31 May 2012
Las Vegas is hot.
The average temperature of Las Vegas during my visit was 100 degrees Fahrenheit and SUNNY. I thoroughly enjoyed this weather, not only because living in New York City deprives one of sunlight, but also because the heat in Vegas was dry, which meant I did not have to worry about the wonders that humidity would typically do to my hair. Upon arriving in the shining city, I was greeted by Pastors Demian and Yumiko Dunkley- a fantastic, dynamic duo making big things happen, all day, errryday! They gave me a brief tour of all the UC-related developments in the city, and before I knew it, I was scheduled for a Happy Health session, which did, in fact, make me feel happier and healthier.
That is Alvaro! Waving and graduating!
I was surprised to see that just about everyone from HQ decided to make the trip over to Las Vegas that week as well. On Monday alone, I bumped into Rev. Takami, Rev. Angelika Selle, Dr. Tyler Hendricks, and Pastor George Kazakos, reinforcing the point that Las Vegas is popping! Many of those visitors were actually participating in the 8 Day Renewal in Las Vegas– which is an awesome initiative giving folks from around the country the chance to experience being a part of a brand new, thriving Lovin’ Life satellite community, team and service. Unfortunately I did not have a chance to see their satellite service- which is projected on a 60×40 ft. screen with surround sound at a Las Vegas movie theater- but I have definitely heard great things about it and can’t wait to return for the full experience.
UNLVers at the BBQ
Other highlights of this Vegas trip include: attending Alvaro Dominguez’s graduation ceremony from the College of Southern Nevada, chilling with the Japanese exchange students and Mike Smith, going on escapades to UNLV, CSN, and Food 4 Less with Jacob Smyth and Sholina Pearson, BBQing with a bunch of other Vegas college students, watching the sunrise at the Red Rock Mountains, taking an impromptu hike led by mountaineer Rev. Berg, then IHOPing with Kinesha McDaniel (recent grad of UNLV).
During my visit, I really enjoyed the opportunity to see what Las Vegas has to offer, other than The Strip. I thought the only thing beyond the Las Vegas Strip was desert, and while that was pretty much proven to be true, the desert is beautiful and worth a visit! Speaking of spending time off of The Strip- next time I make it over to Vegas, the tikiman and I are definitely going fishing for carp on Lake Meade (in addition to checking out the Lovin Life Theater Sunday Worship) and you all are more than welcome to join!!
