International Convention in Harare Zimbabwe

We had the privilege of attending the Harare Zimbabwe International Convention during the month of August. It was an amazing experience that we will never forget.  The brothers and sisters were loving, the preaching was incredible and enjoying Jehovah's creation was unforgettable.  It's hard to describe the experience through words or even photos or video but here's a sample of the little over 6,000 photos that we took during our 3 weeks in Africa.

Just a Few Pictures from Ohio and Here

Enjoying the sun

First time in Ohio

 

Sharing a Stick

Smile for the camera

High Five

What a goober!

Most Snow Yet

So today we awakened to 6 inches of snow and it is still flurrying outside. We went out pretty quickly to get some pictures and enjoy it. Zoey pretty much hates the snow and Apollo absolutely loves it. He was rolling in in and digging too. Here are some pics. Here is a link to a panorama of our backyard this morning.

Uplifting Letters

This past week I (Stephanie) received 2 letters from Bolivia. The first was from a Sister and her 3 daughters. You may have remembered us talking about Yolanda, Jaclyn, Daria and Anna. She was the sister who lived very far out from town and walked 30 minutes to get to the nearest bus stop, then another 30 minute ride to the Kingdom Hall. It was such a nice letter about how they are doing well and how they wish we could visit them. It made me quite sad. But it is so good to hear they are doing well. Then the second letter (the first photo) was sent by a Bible Student I use to study with Maria Elena. I found her in the door to door ministry and would study outside in the sun under my umbrella. She lived even farther then Yolanda. She wrote to me that she recently got baptized on Sept. 7th. She now is an auxillary pioneer and has 8 Bible Studies of her own. Her daughter Isabella loves the meetings and wants to become a pioneer. Also her husband is now studying as well. It is so amazing to see what comes of your Bible studies when you leave. It was the most perfect letter. She also sent me two pairs of earrings she and her sister made. I was so happy to receive them. 

 

Earrings and letter from Maria Elena.

Maria Elena and Isabella

Cruise 2013

Well it has been a very long time since we have posted anything. Our life has been very busy between quick builds, Justin becoming an elder, getting invited to the International Convention in Zimbabwe, family visiting and visiting family. But last week we had a very relaxing vacation. We went to Florida and visited my family and then went on a 7 day cruise. We went with our friends Chris and Erin and had an awesome time with them. Here are a few pictures.

The Norwegian Pearl

The Cruise line's private island

Kingdom Hall in Ocho Rios Jamaica

Horseback Riding through Jamaica

In the ocean with our horses

This young man led our horses and is studying with the Witnesses. He is holding a Bread Fruit very yummy.

Cayman Islands Where we snorkeled on top of a shipwreck

I ate a whole Parrot Fish

A lobster our cabin steward made for us one night

Justin and I got a professional picture taken one night

Justin, Me, Erin and Chris in Jamaica

Winter Finally!

Finally got some snow after 4 days of rain. It's slushy, but hey it's snow.

 

Our Little Ones

Yesterday at the meeting, Stephanie and I were so happy when we saw a Bible Study of ours arrive with her 2 kids.  We've been trying to encourage her for a while and because of some family issues as well as other difficulties in life, she hasn't been at the meetings.  To see her and the kids at the meeting and doing it all on her own made us so happy and more importantly Jehovah.

The 2 kids sat with us so she could focus on the meeting.  They both were so well behaved and Austyn even mustered up the courage to raise his hand (we hope he'll get a chance to comment next time) toward the end of the meeting.  They both did so well, that we took them along with another study to McDonalds after the meeting.

Ever since moving back into our hall after the remodel, we've been having really strong support for service.  Yesterday for example we had around 25% of the congregation go in service before our 1:00 meeting.  We only have around 40 publishers, but our territory is full of Spanish speaking individuals.  If you're looking for a change and the opportunity to talk to expand your ministry right here in the U.S., we'd love to host you for a weekend to experience our lovely congregation - Cedar Bluff Spanish.

They both looked so pretty here

Can we just take him home? :)