Made To Pioneer: 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.