Student Leadership University (SLU) 101

Orlando Bound

I was excited to get to be a part of the Student Leadership University 101 group headed to Orlando, Florida with Oakland Baptist Church.  We took 8 students, 2 bus drivers and 5 other adults. SLU is a dynamic experience that allows attendees to learn from world-class thought leaders in creative and participatory environments both inside and outside the conference room. SLU teaches each student practical and relational life skills to change the way they think, dream, and lead at the feet of Jesus.

We headed south to SLU at 6:15 on Monday morning in the church “People Mover”. We had great faith in the “People Mover” this year. Brother Brad and his family had cleaned it to a sparkling shine, and we were ready for a great trip. He even bought a cooler that worked as an air conditioner, so we would be SURE to be cool. For any who don’t know or remember, we traveled to SLU 101 in Orlando the summer of July 2021, and the air stopped working on the way down. However, when we arrived, the whole vehicle stopped working, and we brought rental cars home. But enough of that since this time will be different.

Words of Encouragement

After loading up and heading out, I handed out the first encouragement notes from the church to the students attending this year.  Mrs. Buffy helped us coordinate with Sunday school classes and college students who had the privilege to attend SLU camps to write words of advice and encouragement for each student each day. This camp can and will change lives.

I Think I Can

About 2 hours into the trip, the “People Mover” strained up its first long hill. Several adults just looked at each other and grimaced. Then about 5 minutes later, we started to smell something burning. We all were starting to get worried.  However, there is a first time for everything. Brother Brad was cold from how well the air in the back was shooting to the front and dropping down on him, so he had turned on the HEATER. Yes, the heater! All was good in “People Mover” travel.

Wanna Be Driver

With no Buccee’s to be found on our journey (planned that way by Bro. Brad I’m sure), we had to stop at a plain Speedway gas station in Montgomery, AL to refresh, buy snacks, and walk around. The kids were awake again and making noise. When we got back on the bus, Branna was trying out her bus driving skills, and future school bus driving options. However, since Brother Brad had to help her put the keys in the ignition, I think her job training is just beginning. (no one was harmed or laws broken)

Things and Wings or Ray’s

My eating choices may or may not be a good influence on this group. I am always looking for a hometown restaurant that can’t be found anywhere else. Things and Wings turned out to be too crowded, and we were afraid would take too long. Andy backed me up on our second choice though, which was just down the road, and Ray’s was the final decision. Everyone loved the food, the conversation, and the atmosphere.

Interesting People All Around

Fabulous Home Cooked Food

The Remnants

The bathrooms were around the back of the restaurant. I had discussed the term remnants with my Sunday girls this past Sunday. After going to the bathroom, I explained to them that the bathroom was tiled in remnants.

OOPS

We only had one accident. A cup of water was turned over, but due to my quick reflexes(ha), I did not get wet. Our waitress was very diligent in getting it wiped up. We had fun with our waitress. I think her memory is about like mine (or worse). One of the ladies in the restaurant asked where we were from and then asked if she could take our picture. It only took 15 minutes to get the group of 13 back in the restaurant and posed. We were not overly speedy or coordinated. Out of 4 pictures, Brooke was only looking at the camera once.

Photo Shoot in the Making

I just had to add a few pictures of why we can’t get it all together at the same time.

4 shots to Get a Good One (thanks Brooke)

Dancing with the Stars

Maddie and Brooke have had a handshake dance for 6 years. Aubrey and Brooke decided to create one as we stood in the parking lot waiting for everyone. Brad and Andy watched and quickly picked it up. I think they could moonlight as dancers. The video is on the FB page of Adventures of the MTNESTRS. Priceless.

Phone Fun

We loaded back up on the bus, Brother Brad pulled out in front of someone (again), and we were off on our adventure. Using the Charades app on the bus HURT since we laughed so hard. Everyone should play this game at least once!! After charades, we took a photo opportunity to get everyone looking their BEST.

The Race is On….

By 5:00 everyone was pretty desperate for a potty break. When we arrived at Love’s, I think it was a true race to see who would/could get there first. If you looked at all that was bought, you would have thought we never fed them.

Do they expect me to cook?

The hotel we stayed in Monday night had a full kitchen and a sitting area. Did they think I was going to cook for them? Those who know me know that this fridge looks about like mine at home. My Alani Nu was nice and cool. The girls thought it was the best room ever and wanted to demonstrate the uses of each room…so we did. Not sure why Trevor was in the shade though……

Home Sweet Home
Super Fun Group of Girls

Pool Fun

Dinner by the pool

Brother Brad and Andy went to get pizza, wings, and pop from the Mellow Mushroom. What a dinner at 10:00 p.m. Will they ever go to sleep?

Yes they do… eventually

Ok, I had to make them fake going to bed so I could get this shot. They wanted to stay up past 11, and I was tired. My bedtime is much earlier but I’m sure they looked like this at some point during the night right????? Can I get fired from this job????? See everyone tomorrow! I’m headed to bed.

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