So let's see... Got up this morning and started the day with a little cardio, some weights, and a little more cardio. The good thing is that this hotel uses the same machines as the Y, so I know my pace, my weights, and my adjustments. I don't know if it's the kettlebells or the excitement, but I'm doing cardio before my weight sets, then doing 3 sets of 12-20 reps, at the same or more weight I was lifting a year ago, PLUS more cardio -- and I'm doing the whole set (weights and cardio) in less time than I used to do just weights. So I think that means I'm getting stronger, even though the arthiritis is pronouncedly worse, and my left shoulder still hasn't completely healed. Tape it up, suck it up, don't be stupid, and keep it moving. I LOVE it, and I love the way the guys look when they seem me in my routine.
So after training a little, I came upstairs and showered, then came down for breakfast. I went over to the tour desk and booked a combination tour -- steamboat today and City tour tomorrow morning. The steamboat tour didn't start til 2:30, so I thought I'd head down to Cafe du Monde for beignettes and coffee.
I could barely make it down the street because there were so many interesting things to see. They are on my fb page here. I made my way past some church and square that I later learned had historical significance (I'm hard pressed to remember anything when I can just google it if I really want to know), then made my way into Cafe Du Monde for beignettes and coffee. Beignettes are just fried dough with powdered sugar on them. They're ok, but I don't have to have them again.
Hooked up with Pastor Jones' friend Daisy, and we sat out on the river talking for a loong time, until time to board the Natchez Steamer. The reason I went on it was because it's one of the last, if not the only steam-driven paddle boat still in existence in the US. We went up and down the Mississippi, with the captain telling us interesting facts (the port of New Orleans, in terms of traffic, I think he said is larger than both Amsterdam and New York), and with me really enjoying the convo and the ocean breeze.
Came back, tried to go to the aquarium but it was like 4:45 and they closed at 5. Walked down Canal street. Some lady tried to sell me a 2-liter Coke Zero for $5.00 (Amit, I'm assuming she was Guajarati..). I walked three or four blocks to the CVS and got it for $1.77. I don't mind you making a buck off tourists, but don't treat me like an idiot.
Came back in time for the free dinner buffet. Dined once again with Elder Belcher and his wife. As they rushed off to service, I thought that maybe I would go. And am I glad I did!!!
Bishop Theresa Snorton preached on that passage from Hebrews where Paul talks about needing to feed people milk. Her sermon topic was "Grow Up, Graduate, and Get a Job," and it was all about how we cheapen our Christian walk when we fill it with platitudes and dogma instead of attempting to rightly divide the Word. She told us how the standard should be Jesus and His love. She told us (effectively) that if we were to be Biblical literalists, then as Black people, we should still be slaves. I kept thinking that it would be awesome if someone sitting on the bench were to come clean about things, but she convicted me by telling us how judgemental and juvenile we sometimes are, likening us to people fighting over the remote when we have more than enough TVs for everyone. She prepared us to make this Unity summit one where we are actually open to Christ still speaking to us, and open to a Fresh Word from the Lord. I loved it.
Today I also met Rev. V. Williams from my home church, St. Joseph. We talked about my brother and his amazing voice. I saw Rev. W. Williams, my colleague from NY-NE district who has relocated to the Carolina Conference. I was delighted to see Mrs. Jackson from St. Joseph and Rev. and Mrs. Harrison, formerly of St. Joseph.
Just on the fellowship alone, it's going to be a wonderful Summit. Even though I'm not going to a lot of the meetings, I'm getting out to see New Orleans (city tour tomorrow at 8:20, and I have to get a workout and breakfast before then), and I'm loving the fellowship. I have learned that my Chuck Taylors are better suited for the weight room and my sneakers are better suited for walking. But I have my Rock tape, some good shoes, and a willing spirit.
It continues to be a great trip...
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