Unassigned Territory

There is really too much to say in this blog - most blogs are supposed to be sweet, short, and simple; recapping or summarizing. Obviously, we'll all go into greater detail when we get home, but here are some of the outstanding points worth noting today:

• You think gas prices aren't a big deal? Maybe not for close inside the city, but out here they sure are. In talking with a few from the local congregation, they are under increasing financial hardship as gas prices hike up. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if regular pioneers put 1000+ miles on their car within a couple weeks. It took about an hour one way to get to the kingdom hall from our territory (traveling 75 mph).
• The territory is obviously rural, but it gave me a whole new meaning to isolated. Driveways that are a few miles long, houses that are 5+ miles apart, and a large number of abandoned ranches. As far as the people? Well, there were a number of good responses. Many books were placed, and I even went on a return visit that could end up being a study. However, there were still not-at-homes and still those who were 'very set' in their own religion. Some of their responses reminded me of back home. Some in the territory were even very prejudice against the witnesses, requiring us to adapt our presentation.
• The people here are generally pretty friendly. Everyone waves as they pass each other on the road. The witnesses of the area are, of course, very friendly and were kind enough to let some in our group stay in their house. The congregation has between 20 and 30 publishers and a zealous spirit in the ministry.

More on the trip to come when we return. Next stop, Yellowstone!

Pic of the Week

Doesn't it look like this could be a yearbook picture? This is kind of service that we did.