Making Lists and Checking Them More Than Twice

Every year after the regional conference, it always seems like forever until the entire region will be together again. As I’ve been absorbed more and more into the planning committee in the past six years, though, visions of late-night heart-to-hearts and pillowy king beds have begun dancing in my head earlier and earlier. We started meeting in the spring, so it tracks that by now I'm ankle-deep in lists of things to do, buy, print, and bring alongside the heavy hitters who are up to their knees or waists. Last weekend, I even got to accompany my friend and conference queen herself, Tirzah, on a site visit. 

Our #1 goal was to meet with our resort representative (he has the best last name: Espíritusanto ["Holyspirit"]). You better believe there were ~lists~ of things to ask/confirm on both sides. It might seem silly to drive 10 hours roundtrip for a ~90 min. meeting + a few misc. tasks, but when you're herding 112 humans, a face-to-face conversation with the boots on the ground is 112% necessary. That was perhaps truer this year more than ever since we'll be MacGyvering a pair of restaurants into conference spaces due to construction. Tirzah's a pro, but it's helpful - and more fun! - to have a second driver and experienced set of eyes/ears along. 

Scoping out possible group photo locations to avoid a needlessly long walk. 

This iguana was easily 3-4 ft. long from head to tail!

We were there on Dominican night. Pro-tip to any missionary coworkers reading this: the sancocho is stellar. It'd be *chef's kiss* if there were aguacate. 

My morning beach walk was pleasantly seaweed-free. I later joined a Pilates class ("You're on vacation; I'm not going to kill you!") before showering and grabbing a quick bite to eat. 

Pastor Lucas & Agatha live just off the route in Santo Domingo, so Tía Tirzah and Tía Erin brought lunch and entertained William for a bit before completing our drive. 

Espíritusanto (his name is actually Amauris) has an admittedly tough job: both parties may have walked away from our conversation with even longer lists. We're fully aware there will be snags, miscommunications, and delays, but it's nothing an extra measure of grace, patience, and flexibility can't overcome in the name of worship, study, rest, and fellowship. Twenty-three days and counting!

Until next time, blessings in Christ