I am going on a trip.

Those familiar with the Baggage Claim project will know that one goal of that project was to prepare myself to be a professional speaker and life coach.  I chose to go through the John Maxwell Group for that preparation, and it is time for me to go to the certification event in Orlando.  However, I chose a rather unusual way to get there.
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I am taking the train.  Taking the train is not unusual.  Lots of people take trains everyday.  However, taking the train from St. Louis to Orlando is probably a bit odd.  The route goes from St Louis to Chicago, then to Washington DC, and then to Orlando.  When I tell people this, everyone asks “why?”

The train is cheaper than flying, a few hundred less at the time I booked my tickets.  It made some financial sense (although if I were employed at the time of booking, I would not have opted for the longer trip).  From what I hear, the train involves less stress than flying.  Bonus!

Driving would have been cheaper and shorter, but recovery has a cost.  In learning to make healthy choices regarding depression, I realize that I should not be alone in a car for 15 hours.  There is more to this reason, I understand, and perhaps I will write more on it soon.

In the end, my wife and I decided that this train trip could accomplish a few things.  First, it gets me to Orlando to complete the certification process.  Next, it gives me some down time.  This down time will be used for reading, writing, and processing everything this conference will be teaching.  Finally, it fulfills a long held desire of mine to ride the rails.  I promise to be dignified and reserved on the platform, but inside, I’ll be like this:
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There is the added bonus of getting to visit my brother and some old friends along the way.  I will be posting lots of updates and travelogs so stay tuned!  It promises to be quite a week!

I'll be speaking in Willow Springs on November 13.  This will be the first time since I announced the Baggage Claim Project that I've been invited to speak.  It will be a different sort of sermon for me.

Usually, as guest preacher (and especially in my experience as a church planter), I would try to emphasize the best things that are happening.  This time, I will be talking about my hospital stay, my time in ministry with untreated Major Depressive Disorder, and the scripture that I have been clinging to lately.

If you are in the area, please come!  I'll have copies of Street Preacher available for sale and for signing!

I'm speaking in the evening service, a joint service between First Baptist Church of Willow Springs and Trinity Baptist Church.  The service is at 6:30pm at Trinity Baptist Church.