from NYLC part IV

Brian McLaren's first session was really good. He was very non-threatening, which is good considering some of the things that he will bring up can be threatening in themselves. He is a very good communicator and is probably the most polished presenter we've had all week. Good thing, because last year, the final presenter was Leonard Sweet, and I thought he was difficult to listen to so I skipped his last session so that I wouldn't get home at 2am...which is what will happen tonight.

it was a little sad leaving my hotel room this morning. I had begun to get attatched to my cozy room with old, small furniture and junky TV. It was kind of cool having cable for a few days, but I found it quite useless and ended up hooking my video games up to the TV. Oh, and a single person should really never need a king size bed. It's kind of silly actually, you end up sleeping with all kinds of things on your bed: remote, glasses, cell phone, laptop, papers, etc...you sleep with them b/c when you get in bed you don't even notice they are on the other 75% of the bed that you won't ever use.

I have been depressed this week because just before I left for the conference I got into a fight with someone I love. We have not spoken since the fight. Times like these make me feel like I am losing my mind. Hopefully time will heal the wound that I have inflicted on our relationship.

Well, it rained for nearly 36 straight hours before turning to sleet and ice. Wonderful weather we are having here. It almost stopped us from receiving B. McLaren in time for the conference, as his flight was delayed. I would have asked for my money back.

Last night Rondel and I had an hours long conversation about the change in our culture and what it means for our church. Modern, Postmodern, Post-Christian, liberal, conservative, whatever...we talked and talked and talked. It was good to have some open dialogue about some of this stuff and not feel like anything but time and a few extra trips to the jon (from all the hot cocoa) is at stake. I have enjoyed our conversations.

Although this trip is being funded by an outside source, I haven't really 'treated' myself to anything extraordinary yet. I've had McD's 3 times (2x's was just yogurt) Burger King, pizza, and steak n' shake...Maybe tonight I will have a fat steak. That would be nice.