Pioneer School 2013

Mom was super excited to go to the pioneer school! And this year Boquete got to host it. I never realized how much work went into making the school go smoothly! By the end of the last day we crashed and slept...a lot. But it was worth it, it was all so much fun! Dad was running everyday back and forth from the school, and since we had both instructors and their wives staying with us I got permission to go to lunch 8 out of 10 days! Which was awesome! I got to be known as the girl that took pictures of everything and everyone, so I'm pretty sure some avoided me.

 I especially enjoyed picture day! As you can see the picture turned out great, everyone was colorful and bright. It was a huge class! There were 41 students, which is the biggest class I've heard of. But there was so much experience, I felt like I learned so much from just being around so many experienced brothers and sisters. There were 5 COs and sub-COs and 9 special pioneers. Many in the class were there for their third time and for one couple it was their forth! And there were a ton that had over 20 years I full time service.  It was amazing! I really enjoyed every minute I was able to be there. As soon as I'd walk into the hall I could feel the joy and it seriously rubbed off, I don't think I ever stopped smiling. Jehovah's people really are happy people and the ones in this class have really felt the joy his service brings.

All in all I think I was encouraged just as much as the class was, I really felt apart of the school. I got to know so many new friends and got closer to ones I'd known since we got here 3 and a half years ago (can you believe its been that long?). At the end of the two weeks even though we were all tired, I felt refreshed and grateful to have the privilege of being apart of such a wonderful organization. For anyone who has not been able to help with a Pioneer School Class, go volunteer right now! Even if your congregation only gets to help with one lunch, make the most out of that hour you have with the class. One (of the many) things I learned during this time was that if you put yourself out there, Jehovah will use you, and when you get to be used by Jehovah this only brings joy and satisfaction. Serving him really is the best way we can use our lives.