We drove straight from Myrtle Beach to Spring Arbor (900 miles, 18 hours, 381 cups of coffee) because we couldn’t find a room between Charleston, West Virginia and Ashland, Ohio. None. Even the “less than Best Western” hotels — you know the kind, where their signs boast about things like color TV and Hot Water — had the “no” in “no vacancy” lit up. I was amazed. And a little tired. But we made it — getting into Spring Arbor just in time to see the sun rise. And crash we did. What a trip!

And now it’s time to get back into the swing of things. To get the RPM’s back up into the 2,000’s — cruising speed. Planning for the Fall at SAFMC — so much is happening. It’s good stuff, but fairly monumental in terms of the change of scheudle and ministry target. Too much to explain here, but I’m anticipating some good things. We’ve got some major events coming up — “Gear Up”, our annual (second ever!) outdoor car show, pig roast, inflatables, family fun day. Tony Campolo will be speaking the week before. The “Thanks & Praise” service is only a few months away. And oh — let’s not forget the Christmas Musical. That which keeps me up at night, and for good reason.

Tomorrow morning I start on Mornings at Home on Home.FM, one of SAU’s radio stations. Wow. Getting up at 5 AM for a change. Tuesday I begin my last class for the MA program — the “Capstone” class. It gets this name because after reading through the syllabus you seriously consider hitting yourself in the head with one (a Capstone, not a Syllabus). Although this one is actually thick enough to do some damage, or at least mess up my hair.

Last and most importantly, we are together as a family again. We missed the kids during our vacation, since they were appointed to visit and fill diapers at their Grandparent’s homes.

All this and a battle with a cold that won’t go away. I’d like to thank the makers of NyQuil for bringing liquid healing to my sinuses. By tomorrow, I’ll be OK. I hope. It’s going to be a big week.