i keep thinking about what to say about my trip... how i can possibly summarize that experience? so amazing.
first: the event. i have never been to a more impressive, better planned and executed, organized and beautiful event. ever. there were 700 women registered. 8 classes planned. (5 of us teachers were from the US: stacy julian, donna downey, anita oldham, karen foster and i). the 'delegates' were split into 8 groups of 80 ppl per class. each class was assigned 3 volunteers. the day before the event, we had a meeting with all the teachers and volunteers where we went over all the classes, projects and individual needs of each class, so that the volunteers were equipped for each class. that was so awesome. that was the first time that i have ever had the chance to see what other classes had to offer. i loved hearing and seeing other teaching styles. i never get that opportunity. each one of the classes offered something totally unique and different... i thought it was amazing how the classes contrasted/ complimented each other. it seemed like to me that the delegates really went away with a interesting and inspiring mix of scrapbook creativity! our classes were set up in 2hr blocks... we were encouraged to end after 1 1/2 hrs, to give the delegates a chance to wrap things up, and also time to visit with the teachers etc. the rooms were LARGE and workspace was totally adequate. we had 4 classes a day... with 'tea' after the 1st and 3rd classes, and lunch included after the 2nd class. i loved that everyone got to go to ALL the classes-- the flow was awesome. i was provided with a projector and a microphone. i was so happy about that because going into the deal, i had a sore throat, and talking into a microphone really makes it so much easier! the other cool thing they did... which i thought was brilliant... you know, each class has different things needed to complete the project... ie: sandpaper, wet wipes, craft knife, gloves, cotton balls etc. the organizers compiled all these types of needs from all the classes and created this adorable 'scrapbook survival kit' that had EVERYTHING you needed including aging ink and a whole package of wipes and a disposable apron... and that even came in this cutest pink bag. it was just a class act. the evening event... the gala... Louise Eichner (she owns a retail store in Johannesburg and also runs this event... it was the 2nd 'annual') she had a motivational speaker, gave away a bunch of prizes... and then, as it was at a casino.. you know how they have great shows? well, you have maybe heard of 'TAP DOGS'... Louise booked the entire theater for all the delegates to enjoy the show. and it was stunning... 5 cutie guys tapping their guts out... they put on a ROCKIN' show that was amazing. seriously. we got to be on the front row, and just before the show they pass out rain ponchos... for the first hour of the show.. i really thought the ponchos were to protect us from the flying sweat as the guys were spinning around. (they were sweating so bad, and well- i am not a big fan of touching other peoples sweat--i don't really mind watching, no touching! LOLOL) but, the last number was with water and they wound up totally kicking water all over us! it was fabulous as donna and louise decide to stand up and throw their water bottle water on the guys... SO FUN!
see.. that was just about the event... i have too much to saY!
Lousie and her crew (glenda and margot in particular) -- were So amazing. it was so exciting to see the passion for the industry that exists there. it's growning so fast. i loved being apart of that... part of Louise's vision. the women that i traveled with there: stacy, donna, karen and anita are class acts too... all such, obviously, talented and vibrant women. i had never spent time with any of them and i just felt to lucky, and affected by each of them. and they were all SO patient with US (the whole fam). we did a little sight seeing and stuff all as a group, and they were so great with my kids.
i think i will write about the rest of the trip.. the play part... tomorrow!
i need to post pics. i will work on that!
