Ecuador 2012: District Convention

So what made us decide to visit Ecuador in the first place? The impetus for our visit was the 2012 District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Guayaquil, Ecuador. It happens to be one of the only English conventions in South America, and is organized every year by the branch in Ecuador. There are many English-speaking JW volunteers in Ecuador—the convention had an attendance of about 1000 each day—so it’s a chance for everyone to hear and experience the program in their native tongue.

There were delegates at the convention from UK, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, US, and other countries, and we made lots of new friends. The program was incredible—nearly every speaker was a graduate of Gilead, a CO, DO, missionary, or branch committee member. Since almost everyone there was like us—volunteering in another country—it was great to share experiences, tips, and get a feeling for how others have coped with common problems and challenges we all share.

The convention was at an assembly hall on the branch property. Despite it being an open-air venue, and near the equator, it was surprisingly pleasant and breezy. The grounds are full of iguanas and interesting birds.

Lunch time!

Sam, Michael, and our new Ecuadorian friend Diego, who joined shared a taxi with us each day to the convention.

Here's the contingent representing Bolivia—five americans, three Kiwis, and one Canadian!

The assembly hall was quite empty in the early morning before the program started...

Badges...

Badges...