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NWLC: Monday Update (Shuttles)
Posted on July 22nd, 2008 in Church Life, Ministry Trips, Music by Fred McKinnon
Hey Everyone,
As promised, here’s an update from the National Worship Leader Conference in Austin, TX. I can tell you one thing … it’s HOT in Austin, TX. We arrived yesterday via ExpressJet air. Before leaving the Jacksonville, FL I called the hotel to confirm that their complimentary shuttle would be at the airport. She confirmed that it would be there at the top of every hour. We arrived a bit late, so I was afraid we’d miss the 3:00 PM shuttle. I called the hotel from baggage claim and she said “it’s running a little late, so you should be fine”.
Well, 2-1/2 hours later, we still have no shuttle, and we’ve been standing out on the sidewalk of the airport in the Austin heat. Every subsequent phone call to the hotel confirmed they were clueless as to the shuttle situation and more and more people assembled on the sidewalk waiting for the mystery shuttle.
I finally caved in and said “ok folks there is one sure way to get that shuttle … I’ll give up and get a cab, then the shuttle will show up”. So, I hailed a cab, piled in, and arrived at the hotel with a $40 taxi bill. As I paid the driver, the hotel shuttle drove up (just behind us) with all our friends from the airport. Go figure.
“Shuttle” is a cuss word this week. The transportation situation is just not good at all, and I regret not renting a car. Traffic is ridiculous in this area and the church is out in this area where there are no restaurants, gas stations, etc.
But … it’s all part of travel, right?
Blog friend-now-met-in-person Chad Wright picked us up at the hotel and we went to dinner … had a blast and took a pic here.
Last night we had worship with several folks including Sarah Kelly, Matt Redman and Paul Baloche. Skip Heitzig was the speaker, and he did an awesome job. He was a fantastic communicator, and really encouraged the worship leader. I love worshiping with Paul Baloche, and regretted having to slip out early because the “shuttle” (sh****TLE) schedule said that last ride back to the hotel was at 9:30 PM. So, we slipped out … got outside in the muggy, humid heat to find NO SHUTTLE. We waited … and waited, meanwhile, the rest of the smart people who stayed for worship are now dismissing. Finally the shuttle comes closer to 10:00 and we then sit in parking lot traffic another 15 minutes or so.
So it’s nearly the end of Tuesday already, but I have only updated Monday … I’ll put Tuesday in a new blog, and will update soon.
Fred
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6 Responses to “NWLC: Monday Update (Shuttles)”
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Fred, I will pray for the shuttle drivers. But look at this way…you’re getting extra time to share with all thee ppl..lol…will also pray for cooler weather. fyi…it still hot and muggy at home to…lol
I think they need to put these conferences in the northwest in the summer. You people dying in texas don’t know what you’re missing.
Tylers last blog post..Lunch Time
Howdy Fred-O- well, I can relate- when we went to Arizona the heat was the same and so was the shuttle service!!- I try to stay away from those things if at all possible!- Have fun this week and be safe, RV
I can really relate. We hear the Texas weather is reallllllly bad right now too. Prayin’ for you to keep your cool in every way! Think snow cone.
hey i used to hike, have you ever tried the neck bands to stay cool? roll up a little crushed ice in a bandana and dampen the bandana. Lay it around your neck, cooling off those big arteries on the sides of your neck. It really is amazing! Doesn’t ruin your sweatty look, either. I even think they sell them in camping stores w/ absorbable beads instead of ice.
jamie
Hey Buddy!
Hope all is going well for you in the Texas Heat! I noticed something in the picture and you may be able to answer this question…what are those black boxes in front of the guitar players and to the drummers left? Is it some type of new audio technology you could bring back to SSI? Please check it out!
Dawn, thanks so much for the prayer and “perspective!” Tyler, agreed, completely.
RV – always good when you stop by and make yourself known.
Jamie, now that’s a good idea ….
Kimbo .. HAHHAHAHHAHAH, thanks, bro … I thought about you NUMEROUS times when I saw those big ole ugly floor wedges. (in all honesty, the audio mix has been less-than-great for the most part, but has gotten better as we’ve gone through, but I don’t think it has anything to do with the big black boxes (or lack thereof)
I’ll pray Travis doesn’t find your comment on my blog!
Fred