Safe Travel to Anaheim

My flight from Orlando to Salt Lake City was uneventful as I attempted to get as much sleep as possible after only a couple hours sleep Sunday night.

My flight was more interesting in that my seat mate was the Venerable Elijah G. Harris, Archdeacon of the Southwestern Archdeaconry of Liberia, West Africa. I was aware that there were other deputies on the flight but their discussions were not about the things of God or Kingdom living. Elijah and I shared about our ministries and our families. We marveled at how beautiful God's creation is, taking advantage of the view we had from the airplane. Elijah is coming to observe the General Convention and hopes to have an opportunity to speak while he is here.

After General Convention Elijah will be continuing his visit in the United States in Springfield, Massachusetts where he is visiting a former classmate from seminary in Liberia who is now serving at St. Peter's as Rector.

I arrived at John Wayne airport shortly after noon. I quickly met three other members of the Diocese of Central Florida Deputation, Patty Tew, Anneke Bertsch, and Sonya Shannon who arrived on other flights at about the same time. We then took a Super Shuttle to the Anaheim Hilton. During this short excursion I was amazed at sight of the growth and the changes since I had live in this area 30 years ago.

I even notice the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove as we drove by. Thirty years age I live in Long Beach and worked on the organ at the Crystal Cathedral. I observed the construction of the sanctuary at Crystal Cathedral from the ground up. This is a fantastic piece of architecture designed by Philip Johnson. There is a large vibrant Christian ministry at Crystal Cathedral including the weekly broadcast Hour of Power with Dr. Robert Schuller.

We had a quick view of Disneyland as we drove to the Hilton. Everything looks so much different than when I was last here. They have acquired a lot of land and the area is highly developed.

After getting settled in at the hotel I went to register at the Anaheim Convention Center that is adjacent to the Anaheim Hilton. On the way over I met Tony Clark so we now have made contact with five members of the Central Florida contingent. We agree to meet at the Mix Restaurant for dinner and had a nice relaxing evening. I retired early in an attempt to catch up on some greatly needed sleep.

Thank you Lord Jesus for safe travel and the good nights rest.