This morning, I had to be at the Convention Center by 7:30 to help set up the Convoy of Hope booth. They have generously provided my conference registration fee, and I am happy to be representing them at their sponsorship booth. My new friend Linda rode along.

Set up was rough, as somehow we had the right banners but the wrong stands on which to display them. So we borrowed some bright turquoise Duck Tape from the Wesley Seminary folks, and jerry-rigged one of the banners on an easel. It works, but I don’t love it.

I explained my parking situation to Dave Donaldson, and he fixed it for me immediately by making sure that I could park close by and it would be covered. Very generous, but what else could you expect from such a great organization.

Let’s just admit: I’m totally in my element at the booth. I LOVE to talk to people and I REALLY LOVE to talk to people about organizations and causes that I’m passionate about.

Within the first 45 minutes, I struck up a conversation with a lovely young lady who was interested in Dave’s book. She’s a high school history teacher who does an entire unit on global activism. And if that wasn’t cool enough … she’s from Columbus. Get out! No, really, she is! And we think that we might be twins separated at birth.

Needless to say, we hit it off. Immediately. And were inseparable for the rest of the day.

I heard some fabulous speakers, my favorites being Rich Stearns, CEO of World Vision, and Tony Hall, former representative from Ohio who I think needs another run.

I had lunch and fantastic conversation with my good friend Pam Pryor. We don’t agree on everything, but we do agree that there is value in that. And we can work together.

At our lobby day training, New BFF Angel and I met Jonathan, who is passionate about health care and might be our long-lost twin brother. And so the three of us stood around and talked for another hour or so.

Then Angel and I ate dinner at Union Station. I went ahead and left my car securely in the garage. And then I walked back to my temporary home.

I think that the lesson so far is that I will not be conquered. There is no question that evil in the universe conspires against the people of God when we are on to something good. And today it was confirmed that I am on to something REALLY good here. And I’m so glad that I stuck it out yesterday. I’m thankful for friends and family who encouraged me to come, made it possible for me to come, and prayed hard for me when I was so discouraged yesterday. It will be worth it. It IS worth it.

Tomorrow is Lobby Day. We’ll be visiting Senators Brown and Voinovich, and then Angel and I will be visiting Representative Mary Jo Kilroy. And hopefully a trip to the Smithsonian American History Museum to round out the day.

Stay tuned for further reports, which might not come until I’m home because I don’t think I’ll pay for another day of wireless connection. This city needs to learn the value of Free Wi-Fi.