This trip was with Young Life. The guys in my office were generous enough to take me along to the Young Life All Staff Conference. This conference only happens every 4 years and is a huge celebration of the mission of Young Life. Over 4,000 staff from across the US and 60 countries around the world converged on the Marriott World Center in Orlando. I roomed with the other Admin in my office, Betsy. We were fortunate enough to get 3rd floor rooms that over looked the pool. I enjoyed drinking a cup of tea on the balcony each morning before the long day began.
During the week we had some amazing speakers, Earl Palmer, Dale Bruner, and Donald Miller (writer of Blue Like Jazz). There was also a surprise visit from Jeff Foxworthy.
He did a show for us and then the next morning he and his wife spoke to the general session. They are volunteer Young Life leaders and she was involved in Young Life in high school. Jack Hannah, the animal guy from David Letterman, made a surprise visit with some of his animals. He provided some of the best laughs of the week. He also has a personal connection with Young Life as his daughters and son-in-law have been involved in YL. We also had a visit from Ben Stein and his movie producer. He brought his film that comes out in February called Expelled that addresses the issue of intelligent design. We got the opportunity to preview the movie. And I highly recommend that you go see it. His producer was also a YL kid in high school. It is amazing to see how YL reached so many people and they, in turn, make a difference in the world.Friday we ventured to the Magic Kingdom. It was fun to enjoy the 'Happiest Place on Earth' with my friends. We had to get a picture of the girls in front of the castle.
We also got stuck in the Buzz Lightyear ride... this is Matt and Mel hanging out waiting for the ride to continue.All in all it was a fantastic trip with good friends. It was so good to get away to soak in some sunshine and spritual encouragement.
3 comments:
FL sounds good. I've only made it to Miami. On our way back from Haiti in college we stayed with Rene Curbello's family. Strange what you remember, huh.
Glad you had a great time! Now come see me!
Sounds like a great trip Carrie!! Keep up the good work.
Love,
Shane
Jeff Foxworthy wrote a recommendation for Donald Miller's most recent book. It is cool to hear about him being involved with young life. I bet he had some funny observations about teenagers.
I saw an interview with him where he was offered a movie part, but it meant he would have to be away from his family for three weeks, and he refused because he said it was too long to be away from his family.
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