Convention time (don't worry, no spoilers!)

Hey! So we are just writing this blog from a beach lounger on a beautiful deserted island with the river less than a metre away, and the jungle opposite us....well...not quite, we are there, but it's overcast and a bit drizzly! But it is stunning and it's been really hot today so we have really enjoyed chilling out, sleeping in the hammocks and soaking up some rays. We are only here a couple of days and then we go back to Charity, but it's been an amazing few days. We've been to the regional convention in Georgetown, which is the capital of Guyana. It has been brilliant...best one yet actually.

So it was at the National Park, which is all open air. The seating was wooden benches with no backs, so good job somebody warned us. We came equipped with pillows! The journey from Charity to Georgetown took us about 5 hours. We were picked up in a crammed bus, which got more and more loaded with people the further we went. We had pillows and all our cases, and there were other witnesses on board too who had all their luggage. Several people were on each other's knees.  The long journey took its toll...

Then we got on a huge ferry which was and got the convention spirit going, as there were loads of witnesses on there. The ferry took 1.5 hours, then we got a taxi. Five of us in one car, plus the driver! We actually got stopped by the police! And would you believe it, because we were white, the police let the taxi driver off scot free! Only in Guyana ;)  

When we finally reached our hotel, we were so tired! But we were incredibly happy because we had hot water AND American tv AND air conditoning!!! It's hard to convey our joy at this. Having bucket showers and Guyanese obituary channels and black outs stopping our fan usage for the past two months have made us really appreciate these things! Isn't it true that you appreciate luxuries far more when they aren't conveniences anymore?

Anyway, day one of the convention....

    It was lovely to see some of the girls from our hall, and some new friends too :)

In the afternoon, Molly sat in the American Sign Language section. There were 22 deaf there, with varying comprehensions of sign language. One study knew 6 different sign languages and some have no language at all. A challenge for the small team of interpreters! Jehovah is clearly blessing their efforts and hard work. Some of them travelled for days to get to the convention and some aren't even having a study yet! The fact that provisions are made for the deaf in a country which largely neglects the deaf is a true demonstration of Jehovah's keen interest and love in them. Here are some of the deaf: 

The brothers were really prepared and ready to help. The team of interpreters was very small but each one knew exactly their parts and had clearly prepared well. All of the demos, interviews, dramas and talks were covered brilliantly. It's even harder signing in the heat! Any extra movement s tough so their sacrifice and love shines through! 

Day 2 of the convention was even better than the first day! Here is Joelle, her family were all concentrating so well throughout the whole programme and had saved up for a long time to get there. Adorable, enthusiastic family! 

The baptism was fantastic. We welcomed 66 new brothers and sisters into our family. They all walked out in single file and we thought the line wouldn't never stop, there were so many of them. As we sat and waited in our seats in true British form, we saw our Guyanese brothers and sisters all crowding excitedly around the blow up pool. Cameras up and ready, they were so joyful to welcome our new family. It added to the thrill of the occasion. 3 from got baptised too. 

Day Three of the convention:

Sorry to mention it again but it was so so hot!! The talks were mostly done by missionaries, special pioneers, circuit overseers and others in full time service. We were so grateful that the talks were so lively and engaging because concentration could've been tough otherwise due to the intense heat. 

This is Amy and Sister Fitzallen, from our hall. She has been visiting family in Charity for a few months but after the convention she will be moving back to the interior so we won't see her anymore. But hopefully we will in Paradise :) 

This is Sarah, a deaf girl from Georgetown. She is a spirited, confident little girl- unlike the majority of the deaf children here. They really enjoyed chatting and having a laugh together! 

 

 

After the convention, we went out for a Brazilian meal with a group of need greaters from All over America, Mexico, Brazil,  and different parts of Europe. It was lovely to learn from their experiences...very inspiring! 

They carve the meat at the table, fresh from the BBQ! Delicious! 

We went for some fresh cocktails on a rooftop terrace after as well! Piña colada tastes so good with fresh pineapple and coconut! 

Wish we could tell you more about the convention because it was brilliant but we don't want to spoil it for you! All we can say is that it gave us goosebumps and it wasn't because it was cold!! Enjoy your conventions everyone at home, Jehovah has prepared a treat for us all!