Even with last-minute cancellations due to virus regulations, we welcomed 67 people with several more joining via Zoom webcast. 

At this year’s Feast, we observed a real coming-together and support for one another. Simultaneous translations for French, Spanish, English and for the deaf were offered with new translation equipment and the help of a talented group of interpreters. Our daily church services were inspiring with great messages about God’s plan and how we should be living today. These messages were complemented by beautiful weather revealing the lush green of the lakeside pastures, the vibrant aquamarine blue of the lake and magnificent mountains rising in the distance. We had three planned excursions: the Olympic venue of Chamonix, the old town of Annecy and the Chateaux of Menthon-Saint-Bernard. A Feast choir, vocal and instrumental ensembles, and talented pianists and singers allowed for amazing daily special music. On the second day of the Feast, local brethren organized a welcome activity allowing everyone to better get to know one another. Our talent show was among the best, with standup comedy, stories, poems, music and Bible trivia group challenges. Many people rented bicycles, taking advantage of the nearby 50-kilometer bike path that circled the lake. Others hiked into the mountains to enjoy the views or went paragliding nearby. 

To attend the Feast, all were required to wear a mask while at services and adults had to be either vaccinated or test negative for COVID-19. Despite this, a child brought COVID-19 to the Feast, which was discovered when he and his family were tested at the airport on day three of the Feast. They immediately returned to the resort and isolated. Then, in compliance with local protocols, any person exposed was tested, we canceled church and waited until everyone received his/her test results. Everyone exposed tested negative and most visitors from the U.S. were tested on day seven of the Feast as well—all negative. We were able to resume services and the little boy subsequently tested negative a few days later allowing him and his family to return to the United States. We all worked together to stay safe with the COVID-19 issue being addressed efficiently and everyone thankful to observe the Feast.