Wallkill, Patterson, Gilead

We were in NY this last weekend.  It was a very fun trip.  We were able to spend some time with some friends we hadn't been able to see in a very long time.  We saw them when their baby was fairly new born, and he is now 3.  Time sure flies.

Friday we took 2 (2 and a half? You decide) tours. Very busy day.  The morning we were in Wallkill.  It's truly amazing to see what they have done in several years.  We hadn't been there for about 3 years.  A lot of expansion has taken place there.  They had the printing presses going while we were there, so that was cool! If I remember right, the Service Department which was in Patterson will be moved over there.  I'm sure Jay will correct me if I am wrong.   Then we went and had lunch at Patterson and had some AMAZING Beef for lunch!  Oh it was so tasty!  Dessert was a homemade (Bethelmade?) Blueberry Sorbet.... OH WOW!!! I have always enjoyed Lunch there.  Okay, all but the ONE time that there was salmon, but Jay loved that one!  Anyway, after lunch we were privileged to get a tour of the Gilead class rooms.  It was very amazing.  There is a model of Solomon's Temple in GREAT detail, a model of Noah's Ark, Coins with YHWY on them, and so much more that I can't even explain.  Their library was so amazing.  We learned that it is a registered school where they have tests and exams and they HAVE to pass with a 70 or higher.  It is a school recognized by the government, and brothers and sisters can apply for a School Visa when they come to attend from other countries.  So cool!!  Anyway, after that we did our tour of Patterson, which is thrilling as always!  Our friend Cathy has been there 20 years (or was it 28?) and its just amazing how Jehovah takes care of all our hard working Bethelites!  After the tour we had dinner with Cathy and Hal.  Yummy chicken pasta salad, so I guess that makes 2 Bethel meals!!

Here is the best part for Miss C!  The Drama "These Words Must Be On Your Heart" is one we just watched last week for Family Worship.  Also, one of our favourite drama's.  Anyway,  The "Older" Couple that ended up living in the basement in the drama, (I hope you remember, if not click here and watch the video again) they were sitting at a table across from us for lunch, so we went and met them after lunch. Miss C was so shy, really "Star Struck" it was adorable!!!  BUT THAT IS NOT ALL!!!!  After our tour, and while we were eating, the brother who played the father, and his wife, were outside where we were!!  Miss C got so excited!!!!! She wanted to meet them as well, but was so scared and nervous.  So I walked up and we talked to him and his wife!!  We saw them later and Miss C took a picture (Stalker Picture she says) Of him and was so thrilled!! She got to see "Movie Stars"!!  Shortly after that someone trips over Jay (Just how that is possible, I am not sure!!) and it happened to be one of the Helpers to the Governing Body!  Needless to say, it was a very fun and "Star" filled visit.  Hal, our friend, is a "star" also, he played a Judge in this video or this video I don't remember which one it was.  Very cool if you ask me!!

So, here are some pictures..... I'll do my best to remember what they are of.

Sisters witnessing on the street

Wallkilll Printery

Wallkill

Wallkill

Old Awake

Wallkill

Brother Kyle Akanie our Tour Guide

Only about 1,000 need it, they make it for them.

progression of literature

Wallkill

Printery Stuff.

Wallkill Outside!

Patterson, Gilead, Solomon's Temple

Solomon's Temple

Solomon's Tempe

Solomon's Temple

Noah's Ark

Noah's Ark

Totem In Gilead Library. Neat story.

Bable

One of the Gilead Classrooms

Miss C, Miss J, Caleb, Sophia

Patterson

My Girls

Guess Who!!!!

Yes, they have their own Ambulance.

Jehovah gave us a beautiful sunset.

Our Family

Our Family again

Couldn't resist more sky

And More Sky

And more sky

and more sky

Another One Bites The Dust

Now that you are singing... No, really, I was talking about my floor.  WHAT?  Well, with an an all tile floor, it seems that anything breakable gets broken.  Phones, Tablets, Glasses, Plates, Mugs... The floor eats them all. How annoying is that!?!

When I walked into the kitchen today, I went to go and get a glass... Guess what, I think I am down to MAYBE 4 (they were in the dishwasher the girls 'forgot' to start).  Eh, what can one do?? Head on over to the dollar store and get more.

So on to another subject.  I know that everyone is having some crazy weather this summer.  We are having super hot weather.  Near what the west is having, but with humidity.  I look at my sisters weather and from east to west, the heat index is nearly the same!  WOW!! That doesn't normally happen this early.  I truly hope that July is milder.  I enjoy looking at the Old Farmers Almanac and they say we should be 1 Degree cooler! HAHAHAHA!! Great.....

This does, however, put a damper on our daily activities.  Service has been lacking for the girls and I this month.  The most we have been able to do for the past 2 weeks, is Saturday Service.  Normally we are able to go out 1 or 2 days during the week and Saturday, but with the bad heat, it has dropped off.  That has to change next month since 1) we have our Circuit Overseer Visit at the start, and 2) our Regional Campaign begins right after that!! I'm so excited about that!!!

No pictures from this Saturday and our Park witnessing, we did have some rain, and rain is not good with magazines! Once the rain hit, many of the park goers were gone and so we left as well.  We had one couple stay with a cart. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!  We are headed to NY and going to Wallkill and Patterson!  We are excited! I should have some pictures for you next week!

Summer Summer Go Away! *Rant*

Sometimes we think we can do EVERYTHING, and that results in us doing not enough.  I am, of course, speaking from experience.  Having health problems makes things a whole lot different.  Now I don't want to complain, I want you to understand that, sadly, we think we can do it all and then we crash.

Saturday was a prime example.  We did "regular" service, as my girls like to call 9:30 service, and then Jay and I went and did public cart witnessing.  It was HOT, crazy hot.  I mean, we did do great, but the heat totally wiped me out. Sunday was just as bad, not that we did more witnessing, but we were out and it was hot.  So needless to say, I am toast.  I'm still not great.

I have been reading about what would help.  Sadly, the biggest thing that would help would be moving, and well, yeah.  Sometimes it isn't about the heat so much, but the humidity and the storms.  Both of which we have in great number here.  So, what is a girl to do? I guess just hang on and hope for the best. 

The girls have had a little break with picture taking because I was feeling absolutely horrible, but they will get back on it.  I will get back to taking pictures as well. I just have to get better.  So it may not be for a while.

I guess that is my rant for the day.

stupid hot weather

are you pondering what I am pondering ?

One of our sisters out there helping

2 of our brothers, our table and sign

The Girls and I in service

My Jay

Our Cart

Long time gone

Sorry, I know I have been gone for a while. It has been an interesting ride.  I actually was sick for a while.  Just not flu sick, sadly it's chronic sick, but I get along.  Also, we had an extended sleep over.  We watched a young girl for a few days.  She is 13 and has great goals.  She is a very good girl so it was a pleasure!

Jay bought me a hot tub.  I tell you what, that is THE BEST sleep after soaking in it at night.  I also got a new to me bike and was able to ride for 2 days solid.  I had to take a break on Monday, and the past 2 days have been rainy.  We leave Friday for camping, so it looks like no riding for me this week.  Monday I start again.

Like I said, Friday we go camping until Sunday.   We are going with one other family, perhaps 2.  I am not sure.  I just know that we are all ready.  Tent, beds, blankets (too warm for our sleeping bags!), as well as food and such.  It'll be fun.

I guess, for now, that is about all.