Youth Specialties Pittsburgh - Thursday

This is the first time that I've ever been at the National Youth Workers Convention on a Thursday. The main convention always starts on Friday afternoon, but there are early bird events on Thursday. I have to say, it's a different place. Much quieter and more sedate.

Andy and I got here at about 9:00 a.m. this morning after driving through the night. We weren't able to leave the Chicago area until 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday. We had to be here by 10:00 a.m. Thursday to work on the set up of the Prayer Chapel and Labyrinth. We were a little tired on the drive, but there were no problems or safety hazards. When we got to Pittsburgh, we parked the car across the street from our hotel. Then we walked into the lobby to ask when we would be able to check in. They told us that we could have our room right away, which was very cool. It was even cooler when we opened the door. The room is HUGE. It's bigger than most studio apartments that I've ever been in.

After checking in, we walked the 3 or so blocks to the convention center and met the team that we are going to be working with. It's a great group of people. We worked hard at the set up. Everything went up quickly, and it looks really good. There are a lot of cool areas and stations in the Prayer Chapel. I'll post some pictures in my next entry. I think my favorite area is the one with the paralytic's mat. We created a "hole" in the ceiling, and there is a mat on the floor with ropes running up to the "hole." It's a place that can encourage prayers for healing or faith, and contemplation about who you would go through the trouble of lowering through a roof or who would be willing to lower you through a roof. Very cool. I can't wait to see everything tomorrow when everything is lit for ambiance and it is all in use.