There were 650 in attendance from seven different countries (Mexico, U.S.A., Canada, Guatemala, Chile, U.K., and Panama). The number allowed us to have the exclusive use of the hotel, its staff, meals and activities, making it very relaxing and enjoyable. Five restaurants free of charge (including a pizza oven to serve custom-made pizzas) served Italian, Mexican, American and Sushi meals.

Although the weather outlook was for rain during the week of the Feast, and hurricane Rosa was headed our way, it turned north in time and we had excellent weather to carry out all the many outdoor activities. We thank God for providing protection and the right weather during the Feast!

The brethren commented on the fine spiritual messages, also directed to our youths and filled with encouragement. We had a taste of what the Millennium will be like to maintain the hope that one day we will be part of it and what the fundamentals of the Kingdom of God are all about. The special music organized by Carmella Weis and the choir director Jacob Sutherland was outstanding, with a Feast choir, a children’s choir, a Mexican choir and a small string and horn ensemble with violins and a trumpet. We also had an ABC orientation class and a youth interactive Bible study with breakout sessions.

There were two community outreach programs—one was a visit to a senior center and another to a rehabilitation facility. Funds and gifts were collected to disburse to them, which was greatly appreciated.

Physically, we enjoyed the place and its abundant meals—basically an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord. Activities included a pirate cruise along the bay, a dolphin encounter, a trip to an interactive zoo, Mexican shows, and a circus show with acrobats and several dances. We also had the opportunity to release more than a thousand baby turtles on the beach, hoping that many of them will survive to return to this Banderas Bay and breed. There were five baptisms as well.