As I prepared to attend GC, I read everything I could find about the conference, what we would be expected to accomplish, all the petitions, commentaries and blogs, and tutorials. I have never been so prepared and then not prepared at all. 

     As I stepped off the airplane in Portland, I had no idea what to expect, but the 13 days I was there I felt totally embraced by the Holy Spirit.  Each morning was a new opportunity for conversation with random strangers, both other passengers on the light rail train and fellow delegates during the day. Worship was extravagant and uplifting. Sermons by bishops were among the best I've heard and touched me deeply. It seemed to me that this GC was truly global, celebrating our diversity while giving full voice to those from outside the USA.   

     The time I spent as our official lay delegate was quite an experience. I felt the responsibility of representing New Mexico Annual Conference and tried to vote as I understand our member churches would want while also listening for guidance from God. This was when my preparation paid off.  However, I was somewhat relieved not to be dealing with human sexuality piecemeal by evaluating more than a dozen petitions with different requests and viewpoints.  I feel a  more reasoned approach to legislation coming from representatives from the entire spectrum of interested parties will likely produce a more workable solution. 

     God was definitely working in and through the conference. I am very grateful for the opportunity you gave me as your delegate