Thursday, January 10, 2008

Holiday Highlights

Just one more day of holiday left and then its down to business with the Aussie Conference. Its been a good time with many highlights:

1. The Snow! Lots of snow and one particularly memorable afternoon of sledding! Couple of injuries to remember it by...

2. Great Mexican food. I'm not sure Michigan is known as the cuisine capital of the world, but there's a great Mexican restaurant here in De Witt - Fiesta Charra...mmmmm - Shrimp Diablo and the Hot and Spicy Burrito both made a lasting impression...

3. Meeting up with Rob and DaNae Reynolds and sharing with the Berkley Hills congregation. Hadn't seen Rob for 2 years and only briefly met DaNae in 2004. Exciting to think they'll be with us in NZ real soon. A very warm response from BH and excitement at what we're doing and trying to do. All in the aftermath of a triple dedication of three "Hinterman" grandchildren (including Raegan).

3. Checking out Impact's new facility and sharing in 3 services there. Good times catching up with Phil S, Natasha and Jim, Cindy W, Jason H and Dave ("the go-to guy"). Also great time checking in with the "kids": Ed Love @ Epic and Jim Bowen @ Encounter.

4. Finally tracking down the elusive Brent Dongell! Good time sharing with bro' Brandon and Chris on NZ opportunities. Best coffee this trip @ the local "Beaners". Apart from the local brewing at chez Hinterman of course...

5. Watermark reunion with the 2 Steves and Nate at the abovementioned Fiesta Charra. Just like old times. Nate had overdosed on his cynicism meds, Thompson needed a haircut and Deur was just as deurty as always...

6. Dinner with "Niccolo" Wood. Reshaping the world in our own image...

7. Hanging with the fam and watching the kids grow in their familiarity with their US family...such a good time for Rhys in particular to make connections he will remember for next time.

8. Reading Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy. I call it research. Will write a review in due course. Major response: what's the problem?

Anyways, its been fun...

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi,Brett -- Nice to know you guys are on this fine continent and enjoying the snow as we are in Colorado. I'm a wee bit jealous that you will get to go home to summer, as we'll have snow in Colorado until May. I read your comments on Wilmore with interest -- Frank and I lived there for 4 years when he was at the Seminary, and I worked at the College. Congratulations on your beautiful family, I enjoyed looking at "jonescam." Hope all goes well with your travels home. Karen Burnett Hamer

Deur said...

It was great hanging with you buddy!

Steve said...

I just got a haircut today... about two inches trimmed off.

Thanks for bringing systems thinking back to the teams. You always remind us of a gifting we're sorely needing.

BJ said...

Karen - wow you found the blog. Hope all is well with you and the family!

Steve D - especially as you picked up the check! What the...?

Steve T - it was a a very Thompson Twins kinda look...