Tired and Psyched

    It has been a LONG day, but a good day.

    So, I didn’t actually get to bed until about 3 am.  I was EXHAUSTED by the time I went to sleep last night.  I had the alarm set for 6:15 am this morning so I could get up and get ready in time to leave for the airport at 7 am.  Well, the alarm went off and I hit the “off” button instead of “snooze”.  Next thing I knew, I woke up at 6:55 am – in a panic (wow, at least I woke up… it could have been MUCH worse).  Christi drove me to the airport and I boarded my flight at 9:30 am.  After a layover in Houston, I arrived in San Jose, CA at 4 pm (LONG travel day).  The worst part was on the 2nd flight – 4 hours from Houston to San Jose.  I was sitting next to a little girl (about 3 years old) and her mother was sitting next to the window in the plane.  The girl laid her head down on her mom’s lap and went to sleep.  I was SO tired and couldn’t wait to sleep on this flight (I normally can sleep easily on airplanes).  Well, every time I started to doze off, this little girl would have a reflex reaction and kick me in the side.  The mother would apologize every time – but never actually MOVED her daughter.  I kept thinking it would be nice if the mother and daughter switched seats – then the daughter could just kick the plane.  But, the mom never did that – just kept apologizing.  Needless to say, I did NOT get to sleep on the flight.  And, to add to it – with the wonderful airline benefits these days – I enjoyed a huge breakfast and lunch of 1 bag of peanuts and 1 bag of pretzels, and 2 cups of ginger ale.  Thus, in addition to being very sleepy, I was VERY hungry too.

    Moving on…

    I did arrive in San Jose and was picked up by Deneice Fujii who was in charge of organizing this winter retreat at Mount Hermon Christian Camps.  We drove through and picked up some food for me for lunch and also some food for later for dinner (cause the students arrived after dinner time tonight).  We then arrived at the camp and I got settled in to my room, gathered more information for this weekend, met a couple people, and had some time to rest before the students arrived.

    I cannot even begin to tell you (I know I am repeating myself) how EXCITED I am for this weekend.  I have been looking forward to this for over 6 months now.  I LOVE to speak and teach.  I also love Jr. Highers.  Combine the two, and I am ready for a fun, exciting, energizing weekend. 

    The students arrived tonight starting at 6:30 pm.  We had the opening leader’s meeting at 8 pm and began the festivities at 8:30 pm with games, worship, and then my talk.  I have to admit, I was a bit nervous tonight.  I am hoping it didn’t show.  There were some minor “technical difficulties” which threw me off a little bit too, but I really don’t think the students noticed or cared (if they did notice).  I gave my introductory talk and set up the rest of the weekend.  I think it will be great. 

    Tomorrow morning will come early, so I am off to bed.  I’ll update more as the weekend continues.