This past weekend, our small group, the DWIPS*, headed for Las Vegas for the Miss America pageant...we had a wonderful weekend. We got there Thursday evening after we ATE...we just explored the Luxor, the MGM, and the Excalabur.
*DWIPS stand for Dangerous Women in Progress...we challenge one another to be dangerous in our walk with Christ.
The next morning (Friday), after breakfast we set out. We went to MGM, saw the lions, and went to preview and evaluate a TV show...Pam left us and spent time with her brother which was an added bonus for the Las Vegas trip for her. Later that afternoon, after a fabulous lunch at Wolfgang Puck, we headed for the first show...Menopause the Musical. Only 5 ladies who are all in THAT stage could have enjoyed it as much as we did...and did we identify that. It was an early show so we ATE...and headed for the Cirque du Soleil, KA. WOW...the music, the performance...it was great. Late night...and home to bed.
Saturday morning we were up and ready to explore more of the strip, eat, and then get dressed and ready for the Miss America Pageant, the reason for the trip. Miss Washington attended our church and was in Barb's small group. She was beautiful and although she did not place or win, we were so proud of her. All of the talent that we saw was good...the girls really do work at this. It was fun watching the live show...and of course, fun to see Clinton Kelley from What Not to Wear. After the pageant, we headed for the Bellagio and ATE. Do you see a pattern here?
Sunday morning, we were up and packed and headed for a church in Henderson, Nevada. We came in pulling our suitcases, something that I thought would be normal for the church. Judging from the looks, not so normal! We were able to meet the 2 head pastors (who have done some consulting work with our church in Bellingham). Our dear Pastor Bob had alerted the pastors in Henderson that we were coming and had WARNED them to keep an eye on us...Hmmmmm...
Church service was wonderful. I think, after the filth that was evident in LV and on the strip, it felt like a cleansing an a perfect way to end our trip.
Overall, we had a great time. We laughed and talked. But we were also so aware of the life that goes on in LV which saddened us. We know we live in a lost world...and LV is called Sin City...and it certainly lives up to it's name. Our hearts cried for the young women, both the "working women" and those who were obviously visiting, who did not realize that they were and are a creation in the image of God. The Henderson Church has impacted the area. Last year 5,000 came to the knowledge of God and committed their lives to Him. In June, 1,400 were baptized over the weekend services. Praise God for the church for they have a vast mission field without leaving their homes.
At the airport, we were blessed by meeting Miss America. What a beautiful girl and a sweet spirit.
We were all excited to come home and be reunited with our spouses. One by one the spouses showed up...well, after all of them were there, with one exception, I called Steve...his response? I am on my way....True confessions...at 4:10 Steve closed his eyes...and then...fell asleep...woke up when the plane touched the runway so it took a few minutes to get going...
The trip was wonderful...but it was good to get home....and to our own beds...and the smoke free environment. Many people, I am sure, do not leave the city of Las Vegas with a heavy heart because of the sin that they know goes on in the city...but...it is truly a mission field in our country. | 
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