It has been a busy few weeks. Sometime it feels like my life is flying by in front of my eyes. Here is a rambling look at what I have been experiencing.
I talked to my good friend Gary Haugen on the phone. Gary is the President of IJM. We talk regularly about how we can serve our missions and do a better job of leading. It is always a real encouragement to me.
We had a ministry council meeting; 17 leaders of all the different ministries meet once a month. We meet to make sure communication around the mission is clear and open.
We had a ministry leaders meeting which also happens once a month. These are the seven executives who head each ministry at CRISTA. We talk about how to be more effective in leadership and how to become more "one mission".
We had a corporate team meeting. People who lead each corporate service area meet in order to learn how we can serve the ministries and the mission more effectively.
I met with a King's Schools parent for lunch. Good food and great hearing their view point on our school. I have lots of lunch meetings that help me hear from different people from all our various constituencies.
I participated in the new King's Schools-Woolsey stadium dedication. We have a very impressive football stadium and we are off to a 3 - 0 start. GO KINGHTS.
I took a day retreat with Rick Carter, our Senior Vice President to step back and get refreshed together. I focused on a big picture view of the whole landscape of CRISTA.
Kathleen and I went to a Mariner's game with a CRISTA board member and spouse. This kind of time is important to me as it builds personal relationships with the great board members we have.
I had lunch with Curtis Martin, the oldest son of CRISTA's founder. This is always encouraging to me.
I led part of a CRISTA new staff orientation. So important to meet our new hires and share with them the CRISTA vision from my perspective.
Fred Stabbert, CRISTA's Board Chair and I attended the Christian Vet Mission advisory board meeting and shared important discussions with this talented and committed group.
Kathleen and I attended the first Seattle CVM (Christian Veterinary Mission) fund raising dinner.
I met with a former Astronaut (John Creighton) while he was on campus speaking at King's Schools.
I hosted the September CRISTA Board dinner and the following day participated in all day meetings with our Board at CRISTA Shores in Silverdale.
This is not so much an atypical month for me. I have been asked by friends who see all this activity on my calendar: "don't you get tired?" Actually, I am inspired and energized by my busy schedule! I hope this gives you a little glimpse into my world and the dynamic environment that is CRISTA.