Well I told you that the days would get busier. My step total for Thursday was 12,300+ so
just over 6 miles! The hotels surrounding the Convention Center here are
all connected to one another and the Center as well. That is very convenient to avoid going
outside into the 100 degree heat. Even
the locals agree this is really hot weather.
The problem is that what’s created is the world’s largest gerbil
cage. So I spent most of yesterday
trying to get the map of the areas where we will spend most of our time. Fortunately the youth have been here several
days longer than I have and already know their way around.
Ah the young people!
Every GCOYP I’ve worked with have been great and these young people fit
in beautifully. They spent the first day
testifying at a variety of committees and have gotten lots and lots of rave
reviews. If you follow Twitter check out
the hashtag #GC77. There have been lots
of chatter every time some member of the OYP speaks. Part of what I do here is to help them with
their testimony and comments. My job is
not to shape their thoughts but to help them make sure that they have stated
their ideas clearly. So they write their
speeches out, bring them back to the adults sitting in the visitor’s gallery
and we go over them quickly. Very often
there is very little time for that review so we are forced to speed read. Usually the hardest part is reading the handwriting
because they’ve written very quickly. In
whatever small way I’ve been able to help the GCOYP has done wonderfully.
Quick note on Lis Engle from St Matthias who is a member of
the GCOYP – She is doing a great job and has taken particular interest in
legislation centered on smaller congregations.
If you know Lis then you’ll be familiar with her bright smile and
energetic personality. She is
representing herself, her parish, her diocese and province very, very well.
The day itself was pretty straight forward divided between
legislative sessions and committee meetings.
This means I tag along and sit in the gallery while they do whatever
they need to do.
Lunch was fun. Bp.
Stacey Sauls the Chief Operating Officer of TEC joined us in the suite that we
use as our meeting space. Bp. Stacey is
very personable and answered any all questions the young people had. Mostly it was concerned with budget issues
which is probably the biggest controversy facing the Convention this year. There are other issues that will generate
their own heat but nothing compares with the budget. It was a great time and wonderful that the
bishop was willing to take time out of a very busy time to be with us.
The meetings went on into the evening. The good news is that we managed to wrap up a
little earlier so I was back in my room just before 11 PM. Even better I wasn’t needed to be an early
riser the next day so I had a nice long sleep period available.
And we all know that’s a good thing. Tomorrow I finally visit the Exhibition
Hall!!
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