Pettit's Highland Highlights: Convention Completed!

Dear Special Family and Friends,
Well, we have been writing for some weeks now about the YSA Convention, so now we get to tell you the results. As we reflect on the Convention we realize it is a worry to put in so much time, so much money, and bring so many people together for one event. It could really put anyone over the edge of sanity, ---except to feel as we did, that the Lord was behind the work--and the fact is, by the end, we had NO doubt that He was mindful of It. So the trick now is to e able to share some of the Spirit that was so real.

To give the real backdrop, we have to begin a few days ahead to Thursday. In Ireland, virtually "nobody" has a truck, so getting all the equipment: volleyball poles, group canopies, decorations, speaker systems, tables, a slushy machine we rented, wood, and food, food, food, up to the mountains is no small trick. But we do know one wonderful, energetic, 80 year old man, John, (good name for a good man) who has a big van. He is the man who brings us Irish bread every single week. (which is too much for us to eat, but we can't convince him to bring it less often) . So we asked John if he would take a load up and back for the Convention--and he of course consented. We arranged for him to drive right after his Family History time, 2:00, and we spent the morning getting it loaded. We were happy we were on schedule and planned for the 1 hour drive, 1 hour to unload, and 1 hour return. What we didn't realize is that he had a LOT of errands to do on the way AND he refuses t.o use the toll roads! The trip took 71/2 hours. We were sssoooo tired and we had much left to do, plus a huge weekend ahead. But even with that, we were blessed. Through all the weekend, we were given an extra amount of energy ---all we needed to keep up with all that happened.

With the exception of the slushy machine exploding all over the Hostel lounge, and the midges (or no-see-um bugs) being cannibals, we had such a "clockwork" event. The YSA really stepped up on all their jobs and things went really well. We were not in charge of all the food, but we had a lot of involvement in most meals (and were in charge of the breakfasts), and all the meals went really well. Usually if people are well fed they are happy, even if other things don't go so well, but things DID go well in every way--including the weather.

We just have to say the weather was more than a tender mercy! The weather forecast was exactly opposite of what actually happened. Rain was predicted for the whole weekend even as late as Friday when we were packing, but the only time it rained was Sunday morning when we were having Church, and a light sprinkle right at the end of a fun drone-photo session, to remind us to be grateful. We can't tell you enough how amazing that is, because it rained quite a bit last week and really rained hard today again. The outdoor activities of Kayaking, Horseback riding and Hiking were so fun for everyone! And just enjoying the mountains in general was a pleasure.

Having use of the whole hostel gave everyone the chance to just mingle, play games, and relax in free time. On Saturday night they had a fun Hawaiian dance with most of them dressing for the theme. The decorations were so cool and a lot of fun details made it extra nice. Both nights ended with a real "fireside" devotional. As we have reflected on the whole event, we know that the miracles and mercies were numerous, such as no one getting sick or injured, and everyone being so thoughtful and caring.

Sunday was a special time and although everyone was a little tired, it was spiritual and memorable. We were so pleased that the Area Seventy came to speak, along with the Stake President --and a few others. Then in the evening we came back to the Stake Center and held a testimony meeting. We weren't sure that many would be able to come back before they had to go home, but it was really well attended and great. It was surprising how many people came from other countries. It was supposed to be an all-Ireland event, but it had YSA from Scotland, England, Wales, America, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, and more--but we didn't keep track of them all.

There would be many highlights to share, but one thing that stands out is how wonderful everyone was to each other. We never had any drama, nothing rude ever said, including no teasing. There were great efforts to include those who might have been left out: the shy, the non-stop talkers, the new members, the not so attractive, and even the senior couples. We were very involved in everything and the YSA were just darling with us. They were so respectful, so thankful, so loving, so grateful, and so fun!!

So tonight we are tired, we did get a good sleep last night--not even waking up with anything to add to our list, but we are still suffering a bit from only a few hours sleep for about three in a row. We think we will take a much slower pace this week!

We hope you are all well. We hope you all know we pray for you sincerely, even when we were so busy, and we always love you!

Our best to each of you,

Grandma and Grandpa, Mom and Dad, , Lynne and Lanette, Elder and Sister Pettit

On our hike we noticed how cream-soda-colored the water was and then a foamy spot and decided this is where the original Guiness (famour Irish beer) must come from. j/k

The trail even high up in the mountains was largely wooden planked and in other places railroad tie to walk on.

Our 6 and 1/2 mile hike above the lakes at the Convention site. Good preview , but we didn't do it twice.

The hillsides were beautiful with Heather bushes.

At Convention, they played slip and slide baseball. It seemed way too chilly but a few of them really had fun before they ran for their coats. The hostel is in the background.