Big cups, big meals, big trucks, big malls, big people. It's also big hearted, big Christian culture, big developments in Christian Surfers and of course big Dean Plumlee our CSUS Director. Ok, I'm joking Dean, he's 60kg wringing wet but got a huge heart and such a godly, talented leader.
During the course of travel I finished reading "When Helping Hurts" about how aid can be misunderstood, and I was ticking off how many mistakes I've made doing mission trips! Ouch.
Wednesday. I had a great time with Cal our North America RC and we talked about the nations in his region, visited the national staff, checked out the new national training centre they're about to embark upon and enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Coral. The Bible says, "...there are not many fathers amongst you..." but Cal is one and a spiritual father to many.
Thursday had us get the best waves I've ever had in Florida with a zipping left-hand bank at Metanzas Inlet. Casey was stylish as usual on boards from 5' to 9'. We all got stung by jellyfish - Dean looking like they chewed him up! By divine appointment Jon from Puerto Rico happened to be in town so we had some vital discussion there, and I didn't have to leave the country! I love being in the same time zone to call any USA friends and supporters. Good fundraiser with Cal's supporters and I typically hear, "I had no idea CS was so developed!"
Friday. Back on the plane, long talks with Cal. In LA my old friend Mark Curtis who founded the Christian Surfing Association back in 1984 puts us up.
Saturday. It's a team meeting at 7:30 over breakky to finalize the fundraiser that night. Another meeting to discuss our International Conference. What do you do when you're "meetinged out"? Go shopping at Marshalls cheap discontinued lines. How could I refuse a $3 lime green rubber belt, or $10 felt hat, or Dean's $14 fake frilled dress shirt or Cals $10 Levis slippers!? After retail therapy we head off to a surf ministry network meeting with old and new partners. Then to the CS Chaplains Fundraiser in San Clemente. Thanks to Lyle Castellaw's team building, wonder sisters Stacey and Julie have transformed the community centre. Mark Chu and other CS leaders have rallied around 175 attendees! Pro surfer Damien Hobgood is interviewed regarding the impact of the CS chaplains, I share, items are auctioned, good food and music are provided and Hawaiian shaper Eric Arakawa exhorts us to be courageous Christians under pressure. The chaplains Abe and Liselle are a bit overwhelmed being the centre of attention when their role is not to be. What a great night!!
Sunday. Breakfast with CSUS chairman Lyle, what a great man. I preach twice at Shoreline church about God being on the move and us being willing to move with him. Special to be with Pastor George Hulse and to cheer on Walking on Water's Director Bryan Jennings who was both commissioned for ministry and his new baby girl Ella dedicated. We do the sacred walk to Trestles and the Hurley Pro contest where we see Abe in chaplain action. Then engage in running the gauntlet across the train tracks and "no entry" signs as timeless generations of surfers have done. Back to Lyle's and a highlight meeting with Dean. So challenged to be a more godly man. Goodbyes and onto LAX.
Monday. I'm supposed to be writing you from home. But a weight restriction bumped me off the standby ticket and I'm left behind! It's 1am at the Holiday Inn hotel. Bummed. I've talked to Gill, and now I've talked to you all. Goodnight see you in Australia soon. I love this job - really is such a privilege.
