Hooray for Regionals!

Hello, friends!

Last weekend, Megan and I had the pleasure of joining the rest of our staff team from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska for our Regional Staff Conference (RSC). After a fully virtual Staff Conference last year, we were excited to get back together in person. Here are a few of my takeaways:

- I really do enjoy our team. One of the things that we missed the most about in person gatherings was the "in between" times. Training can be replicated pretty well virtually. What's impossible to replicate are the personal connections that happen outside of the formal times. There were meal times with story sharing. We had an epic White Elephant gift exchange. Megan dominated at Nerts and we even went on a hike to see a waterfall! It was such a joy to hang out with my coworkers as people and friends.

- Apparently, I've been doing ok at my job. The bulk of our time together was focused on an MPD initiative that we're doing with National. Some trainers from National came in to do the training and I was really encouraged by how our team appears to be a little ahead of the game when it comes to preparation for this program. It's nice to have the affirmation that I've been doing at least a passable job in my role.

- Family is always a thing. This conference was the first time that our kids were without at least one parent for an extended period of time. Meg's parents came into town to watch them, but there was still some drama. First there was the storm that was supposed to hit on Friday, so they had to come in on Thursday night. Then there was Jonah needed to go to the doctor for bronchiolitis, so us having to grab a rental car at the last minute since Megan was going to come after the appointment but I had to be there on time. Still, it was such a blessing to be able to be fully present at the conference and we're thankful for Meg's parents to watch the kids.

It looks like the next time we'll all be together again will be in the Summer. We used to have an MPD gathering in late May/early June but that will be virtual for now (and possible forever). I'll definitely be looking forward to the next time we get to see everyone in person again.

Have an excellent day!

~Adam

Heading to Regionals!

Hello, friends!

Tomorrow, Megan and I will (hopefully) be heading down to Kansas City for our Regional Staff Conference (RSC). This will be the first time our entire 4-State staff team will all in the same room since 2019. I've been joking with staff that I'm excited to be reminded of how tall everyone actually is since I've only seen them from the shoulders up via Zoom these past 2 years. =0).

I have a few different roles during RSC this year. Part of our focus is going to training on a national Alumni initiative we'll be doing for the next 18 months, so I'll be helping lead that. The other part of our focus is to reconnect with one another, so I'll be leading a few informal "fun" times.

If you have the time this weekend, could you please be praying for us?

- Travel: It's only a 2.5 hour drive to the retreat site but there is a chance of snow. Added to that, if the snow stops my in-laws from coming down to watch the kids, Megan will have to stay home.

- Kids: Speaking of the kids, if my in-laws do make it down, this will be the longest that the kids have been without at least one parent with them. Pray they will handle that well.

- Connection: My favorite part of these Regional gatherings is the. "in between" times, when staff just get to connect with no real agenda or thing to accomplish. We've missed that over the past few years. Please pray for real connection between the staff.

- Health. We'll be masked during sessions and spending as much time as possible outside (or at least I will) but COVID is still a thing. Please pray for protection for the entire team.

Have an excellent day!

~Adam

Honoring Uncle Stan...

Hello, friends!

I few weeks ago, one of our ministry partners, Uncle Stan Louie, passed away. Uncle Stan and Auntie Joyce were some of my first ever ministry partners, when I started with InterVarsity in 2007. As I was thinking about Uncle Stan and his life and legacy, there were a few things that jumped out to me. 

- Humility: Uncle Stan was one of the kindest, most unassuming men you would ever meet. He always had a smile on his face and was happy to serve in the background. I always appreciated the quiet dignity with which he carried himself. As someone who is more of a "big personality" seeing Uncle Stan live his life was foreign to me yet still inspiring. 

- Generosity: Fun thing about Uncle Stan. He and Auntie Joyce were some of my first ever ministry partners but I never formally asked them to partner with me. I just remember getting an email from InterVarsity saying that a new donation had been set up from them. Uncle Stan (and Auntie Joyce) were just generous people. In fact, my mom told me that as part of the funeral service, Uncle Stan asked that people contribute to our work with InterVarsity. That's so amazing. 

- Kind: Uncle Stan was one of those guys who always had a kind smile. You know that smile I mean, right? The one where when you see it, you know that you have a friend. Uncle Stan was kind enough to give Chinese names to each of my children. Uncle Stan was kind enough to always say hello at church and chat for a while after service. Uncle Stan was a kind man. 

So, here's to you, Uncle Stan. You will be greatly missed. Thank you for being a great man of God, a great ministry partner, and an inspiration. Enjoy Heaven...

Have an excellent day!

~Adam

https://www.legacy.com/funeral-homes/obituaries/name/stanley-louie-obituary?pid=200641358&v=batesville&view=guestbook