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  News - Convention

Portland or Bust!

Genelle & Sean Blackburn

Friday flew by as we packed bags and waited for Grandma & Grandpa to come pick up the kids. For at least a week, our 5 year old son, Steven had been asking “Is it the day yet?” and our 10 year-old daughter, Khrystelle, was anxiously anticipating a weekend of fun without us. As soon as the Nana & Papa-mobile pulled up out front, the kids unceremoniously piled in, and we were on our own adventure.

Moving like a herd of turtles dipped in extra thick molasses, the traffic crawled from our home about 30 miles north of Seattle all the way down to where we crossed the Columbia into Oregon. Seattle traffic is bad, but this was ridiculous. Of course, we hadn’t had rain in about a month, and as seasoned as we Seattleites are, the deluge of cats, dogs and farm animals had us wondering whether we should have built an arc instead of depending on our baby SUV to navigate the new river formerly known as I-5. Normally the drive would take us about 4 hours, which would have gotten us there in plenty of time. We pulled in at 8 o’clock, just as the festivities were beginning, and made our way up the path to Kaul Auditorium. Though late for check-in, we were greeted with smiles and hugs, and given our information packet. Just across the foyer, Dave & Joanie Fister from Gifts from Your Heart had their shop set up, and was selling most of the wonderful M.E. items they feature on their website, www.wwmegifts.com.

We found our seats As David Firth played joyful music on his guitar. David graced us with his musical charisma all weekend, even missing his own wedding anniversary to be with us. He also had a kiosk set up in the foyer, selling his music. If you missed it, it can also be ordered through his site at www.heartsongs.net.

Our first impression was one of joy, to see so many couples, so madly in love, in one place. At this convention, we were introduced to W4ME, Widows and Widowers for Worldwide Marriage Encounter. W4ME gave three presentations on a separate track. If you’d like more information about the W4ME ministry, please contact Kate Maher at 925-372-8207.

This was our first convention, but it won’t be the last. It was obvious to us within minutes of sitting down that this convention was definitely worth the hassles of getting there. Opening festivities included the 16 Section 12 & 13 Encounters presenting their banners, which decorated the stage the entire weekend. We were warmly welcomed to the Convention by the Coordinators, Eugene & Karen Melvin. Afterwards, we were introduced to Russ & Carolyn Carpio, who opened their home to us.

Friday night, we could hardly sleep at all, mostly due to the excitement and anticipation of all that Saturday would bring. We popped out of bed and scurried about like children on Christmas morning, as we opened the package with our gray convention polo shirts. After donning our duds, we hit the road. Saturday brought three informative and enjoyable presentations on Knowing God, given by Patrick & Lory Kelley and Fr. Jim Stephens, Loving God, given by David & Peggy Haggerty and our own Fr. John Rashford, and Serving God, given by Jack & Jo Rich. Mass was celebrated by Archbishop of Portland, Most Rev. John Vlazny, and the priests and deacon in attendance. Mealtimes were great for socializing, and we had the opportunity to meet couples from California, Oregon, Hawaii, Alaska, Idaho and Montana, as well as from many Washington Encounter groups. Before dinner, we were entertained Hawaiian style by the Carpio Family, a multi-generational group of talented people, who left us wanting more. Their hula program was incredible. We wound up Saturday night with karaoke and a sock-hop, and it seemed more like a high school function than a bunch of old married folks.

Sunday brought Mass, this time with Fr. William Skylstad, bishop of Spokane, and then keynotes speakers Bob & Joy Hernandez, the U.S. Secretariat Couple, who stressed to us the difference between being interested and committed. By the time the convention closed, we were both feeling very happy, loved, connected, and refreshed. The convention was wonderful, and we’d like to thank all of the couples and priests who made it possible. The Convention Committee Leaders: Eugene & Karen Melvin, Russ & Carolyn Carpio, Daniel & Chris Reichen, Jack & Jo Rich, Mel & Cheryl Evers, Gilberto & Jennifer Pena, John & LaVonne Doherty, Dave & Diana Bruce, Rob & Lisa Jones, Ken & Cheryl Nagle, David Firth, Tom & Kathy Dauer, Alynn Battaglia, James & Stephanie Burkett and all loving couples who taught us all that ”You Have To Believe”.

Though we battled that same herd of turtles most of our way back home, the trip was far too short to explore and share all that we learned. We did manage to get one thing figured out. Next year, I’ll probably be writing another article…Towson, Maryland, or BUST…

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