International Convention - Day One

Thursday was the first day of our Convention. Never having gone to an International Convention, I did not know what to expect. We started off with very stern instructions about our bus arrival/departure. Apparently, the City is not being very helpful or accommodating, because they are only concerned about the World Cup being here in June/July. All resources are going towards road renovation and building of the new arena. This means we are limited in police help with the traffic flow. They allow us exactly 1 hour before and after the convention for the buses to arrive and depart. There are 100 buses. They have the loading and unloading worked out down to the minute.
Thursday was a half day session. Gave us a chance to get a feel for what happens. There are delegates from 8 different countries in addition to the local congregations – Japan, Italy, Sweden, France, Austria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and USA. The Japanese and Italians are hysterical! The Japanese are dressed in their full Kimono-garb, and have bags and bags of gifts to hand out. Creates quite the congestion in the hallways =) During the part “Reports from Other Lands” – they had a brother from Japan giving his report (not in a Kimono) and when he was introduced they all waved their fancy umbrellas/parasols in the air. Then later when the brother from Italy was introduced, the Italians all waved their handkerchiefs and bells. I didn’t know this was allowed, but it went over quite well. Some of the delegates in our bus group are trying to think of something we Americans can do – but we just don’t really have a ‘thing’, unfortunately. Or cool outfits. Oh well. =) Attendance was 8,512. Smaller than we expected, but we’ll see how the weekend progresses. Had various kinds of weather. Started off overcast and warm, but breezy which is quite perfect for an outdoor convention. Had some rain drops fall on us about 3pm or so – and the collective sound of all the umbrellas being whipped out drowned out the speaker. It rained for about 1 minute. Such an eager bunch. At least we know everyone is prepared =)
Got to speak to Brother Mike Sharples (Bro. Waller’s friend) – tracked him down in the First Aid department where Sister Sharples told us we could find them. Such a nice, sweet brother, of course, who had very nice things to say about Dave, and especially Ron Waller. Apparently Ron studied with him, and you can see his love for Ron when he talks about him. Sister Sharples was nowhere to be found. But we are determined to get to her – so stay tuned…
Had brother Morris of the Governing Body give the Keynote Address. Was a treat to listen to him. Then we were off to try and get on the bus in a rushed but orderly fashion. Success. We were a little bummed about the rushed nature of the bus situation, as it left us unable to stay and visit with the brothers, especially the local ones. But we will have the mornings and lunch breaks for the entire weekend to spend with them.
One interesting tidbit I picked up was about Japan – they have about 210,000 publishers there, including over 60,000 pioneers! Wow! Maybe that’s who all those gifts are coming from? =)
Stay tuned for Friday’s update…