Nov 26, 2019
July 26 — August 1, 2020
Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI
by Kevin Butler
Heading to General Conference every summer was always on our calendar.
I began attending as a seminary student, then as a pastor, then had no choice but to show up for 25 years and work my “butt-ler” off as Director of Communications and Sabbath Recorder editor.
My way was paid. But believe me, I do know about the challenge and forethought and sacrifice it takes to bring along a young family.
Why do we do it? Because it’s worth it.
There are so many travel apps available these days to help navigate your way, avoid traffic bottlenecks, find cheaper gas prices, and motels and camping sites.
Back in the day, we had AAA travel agents create a personalized “TripTik” (yes, a paper map), and we actually had to make long distance phone calls to book our lodging.
Over 20 years later we still smile when we refer to “The Trip.”
Conference was in Lacey, Washington. I’d like to offer you some snippets from a Kevin’s Korner, plus other remembrances, reflecting on our cross-country trek in 1996:
We (Janet) scrimped and saved and planned; we (Jan again) mapped the route and booked the motels; we (Hi, honey) secured a car-top carrier for the three-week haul. Hey, I had to get ready for Conference!
The trip included memorable roadside picnics; the majestic scenery of the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, and Yellowstone Park; and rating the various motels (usually according to the pool).
While trapped in a traffic jam in the Badlands, we can still picture a young couple ahead of us jump out of their vehicle and proceed to dance happily to the music blaring from their car radio. We needed that attitude adjustment.
Matthew was the first to spot the wild buffalo at Yellowstone, screaming out, “Bison! Bison! Bison!!” And we’ll never forget his little brother Jackson literally shaking as he anxiously waited for some mini-geysers to erupt. When they did, our skinny 7-year-old declared to the whole crowd of onlookers: “This is the BEST DAY of my life!!”
Once arriving in the Seattle area, we rode to the top of the Space Needle; happened to hear the governor speak to the newest state trooper graduates in the capital rotunda in Olympia; and while Jenny went to Pre-Con and I attended General Council, the rest of the gang got to the ocean, the rain forest, and Mount St. Helens.
What a grand way to head into Conference week! And add collector magnets to our refrigerator.
One of the greatest joys of the summer came right before school started, as the children reflected on their expanded postcard and keychain collections. Listing the church camps, mission trip, vacation, and Conference, they declared almost in unison: “This was the best summer EVER!”
That made these tired and poor parents feel like it was all worthwhile.
But when Crystal wished that Conference could be held every other week, thoughts of dollar signs danced in my head…
I encourage you to scrimp and save and make the trip to the upper Midwest next summer. In the coming months, we’ll highlight some of the attractions around Grand Rapids. Beyond the spiritual significance of Fixing Your Eyes on Jesus, it could be “The Trip” that your family will remember for decades.