Passion::DC

Passion was once again amazing!! I am so glad I went. And just like with Austin, I was definitely meant to be there. I was most certainly in the right place, at the right time.

I met up with some other girls from the Worship Frequency site. We planned to go sight seeing in DC on Thursday. So Thursday morning, we head off. We decided to take the train into the city, (we were staying in Fairfax, VA) to avoid traffic and parking. So we get to the metro station, only to find a sign blocking the way in. Saying that the lot was full. Except that we could see at least one free space, and a car leaving another space--so we knew there must be more. So Kimberly, who is from Toronto, and was driving us, decided that she would take it upon herself to move the sign, so we could enter the garage.

This of course did not make the parking lot attendant happy, and she promptly yelled at Kimberly. Kimberly just explained that she was sure there had to be a spot, and that we would leave if there wasn't. But of course, there was--and we parked and got on the train.

Here is my Jen!!!! Jen is from Minnesota, and we met for the first time at Passion::Boston, we decided to room together again in DC. It was soooooo nice to see her again! I miss her when she's not around.

So, once we got into DC. We first went to the Holocaust Museum. It was so powerful. I have been to others in different cities around the world. I have even visited Dachau, in Germany. But this museum was so powerful. It easily equaled the impact it had on me to visiting Dachau. We spent a few hours in there--longer than we had intended. But it was well worth it.

After leaving the museum, we sort of had to process for a bit. So we hung out in a cafe for a bit, and chatted before moving on to more sight seeing.

Now, 4 days in Austin thinned my blood like you wouldn't believe. I spent the rest of week freezing my rear off. Here I am, the tough Mainer who is ALWAYS hot. And I'm freezing to death. I literally kept my scarf on the entire weekend, and wore multiple layers. I just couldn't get warm!!

Our first stop was the Washington Monument. Kimberly, who I mentioned is Canadian, didn't know what anything was of course. And she kept apologizing for being dumb. I quickly explained to her that "you aren't dumb, you're Canadian" :) and that if we were in Canada doing the same thing, we wouldn't know what anything was either.

So I know this picture is small, but this is me, Kimberly, Jen, and Melissa.

The Capitol Building.
Standing under the Washington Monument

The White House! I so wanted to go on a tour of this, I've never been. (I hadn't been to DC since I was 11) And I looked up information on tours ahead of time, only to find that you aren't allowed to bring in any bags or camera's, and they don't have a bag check. Which means, you need to be staying in the city--or find a public locker--to leave you stuff to go on a tour. Bummer.

This is new, a WWII memorial.
I had my picture taken in front of Texas (having just come from there)
And of course, my beloved Maine.

In front of Abe himself. Jen, Kimberly, me, Melissa.

And the Vietnam Wall.
So--we had made plans to meet up with 4 other women at a place called The Melting Pot. I would HIGHLY recommend this place. It was so fun! What a great place to go on a date, if you are looking for a good date place.

I won't explain the whole process in great detail (aren't you relieved?) But you start with the cheese, and then salad, and then the main course (which you cook yourself on skewers in broth or oil based cooking styles), and then dessert. Oh the dessert.

Here is my wine. Yup, I'm not even kidding. This is called "Take a Flight to Spain" and it's a sampler of 4 wines. I didn't like the white one, but I drank the other 3. And passed the white one around the table. No one else liked it either. But I was just so amused that I had 4 glasses of wine in front of me that I had to take a picture of it. These glasses look bigger in this picture than they really are. I swear.

All 8 of us girls. And yes, I was still freezing.
Carin and Melissa. I know both of them through the Worship Frequency board. They're amazing women, and I'm so glad I got to know them!!
Cooking our main course.

Our meat cooking away...

And then dessert. Just imagine this dipped in chocolate. Oh yes...it was amazing. I would go to this place just for the dessert....
Melissa had just put a brownie in her mouth...and was in heaven at this moment...
All 8 of us girls in the lobby of The Melting Pot. Happy...overly fed, and incredibly blessed by the company of each other.
Pretty Washington DC buildings. I love the architecture there!

So, then on Friday, Passion started that morning! Well, at least for us as volunteers it started in the morning. We had to be there at 8:45 to receive our 'jobs' and to help set everything up and put it all together for that evening when the students would arrive.

This is Lori. She's from Houston, and she rocks! She wants me to come down and visit her to see the Rodeo in a few weeks. Boy do I wish I could go. That would be so fun!

So, when I received my assignment in the morning, I was less than thrilled. I was assigned to be a part of "Resources" which is essentially the store. Tshirts, CD's, Books, etc. I was really hoping that I would be placed back on the "Touch Team" which is what I was on in Boston. The "Touch Team" is the team of people who get to really connect with all of the students, greet them, check in with them, make sure they are okay. And of course, if you know me, you know that I want to be out and about, talking to people-making connections..etc. Not selling Tshirts. I sell in my regular jobs, I like the break everywhere else.

But I knew I had to bite my lip, and just go wherever they placed me. After all, I was there to serve. And serving isn't always ideal in our own minds. I was there to do whatever it was they needed me to do. I had just really hoped it wouldn't be "Resources". I decided that there must be a reason I was placed on that team. Probably for my own good.

So, here is a lot of the Resource Team. Not all of us, but I think most of us. There were probably 80 or so volunteers in all.

And then the doors opened, and the masses stormed in. Hundreds of students poured through the doors, and into the arena. It was so exciting--just like it had been in Boston. I was feeling so privileged to be a part of this again.

I was able to sit in on a lot of the evening session, which was awesome. Here is Chris Tomlin leading worship. I also saw Charlie Hall--but did not get a picture of him, since I spent the time he was singing in prayer--I don't even remember what he sang--I was so focused on praying.

I realized when I got in the session that I was having an issue with being on the Resource Team. But the issue wasn't any one's but mine. Because I really was there with the right intentions. I really just wanted to serve, I had just expected to be placed on the "Touch Team" again where I felt I had served so well previously. So it had just been a disappointment...that's all. I started confessing my pride and feelings about that immediately, and prayed that The Lord would fill that with Him and His Holy Spirit. I immediately felt that happen. I can't explain it if you have never felt it. It's like a warm, tingly sort of feeling. Like something being poured over you. I kept praying throughout this process that the Holy Spirit that I was being filled with would pour out of my fingers and mouth and onto every single student that I met that weekend.

Then (as Charlie Hall was playing) I continued to pray for all of the students in the room. Which is why I missed his songs.

Here is Mr. Louie Giglio. He is the Director of Passion. He taught at 2 of the sessions, he is such an amazing speaker. And he is just so humble about what he does...which is why Passion is as successful as it is. He understands that he is not really the one in charge of the ministry. The Lord is in charge, and he just tries to do what He says. And Passion is taking off like a shot. Rather, it already has taken off, it just continues to climb. And I truly believe that it is because the people in charge, including Louie and his wife, and all the rest of the staff and Lead Worshippers, all have their focus exactly where it is supposed to be. On The Lord.

So, then, I left near the end of the session. Because we had to go out to open the store for the students once the session ended. I went out to take my place as a greeter to the store, which I was happy with--because I'd still be talking to students. And Erica came up to me (she was my team leader) and asked me if I would take care of line control. So, what this meant was, I was to stand at the front of the checkout line, and direct students to open registers for them to purchase their chosen items. What a perfect job for me. Not only did I get to use my people organizing skills to keep the line moving fluidly and quickly (which you all know I love to do) but I was able to really talk to some of the students! To hear their stories, give them hugs, greet them, smile at them...I just loved every moment of it. And of course, so thankful for forgiveness for my previous thoughts. It was a moment of Kate saying "Yes Lord, thank you for the reminder...once again...that YOU are in control of my life, and know best." Sometimes I think I need that reminder a lot.

And, I was blessed by having 2 different people (one a volunteer, and one a staff member) come up to me on Saturday night and tell me what a great job I was doing. I did not expect anyone to notice but the students--but felt really special that my efforts (which were actually effortless) were noticed. When they first complimented me, I made a joke that I'm good at bossing people around, and they both said (these were 2 separate conversations by the way) that they meant how I was able to talk to the students. Wow...how amazing to hear that, because I was just doing what I thought I should be doing. My own personal Touch Team.

So another amazing thing that happened was meeting up with this man, Don. Don was in Boston with me, and spoke an amazing confirmation into my life at that time. One that absolutely floored me and my friend Christine that I was with. I mean, it really knocked me down (in a good way). And here he was! In DC too! So, this time we were sure to get a picture together. We only had about 5 minutes to catch up, but now we have each others email addresses, which we didn't have before. So we'll be able to keep in contact a lot easier.

This is David, one of the other volunteers. We had a great time together, he was a lot of fun to be with. This is a picture of his 'good side' ha! He kept trying to convince me that we should switch phones for the next year (since I have an iPhone, and he spent like 15 minutes playing with it one night), and switch back next year at another conference. ha ha! Nice try.

Honestly, I'm not sure what her name is (I'm embarassed to say that!) But she got to hold the Checkout sign the whole time. Sounds like not so much of a fun job right? Well, I don't think it was so bad, because it meant she got to talk to a lot of people too. I think she liked it. Plus...without it, the students were really struggling to find where the registers were. They were pretty well hidden.

This is Michele. If you're wondering what she is doing, she is making sure no one trips over the feet of that gate. In the gate are socks. Lots and lots of socks. Passion is doing a program called "Do Something Now" where all attendees (including volunteers) bring towels and socks with them. These towels and socks get distributed to local homeless shelters. It's pretty cool.
Here is my amazing register team!! They were so on top of things, and even when their computers would freeze (which happened a lot) they would just deal with it calmly, and get it back on track as best they could to keep the line moving. They were fun to work with.

Chris Tomlin again, on the last night.
Some of my girls! Michele, Lori, and Melissa

Okay...so this picture has a funny story to go with it. This is Jen, in case you forgot. Jen I met up with for the first time in Boston. So we're in Boston in October (along with our friends Jacoline (from Holland) and Hannah) and we're walking down the street, and we see a sign outside a restaurant which says "Two slices of cheese and a soda for $2.99" And Jen immediately starts in with "That's just weird, I wouldn't each slices of cheese with soda, but with wine maybe...." and she's going on and on and on. And I didn't catch on that she was being serious. But sweet little Hannah (who is 17) finally says, "Miss Jen, you do realize that sign means pizza right?" HA HA HA!!! I had no idea that Jen was being serious, I thought she was joking around. It was so funny, and I've teased her about it ever since. So I took this picture for Hannah and Jacoline, to proove to them that Jen finally got her 'slice of cheese'.

So, by the time we got back to the hotel, it was after 1am. Jen and I had a shuttle coming to get us at 3:30-so we decided that it might be smarter to just stay up. Which was fine, since Carin and Melissa wanted to stay up and talk too! So the 4 of us sat in the hotel lobby, talking until 2:30am (which was oh so helpful in keeping us awake) and we finally decided that we needed to go and pack. So, Jen and I say goodbye to the girls, and head upstairs. We pack, change out clothes...try to make it feel like a new day and all. And get back downstairs at about 3:25.

We took this picture while we were waiting for the shuttle. Don't you like my hat? Wherever could I have bought such a thing?

So, we're sitting downstairs--and 3:45 comes along, 3:50...and no shuttle. So Jen calls. The company looks it up on GPS and says he's 8 miles away, and if he isn't there in 15 minutes, to call back. I mean, it isn't like he could be stuck in traffic at 4am, right? Oh...and my flight was leaving at 6...and if you know me, you know I hate to be late...I like schedules. Schedules are good. So...it being 4am, and no ride still...is bad.

15 minutes goes by, and still no van. So we call back. Still 8 miles away. hmmm...seems quite odd to me. Jen asks them what we do about payment, since with the tardiness, we do not feel as though we should have to pay full price. The guy on the phone says that since they are independent contractors, that we'll have to take it up with the driver. Fine...no problem. Jen votes for me to deal with it when the driver arrives. I don't have an issue dealing with it.

We call a third time. Now he's 6.2 miles away. Oh good. He's gone 1.8 miles in 45 minutes? That's fantastic. I tell the guy on the phone that I am probably going to miss my flight, and if that happens then the company gets to buy me a plane ticket. He agreed...so that made me feel a little better--but I still didn't want to miss my flight. Especially now since I hadn't gone to bed, and it was a new day. Not my idea of a good time. How well does Kate function on little to no sleep? Not well.

Finally, after 4:30, the driver shows up. I climb into the front seat, Jen in the back with 3 other people who were already in the van. The driver pulls out a map, and a log sheet. And starts looking at the map, like he's figuring out where to go. I ask him if we're going straight to the airport, he says no, that we have one more stop to make. So...firmly, but politely, I say to him "Sir, you are an hour late picking me up, and my flight is at 6am, and I am now going to miss it because of you" He tells me that I won't miss it, and then he doesn't say another word. He was so rude.

We head over to an aparment complex--which we drive around for 10 minutes, before he finally calls the girl to find out where her apartment is. We pick her up. Meanwhile, Jen has been text messaging me from the back seat. I find out that everyone in the van (except for Jen) has a 6am flight. So...we're all going to miss our flights...which really made me mad. What nerve this guy has, making 5 people miss their flights! I was so mad.

Not only that, but then he proceeds to drive 20 miles over the speed limit, WHILE filling out our tickets! Yes! Crazy!!

So, we make it to the airport, it's about 5:15. My flight is boarding at 5:30--and I was pretty ripped at this point (being tired definitely did not help the situation) So, he drops off the others at their terminal. Takes Jen and I to ours, and tries to hand me my ticket. Now, I am not an unreasonable person. I believe in paying people what they deserve--especially when it is their livelihood. But...I was not going to pay full price for this trip. Especially since he was so belligerent and rude!! If he had simply appologized, this might have gone very differently. But he didn't.

I told him that I didn't think I should have to pay full price for this trip, since he was an hour late, I was now going to miss my flight, and he was rude. He said that I would have to take it up with the company. Well--that set Jen off (remember the company told us that they were independent contractors?) Jen gets right on the phone with the company, who confirm that in fact it is up to the driver. So now...he has intentionally lied to me. Which really set me off. It's a good thing I'm not a screamer. I reminded him that I should not have to pay him full price. That I would pay him something, but not the entire amount. After a few more exchanges back and forth, he finally stormed off. Slammed the doors to the van, saying "Fine, you don't want to pay? Then you don't pay!" (he was eastern european of some sort) And he drives off like a crazy man. He was a nut. But at least we didn't have to pay for that awful trip.

So--I run inside, check my bag, run to the security. At security--the wonderful other customers let me cut in line to the frong (thankfully!) it still took me 10 minutes to get through security. I gathered up all of my things (laptop, belt, sweatshirt, bags, coat, scarf, camera--I had way too much stuff with me) ran to the shuttle (put myself back together on the shuttle) and ran to my gate (which of course was at the end) and made it just as they were boarding (my flight had been delayed 20 minutes--Thank You Lord!!!) Even in bad situations--The Lord provides. Free van ride, delayed flight. My God is good.

I slept hard during that flight I think, and harder during the next flight (since I had a layover) I don't even remember the plane taking off on the second flight.

I got home safe and sound, my friend Kim picked me up, brought me home, and I climbed straight into bed, and slept 6 hours. I hate sleeping during the day, but I couldn't keep my eyes open.

Today was a little rough--since I am exhausted, but I'm heading to bed right now. I think I'm getting sick though, so pray that tonight I can kick this with a good night sleep.

So--the van ride was the only black mark on the week--but even that was redeemed by God. Life can't always be perfect. This week went by way too fast--but every moment of it was amazing. I knew I was exactly where The Lord wanted me the entire time. Austin, DC. Both were ordained for me to be there. The connections I made with people in both of these places were meant to be. What an incredible week. I'll probably be processing it for a while I'm sure.