It became obvious in the “First Time Delegate” briefing that water is an overlooked commodity and one of the many logistical issues faced by an international conference.
After a few delegates from Central Conferences shared that they had consumed $4 per bottle water in their hotel rooms without knowing the cost-arguments erupted from the floor; “just use the tap water,” “no, that could be harmful to the international delegates,” “our government says it is ok,” “there are coolers of water all over the convention center,” “we have free reusable bottles on the 3rd floor!” This was a real eye opener to the importance of water.
Water refreshes the earth. Water cleanses. Water restores. As we sit on the shores of the harbor we are called to remember the importance of water and to remember the waters of our own baptism.
As I began to write down notes for my next blog about people who complain about the expenses of GC yet delegates are still provided mountains of propaganda complete with an Ipad stylus; the first worship service began as the Bishops proceeded down the aisle and people from other places praised God in their own tongues; the water of my tears washed away the doubts and frustrations.
God is here, so take him in like a sponge.
