Detective work at a science teacher’s conference.

I am riding my wife, Betty Jo’s coattails today as she attends her Michigan Science Teachers Association annual Conference. It’s pretty interesting to sit in on various seminars and presentations designed for science teachers. And there are many things to learn about church, faith, and small groups. Here goes:

1. The Amway Grand Hotel is eager to tell me hello and point out directions. I was lost big time somewhere in the netherland between 3 different meeting buildings/venues. A painter (don’t even know if he is on staff or a contractor) saw my puzzled looks and actually escorted me to my next stop. Impressive 2nd mile effort.
2. Why are 80% of the people in each of my seminars women?
3. This is the absolutely largest bar of bath soap I’ve ever had in a hotel.
4. What’s up with wireless internet? I can sit in the lobby with a complementary connect, but have to pay $10 a day to have it in my room? I bet the painter would think that’s strange too.
5. It is refreshing and invigorating to be around people passionate about what they do. (No wonder I love being around Crossroaders!)
6. Our hotel is 50 yards from a Beaners. Is this heaven, or what?
7. Those Miller beer guys need to unload the cooler at the hotel’s sports grill. Those hamburgers are expensive.
8. The “Dr. Evolution” presenter is also leading a human cadaver seminar. How exactly will he explain the intricate complexities of the human body? Won’t know. I’m not allowed to attend…human anatomy/physiology teachers only.
9. I got pumped at the rock shop. For $10 we are bringing home some really neat examples of God’s creativity, including a half-polished Petosky stone: one of my 3 favorite Michigan “collectables” (The others?  copper and Lake Superior agates)
10. I think we’re up for seeing “Amazing Grace” this evening.
11. Absolutely no one has tried placing us in small groups. They’re talking about it, but not having us experience it. It’s all lecture (Powerpoints are all the rage). They could learn something from the Crossroads living room/kitchen model.
12. I am enjoying downtown Grand Rapids. People are out walking around late into the night. Safety seems assumed.