Global NYI Convention

Well, the NYI portion of General Assembly is over. The ironic part? There is a "late night" activity tonight and a youth workers lunch tomorrow. What's up with that? Anyway, that's beside the point.

Highlights from Global NYI Convention: the fact that we really ARE global and the workshop on family ministry. The convention consisted not only of the delegates in Orlando, but numerous NYI members all over the world. We had 7 sites connected via the internet, some of whom stayed up all night in order to participate. They voted, read scripture, and gave dramatic presentations. We were not without technical difficulties, but overall, we truly felt as if we were one. The workshop on family ministry was the only workshop I was able to attend, but was very informative and fun.

Unfortunately, there were some things about convention/assembly that I did not like.

1- There was little/no opportunity for spiritual development. I would have liked to see workshops, a prayer labrinth, even the opportunity to meet with a pastor for support & encouragement.

2- Of the 4 services I went to, only 1 of them had a sermon. The other three had what I would call vision casting, but certainly not any spiritual challenge. The 1 service that did have a sermon, would have been better suited for the average church, not a room full of leaders.

3- I heard absolutely no discussion of the problems facing the church. Yes, we are growing in many world areas, but what about all the battles we are fighting, the fact that many churches are losing relevance in their communities, and the sins that plague us?

Why was the service project totally separate from the convention? Why did you have to pay $25 to have your child attend a "Naz Kids" event? Where was the fun, for the teens especially?

All in all, my first Global NYI Convention was mostly a disappointment. I have been very alone, as have the two other delegates from New England who came without family. I am leaving with the knowledge of a theme, but little else. If it weren't for the connectedness with youth from all over the world, and the 1 workshop I was able to attend, I would have called the entire trip a waste.

Keep in mind, this is only 1 perspective. I am sure that others have come and had the time of their lives. I'm just ready to go home.

Orlando Day 2

Hello! Genius me left the cord to my laptop at home, so this entry is written via phone. Please forgive typos and shorthand!

I debated this morning whether I should go to convention or Sea World. The scedule for the day was so sparce, but I want to be a good delegate, u know? I went with Sea World, and based on the texting I did throughout the day, I made the right choice.

SW was awesome. I touched stingrays and a dolphin. I splurged on a pass that takes u to the front of the line and literally walked on to both coasters. I was even in the coveted front row of the new "Manta" coaster. Way cool!!

The dolphin show was very entertaining, though it def had a new age feel to it. The killer whale show was SO new age, and boring, that I walked out.

Some surprises included Walruses, a polar bear, and a definite lack of healthy food. I didn't give in to it though! I munched on my side salad and watermellon and liked it!

I made it to Assembly around 6:30, waited for the wonderful ppl who held my badge and bag for me, then enjoyed the opening service. The speaker pounded home that we r to make Christlike disciples in the nations and that we follow Jesus the Nazarene.

I must admit, I'm finding myself a bit disillusioned with the entire experience. Is getting together really worth the cost? Couldn't we instead donate that money to build some wells, free some slaves, feed the hungry?

I myself have spent over $200 just entertaining myself. What am I doing? Is this why I'm here?

Sigh.... So goes the inner battle. strategic coordinators wanted.

Orlando Day 1

Here I am in Orlando for NYI Global Convention. Last night's flight was a real treat because it was non-stop! Unfortunately, my hotel did not have a shuttle from the airport, so in order to save some cash, my teen friend and I took the public bus... SCARY!!! It wasn't that the bus itself was all that sketchy. It was the fact that it was late at night, we were tired, and had no idea where to get off. We made it, though, and after spending one night in separate hotels, we both decided we'd rather share a room than go through another night of scary thunder storms alone.

This morning I went to Disney's Wild Animal Kingdom with 2 teens from New England and the family I will soon be working for/with out in Pittsburgh. All in all, the day was very enjoyable. Everyone got along really well and there was very little complaining about the rain that plagued us throughout the day. The roller coaster was great because it was unpredictable- not your typical loop the loop, straight shot deal. The safari was fun, but we went through too quickly for me to get any really good shots of the animals. "It's Tough to be a Bug" and "The Lion King" were both fantastic shows. I normally don't go to shows at amusement parks, but I would see both of these again. I don't want to ruin either of them by giving details, though! The only real disappointment was the Rapids ride, which was far too short.

The ironic thing was that a two block walk I took this evening was just as fun as the hours I spent in Disney. I took a trolley to a grocery store (using those frugal skills my dad taught me) and then walked back to the hotel. I saw this CRAZY "ride" that looks a lot like those giant swings in amusement parks, but this was more like a sling shot that took you straight up in the air and then lets you flip on the way down (similar to the zipper ride.) It looked incredibly fun and seriously scary! I also walked passed "Gator Golf" where an employee was outside holding a baby alligator. I pet it! The scales were softer than I had imagined. It was sooooo..... cool.

Tomorrow is the first day of business at Convention. I, however, am skipping most of the day and headed to Sea World instead. Should I feel guilty about this? mmm.... nah. There is so little on the schedule tomorrow that it really isn't a good use of my time. And seriously, when will I be back here again? Who knows.

How does any of this relate to my health? Well, I chose a chicken ceasar salad today instead of pizza. I did a lot of walking. And.... I missed an appointment with my oncologist back home. Oops! Besides, it's my blog, and I can write about whatever I want, right??? :)

Looking at Self

I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "You need to take care of yourself" since I was diagnosed with cancer. Even in the last few months all of the professionals in my life have been telling me that I need to think of myself more and stop giving, giving, giving.

So, today I stayed home. I've had a week that rivals the craziest I've had in a year, my bunny is sick and has to be force-fed every 4 hours, and my stress level is so high that if someone looks at me the wrong way, I might scream. No lie.

The downside? I inconvenienced at least 20 people so that I could have a day of rest. I'm taking care of my bunny; I'm taking care of myself, and I feel rotten because of it.

How is one to reconcile the needs of life versus the desire to be like Jesus? Would He have stayed home? Would He have gone $200 into debt to save the life of a pet?

This culture keeps saying, "You deserve it," and "You're worth it." Really? Just what exactly do I deserve? Do I deserve an easy life? Do I deserve to take time for myself even though it puts others in a bind? Do I deserve to have a credit card so I can pay for things I can't really afford? What is taking care of yourself and what is just selfish? I wish I knew.

anniversary

Today (June 1st) is the two year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. It's a wierd day for me. On the one hand, it represents the beginning of an extremely difficult time of my life. On the other hand, it represents the beginning of healing, for without diagnosis, the cancer would have spread further and been even more likely to kill me.

I find it somewhat ironic that today is also the day that I was asked to speak on behalf of Beverly Hospital. They are seeking to add radiation to their services to cancer patients, (which makes sense as radiation is the only portion of treatment that they don't currently offer.) Some, however, are opposing the addition, preferring that the money be used to improve "necessary services" at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester. North Shore Medical center is also in opposition to the addition, probably because they want all of the patients to themselves!

It was truly a privilege to speak on behalf of the patients. I did the best I could to convey the sheer agony of cancer treatments and the comfort that is found in the familiarity of Beverly Hospital, mainly due to keeping the same medical team. Others had already addressed the efficiency issues, location, etc. My oncologist said I, "Spoke from the heart."

All in all, today was a little less traumatic than it was last year, possibly because I was able to speak on behalf of other cancer patients, possibly just because time is healing me. Whatever the reason, I'm glad.

Live - Laugh - Love