Ohio

The trip was great! I saw Joel again and got to meet his family and met Bino and Leonard for the first time face-to-face. Talk about exciting! I could hardly wait. When we first got to the camp ground, I scanned the area constantly for any signs of Joel, Bino or Leonard. Jamie said looking wouldn't make them show up any faster. Sometimes it's nice to pretend.

Jamie's face was buried in her laptop and Savannah and I were playing cards when we heard Joel yell from behind in his flashy PT Cruiser rental. It was so good to see him again.

Then Joel and Tracy left for the store to pick up a few things so Savannah and I took the kids to the game room. As we were walking back from the game room, Savannah pointed out that Bino and Leonard were chatting with Jamie up ahead at the place we were staying at. I was very excited and immediately tested their handshakes. Very good handshakes, Leonard and Bino. Good ol' fashioned knuckle crushers.

Thats the way, uh huh, uh huh, I like it!!

I got to have some great conversations with Bino and Leonard while I was there. It was great. I felt very comfortable with the both of them, like we had known each other for years. There was no facade I felt I needed to put on. We talked honestly with each other, had a few beers (Not me of course. I'm too holy for that) and encouraged each other in grace.

Catchphrase (which Joel keeps calling Password) was probably the funniest part of our time together. We all laughed as we made fools of ourselves trying to describe the words we were given. Or maybe that was just me? Bino won MVP for the night. The clue was, "Where you go when you find out if you are guilty or not guilty." And Bino, sounding very sincere in his asking, said "Church?" It was actually court or something like that. I'm sure you've heard the story already.

I just loved the atmosphere of grace without religion. You can kick back and relax. There is no fear, no anxiety. Just people with sincere and honest hearts, being real with each other and receiving the grace of God without question. In those places you can see God's face clearly and you're not introspective. Everyone understands th basis for their acceptance and therefore there is no cause to judge each other or feel that we are being sized up.

It was REAL fellowship. It was fellowship as it was always meant to be. Just being together, encouraging each other in our faith, sharing meals and enjoying each others company.

Joel shared his coffee with me and Tracy cooked us some delicious tacos our last night together. She is a great mother to her two children and is even prettier in person. Don't beat me up, Joel! I'm just sayin'!

I wish I could explain how comforting it was to be with each one of them. I can't find a favorite.

I love them all.