NEXT

What ever happened to caravans and schooners?  I miss the “good ol’ days” when we traversed the globe in search of treasure, food and riches with the help of beasts of burden… Perhaps I will rent a camel and make the journey down I-95 from Philly to Baltimore for NEXT. … Rent-A-Camel

As I am mulling over that option, here are some other thoughts that may be of help as you are descending upon Balmer (as some in Baltimore pronounce it). 

First, check out this site: Baltimore Tourism … it is probably way more helpful than me.

Second, consider arranging transportation with friends from your church.  This may be carpooling, flying together, taking the train together or simply sitting in the back of a covered wagon singing “O My Darlin’ Clementine” together.  One year, a highlight of the conference for me was spending time with people from my church traveling and building anticipation for the time… then on the way back, declaring God’s praise as we recounted the rich time was a huge blessing.  You may find that God meets you before you hit the Inner Harbour. 

Third, consider using Google maps.  You might be thinking – how much are they paying this guy to blog?  Give it a chance – Google Maps is great.  Take this scenario (Google-Trip-Planner)… say you are leaving from Goochland…. Yes, that is the name of a real town!  It is just outside Richmond VA, and I will buy a coffee for the first person who can find me at NEXT and prove to me (with your driver’s license) that you are from Goochland VA.  Anyway, you leave from Goochland and you need to stop for a potty break.  Where do you stop?  The Ukrop’s at 4250 Plank Rd, is rated as a very clean bathroom break point.  {Yes, there are place on the Internet where you can find public restrooms that are rated by cleanliness}  Then, perhaps you want coffee – where to?  Let Google help – Starbucks is right on your way back to the Highway… then, maybe one of your friends wants some Doritos or Beef Jerky… where to next – The 7-11 at 1445 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge works great!  I think you get the point.  It is quite handy.

Fourth, take care of your travel arrangements as soon as possible.  When you are preparing to meet with God, you don’t want your day fettered with thoughts of where you should have parked, how to find the cheapest plane fare or how much grain you need to bring to feed your transport “vehicle.”  You want to maximise your time with God and His people…

So, use some planning tools, rent some livestock and a wagon, talk to your friends… just do it now – NEXT is just 56 days away!