urbana...from behind the scenes

Thousands of people are probably blogging about urbana, but very few had an experience like mine. I can't tell you about the worship and how incredible it was, I didn't hear but maybe two songs. I can't tell you about the seminars and how they challenged me or opened my eyes for I did not step one foot into any of them. I can't tell you about the speakers (well, I can tell you about a couple of them). What I can tell you is that Wycliffe, Pioneer, and Lutheran Bible Translators had people sign their names next to a language which signifies a commitment to pray that the Bible will be translated to that language. Or that InnerChange, Servant Partners, and Servants to Asia's Urban Poor combined booths to build a shack where many conversations and prayers for the world's urban poor took place. My role in Urbana was one that kept me away from the main programming, and tied me to the exhibit hall or, rather, the Global Connextions Hall. Many people's response is "that's too bad" or "you missed out on a lot of good stuff." I could view it that way and spend the next few days lamenting about how I missed all of the good things, that I didn't get anything out of urbana, but that would be a complete lie.

I got to work with a team of 16 mostly IV staff unlike any other team I have been a part of. My current supervisor and I spent pretty much every waking moment together...it was fun! And good to get to know the man I work for in a different atmosphere. I laughed a lot at him...with him...its been a while since I've laughed like I did this week. Instead of getting to know and care for students, my focus was on exhibitors. As I walked the aisles of the hall, I had the privilege of witness what was being taught in sessions lived out. Missions organizations taking time to listen to the hearts of students. To pray and care for them. To help them process and discern. On New Year's Eve, as we closed the hall, and exhibits were being dimantled, I imagine I felt the same as many of the delegates...exhausted in every way, delighted to have seen the Lord at work, refreshed, and of course, a bit overwhelmed.

I didn't see much outside of the exhibit hall, but the Lord was in booth 601 just as powerfully as he was in the worship sessions. Thank you Lord for the exhibitors, for the team you gave me to work with, for allowing me to see your calling on others lives lived out in one room.