A backwards life

Today - drove 2 hours to Jacksonville where the Polsleys and I did the meeting. Drove through snow, but it was worth it. Being with the Shiels family was fun. Getting an hour to talk about Latvia during Sunday School was excellent!
This week - ACCR (Annual command consultation and review) with a great team from THQ. As most of the details are part of my responsibility, there was potential for lots of stress but people were praying and I was stress-free! I was a little concerned when my Bible reading before the review started included Sheba getting his head cut off in 2 Samuel and ended with Matthew's account of the crucifixion of Jesus. I'll leave that for you to discern for me. The stress-free and flexible tone continued even when we had an ice storm, closed the office for all but us and a few hardy people and the restaurant we were using for dinner closed. My goal for the review was that we (DHQ team) would get a clearer picture of our division's health and in what direction we need to head. I believe that happened. Plus, some good friends were part of the THQ team and I enjoyed spending time with them, too. It's a huge project to prepare for and I can't say I'm sorry it's over for this year.
Last weekend - took Maria and Megan to the territorial young adult conference, REGeneration in Chicago. I went to a couple of the meetings, mostly to see people (!) but also because Commissioner Christine MacMillan was a speaker. She is exceptional and I would love to get involved in her work (Social Justice). I spent the rest of the time with good friends - Harfoots and Jordans. A nice weekend and some strong, challenging words at REGen. Maybe I'll write about that later.
Weekend before that - the Diaz/Polsley team went to the Joplin corps (see pictures below) which included a weekend with Maria in Branson. That is a cross-cultural experience! Very country and very commercial. A family Las Vegas. Everyone should go there once! And if you come to visit me, I'll send you down (and maybe I'll go too!)
THE FUTURE - tomorrow Maria leaves for California where she'll be for about 3 weeks. Tuesday I leave for the Holy Land, followed by 10 days in the UK. Honestly, my brain and emotions have been so focused on ACCR and other work that I haven't really prepared myself. I do know that there are some amazing spiritual experiences waiting for me, plus a great time with friends. I probably won't post while I'm away, so expect a long one in about a month!