More than once, we have heard the WIM is the most difficult in the church, and for many reasons.
First, because there are 11 countries within the boundaries of the mission with 12 different governments and many complicated government regulations for immigration.
Second is because there are multiple languages spoken (English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Suriname Tonga and Creole).
Third is because there are 7 currencies. In Trinidad/Tobago, the money is called “TT” money and is exchanged at a rate of .634 to 1 while in Guyana the exchange rate is 200 to 1 – although Guyanese money is worthless anywhere except in Guyana. In St Vincent, where we are, the money is Eastern Caribbean, EC money, with an exchange rate of 2.67 EC to 1 USD
The geography of the WIM makes for difficulties as well. Since most of the mission includes islands, the only way to access many of the members is by boat or airplane – which also makes it very expensive to visit.
Food is really not as much of a problem as we expected. There are a great many American brands here (i.e., Pizza Hut, McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Subway and others) but we have enjoyed some of the local dishes such as Roti which is chicken pieces including the bones, potatos and curry sauce wraped in a tortilla shell-the chicken is cut into one inch pieces bones and all. But there are some real oddities such as mustard and ketchup on pizza . . . and others we haven’t even tried yet.
Relating to time, no one is concerned about being anywhere “on time” so when appointments are set it doesn’t really mean anything. Culturally, the West Indies is a mixed bag of every race, creed and ethnicity. Most are very nice, but some are decidedly “anti-clear” which is what whites – and particularly white Americans – and even more . . . white American Mormons are called.
Few get married. Working – or not - is “no big deal” and many – especially the young people are absolutely content with the “status quo” so there is only a small percentage of young people who want to better themselves!
But, while these issues make administration of the WIM difficult, they are also contributing to making our mission service rich and rewarding as we learn to appreciate, explore and accept! Despite these seeming concerns, it’s still a great adventure!
First, because there are 11 countries within the boundaries of the mission with 12 different governments and many complicated government regulations for immigration.
Second is because there are multiple languages spoken (English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Suriname Tonga and Creole).
Third is because there are 7 currencies. In Trinidad/Tobago, the money is called “TT” money and is exchanged at a rate of .634 to 1 while in Guyana the exchange rate is 200 to 1 – although Guyanese money is worthless anywhere except in Guyana. In St Vincent, where we are, the money is Eastern Caribbean, EC money, with an exchange rate of 2.67 EC to 1 USD
The geography of the WIM makes for difficulties as well. Since most of the mission includes islands, the only way to access many of the members is by boat or airplane – which also makes it very expensive to visit.
Food is really not as much of a problem as we expected. There are a great many American brands here (i.e., Pizza Hut, McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Subway and others) but we have enjoyed some of the local dishes such as Roti which is chicken pieces including the bones, potatos and curry sauce wraped in a tortilla shell-the chicken is cut into one inch pieces bones and all. But there are some real oddities such as mustard and ketchup on pizza . . . and others we haven’t even tried yet.
Relating to time, no one is concerned about being anywhere “on time” so when appointments are set it doesn’t really mean anything. Culturally, the West Indies is a mixed bag of every race, creed and ethnicity. Most are very nice, but some are decidedly “anti-clear” which is what whites – and particularly white Americans – and even more . . . white American Mormons are called.
Few get married. Working – or not - is “no big deal” and many – especially the young people are absolutely content with the “status quo” so there is only a small percentage of young people who want to better themselves!
But, while these issues make administration of the WIM difficult, they are also contributing to making our mission service rich and rewarding as we learn to appreciate, explore and accept! Despite these seeming concerns, it’s still a great adventure!
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