Ever hear the saying "you think you know but you have no idea"?? That's how you feel after your first International Convention! You hear about how great they are from others who have been, and you KNOW it'd be great, but, for real....if you've never been to one, try to your next chance. So this was yesterday: As we're strolling to our seats, taking in all the different countries represented and saying hello to everybody and hugging and exchanging gifts (it really is like that nonstop), we caught this brother and sister from Japan while we could (everybody wants thier pics taken with the Japanese!) and FINALLY got our turn! Except for Cody, but you'll see him soon with brothers from France and Mexico.

I love this next part (don't look at me b/c I have been only getting maybe 3 hrs of sleep a night). Her name is, and this is the only way I can describe it: click your tongue and then say "nee-uh, but say "nee-uh" really fast.
An example of what makes Africa so amazing.

...somebody tell Niki Melching
some old friends of hers are here! ;-)

Everywhere you turned there was a moment to be captured, like this one:

.. .and then we just HAD to get OUR pic taken!
Look how pretty the Ghana girl is! (I think that's where she is from!) After the session, we continued making friends left and right. Lori noticed some Durban brothers and sisters doing sign language, so she joined in. The conversation ended this way:
A few minutes later I noticed this little gem. She is from Malawi. We had a connection, so I gave her some monkey stickers.

Then, guess who we saw Jasmin. Actually they were the first ones we saw (Caleb and Laura-Jasmin's cousins for those who are unfamiliar). I guess I hugged Laura first yesterday, then Click-neeya. (sp!!! so sorry!) In this group: front left are Jeff and Lori, back left Laura and Caleb, front right Lisa and Piere.
So that was Thursday, the first day of the convention. There are some exciting things to share about today's session as far as some of the talks go, maybe after dinner I'll get some more in...depends on the laundry (the work is worth the 2 small bags!) Durban is loud tonight...a few minutes ago someone was singing "La Bamba" in the street below. Now, someone is singing "We Are Family". Love that. Keep warm... More soon.