Bags packed? Check. Minivan loaded to the gills? Check. Got the map, kids’ music, drinks and snacks? Double check.

Sounds like a road trip for the Hand Clan, huh? That’s what it is. And it will be a fairly long one, too: July 9 – Aug 1 will take us on a 4,000 mile round trip, with our destination being a couple of conferences in Colorado.

Our driving route to Colorado is below, thanks to Google Maps.

After several stops including a couple of visits with friends and family, we’ll arrive at Snow Mountain Ranch – a YMCA retreat center in the Rocky Mountains. This is the site of our first conference – a mini conference for the 35 or so members of the Global Technology Office (our team members here in Orlando). This one will last July 15 – 19.

Next is Ft. Collins, Colorado for the National Staff Training Conference July 19 – 26. Campus Crusade for Christ hosts this conference once every two years. It is always held at Colorado State Universtiy in Ft. Collins. Approximately 5,000 staff based in the United States will attend.

Why are we attending? Because of four important “R’s”::

Recharge – To take some time out of the normal routine to enjoy spiritual refreshment
Renew – Renew our calling and confirm our desire to serve in ministry
Reconnect – Take time to see the big picture of the vision and direction of Campus Crusade for Christ. Also to reconnect relationships with other staff
Required – These are not optional conferences for us. 🙂 But even if they were, we’d glady choose to attend

We really appreciate your prayers for us each step along the way to our training events!