This morning began the business meetings for United Centers of Spiritual Living and International Centers for Spiritual Living. These two organizations have been teaching the exact same philosophy as two separate organizations for the past 58 years. The idea of coming back together has been in 'collective thought' for a long time, and this morning the final business meeting of United Centers for Spiritual Living (to which our church belongs) took us through a "State of the Organization" presentation by our Community Spiritual Leader, Rev. Dr. Kathy Hearn. There are 600 people attending this convention and 100 of those (at least!) are voting delegates. Donna McNeese-Smith and I are the voting delegates from our Center. After a wonderful presentation by Dr. Kathy, we heard from our Financial person, Steve Burton, and as an organization, we are in great shape financially. International's Financial person, (Another Steve) showed us their financial reports and they are moving toward great financial shape after some severe losses in 2008 and 2009. Their organization has an established "Teen Fund" that assists the teens (an already-combined organization) in their projects of assisting others globally - like building schools in Africa, etc.. The teens gifted the International CSL organization with $123,000 to assist in the costs of integration. They also loaned the organization an additional $123,000 to be paid back at 5% interest, which will happen with great ease. The wisdom of our youth is a wonderful example of great things to come. As I write this, we are 'in recess' and will begin the business meeting again at 1 p.m. where we will elect the President of the new Organization's board of trustees, as well as elect our new Community Spiritual Leader. We are all very happy to have excellent candidates running for every position, so the voting will become easier as we hear from each candidate and vote for the one who most resonates with us. There are also bylaw amendments to vote on which will be done through on-line voting. Candidate voting is via paper ballots. So, about yesterday! I didn't write because ... well ... we had too much fun and I was too ready for sleep by the time we got back to the room. Dee and I decided that we had one of the BEST times yesterday as we walked with John and Rebekah to the French Quarter - literally down the street - and found a GREAT place for breakfast. Then we went looking in shops. Rebekah found a really pretty rattle decorated for Mardi Gras ... so surprise ... everything is decorated here right now since Mardi Gras is next week. Then Dee and i found a yarn shop and bought a skein of yarn each to make a scarf with as a memory of our time in Nawlins. We made our way to Decatur Street and found Cafe Du Mon where they only serve Benguet (Ben-Yaa) and coffee, coke or hot chocolate. OMG! There is an addictive treat! Then we came back to the room to rest up for the opening Mardi Gras party which included New Orleans Style Food Stations, drinks, music and dancing. We stayed long enough to have a tiny bite to eat and then went to the Sheraton Restaurant/Bar and shared a club sandwich. Morning came early today! Our afternoon business session will take us to dinner. This morning, Dee enjoyed a workshop, Rebekah joined us in the business meeting, and Donna and Bill were probably there too but I didn't spot them. John is doing his massage work in the Body Works room. Now it is time to go find the rest of the gang and have some lunch! More later, ya'll!