I spent the week of July 17-24 preparing to go on vacation. My brother, Ian, had arrived on July 15 from Scotland where he lives after first spending a couple of weeks in Barbados. On Sunday, July 17, at the 10:15 a.m. Eucharist, the Barbados Consul General to Miami, The Hon. Colin Mayers, his wife, Elicia, their two daughters and a number of Barbadians were present.  Afterwards, I gave him a tour of the church campus. In atddition, I baptized four children. My brother Ian also attended this service and was introduced to the congregation. They had already met my  two other brothers, Shawn and Hugh, my sister-in-law, Gillian, and niece, Annalisa, back in March.

The highlights of the week included meeting with one of the young members of our church and sharing a wonderful conversation on Monday, July 18. It was an opportunity to learn from him and to offer advice. The next day, July 19, was our monthly Vestry meeting in which a number of important decisions needed to be made. On Wednesday (July 20), I met with two members of the clergy in my Deanery who are desirous of sharing in a couple of ministries with Holy Sacrament, particularly the Young Adult Ministry and an outreach ministry. The actual details will need further conversation which will take place on my return from vacation; nevertheless, it was a wonderful coming together to share ideas and to see how best we can work together as the Episcopal Church in this part of God’s vineyard. On Friday, July 22, our friends, Fr. Michael, his wife, Dawn, and their family, spent the day at my home. They were on vacation and wanted to spend part of the Miami leg of their vacation with me and my family. My friendship with Father Michael goes a long way back. He sang at my wedding (when he was a seminarian) while I preached at his. We had an exciting time catching up on old times, and seeing our children play together. I gave Father Michael a tour of the church campus as well while the ladies were shopping.  Then, officiating at a wedding and attending the reception on Saturday (July 23) culminated a very busy week with my getting home late most evenings. In the midst of all these highlights were other meetings, briefing of staff, and paper work that needed to be done. One could easily say that I was ready for my vacation.