Book Fair 2013 Part I

Last year, just as we arrived here, the 18th of February, our department began working on the Book Fair which began the middle of April.  It was such a difficult experience because Jill didn't know the language, and there was so much pressure because everything was starting so late.  We said to ourselves that we just couldn't do that another time.  We thought that because we had been given the assignment to train public affairs directors in the districts (small areas of Church members), we would not be involved.  In addition, the assignment responsibility focus had moved from our Area department to the national public affairs directors of the Dominican Republic.  Or so we thought...

Our first clue to involvement was when we were asked if we would open again every morning like we did last year.  Opening involved going over to the park around 7:15, getting the keys from the night guard, making sure that the booth was cleaned up, waiting for the volunteers assigned for the day, and then training them.  Sometimes, the booth was not clean or things needed to be fixed, or not all the volunteers came, and we had to scramble to find others, including local missionaries.   It was a hectic time.  So we were hesitant to say "yes" when Rafael, our boss, had told us that we shouldn't be involved and should let the local councils run it.  We agreed to open on Sunday mornings.

Here's the President and his wife in gold and others.

Next, the afternoon of the official launching of the whole Book Fair, Rafael gave us the invitation to that event and asked us to attend that night.  It turned out to be a very fun evening.  It was held in a large auditorium on the grounds where the fair is held.  We sat behind and met the Ambassador from Mexico, the Catholic Apostolic Nuncio to this country- Mons. Józef Wesolowski , and the UN Ambassador.

Here's the official ribbon cutting.  The President of Equador
is to the right of President Medina.

We didn't realize that the President of the Dominican Republic, his wife The First Lady, and the President of Equador would be attending.  (Equador was an honored country this year - but I don't know why).  The short program talked about the fair's history - this was 16th year.  Several writers and poets were honored (after all, it is a book fair!).  And then the dignitaries cut a ribbon that was stretched across the stage.  As they left, they went down our aisle, shaking hands with those nearby.  Since we were right on the aisle, we shook all three of their hands - cool, huh?

Here's the group gathered for the introductory program. 

Jill and Rafael's secretary

Here are the youth who presented the theme
at the launching ceremonty

All the important folks lined up before the ribbon cutting.

The next evening was our launching, and everything went like clockwork.  The weather was perfect and their were many opinion leaders who attended.

Here's the link to Jill's u-tube videos, so you can see the invitation that was sent out and the little gift  that folks received that night as a favor.  The same woman, a member of the Church here, makes these amazing creations for around $5 each- she did 70 of these!  It makes you want to give a party or something just to send one to your friends!

http://youtu.be/R-lyk2ZHLH8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhonJIEsPN4&feature=youtu.be

We're saving the details for the next post, so hang in there...