District convention & more

Took our oldest grandson with us on a day trip, just always looking for some land, with a creek, pasture & woods, if we ever want to buy some land. We almost bought some, found a beautiful peice of property 45 acres or so, down below Lebanon, MO. that had 5 natural springs on it, formed its on creek, and that is the 1st time Elaine ever approved a piece of land I showed her. But house didn't sell, before land sold, so we missed it.
But in our checking out a place in the county next to ours, we saw this smoke going up in the sky, and i had my grandson take some pics, and as we got closer, it turned out to be right on the road we were on!

So Noah took some pictures, traffic was all stopped so I gave Noah camera, and he walked up as close as was safe, to document the fire. Elaine of course was telling me this is a bad idea, but Noah did good. Then I honked at him to come back when the traffic started moving. It was just outside New Melle on D. So that was some excitement.

Then we reached Lake Sherwood, where there are some lots for sale that allow you to use lake, and fishing, and swimming beach. We looked that over, and saw this house in foreclosure, It was massive!

this house was huge, I called realtor friend and it had a contract on it. was 260,000 sold for 164,000.
Was brand new never lived in, and needed some finishing, but oh my what a place.

I have to remind myself of this is what we walked away from when we started our planning for going to where we could afford to retire. It sure wouldn't be simplifying would it? But the dream of having a place with some land is hard to give up. 

Then we attended the district convention and had a spiritual shot in the arm. My what a well thought out program. Hitting all the right areas, and supplying us with new tools, and helping the family.

I particularly liked the demo's that were very real like, and showed how even spiritual persons can get caught up in dangerous thinking, that left unchecked, could bring spiritual ruin. 

I won't go over any particulars for those who haven't seen the program, but the FDS sure followed Jehovah's spirit in realizing what the brothers are facing. Whether your an elder, pioneer, or publisher, teen young child, infant, or grown adult, there was much for all of us. We actually have our assigned DC next week but got a preview this weekend.

Saw some old friends we hadn't seen in a long time.

Denis Becker has back to us, and Mary Becker is at his side, next to another sister. Pioneered with Denis in late 60s, then he joined us at Bethel in 72.

  

Light was not good for pic, But you can make out Mike Byers on left, and Charlie Stone in middle. first met them in 64, when we moved back from california to St. Louis. In the old Riverview cong,  and Jennings cong. Went with Charlie family in 65 or 66 to Minneapolis, Mn, for a DC. Mike's and Barbs 2 sons are doing great in Des Peres cong, where Jeremy & Miranda attend. We raised our kids at same time and spent many a saturday or sunday afternoon hitting the baseball to them. All for now, can't give away too much from convention. Going to try some FS early morning this week, to make up some FS time, month is slipping away.
All for now,
Love Tom & Elaine