INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS 

7/31/2019

 After an unexpected delay in the U.S., we got to Amsterdam early Wednesday morning. We were greeted by groups of friends throughout the airport. This group was singing for us!

The brothers and sisters took care of everything- carrying our luggage, offering us tea and coffee, and getting us all to our different hotels by shuttle.

 After dropping off our luggage, we went on our first excursion- a meet and greet at a nearby Kingdom Hall. The friends were lined up outside on the sidewalk to greet us, and had made all kinds of snacks for us to enjoy.

We got on a boat and headed on a tour of Utrecht by way of its canals. There is a lot of history in the city, because of its past as a trading location. 

 This was one of two spots where friends were waiting (in the rain) to greet us as we cruised by.

This was the boat's captain, Ed. He was hilarious! He seemed impressed with all of the Witnesses and the way the local friends showed their love. Many of us offered him one of our small gifts for the convention. Each one he would kiss and say, "Thank you! Thank you! It's like my birthday!" 

 Back to the Hall for more conversation and treats with local friends. They kept thanking *us* for coming to visit them, saying that their country is small and they never thought they'd have the friends visit on this scale. How can you express your own thanks effectively to hosts who are crying because you have simply come? It was really touching. 

We had dinner with Suzan, a Dutch sister who spends most of each year serving in Uganda. Her stories and experiences made a real impression, and her sense of humor and down to earth demeanor were so enjoyable! Then, we all "went for an ice cream."

Shifts of at least 2 friends were set up in every hotel lobby all day, all week long. And that's only a sample of the many ways the local Witnesses took care of us!