Day 16 – Al and Ray’s Excellent Adventure:

Day 16 – Al and Ray’s Excellent Adventure: Convention Edition

We both slept in—because even road trip legends need a break. Al was especially grateful for a day not spent white-knuckling the steering wheel like it owed him money. Ray hung back at the hotel for some workshops, while I wandered off to the convention center. Wait—make that centers. Plural. Oh, and a stadium too. You know, just a casual 50,000 people gathering like it was Coachella for the spiritually inclined.  On my way out the door, I looked to the left of the concierge, they're laid down next to the desk was a beautiful puppy.

I linked up with my friends Trey and Tiffany. We hit a few workshops and grabbed a meal that technically counted as lunch but was late enough to be legally classified as dinner's
. Then we jumped on a train to the stadium—because nothing screams "divine timing" like delays and platform confusion.

Ray met me at the stadium.  We finally found each other in the massive crowds.  While on love, some random guy approached him and said, “There’s a handicap entrance.” At first, I thought he worked there or was a volunteer.  We thought he was just being nice. Plot twist: he was trying to sneak in early using us as his spiritual camouflage.  We couldn't really say anything, because he actually did get us in quicker. That line was longer than a CVS receipt after a vitamin purchase. 

Now, the evening entertainment? Absolutely incredible. It kicked off with a flag ceremony that could’ve given the Olympics a run for their money. Eighty-nine countries were represented, and some of them brought the kind of energy that makes you want to wave everyone’s flag. Such energy and enthusiasm!

Local Native American groups performed traditional dances and songs, which were powerful and moving. Then the Delta Police Pipe Band marched in looking like they stepped out of Braveheart—bagpipes wailing, kilts swishing, and everyone in the crowd pretending they knew how to clap on beat.

One of the standout moments was a local singer who performed Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” Not only did he do the song justice, but he also had the entire crowd singing along by the end. Imagine 50,000 people softly singing “Hallelujah” together—it was spiritual karaoke on a whole other level.

We also heard from three amazing speakers. The first and third were women who shared powerful testimonies that had people sniffling into their programs. The final speaker? Absolute powerhouse. Hands down, the most emotionally intense speaker I’ve ever seen. Half the crowd was inspired. The other half was dehydrated from crying.

Afterward, we joined the great exodus—47,000 people walking back to their hotels like some slow-moving spiritual stampede. It was part faith, part Frogger, and 100% sore feet.

Tomorrow, we have a 7:30 a.m. breakfast date with our awesome friends Rebecca and Kevin, followed by more workshops and another round of stadium inspiration. Send coffee. And maybe a massage chair!