One Night Down, One To Go

Last night was a success. I don't really ever say this...but I think I was a little funny! Things went smoothly overall. No glitches with sound, or lighting etc. The program as a whole ran about 30 minutes longer then scheduled but that was primarily due to delays with the food servers...and that was just with 215 women attending, tonight there are 355. I'm definitely glad I got the chance to work out the kinks on the first night with a smaller crowd. I forgot one or two things that I had really wanted to say, but I guess I'm the only one who is aware of that fact. My nerves kicked in a little bit when the women were being seated, but they soon passed.

I got good feedback and heard several times that the entire atmosphere of the evening felt much more relaxed and less stiff and formal then in years past. I like to think that has something to do with my style as an emcee and my attempts to get the women to kick back and enjoy themselves and slow down for one night during this crazy time of year.

Our speaker was fantastic. She is an amazing women that actually came to know the Lord last year as a result of this same Christmas banquet. She has a powerful testimony and God is using her in big ways. She had about 15 family members that attended last night and several of them are not believers so I know that the personal story she shared really effected a lot of them who have been a part of her history. One of the coolest parts of being involved in this thing is feeling like I've made a new friend in this girl.

Yesterday was all about the banquet. I spent a few hours in the afternoon helping get set up, then rushed home to get ready, then headed back early to continue to help and practice. This morning we skipped the gym so I could have a little time with the girls to relax and recover. I'll head back to the banquet hall as soon as Brad gets home for round two. I'm looking forward to getting my life back after this evening...my house and family have been neglected and my refrigerator is essentially empty.

I'll admit though, that this change in pace from the norm has been fun and I really enjoyed the chance to be a part of this event and to have the sole responsibility of trying to make people have fun. It's really much easier then you think...if you're not concerned with what people think or the possibility of looking like a fool, then it's a piece of cake, ahem.