Country Territory and Kindred Spirits - Day Seven

Tuesday, June 30th, 2015

Tuesday is one of the Portadown congregation's biggest service days. About fourteen met this morning, which is nearly a third of their publishers! Everyone was excited for service together. Even us, after we got over getting lost and beind flustered. 

Each car group met up in the same territory. It was like unleashing an army to distribute convention invitations! 

Then, a little later, it's time for our group coffee break. We ended up settling beside a lake with some stones to set on. Everyone opens up their hatchbacks, revealing "flasks" (thermoses), "biscuits" (flat cookies or even KitKats), coffee or tea, plenty of cups, brown sugar, and "a wee bit of cow" (milk). 

Here's our group for today. They each have their own story. One German sister, Hilda, used to be a ballet dancer and actress. She left Germany at twenty two and moved to England, found the truth, and now in her eighties lives in Irleand. Spunky as ever; she even dances a bit.

We met loads of animals in service today. Nicole literally "field witnessed" to this cow. And even a few sheep got loose.

That evening, a precious sister named Louise invited us to her home for dinner. Her home is an eclectic combination of antique, beach, country cottage, and indie. It was charming! She was filled with stories of Germany, her homeland, and her brave mother who helped distribute literature despite Nazi reign.

We sat in her flower garden and enjoyed a delicious homecooked meal. To finish, she treated us to German Iced Coffee. It is served chilled with a small layer of vanilla ice cream, a layer of homemade whipped cream, and grated chocolate.

This trip is flying by. And we may be leaving in just a couple weeks. But these friends will always be in our hearts. A kindred spirit is forever.