General Convention Days 1

A quick post from the public computers at the Columbus, Ohio Convention Center. It feels like I just got here, even though it is day 6. Our days begin at 5:30 or 6 a.m. when we get up and dressed to walk the mile and a half to the convention center for early morning hearings. The New York deputation has all been assigned a committee to monitor. Mine is Social and Urban affairs. If there is no pressing issue, we can go to other committee hearings -- I have been to the "Special Committee" hearings, to Ministry, and to Canons. Every hearing is filled with members of the committee who hear questions and comments on legislation from Deputies, Alternates, and Visitors. Then we have worship at 9:30 and begin legislative sessions in the morning and afternoon. The evenings are filled with more hearings, presentations, special services, and deputation meetings.

Generally speaking you work until you drop. It is becoming common for people to oversleep, or need to go to their rooms at 6 p.m. just to re-group and catch up. This has happened to me more than I would like to admit. Some faces around convention -- John Fredenburgh is here as a volunteer, I saw Gwyn and Katherine who have been volunteering, too. (More on that later). Jeanette (from Grace) is here and down the hall from me in the hotel. Of course, Mark, Cathy, and Don our bishops, have been very present. More when I get a few minutes. Love and blessings to you all!