It was such a privilege to be amongst so many friends serving in full-time service. Bethelites, missionaries, Branch Committee members and overseers were in the crowd along with the Governing Body. Bro Lett took the lead in the program and started by reviewing Ezekiel 1:15-21 where it speaks of following Jehovah’s chariot closely. It was a very appropriate theme scripture since the entire program included news about multiple branches around the world being dissolved and work that would be taken over by neighboring branches. It was exciting to hear about new schoolsbeing organized, which are to start mid-year 2011. I’m sure you heard about them.

We were all very pleased to hear about how the Department of Human Rights have spoken favorably and in defense to false accusations made about Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia.

I met with some friends from CA at Annual Meeting and had dinner in the New York

City. We had lunch in Wallkill together later that week.

Enjoy your week!

Let me get you up-to-date on what’s been going on…

After 10 months of working in the Dining Room I have been assigned to the Kitchen. The Dining Room was great as we ran through the dining room everyday serving, cleaning and setting up for each meal. However, the kitchen is a lot more calm and gives you a chance to reveal your culinary side. I posted some pictures of me on my last day as a waiter. A few weeks ago I made Mixed Berry Sorbet. It was turning out great until I realized way too late that I did not take it out of the freezer when I was supposed to. As a result, the Wallkill Bethel Family and guest did not have smooth sorbet, but rock-solid dessert. I learned my lesson.

I did make a salsa from scratch though. Check out the test-tester picture below.

Some brothers and sisters have either transferred to different departments or have left Bethel altogether. Including a good friend of mine who was assigned to the same congregation I’m in. Food Service never just gives these friends a pat on the back goodbye; we usually make it an excuse to do some partying. You see in the following pictures. We’ve also enjoyed assemblies at the Stanley Theatre in New Jersey, Food Service Olympics, trips to Washington DC and blueberry picking.

I visited a newly formed Spanish congregation last month where there are only about 50 publishers. What is interesting is more than half of the publishers there are non-native speakers and are learning Spanish. The Society holds a Spanish class at that Kingdom Hall on Saturday’s after their meetings. The teacher had me read aloud a Bible story to the class. Two brothers had to listen, understand and act out the scenes read while the rest of the class had to guess what Bible story they we’re acting out. It was hilarious and a lot of fun.

Gilead Graduation was a highlight two weeks ago. Food Service was asked to send some brothers to Patterson Bethel to help with the meal after the graduation so I tagged along. I was unfortunately unable to meet the graduates but I enjoyed encouraging and uplifting talks and the spiritual environment.

So that’s been the latest and greatest over here. I hope all is well wherever you may be.

There are still lots to come in these upcoming months so check back for frequent updates.

This is my first post during my one year stay. I had an interesting first week back. I was sick Wednesday and spent Friday afternoon at the commissary (Bethel store) sticking price stickers on to cans of olives and prune juice. It was a really nice change of pace.

Just incase you’d like to get a hold of me, feel free to give me a call. I set up a “contact” page with my contact information.

Continue checking back and I’ll keep you posted.

Goodnight.

I’m heading back to CA in less than two weeks. I’ve been enjoying my stay here, but there’s no place like home. It’ll be a nice way to start my one year stay in NY. I’ll be home March 4-March 22. See you soon!

Last Friday, most of the kitchen and dining room crew and spouse’s got together to see pictures of International Conventions held in Africa, Austria and Paris. We enjoyed great company and food. Later, a missionary couple, who are assigned to Africa, were interviewed and shared their experiences and challenges as missionaries.

After skating we sang karaoke :-P