Ned Erickson: UPDATE Week of May 7

Did David Daggett really give Abbey Sams bunny ears?

GET READY!

Upset there wasn't an update last week? Well, don't you worry - we've got updates galore coming your way.

Starting today, we will be sending out a blog-a-day to share with you some of the amazing moments from our mission trip last week.

My job today is to catch you up.

TWO WEEKS AGO....

Look at that ring!

We surprised Abbey with an engagement party round table.

Major props to Grace who organized

We took turns with Abbey in the photo booth

It was such a sweet time. Abbey shared the long version of the engagement story (well done Isaiah). We laughed. We toasted. We prayed. We took pictures. A great night.

David Daggett and Griff Shuler with the Fellows

LEADER LUNCH was held at the office of Daggett and Shuler. They were coming off a morning of handing out t-shirts for Safe and Sober Prom night (celebrating its 28th year!)

David and Griff are great. On the surface, you may not think that a law firm that specializes in personal injury and disability law, would be the place to find servant-minded, purpose-driven folks. But Daggett and Shuler exude it. What an inspiration. Thanks guys!

National Fellows Conference

On Friday, we cruised up to Washington D.C. for the Fellows Initiative National Conference.

The ballroom was packed out.

We had a little fun in the car...

Steve Garber, author of one of my favorite books in recent years, Visions of Vocation, gave the keynote address Friday night.

Whole lotta 20somethings

Hugh Welschel, the Executive Director of the Institute of Faith, Work and Economics, gave the keynote Saturday morning.

The Fellows participated in a networking event.

Jeff Forsyth, in his Irish brogue filled out the conference, with an inspiring speech Saturday evening.

The opportunity to catch up with old college friends

The UNC - Chapel Hill contingent

We played with some big cards Saturday night

What a great time. I love the national conference; for one, I love the opportunity to go to DC; for two, I love the reminder that we are part of something that is much bigger than us!

Go team!

D.C. to D.R. - what a difference a letter makes!

We picked up our Uber at 4:30am to start the trek from our nation's capital to the capital of the Dominican Republic.

4:30 was a bit early for Patrick

Our flight south went through New York City.

The Fellows juiced up their phones before leaving the country

A beautiful little girl made friends with Morgan

Abbey made friends with a girl from Barbados and another from Israel. They were on their way to a Giving Tuesday event.

After two delays and a plane change, we landed around 6:30pm in the D.R. feeling pretty exhausted. We had dinner at Jumbo and headed straight to bed...

...Day 1 will be up tomorrow!

RECRUITMENT UPDATE

We have such a great group coming in next year! Welcome Trent Hancock! Trent is a Gamecock, a math guy, Young Life leader, and a people's people person. He was a no-brainer for us! I honestly can't wait to do life with this guy next year. Welcome, Trent! Oh! And he plays drums.

We are VERY CLOSE to being full. So if you know of anyone (especially a female) who is interested in the Fellows next year - let me know - like TODAY!!!

FINANCE UPDATE

Thanks again for all of your support.

Here is how to contribute:

Winston-Salem Fellows

851 W. 5th St.

Winston-Salem, NC 27101

or on line at wsfellows.com/give

THIS WEEK

Monday Meeting at Crossnore (things are afoot!) ROUND TABLE at the Wilson's

Tuesday Prayer at Rotary and office day

Wednesday LEADER LUNCH with Anthony Atala and Small Groups and Mentoring

Thursday meetings, Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Winston-Salem, THEN

MICROBREWS FOR MICROFINANCE at WISEMAN'S - YOU ARE INVITED...here is the info

I want to invite you to Microbrews for Microfinance, an event HOPE International is holding at Wise Man Brewing, Thursday, May 10. You will get to learn about the work HOPE does around the world, equipping entrepreneurs through Christ-Centered microenterprise development, as well as enjoy live music, locally brewed beer, and a food truck onsite!

This is a free event. You can check out this page to register and learn more. I hope you can join me there!

Please Come!

Friday CLASS and OH! NEW PUPPY!!!