First, it was a challenge to be able to put together a display that I could take on a plane. What I was able to do was create a banner and have it printed on demand at staples. I then made a stand out of ½ inch pvc pipe. My boys and Elianna really enjoyed watching me take two really long pipes and a few fittings and make a stand out of it. Each of them “helped” by holding the end of the pipe while I cut it. It was a lot of fun building it with the kids and seeing their amazement of the final product! 

Second, on Wednesday night we had some free time and I chose to go out and meet an old friend for dinner. We had a great time catching up and then went and played some mini golf. While playing mini golf, a Hispanic couple and their children were playing in front of me. I was able to make small talk in Spanish with the couple and talk to them about their kids. It was the first time in a while I felt like I was making some progress on learning Spanish. 

Third, it was a great time at the Emerge Conference. I had a few fun “face-to-face” meetings with people I am friends with on Facebook. The first one I am going to share is meeting, Rev. Linda, a pastor who called me shortly after we announced our missionary calling wanting a story she could share as she was preaching on calling the next morning. The second, is connecting with so many great people and talking with them. The third, was seeing my friend from seminary, Rev. Marlowe Washington. Last time I talked to him he was an AME pastor, it was great to see him and learn that he became an American Baptist. 

When I returned home on Friday, it was so exciting to see the kids and hangout with them. Sarah and the kids had to leave Saturday to head to Western New York for a speaking engagement and sharing at the Bliss Baptist Church where I started pastoral ministry. 

 This week was such a blessing. Thank you for being part of it. 

 Love in Christ, 

Pete