DarinS

our KH was a church....we removed the steeple....but had the pews for the first few months \got a nice renovation a few years back when it flooded during CO visit..... when i was a kid in NJ we had a room over a store and an automotive place - later purchased by an auto upholstery dealer and he left the " Watchtower-on the roof" for like 10-15 years got to work on one last year in South florida -- its been there since the 60's and still has a "Watchtower" on the top of the building kinda cool

so we finally booked them the $1400-1600 had me scared tho managed to get some for under $1000 my wife was worried about the long layovers....'then i reminded her 14 hrs in Barcelona....means we go visit Barcelona for the day and 12 hrs in London on the return flight a sister @ Disaster Relief in Gulf Coast had just booked theirs for even less....but they have to drive to NY for the discounted flight seems like OHIO was also $1600 thanx for all your suggestions Much love

And a good after work photo

A few more non-witness homes in the area - should give an idea of the destruction .... When I see all these ....I start thinking of the time of the end and the destruction Jehovah will bring to those “mighty governments” and I’m glad I’m on his team.....

We’ve worked Blountstown to Youngstown and North into Alabama west into Tallahassee havent made to PC yet but many are sleeping down there C U Soon........maybe

Alright I could use some help..... where do you go to find affordable flights? trying to get something under $1000.00 for the Athens assembly in July $1500-1700 —- that’s too much finding some lower - with mixed companies..... flights are crazy expensive any tricks or thoughts?

Br Raines said he and 2 brothers were told to send the love and concern directly from GB member to the local friends..... the other 2 brothers were headed to Cali a northern DRC and a southern DRC but he only gave specifics about the damage and those that would need help and the fires ...sorry forgetful which one had detroyed 50 homes of our brothers and 1 who lost his life he did not share any details of location or such —sry It was very upbuilding and the 1 hour 40 minutes flew right by i think he said 90 congregations were getting this meeting today Are you near marianna?

Had privilege of hearing Special Talk today in the disaster area. Marianna - Panama City - Mexico Beach - Chipley Br Raines from US branch and Bros Fien and Kibbler from DRCommitte and 2 local Circuit Overseers. walked away with the idea that th GB really loves our brothers.....is highly interested in their welfare....and have assigned many, many resources (people, finances and equipment) to care for their needs also that they really have their fingers in the efforts here in the panhandle and also in north and south California They mentioned initial humanitarian relief Initial stabilization for approx 800 possibly even over 1000 since locals helped extensively (completed most - have 271 left thru December 2018 and rebuild of approx 500 over the next many months afterward sorry not allowed to post pics of the work going on or the houses of friends but some seen driving around tons of trees down - still cutting trees down for a few weeks

For future reference - you should get a response email from the branch confirming your submittal If you do not have within 3 days of submitting the app - ask the secretary --This happened with my wife and I - mail got lost - when we applied for international work.... but Jehovah opened other doors for us I also recommend submitting the application the day the announcement is made --- those that wait a while often do not receive notice ( my lesson learned the hard way) so If its announced Sunday - get an app - physical or email and submit it that day - then you can follow up midweek meeting on status I did have to share with our new secretary that it needs to be entered immediately since they tend to go in order of submission when reviewing for acceptance

Both As team lead I got an email from the branch Some family and other congregations got a call from the secretary

Wow Family just got accepted for Athens Greece yes it was our first choice...well my daughters first choice and we went along with it I was secretly hoping for one that is much more affordable.....lol but I’m very excited .... now to work on paying for it

One small side note the local friends in areas hosting special conventions (both Miami and Atlanta fri nds) have been having meetings and getting surveys in their schedule i.e. How much time they can dedicate to helping prepare and work with the visitors

Our Disaster Relief Support meeting is next month...2 hrs long with about 3 brothers delivering key parts we have also recently gotten calls to ask if we would help in Maint training in certain areas...if the local hall does not have that skill set now with another hurricane today .... I imagine the prep work willl see fruition.....like th AM ...a brother mentioned even more natural disasters and we can assist....

Big LDC meeting at assembly halll this coming weekend (3 days) probably a few hundred folks seems like LDC (oversight) from islands and some states also included looking forward to some updates

Got an email from the branch today.....got too excited it was them following up for an email address for someone who applied with our group from a different hall ...but still it was exciting that they are working on things!!!!!!