My first seminar was the 1989 World Mission Seminar in Boston. My best friend and I drove from Athens to Boston stopping at my aunt and uncles in Hartford, Conn. for some food (of course, I was in college) and sleep. Then on to the big city. What a thrill! The weekend is still some of my fondest conference memories: thousands in the Boston Gardens singing, the families willing to sell everything and only take with them one suitcase each--what faith in action!, more singing on the train...spontaneous eruptions of joy and expressions of faith, Sam Laing's passion and humor during his class, meeting new people from literally all over the world...aaah. Those are sweet memories. Then the long ride home. We had to drive straight through in order to be at work on time. (I would say to class on time but you, hey, you know.) My friend couldn't drive a stick. The plan was to get in 5th gear then we would trade seats but then he had to take some meds for allergies so we ended stopping at a motel to get 4 hrs of sleep because I couldn't do it after not getting much sleep. Anyway, we lived to tell about it. I wonder what memories will be made at the 2010 Festival? Things that make you go...hmmm.