The telling of the one tale...Part Delux

If I had made a list of all the quintessential Americana experiences I wanted to participate in while I'm here, I would have just crossed three of the list this past week. So in no particular order of importance, here we are:

1. Singing karaoke in a small backwater bar
2. Enjoying the great American past time of bowling at a small backwater bowling alley
3. Going on a blind date to a college formal (Graduating class of 2007)

Alas, which such adventures lived all in one weekend, I fear that I may run out of things to do and be forced to return home early... Last week I went on the Protege 2 retreat to Big Bear. It snowed on the way up and was freezing cold at -2 or -3 at times. But once we got to Big Bear its self the snow cleared and blue skies presented. The first day was brisk but I enjoyed the fresh air for a change, as did my lungs no doubt. Our accommodation was resort/motel like and very comfortable. Central heating is a blessing let me tell you. It cools down something terrible at night which a group of us experienced firsthand when went down to the lake around midnight on the second night - literally freezing.

The retreat was an awesome experience giving me the opportunity to connect and converse with other Proteges who up until then I hadn't had the chance to get to know. Moreover, the Apprentice like challenge we had to do was another great chance to know others better. Though we didn't award a first prize, my team was informally told that we created the best experience and space for people to connect with God. I attribute this largely to our team gelling so well. We had a synergy that the other teams didn't share and I for one enjoyed the the whole experience.

Interestingly, the boardroom sessions after each team had done their thing were really interesting experiences as people responded to what was said very differently. Some in our Protege group are highly empathic and were powerfully affected by the emotional charge in the room. It has provoked a lot of discussion around how we handle conflict and what are appropriate ways to admonish others; the whole point of the exercise.

The overall retreat was great. My boardroom session was sweet as and very unlike the other teams. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing!

Mosaic's Origins (Leadership) conference happens in two weeks with 30 or so NZers traveling over here to attend. I will get to hang out with my Dad and Auntie and Uncle who are coming over for it together. It will be great to see them, hear a familiar accent and swap some stories.

These next two weeks will be busy as I have stuff every night for a whole bunch of things happening across the Mosaic community. As a result of these things going on I have been making tonnes of connections with people which is creating a dynamic landscape of friendships. Its going to be hard to leave some of these behind. I'm trying not to think about that too much right now.

With summer approaching I'm hoping I get the chance to travel around bit. LA can get stinking hot and can be quite unpleasant apparently. So if I get the chance I will hopefully head up the West Coast to slightly cooler and more pleasant weather. I hope you enjoyed my tale. I have to start getting into gear for a party tonight that kicks off a new chapter in the Mosaic/UCLA story.

...not

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