy when I'm at the meetings and with the friends. Today was my second meeting with Oceania Ingles. And I absolutely love it! I LOVE how you can go anywhere in the world and the friends treat you like they have known you forever!!

My dad dropped me off and picked me up. I think he may have to do that at least on Tuesdays. On Sundays i think its "safe enough" for me to go on my own. So on our way home tonight the metro was packed!! And we pushed ourselves in like sardines in a can. I was literally squished against the door! Haha. Good thing we get off on the next stop.

It is so commendable how the brothers and sisters are striving to learn and speak English. And they are surely reaching that goal! They give such good thought out comments in their own words! It's so encouraging! For those wondering if I commented or not, I did:) Thanks to Jehovah I feel comfortable and eager to comment.

I feel at home. Why? Well I really enjoy the way the meeting is conducted reminds me of my congregation back home, North Cicero Spanish. Also, there are many couples. For those who know me, know how much I love hanging out with couples! Lastly, because I am able to speak English!! Haha...even Spanglish too! Oh, I am told there are many Bethelites in the congregation too! So exciting! Never served in a congregation with Bethelites.

One reason I feel more at home in the English is because of the culture, I feel less homesick. Even though I am Mexican, in reality I'm not. Do I make sense? In the English a few are from the states so we are used to the American culture. And for those who are not, they pick up on it. Ay, I don't know if I am explaining myself. At this point I feel like I can't express myself well, not in Spanish or English. Haha.

I took one picture today. The sisters giving their assignment in the Theocratic Ministry School.

Alright, well it's late and I shall get some sleep. Tomorrow I will be going out to service with the English. I haven't preached in English in a very long time!! Praying to Jehovah it goes well!

I miss and send my love to all!!

Remember any questions, ideas, concerns, comments, or opinions feel free to email me!!


Mucho amor agape!

Nancy!

First visit to Oceania Ingles

Excited, nervous, worried, and even more anxiously excited were the feelings I felt right before stepping foot into the Kingdom Hall.

My dad dropped me off at the KH. I must admit I miss my car terribly, but even if I did have it I don't think I have the guts to drive in this crazy traffic. Ok, so from home we walk to 'la base de taxis'( 3 min walk) from there we take a taxi to the metro stop which is less than a 5 min drive and it cost 14 pesos like $1.10. From there we take the metro (each ticket is 3 pesos, $.25) and on the next stop we get off and walk to the KH which is only a block away. Pretty easy. Well, he walked me to the KH and then told me "well, after the meeting you know how to get back, right?" I was surprised he didn't say, "I'll come pick you up after the meeting, or I'll meet you at the metro stop." I think he really wants me to be independent here and learn how to get around.

As soon as I step into the KH I was greeted by a brother and right away I asked for Gina. A sister I was introduced to at the convention last weekend. She invited me to sit with her and the other sisters she was sitting with. So thankful to Jehovah that I did not sit alone. :D

Meeting was awesome! A brother visiting from California gave the talk. I think he actually serves in the Spanish because he threw in some Spanish phrases and his wife had the Bible in Spanish.

The WT study was great! I really enjoyed how the brother conducted the study.


What did we have for dinner? We all pitched in to buy barbacoa, roasted chicken, rice, tortilla, and soda. Everything was sooo good. Back home i didn't eat tortilla, but the tortillas here are so fresh and melt in your mouth. You can easily eat like 5 without even realizing it.

So I don't have a Mexican cell number yet. But as soon as we arrived at the sister's house I called my parents, but I didn't know how to dial the number. So I dialed the wrong number, but it rung and no one answered. So I called my aunt's house and I told my cousin to tell my mom I was ok, that I was with some friends and that I would be home later. Well, my mom understood wrong and thought my cousin had said I was on my way home. This was around 3. Well, time flew and before I knew it was 7. So I called again, and I asked the sisters for help on how to dial the number because I realized I had dialed it wrong when I first called. So the phone rings and my mom picks up, she was a wreck, :'( she was worried that something had happened to me. I felt terrible! And immediately all these 'I should have done this I should have done that' overcame me with guilt. But I calmed her down and told her I was ok. The sister's saw the anxious look on my face and asked if I wanted to go home. So we did. Oh, and I had ran out of money! I had to ask a sister to let me borrow money for the taxi ride home. Ay! I need to learn fast this whole deal with pesos. One sister told me that with at least $150 pesos a day I should be good. Which is approx $11 dollars a day.

So some friends dropped me and another sister off at the metro train stop. And from there we rode the train together for 2 stops. The sister was worried for me that I was going to take the taxi home by myself for the first time! But I assured her I would be ok with Jehovah's protection. I step out of the train and my whole walk down to la base de taxis I prayed to Jehovah that my life is in hands and that to help me not to be nervous or act scared. The good thing is the taxi base is a few feet away from the train exist. And in 5 min I was home. I ran to my mom and hugged her and we cried together. I felt horrible!! But today we are going to buy a cheap phone so I have a phone on me at all times. The cell phones here work like prepaid phones. But with the difference that if you have no credit on your phone left, you're still able to receive calls and texts. Which is a good thing.

So, that was my first visit to Ocenia Ingles. Quite a day I must say! It's amazing how I can see Jehovah's guidance. There's no doubt that this is where I need to be for the meantime. And one of the young sisters (American sister from Cali, who's 15, here with her parents and little brother. I will tell you guys about them in a later post:) told me I will not regret it at all and I will end up staying. The idea of staying scares me. But there's only one thing that can make me go back. But I leave it in Jehovah's hands. He knows where and under what circumstances we can best serve Him. And like in the young people ask video when sister Susan quoted the scripture
of 2 Cor. 5:15- "and he died for all that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised up." We dedicate our lives to Jehovah, not so we can keep living for ourselves anymore but for Jehovah. So it's Jehovah who decides where I will serve.

Alright, I hope everyone is doing well!!! Please feel free to email me any questions, ideas, concerns, opinions, service experiences, any good news of any sort!!

I miss everyone back home!! From everyone in Chicago and New York/New Jersey and the couple friends in Ohio!

I send my love to all!!

~Nancy!

Service with the Spanish congregation

Service has been great! Whether they answer the doors or not. We are giving testimony just by walking the streets going door to door. People know that we are preaching the Good News of Jehovah's Kingdom!

I placed my first Bible Teach book

I was able to reason with a man who was fixing up a house. We were able to reason from the scriptures that God's name is Jehovah. That not all will go to heaven but that majority will reside here on earth in a paradise. And I mentioned the donation to the world wide work. And to my surprise he donated 10 pesos!!! Yay!!! May all glory and honor go to our loving Father Jehovah!


The loving sisters

I've been able to meet some amazing sisters. They are loving and so sweet! One sister, hermanita Lupita goes out in service everyday and besides the fact that she is 80 years old she is very zealous in her ministry!

Everyday I get nervous with whom I will be assign with. So I pray to Jehovah and ask him to help me not to be shy and to enjoy service to the fullest. And Jehovah has so kindly allowed me to enjoy it beyond my expectations. The sisters provide a listening ear, and understand how much I miss home. And they so lovingly give me advice and give me hugs and kisses to welcome me. Even tho I miss my home congregation, soo much that on Friday during prayer I started to cry. But without anyone noticing I quickly wiped my tears prayed to Jehovah once more and headed out door to door. Well, I ended up working with 3 sisters. And I enjoyed it so much! The last sister i worked with told me she is planning to visit Costa Rica in January. She was just there on a pioneer route in March and April. So, she so kindly welcomed me to go along with her! Jehovah willing, I will be able to travel to Costa Rica for the Special Assembly and be able to meet the friends and enjoy service with them.

Well, that is all for today. It's very late or should I say really early in the morning. Yikes! I must sleep!

Sister Lupita Meza preaching 

Spanish territory

Sister Lupita and I 

Spanish territory second half 

Sisters preaching door to door

First week!

Greetings friends!

Hope this blog finds you all well!! Well, as many of you may know, my parents and I have moved to Mexico City. (To those who didn't know I apologize for not letting you know, everything happened so fast.) But just as the Bible foretold that at the end of system of things times will get tough. And no doubt we are all experiencing it. It is for that reason we moved down here. As for me, I saw the opportunity to move down with them and take advantage to help out and serve where the need is great, which is in the English field. For how long? Well, I say at least 6 months. Many friends tell me I will end up staying here for more than 6 months. But so far my plan is 6 months. I'm still waiting for my reason to go back;D

English field

I don't know much about it still but i do know that left and right there are groups and congregations forming all over Mexico. Flocks of people are migrating to Mexico for one reason or another. Therefore, there is a great need for evangelizers. ... “Yes, the harvest is great, but the workers are few. Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.” (Mat. 9:37, 38)

I was so surprised to see so many friends striving to learn English. And to see how many move down here from Canada, the states, and even Europe to help out.

You may ask yourself, are there people here who speak English? Yes, there is. Many have been deported and their spouses are american. Or those who lived in the states for a long time and moved back and now prefer English even tho they are mexican. Or those who are learning how to speak English and are just curious to know why we preach in English. What ever reason it is, we are happy that people are learning about Jehovah and his Kingdom.

Convention 2012: 'Safeguard your Heart!'

I arrived just on time for the English convention. I know most of you if not all of you have already attended. This was my second time hearing the program. And as for Sunday's program it was my 5th time, I think. But I must admit this time around I had a greater appreciation. The talks touched my heart even more than the first time. I cried during a lot of the talks.

During the Sound Drama: Fortify Your Hearts to Be Witnesses. What the brother said at the end really touched me, he said and I quote

"How are we strengthen to be Witnesses of Jehovah and Jesus? By means of the Bible, and the publications provided by the faithful slave class. Jehovah gives us proof, proof that we are living in the last days, proof that Jesus is ruling as the King at this very moment in time. There is no doubt about this brothers, it is clear. Our hearts should burn of appreciations that we are able to understand these things. Are doubts are hopefully starving to death as we speak. But still it's not easy, is it my dear friends? Times can be very difficult. Sometimes we might feel like derrick redmond (a famous runner in 1992 that while running he tore a tendon and fell) Well he got up and started hopping on one leg toward the finish line, he was in pain, tears were running down his face, he was crying he was in so much pain, in agony, it was obvious that he could not make it alone he needed help, and out of no where, a man came running right onto the track, pushing pass security guards, jumping over fences, literally! Who was it? It was Derrick's father. And his father ran up behind him and put his big arm around Derrick and he whispered to Derrick ' I'm here son, we'll finish together.' Derrick leaned on his father and together they crossed the finish line. Brothers and sisters, friends, our finish line is right in front of us. We CANNOT quit now, now is the time to let all of the nations know that the resurrection of Jesus has made possible the forgiveness of all sins. Now is the time to let everyone know that the end of this disgusting system of things is fast approaching. We are so close to the promise paradise. And remember this brothers that no matter how discouraged you might get in this race that we're running, no matter how much pain you might experience, no matter the tears that are perhaps running down your face as we speak, emotional pain, physical pain, we can have complete confidence that as long as we fortify our hearts, as long as we safeguard our heart, that our father, Jehovah, is going to in effect run behind you and he's going to put his big arm around you and he's going to whisper in your ear ' don't worry! I'm here. We'll finish this race together!'" end quote. I loved it! It touched me deeply.

I also enjoyed Saturday's afternoon talk entitled "Jehovah Is Near to Those That Are Broken at Heart" surely during the week I felt like I was on a roller coaster. Roller coaster of emotions. I was sad, depressed, bored, happy, excited, nostalgic, confused, and many other emotions. But I prayed to Jehovah A LOT and

On Saturday, I was able to pour out my heart to two couples. They understood perfectly what I am going through. Since they had been through the same. They gave me such good advice. And they let me know that what I was feeling was normal and that it was ok to cry. In that instant tears started to pour down my face. The whole week I felt like if I cried it was because I wasn't strong enough. Or that I wasn't cutout to live here or serve. But to know that I'm not the only one, relieved me so much. And i was so thankful to Jehovah that I bumped into these two couples. Because that very morning and the night before I cried so much and begged Jehovah for enough strength to at least let me get through the day. And He truly listened to my prayer.

Living conditions

We are living what they call here a "duplex". A small apartment. It has a livingroom/dining room area a small kitchen. A bathroom, and 3 small bedrooms. And a patio, to dry hang our clothes. We live near everything. Which is a blessing, because we don't have a car down here. We have a gym, hotel, bank, mercado, panaderia, bodega, and every possible food stand you can think at only walking distance away. Also, my dad's family lives a block away and they have a car, so if we need to go somewhere far they take us. The neighborhood seems ok, compared to other areas in Mexico City it's ok. But you still have to be VERY cautious.

Meetings/Kingdom Hall and service

My parents will be attending Avenida Central congregation. The Kingdom Hall is only like 5 minutes in taxi, and 20 min waking. we take a taxi, it's only like 12 pesos. Their meetings days are Wednesdays at 7pm. And Saturdays at 7pm. The congregation has so kindly welcomed us. And are trying their best for us to feel at home. A couple of families have invited us over for dinner. Anytime spent with the friends helps me to feel at peace. And even tho I miss the friends back home soo much. I am thankful that I get to widen out and meet even more friends.

I plan to help out in an English congregation. There are 2 near me. Ecatepec ingles and Oceania ingles. They are relatively the same distance away from where I live. I haven't had a chance to visit either congregation. But I will visit Ecatepec this week. And oceania next week. In the meanwhile I will be attending both English and Spanish. Even tho I know English and understand it well. Some things I understand better in Spanish. Ecatepec meetings are Fridays at 7pm and Sundays at 12pm. Ocenia meetings are Tuesdays at 7pm and Sundays at 12pm. So far I'm leaning More toward joining ecatepec congregation because I've met more friends from there, but we will see where Jehovah guides me.

I haven't been able to go out in service too much because we are still trying to settle in. But the few times I have gone out with the spanish have been nice. Not many have answered the doors but I enjoy getting to know the sisters and their stories. I can't wait to go out with the English!

Sorry if this post has gotten too long. There is just so much to share with you all.

Answers to questions they have asked me that you all may be wondering:

Our toilet works perfect, haha.
The food taste good, to me, it's so fresh it tastes weird.
I haven't gotten sick, yet.
So far, I can't get use to the cheese and the meat
They drive extremely crazy here! I prefer New York City traffic 100x better than traffic here.

If you have any questions, ideas,concerns or comments you are more than welcomed to email me:D


And please share your service experiences with me too or any other good news!!


Proverbs 25:25- "As cold water upon a tired soul, so is a good report from a distant land."

I miss all of you so much!

I send my love to all!

May Jehovah keep on blessing all your hard work and sacrifice too keep on running in this race to everlasting life!


Nancy Colin:))

P.S. If any of you have a smartphone, I have been uploading a few pics onto Instagram. Check it out. It's a way to share photos and follow friend's photos as well.