Cheesecake with Pastors

The ride to Indianapolis was not bad. I spent the first half of the trip talking to Pastor Darrell and Ron about their churches and the ways the inner city and suburbs should work together. We moved into topics of accountability, which was pretty exciting for me, and then how to reach the community. These were people who cared about people. The second half of the trip, I moved to the front, where Pastor Jeff and I talked about the need to get away and the debate and how hard it is for pastors to network in a really effective way.

When we arrived, I needed to check in first with the Rally and then into my room. Because I was a last minute replacement, it took me a little while longer than everyone else, they needed to make me a name tag. Ron, though, made up for that because was ahead of me in line to check into our room, which meant I got pulled to the head of the line when he got there.

The room was a nice room with two comfortable beds. We unpacked and then I called my wife. I find these phone calls hard. Not much has happened, so there is not much to talk about, but I'm away from her, so I want to hear her voice. We talk about the ride, the room, the kids and the laundry. Then as quickly as it started, we say our I love yours and the call ends. I forget to tell her everyone loved her pumpkin butterscotch muffins.

Not long after that, I get a call from Jeff, his e-mail won't work from the room. I check it out, but I can't figure out why. Yes, that church IT guy can't help the pastor send his e-mail. I am frustrated and a little embarrassed. He, of course doesn't make a big deal out of it.

He then leave Pastor Jim and I in the room, so he can pull up the van. We need to go to dinner before the 7:30 introduction to the Rally. We meet him down in the heavily decaled Praise van in just a few minutes and we are on the hunt for where to go. We select the Cheesecake Factory. Now, I only know the Cheesecake Factory from two places. My first introduction was the top floor of Disney Quest in downtown Disney, where Larry, Dixie, Shelly and I scarfed desserts I between rounds of Pirates of the Caribbean. The second place is from Big Bang Theory. I don't mention these things as we walk in.

The decor in the place is full of crazy colors, with giant columns. There are alcoves in the ceilings with had painted art work. I'm disappointed the staff where white shirts with patterned ties, as opposed to the green and gold the show in the TV show. The conversation takes off and we talk about the great things God has done for us. I tell them of the blessing we received, of a place to live from Pat and Gary and I learn of cars and money that others have received out of the blue. I eat Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp, drink coffee and split a piece of chocolate cheesecake.

When it is time to make our way to the opening of the rally, most of us decide we need to walk back to the hotel. It is a good start.