THE DELEGATES WELCOME

We had been travelling by bus for nearly 27 hours when we crossed into the Mexico City area. From up in the mountains you look down on the city which is mysteriously shrouded in smog. Although dirty strangely beautiful!

We wound our way down into the city where suddenly on our right appeared a group of welcomers. They held up huge signs saying Bienvenidos (Welcome). The buses stopped along side them and the ladies all pilled onto the bus. They handed out little Mexican lunch packages, which we greatly received by us all. We were then escorted through the city to Taxcoco where the Bethel is.

Driving through the city was quite an experience. We were in a bus so were quite safe but man if you were a little car of a motorcycle you take your life into your own hands! There were horns blearing in all directions, cars and huge trucks just pulling straight in front of you. There seemed to be no law when it came to traffic lights. We think the red light was just a suggestion! We got there safely though, phew!

When we turned the corner into the Bethel area we saw the streets lined with extraordinary color. It was our dear brother and sister all dressed in the various region cultural dress. Each area has its own little culture and dress to go with it. They were all wonderful and bright. The street before us waved as hundreds of people welcomed us and we were still just approaching the Bethel.

The bus came to a stop at the back of the Assembly Hall where we got off the bus and were lead along a path flanked on both sides by delighted Mexican brothers and sister, young and old and everything in between. They were holding signs and handing out small gifts to us all. Everyone wanted us to stop and take photos with us, to hug us to welcome us with a kiss. It was mind blowing! The chant "Bien-ven-idos" filled the air.

In a way it felt wrong, as it was almost like we were celebrities or something, but when we thought about these people and how long they had been working and waiting for us all to arrive from around the world you can understand why they were so overcome to meet us.

New Zealand had not officially been invited but we snuck in because of serving in Belize. We had NZ on our name badges so when they saw that we were given a little extra love! It was truly wonderful a marvel to behold! My heart and eyes filled with tears of joy and wonder for Jehovahs loving organization.

The path we took to the main auditorium must have been about 150-200 meters long. Both sides packed full of our new family members. When we approached the end we could hear melodious voices singing praises to our great God Jehovah. There were our brother dressed so brightly singing and playing instruments, the wonderful new world that awaits us so closely came directly to mind.

I could have stood there all night listening to them but we had to go and find out where we were all staying.

Delegates from Belize, Nicaragua and Guatemala were all there. They welcomed us again with words and then started reading the names of us out. They would call a family name from the visiting list and they would stand, then the name of a family from Mexico was read out to host them and they would meet each other for the very first time. What rally stood out to me here was that no one knew each other, but it was as though we were all long lost friends. It was a joy to watch them run into each others arms and cry on each others shoulders! Love, the quality Jesus said would identify the true religion shone through immensely! Some gave up their own homes and moved in with family so we could enjoy comfort. Each day, breakfast lunch and dinner was provided, great feasts indeed. Many gifts were showered upon us all. None of this was expected by anyone!

Due to my health we stayed in a hotel with delegates from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Cancun to mention just a few.

A brother we never knew and would never see again wanted to drive us the 1 ½ hour drive to our hotel. He could speak no English and we only a little Spanish but through sign language and laughs made our way easily. He was in tears when he dropped us off and said goodbye. He would take no money, he only wanted to memories and the chance to help! We thank him so much for his loving kindness. He then had to drive three hours in the opposite direction to get home! True, unselfish love, I think so!

So that was our first day at the Convention. We got to our hotel room at 12am and were very very tired after our long bus ride and wonderful welcome but joy was filling us and all we could do was reminisce the days events!

Next time I’ll tell you about the first day of the "Keep on the Watch" International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses.