ICCM Day 1

Today was quite the whirlwind of emotions to say the least. I woke up this morning ready to embark on a new adventure. But for the first time in a really long time I was heading out on my own. It was really emotional and difficult to leave my family today. I broke down and could not speak. My wonderful wife lead our family before the Lord in prayer and I finished it up and I was ready to go. I spent the next 5+ hours making my way to Taylor University and when I arrived, I was welcomed by a smiling face. Once I settled in the dorm I went down to the lobby to mingle. I immediately connected with several people and started 'talking shop'. But the difference between this time and every other time was the people I talked to were excited about what they were doing. Most times when I talk shop with people, it includes stories about people that are trying to say the least. It was neat to talk to people who were excited about what they were doing.

I then went to dinner. The gentlemen at my table had a wide range of experience. One guy works with a church planting organization. Many of the people are in hard to reach areas. Another is a developer, and another is a Tech Director for a Christian school in Africa. It was neat to hear what the Lord is doing in their lives.

Then it was time for some worship and introductions. We sang two songs (Everlasting God and Mighty to Save) and jumped into introductions. I found it neat that there is several people like myself who are searching for where they can fit in and get connected. I also got some faces to catch up with later this week to make connections. I did get to formally meet Greg and Dorinda from lightsys.

At this point we all headed back to the dorm and began socializing. Then we had a fire drill. It was like being back in college. It was commical. I got some good pics of campus security and the fire engine that arrived. I went back in and talked to some more people and also spent some time trying to figure out the game Epidemic. Once I started drifting off to sleep I decided to head back to the room and go to sleep. It was a great first day and am looking forward to tomorrow.