Hey Janina!
How are you? How’s things in New York? Any exciting news?
Well, as you saw from the photos on my Bebo page (that thing is just so addictive, but I’m surprised my page gets any views at all!), I had a great time in Frankfurt! There were 120 delegates travelling from Ireland, basically the size of a large congregation – compared to the THOUSANDS that travelled from your side of the ocean!
Well, we put up a brave front and respectfully represented our emerald isle, whilst living up to the repeated remark made by some other delegates: “Aww, you guys are soooo cute!” Why is that? What is this 'cute' quality that we seem to exude? Its not as if we dressed up in traditional costume, like some of the delegates from Germany, Switzerland, Serbia-Croatia, Japan (aww, now the Japanese sisters were cute – their attire is so feminine and their demeanour is so kind and humble – they nearly had us in tears). Nope, no kilts, no itchy wool skirts, no aran jumpers, no head scarves for us! Although, frankly, if we had made that effort, we would have passed out in the heat! There were some German brothers and children that wore the traditional liederhosen with knee high wool socks and it looked like an endurance test for them during the convention. Plus, the smell of leather was not that appealing as they walked past, or if you happened to be seated in the same row!
So, the convention programme. I really felt that the talks kept in line with the sense of urgency about the time we are living in, that Jehovah’s organisation is slowly but determinedly moving forward and is picking up speed. It really spurred us on to be fully involved with the ingathering work, to remain separate from the world and keep our eyes focused on the fulfilment of Jehovah’s promises. We were assured that Satan’s system is ‘going down’! I particularly liked the talk for the young ones - the brother giving the talk was very animated, and kept saying that Jehovah loves you young ones, that you are precious in his eyes, and Satan knows this, and puts forth a special effort to attack the young ones in Jehovah's organisation.
Well, as you may have heard, the weather was soooo hot! (it wasn't as hot as the International Convention I went to in Seville in 2003, but was pretty close!) I don't know how we coped through the convention, but thanks to my fan and endless bottles of water I survived. Unfortunately, my note taking didn't. I usually started with full intentions of taking extensive notes, but then noticed that it filtered down to scriptures with comments, then scriptures...........then doodles! Whoops! But my notebook is now nicely 'graffitied' with 3D boxes, flowers and.....my name!
So, besides the convention, we got to go on some coach trips in Frankfurt. We visited an area outside Frankfurt which is known for its vineyards and is situated beside the Rhein River. The landscape is beautiful, the valleys, the mountains, even the architecture is so different. Frankfurt is a bit of a modern, industrial city. I found it strange looking around at the old buildings with the wooden shutters and balconies, with a towering, functional but ugly skyscaper looming behind.
I think what always makes a trip or holiday (translation=vacation, for your reference Janina!) is the company that you are with. And the fact that we travelled with a group of 120 brothers and sisters made it so special. It felt like I was travelling with my congregation. I knew very few brothers and sisters when we first met at Dublin Airport, but by the end of the trip I had made some very good friends! Actually, looking back, I think that was one of the highlights of the trip - meeting at the Airport! Everyone was so excited, checking the name badges (discreetly of course) as to who was who. I didn't even know my roommate until I met her at the Airport, and she was a young sister from Finglas congregation, which is on the North side of Dublin!
Well, that kind of summarizes some of my experiences from Frankfurt Janina. Its the first lengthy account I've written so you are slightly privileged!
Hope you and Jess are both well (and your respective fellas!)
Lots of Love,
Rachel
No comments:
Post a Comment