Last Day :(

As usual, the last day always comes before you know it. We were determined to talk to as many people as we could so we could get rid of the rest of our awesome magnets and bookmarks that no one wants. We can't hand them out back at home, because that would be weird :)

A sign from our Polish brothers and sisters

Brother Lett of the Governing Body gave a surprise special talk during lunch entitled, "More are with you than against you." He talked about how we may have the whole world against us, but we have our brothers & sisters, the faithful and discreet slave, the angels, Jesus, and Jehovah on our side. Even though it was a short talk, it was so encouraging! He traveled around to all the different groups to deliver this talk during lunch and we were the first group. It's very heartwarming to think he sacrificed his lunchtime to encourage us all.

The rest of the lunch we had planned to visit the other groups, but there were so many visiting the english that there was no way we could make it before the drama. It was the first time Bret and I got to see the whole entire drama. It was interesting to see all the differences.

Star and Esther- Here's our scene!

After the drama, there were alot of people crying outside the facility. We also got to meet the sister that was the voice of Brittany (the girl that Laura played in our drama). She just so happens to be married to Tim Blaisedell. He says hi mom and dad!

The last talk of the day, Brother Lett said, “The Faithful and Discreet Slave has started making plans for next year’s 3 day convention. But, one of these days, the next convention will be in the New System.” He went on to say, although we do not know the day or the hour, if this convention is the last one in Satan’s system, it was a fitting one.

Total attendance at this convention: 59,598
Total attendance in France: 161,560
Missionaries that came back to France: 311
Baptised at our convention in Paris: 330
Baptised in all of France: 917

We sang 2 songs, and then Brother Lett gave the prayer from which the Quote du Jour comes from: “Please, Jehovah, help us not to be losers.”

We then sang 5 more songs after the prayer. Earlier that day, they made an announcement not to do the wave or rhythmic clapping after the session because it didn’t have a place in Jehovah’s house. There was one sister walking/dancing her way down the aisles waving her hands in the air with a scarf. People were videotaping all the singing. Even though we weren’t together with the other groups, it was still moving. We just hoped we didn’t sing Life Without End at Last- because everyone would totally lose it!

After the session, people were saying their goodbyes. A brother and sister approached me and asked if I was from anywhere else besides Oregon. I told them my maiden name, and that I have family in Hawaii. They are Brother and Sister Ockert – he is a C.O. in Hawaii, and had just visited my grandma along another brother we know back there. It was nice to know she was being looked after when we can’t be there. This was especially amazing since I had just been thinking about my Grandma that day. Jehovah always knows what you need at the time you need it.

This was just one example of us meeting people ALL OVER THE WORLD that know people back home. It really is quite amazing. It has been so encouraging to us. I personally have not talked to so many circuit overseers in my life. I am usually very scared of them! I hope I don’t sound braggy- its such a great experience that you want to share it with everyone. The only thing missing was all our family and friends back home. (Awe) The French sisters were singing songs as we all were leaving. Everyone saying goodbye- very bittersweet. If you have a chance to go- GO! Even if you can just go for the actual convention. It’s not cheap, but it’s well worth it. Jehovah won’t let you down. We all agreed if there is another international, we want to be there again. No regrets.