Hillsong Conference 2014

Pre-conference
Typically when people find out you're serving with Kidsong for conference there's this moment of silence and a consoling expression.  And honestly, when I saw I was allocated to Kidsong my first reaction frustration.  It's no secret that conference is going to be quite physically exhausting, but some allocations are easier than others.  Kidsong (preschoolers for 12 hours a day for 5 days) is clearly going to be full on. But you have to decide to set your own expectations;

expectations regulate experience.

So I've decided on some things I hoped for this week: 

1) keep my own expectations 

2) keep a positive attitude 

3) no saying "I'm tired."

Tuesday

I said "I'm tired" last night :(

Overall I'm feeling good and I have a great pod group!  Red pod is awesome and is made up of 3 non-college volunteers plus myself.  It's amazing to me how much fun we're having and how well we get along for a random group of people.  Such a blessing!

I knew I wouldn't make it into any of the sessions, but I got a big surprise last night when I was told to have the night off!! (We do morning and night with kids) I was able to sit in and listen to Bill Hybels talk about scheduling and how we should taylor our schedules to the people we want to be instead of only the things we want to get done.  For example, he had meetings at church most nights of the week and was missing out on a lot of family time.  He decided to change his schedule to be a great dad and would schedule home time.  He wrote "home" in his calendar so he wouldn't forget to schedule it.  And let's be honest, for most of us, if it's in our planner, we'll do it, but if it's only in our head, we'll forget.

It was nice to sit in and was definitely a new way to look at my planner.

As I was sitting in the session and of course was pitying myself for not being able to sit in more of it, the Spirit so gently reminded me that Hillsong is my church.  I get the privilege of sitting under some incredible leadership 6 out of 7 days a week, multiple times a day.  The people at conference are coming from all over and most likely aren't able to say the same thing.  Now is my time to serve at conference. If I want to attend, I can do it another season, but for now, I serve.  

It's not about me anyway, right?

Right.

Wednesday

Still feeling good.  Grateful we had an earlier night last night.  I was in bed around 8:30pm and completely knocked out.  

Still having a great time with my team and my kids.  

The whole week is going by so quickly and I'm having so much fun!

Post Conference

My feet are beyond tired.  Standing most the day, holding multiple children at the same time, and all on very little sleep is quite expending.

I've seen the first half of "Rio" at least a half dozen times.  One of my kids gave me a present!! I got a little emotional; so sweet and thoughtful.  My kids were the cutest thing.  I really had the best time with them.  So much fun!!!! Jumping in a bouncy house and having craft time is seriously the best allocation ever!!!

One highlight of my week: seeing the look on the parents' faces when they see how happy the kids are to see me and the other leaders.  

My week was full of hugs that bowled me over, laughs at silly man Dan, unique renditions of "Let it Go" and lots of hand holding.  

The experience was brilliant; a dream.

I might be physically spent and still tired, but I'm spiritually rejuvenated and pumped for what's ahead!  New things are always around the corner: new seasons, new people, new lessons, and new revelations.

Be on the look out :)