I’m still on a high from such a power-packed, fun-filled, and love-flowing week. Going to St. Louis and Kansas City was just what I needed. Here’s my recap on an unforgettable weekend with leaders, friends and family!

The baton has been passed! Bishop Moody and Bishop Mathews sharing a moment during the Holy Convocation in St. Louis.  The Church of God in Christ has been richly blessed by Bishop Moody’s leadership for decades and I know that God has anointed Bishop Mathews for this great task. Bishop Mathews, we stand with you and we’re praying for you!

Those who worked on the Voice of Missions magazine and the World Missions Breakfast did a stellar job with the presentation. Remarkable!  The speaker at the breakfast was Elder Charles Blake II.He’s a fellow ORU grad.  I was honored to meet him and his wife at the banquet. I was greatly challenged to examine my hands and see what work I can do. #LookAtYourHands Unfortunately the picture vanished, but I was glad to take a picture with the Blake family.

I was thrilled to be a featured writer in the Voice of Missions Magazine. My article is entitled, “Intellectual Terrorism:  Campus Attacks Beyond the Gun.”

At the end of one of the missions meetings, I was blessed to meet a sister from Liberia. What a golden moment!

My sister also snagged this moment of me speaking with Bishop Lawrence from India. Another priceless moment!  I was excited to speak to another sister from Nigeria during this meeting too. What a blessing to see so many nations coming together for this convocation!

These ladies represent “The Cornhusker State” very well. Although many are in various locations, we all have Nebraska ties and represent the “O” to the best of our abilities. I was honored to be able to see so many of my girls during this convocation. These are educated, anointed, and stunning women.  So glad to be in the mix!

I loved linking up with my girls from Cali! It was so sweet having a reunion with them. Our last time seeing each other was back in July in Mexico. Wooohooo! This time was sweet too, just without the sand.

My beloved friend Mallori has truly been a treasure throughout the years. Cards, gifts, and priceless messages from her have touched my heart while living abroad. I got the most mail from this woman during my time in China and Saudi Arabia. We go back to the MySpace days and it was so good seeing her at “St. Memphis!”

Seeing Tanya again was such a breath of fresh air. Mallori introduced us in Mexico and we’ve been linked ever since. She is bright woman who is full of wisdom, strength and grace. It is great being connected to this jewel!

Well, if you don’t know about Waynell Henson, today is your day to learn about her. Check out http://www.thatsundayschoolgirl.com to learn about what this woman is doing in the Kingdom. I’ve admired her for years and I’m so glad that I bumped into her. And she gave me a free “That Sunday School Girl” highlighter!

This picture represents so much. I was in awe of this moment. Seeing Bishop Alvin Blake from the UK was a priceless moment this weekend. The COGIC UK family was the first group to welcome me on my first journey abroad in 2011. They rolled out the red carpet and spoiled me rotten.  When I returned last year, the love was just as intense. I am so overjoyed that I bumped into Bishop Blake during convocation! I love you, COGIC UK!

Seeing my second oldest sister Kristina was one of my major highlights to the weekend. She’s living in Memphis now, so whenever I get to see her it’s a very special occasion. Walking arm in arm this weekend was simply the best. I love you, Kristina!

Speaking of family, I got to see my cousin Channing who I haven’t seen in ages! Thanks for coming by the room, cuz!  It was so good seeing you!

My sister Kristina said that I talked to my friend Psalms’ son for a bit too long. Granted he’s a lil’ tot, but I just wanted to welcome him to our world. Psalms, it was wonderful seeing you, sis! God bless you and your beautiful tribe!

Just Google “Not Karlton Banks” and prepare to laugh. That’s this guy.

During my time overseas, this woman has been a huge supporter. It was amazing seeing you, Sis. Gena and congratulations on your award! Keep up your hard work and I love you! Your children are beautiful!

This was my first time seeing her son. I was so amazed at how he’s grown over the years.

I mean, look at that face!

And look at this beauty! It was so good seeing you, love!

And then left St. Louis and got a Greyhound to Kansas City. I spoke at my Uncle Paul’s church and really had a mini family reunion. I got to meet one of my cousin’s kids for the first time. It was incredible! These are just a few of my cousins. I have dozens and dozens of cousins on both sides!

This isn’t the clearest pic, but I had to capture this moment. It was great throwing down in KC and enjoying some BBQ at my Aunt Rita’s house. Uncle Paul, that BBQ was the bomb! Nothing like family coming together. Uncle Paul & Aunt Jeanie, thanks again for the opportunity to speak to the women of HELPS ministries this Sunday. I had such an incredible time worshipping with you all this Sunday. God bless your ministry! I love you!

The “big cousins” joined in on this picture. It was great seeing my cousins Paul and Connie. Their wedding was right before I took off for China. They’ve been such huge supporters of me on my journey. I love you both!

I hadn’t seen my cousin Tina in ages and it was so wonderful seeing her again this weekend. She’s been styling and profiling for the longest. I’ve always admired her style, but seeing her as a mother blows me away. I love you, cuz!

**BONUS**

This week, I had some highlights too with friends and family. So, here we go:

I went to my former high school for the talent show with my walking buddy. She’s an educator and a believer who has been such a blessing to me since I’ve been back home. And we were cheerleaders together in the 9th grade! Ha! Go, Lancers!

My mom was a trooper and tagged along for the talent show and then we hit up an ORU vs UNO volleyball game at the new Baxter Arena. Thanks again mom for coming! She’s a former college volleyball player and college basketball player. We have the trophy in the family room to prove it!

ORU vs UNO Volleyball Game

My niece turned six this week. I ran to Wal-Mart to grab her a gift, but this Doc McStuffins outfit turned out to be bit too snug. Back to the drawing board for her gift. It was cute hearing her going around asking us if we were feeling okay and that the doc was in the house.

Seeing one of my high school Bible study students come in with his Jr. ROTC uniform on, had me grinning from ear to ear. It was my first time seeing him in uniform and I was so impressed.

I also enjoyed spending some quality time with my dad on Veteran’s Day. He served our country in the Air Force for 20 years and I’ll always love him a little extra for that. Thanks, Daddio! And thank you to all who have served and are serving. I am grateful for you!