Zimbabwe-bound!

We had a wonderful but shocking call on Monday. We were invited to attend the Zimbabwe International Convention as delegates... in three weeks!

How did this happen? Let me tell you...

Almost a year ago, people serving under the United States branch (and perhaps other branches too) were invited to be delegates at a variety of international conventions around the world. The applications were due August 31, 2013 for that series of conventions. But, since we are in a congregation in Guatemala, we are under the Central America branch. (Those serving under the Central American branch were invited to attend international conventions in various cities in the US, but we did not apply.)

Our 'travel buddies' Mark and Catherine Richardson, along with Dan Bell of Bethel, applied last year to go to Zimbabwe, and were accepted. Although we were not under the US Branch, since we're serving in Guatemala, we submitted an application to join Mark as our group leader. We were told we'd need to submit a letter through our branch, but we never heard back. It's a huge undertaking, so though we prayed about it for a couple of months, we assumed no response means ... no go. So we relaxed, and felt a teensy jealousy over others who got to attend, but were content since we've been to international conventions before. Sharin' the love here.

Then out of the blue, Monday, we get a phone call from Mark. A brother at the branch contacted him to see if we were still interested in going to Zimbabwe!  YES WE ARE!  

So, since Monday late afternoon, we've been doing research, buying plane tickets, planning hotels and activities, making packing lists, lining up house-sitters... and starting the dozens of things we need to do before such a big trip! We'll go to the convention, then a week in South Africa with some exotic activities.

There are 2600 coming as delegates to Zimbabwe. Still, we have already gotten loads of help from the brothers there arranging services for the convention delegates. We can't wait! And the good thing about a last minute trip like this ... we won't have to wait long!

We are so so SOOO happy!  And you know we'll keep you informed on the blog!