Just got back home a few minutes ago. The whole Nashville Metro area is sort of in chaos with gas shortages, but I everybdy I talked with was prepared for the drive out of the area where gas was available.
The only part of the conference I missed was saturday evening's informal get-together as I made the mistake of strectching out on the motel bed to ease my back and fell asleep.
There were too many people to meet everybody individually (especially if you're a bit shy like me) but I had some really nice 'row-mates' and got to meet most of the folks I'd come to know from the forum.
I didn't have to sit on Akira's lap, but I did have the blessing of standing next to his heart a couple of times. If I can be like him one of these days, I'll be blessed. Love my brother.
Met all the mods present, Kat, Joe and Dennis. Had to hug Kat, but being 6'4'' made that a bit of a task.
I met a lot of the other forum members as well and got to spend a little time with one of our new members, Jody Edwards (I think that's the right last name) who was there with his oldest son. He's a really nice fellow too and I hope we'll hear more from him in fellowship here.
A shout out to Rene who made everybody feel extra welcome, I think.
The conference started a little rocky with some technical issues, but it evened out. I'll say more later, maybe, but for now I'll just share that while much of the conference changed my mind, the last hour changed my life. What a truly awesome God we have and what a tremendous blessing to get to know Him more this weekend.
At the end, I got my 'minute' with Ray and, though I could do little more than babble like an idiot, I hope I was able to express my deep thanks not just for what he endured for the conference, but for all he's meant to me these last few life-changing months. My thanks also to all the others who did their part to make the conference possible, and in getting the materials ready for the rest of us.
I'm really glad I went. I'm also glad to be home to satisfy the forum jonesing I've experienced.