Vacation '07 is now history, documented with over 1,000 pictures (gotta love digital) and unforgettable memories. Here are some final reflections of our summer break...
- My extroverted wife, Laura, is unbelievably comfortable striking up conversations with total strangers -
in restaurants, grocery lines, Starbucks or ...Disney. While waiting in line for a ride at MGM Studios, we met
this fine family from Chicago. I say "we", only due to the wives in our families. The Mrs from Chicago was as outgoing as Laura. I was pretty sure we'd be invited up for a long weekend and cookout before the ride was over. They were kind and nice... and Laura helped me out of my box, again (that's right, I'm an introvert with a capital "I").
- While standing in line for another ride at the Magic Kingdom, we bumped into John and Angela Keim! Yep, John Keim - from our Granger youth staff. Yep, his wife, Angela - Mark and Sheila Beeson's daughter. Live consistently, live with integrity - somebody's likely to know you somewhere... wherever you are.
This was Liv's pre-High School summer. I know I'm all gushy about her going into high school. It's just as it
should be, her growing up and all... but, she's just grown up so fast. Liv's done some real growing the
past year. She's an amazing young lady. This vacation allowed us to deepen our bond. I really believe in the wonder of God's design in her. She's ready for high school (I'm not ready for her to go...).
- There are people I love to be with. I'm amazed at the number of friends in my life. But, I can't imagine having more fun and being more relaxed with anyone like I experienced with Laura and Olivia. Engaging their friends - who are also my friends - only enriched the experience. Their interaction with their friends gave me more opportunity to appreciate my wife and daughter. Besides all that - I came back home with them. God is so good!
- Big thanks to Lindsay Wasik for the pre-Disney tips and tour advice! Lindsay's been to Disney more times than anyone I know. Only Mickey has been there more. Lindsay provided us with info about rides, times and dining that maximized our Disney days. If you ask for help some time and she charges you big bucks, it'll be because I told her she needed to. Thanks again, Lindsay!
After a day back in the office, and a weekend back at church - it's good to be home. 
I so enjoy the people I get to do life with on a daily basis. My pastoral peers, my connections team, scores of other fellow staffers and hundreds of volunteers. On top of all that - I'm home with my girls.
God is good. People matter. I'm home.
