Is it Thursday already!?

Well...

As I am taking some time to cool off in the convention center.. I decided to take a few moments in the Adult Academy computer lab to blog a bit. The kids are in the learning center doing workshops of their choice... some of these worshops include:
Jesus Christ Movie Star- looking at Jesus in movies and how those images help shape our faith

Luck of the draw- What does it mean to live on less than one dollar a day. Learn about poverty around the world.

Writing stories for Healing- learn how to write your stories as an act of prayer and healing.

Who's got the cheese?- How rich or poor do you feel?Learn more on your perception of wealth and poverty.

Such great learning experiences.. all at our fingertips.. we are truly blessed here at the gathering.

Where I am- the Adult Academy- are rooms including-

The Oasis- dark room where you can rest on comfy couches and chairs. A station to charge your phone, I pod, camera, tables of loation, prayer bokos, soothing sounds. A real relaxing place to decompress, and catch your breath!

A computer lab, to upload pics, email, BLOG, print things if needed.

A resource room for youth and family ministry.

A room to sit around tables and share in conversation about the gathering or what ever adult chaparones want to discuss!

Its nice that even the adults can have some of their needs met. Its hard to not follow the kids and their activities!

We have been having such a blast so far! The adults have been saing to each other how blessed we are to have such a great group of kids with us! We are loving it! The humidness is a little much for me personally but we are surviving. Thank you God for Air coniditioning!

Hope all are doing well at home!

Until next time....

Outside the Super Dome!!!

 

Called by the Cross

 

MINGA!!!!

What an incredible experience in New Orleans, from the parade of youth through the streets to worship together at the Super dome to the words and passion shared by so many that inspired all of us. First, have we forgotten Katrina? Although so much has been done to repair this city there are still over 15,000 families living in Fema trailers or temporary housing and over 38,000 people have yet to make it back into their homes...

Did you know that over 30,000 kids die each day from poverty? Did you know it would take only 17 billion dollars to prevent the death of so many youth each year... Did you know that the world spends over 18 billion dollars each year on make up.!? I call for a world MINGA!

The concept of Minga has existed since before Incan rule. Minga is the gathering of community members to complete a task that benefits all of the community.

The world community could come together and solve the death of so many children...and our Country should assure a MINGA is called to assure that all are cared for in New Orleans.

We love Agape!

Check out the stage set-up in the Superdome. This is just a small portion of tonight's closing song.

a note from Meredith M.

Hi!!! This is me, Meredith. Today was odd, starting with Lisa counting 51 people out of 46 people on a bus, then on the river parkway in New Orleans, featuring statues of court jesters. The first gathering was cool with all the music and everyone singing together, without even knowing eachother. It was awesome to know that I wasn't alone in this experience and wanting to try something new. I am looking forward to Saturday and our service event, even if it means wearing clothes I would rather not wear, but it is worth it. We decided to go to the hotel and eat there, so Mollie had to go to the store, which resulted in a hilarious monologue.

Gotta go! I really need the sleep, with only 3-4 hours on the bus. Bye!

Meredith

Welcome :)

Ahh...it felt good to see that Welcome sign and know that we had arrived. Registration seems like it was sort of a blur as the lack of sleep set in about that time. BUT now that we've gotten into all our rooms, had naps and taken showers we're all ready to party! Can't wait to start the real experience and get the youth up here blogging about what is going on. This is gonna be great!

Larry and Paula walked to Registration with me. After we picked up 39 Bibles, 39 bags, 39 t-shirts and 39 bags...we opted for a cab ride back to the hotel!