Convention

Hi all!   I just got back from Worcester, MA.  We left, ( my Mom and I) early Friday morning.  We stayed at the Courtyard Hotel.   The main reason we were in Worcester was because of the MASSHOPE homeschool convention that was going on Friday (8 am to 8:30 pm) and Saturday (9 to 3).   After leaving the Cape at 6am, we arrived there on time, and I went in to listen to Jay C. Wyle talk about science and creation.  It was very interesting.  Thankfully, I was able to sit next to a familiar face, my friend, Amy Chapman, during that hour.  After it was over though, I felt like I hadn't gotten anything out of what the speaker was talking about as I already knew everything he was speaking about, and I felt like I was wasting my time going to hear him speak, so I didn't go back to any more of his classes.  I went to a far better, more beneficial speaker. Gregg Harris, ( father of Alex and Brett Harris, authors of the Do Hard things Book) was/is an incredible speaker/pastor.  He did such a great job that I loved sitting for 9 hours to hear him speak!  I didn't want to miss any of his sessions, and he is the  only speaker I went to hear.  I bought a CD recording of one of his sessions that I particularly enjoyed, The New Mayflower Strategy: Living for The Glory of God in a World With No Exits (referring to the homeschooling movement), and was hoping to put it here on my blog, but I can't seem to find a way how...   After Friday's sessions were over, we went out for dinner, then went back to the hotel.  I just relaxed on the bed, being tired from sitting and walking for so long.   I was so happy that I was able to watch the royal wedding that night on tv!  We got back to the hotel just in time to watch the replay from London where the wedding took place, ( obviously!:) and the bride's dress was just gorgeous!  The whole wedding was beautiful and I enjoyed being able to see inside West Minister Abby.  At around 10 pm, I went down to the pool.  I went down there at such a late hour because I figured all the little kids staying at the hotel would most likely be in bed, so therefor rendering the pool area empty! I just stayed in the hot tub; it was so relaxing.  Then I went back to our room and got ready for bed.  Now I'm sure you're all thinking I'd be really enervated after such a tiring, long, day, but I only slept for 2 hours that night.  I just layed in bed awake all night.  I was just not tired at all!  I got out of bed at around 4 or so. Well, here's the story. At 3am I was thinking to myself I'm never ever going to fall asleep, so why not take my shower now?  That way I won't have to rush to get ready for the convention that day. I poked, ( awoke) my Mom and asked, "Mom, can I take my shower now?" And she said,"No, it's too early." I sighed and got out of bed and tiptoed to the window and watched the early morning train go by down at the railroad station.  After it went by I crawled back into bed, and watched the clock. 3:59, 4:00, 4:01. When would it be 5?! Well, it was going to take an hour for it to be 5, so I prayed, and repeated Scripture in my head.  I took my shower at 5, then just read until it was time to check out of the hotel and leave for the convention.  When we got there, I immediately headed for the room where Gregg Harris would be speaking that day.  Eagerly, I sat for another 5 hours listening to him.  Oh, and yes, there were a couple of breaks in between each session.  After all the speakers were done speaking, my Mom and I went down to the vending hall and browsed around looking at all the neat stuff.  
We got my brother Caleb a book written by Mr. Demmy, ( Caleb's DVD math teacher) and Mr. Demmy was there!  We asked him to sign the book for Caleb, ( because we knew Caleb would just love a book signed by his favorite math teacher : ) and he did.  I also picked out another book for Caleb called,  Thoughts for Young men, and for Sarah a couple of horse books.  I got a couple of books I'd been wanting, ( books from the Elsie Dinsmore series), and I also got a 1 inch indent on my shoulder from lugging around my 5 pound purse.  The purse strap was just rubbing on my shoulder making it really red and sore.... I must have carried that thing around for 4, ( not all at once) hours or so!  Well that's just about everything.  You all have a great week!  Thanks for reading!
PS If you haven't read any of Mr. Harris's books, or his son's books for that matter, you should!  They are full of wisdom.  Check out these web sites:  Gregg Harris:  http://www.nobleinstitute.org/  Alex and Brett Harris:  http://www.therebelution.com/  Joshua Harris (author of I kissed dating goodbye) http://www.joshharris.com/  

In Christ alone,
~ Lydia
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Psalms 100:1