Film Festival Recap #2
We survived the first night in our dilapidated hotel and woke up too early to take barely-warm showers. (The hotel's water tank must have not been able to accommodate more than a few hot showers each morning because there was hardly anyone staying there and we were probably one of the first ones up yet there wasn't any hot water left!)
After getting the girls up and around, we headed to find the convention center where the Film Festival was being held. Upon our arrival, Jesse dropped both girls and I off to try and navigate our way through registration while he found a place to park.
That was easier said than done.
I followed the crowd of people wearing Film Festival name tags into the building but then we had no idea where to go. Everyone else was headed confidently in this direction and that - everyone that is, but us.
After observing my surroundings for a few moments, I decided more people were headed upstairs than downstairs, so we proceeded to attempt going up. The only problem was that I had two little girls and a big diaper bag and the only way up we could find was an escalator.
I surveyed the escalator situation and determined that I could make it up safely holding the two girls and the bulging diaper bag. I started to get on but we almost all collapsed in the process. I quickly lost my confidence.
Some other Film Festival attendees saw my predicament and came the the rescue helping us all manage to safely reach the top of the escalator. Once up there, I was still lost, though. Just at that moment, Tim Horn appeared and graciously pointed us in the direction of the registration table which was, to my chagrin, back down on the main floor within feet of the entrance door.
At any rate, Tim helped us locate the one elevator in the building and we finally reached our first destination - the registration table! Once registered, I realized I didn't have my cell phone and didn't have any way to get in contact with Jesse. We finally decided to just head in to the main auditorium and hope to find Jesse at the break.
We enjoyed the first set of short films we watched - especially the film called "Opportunity" which some friends from our church had produced. I know I'm biased, but I thought it was one of the best films of the Festival and, even though it did not win any awards, it was very well-received by the audience.
Kaitlynn and Kathrynne at the Festival
After meeting up with Jesse at the break, we had a chance to briefly meet blog reader Bethany Maxson before we attended an excellent session titled Guerilla Apologetics for the Glory of God by Ray Comfort. He was one of the guest speakers at the conference and probably our overall favorite. His engaging, hilarious, and convicting style of preaching leaves you ever wanting to hear more.
The girls and I tried to make it to the showing of Heartstrings (winner of the Young Filmmaker's Award and the Audience Choice Award) after that, but the room showing it was completely packed out and there wasn't even any standing room left. We opted to walk around instead and ended up running into Jennie Chancey and some of her children and KimC and some of her brood.
I'd met Jennie once before, and it was great to get reacquainted and have the privilege of picking her brain on various things. I've only known Kim from blogging, so it was fun to finally meet.
We went with the Haydens over to the food court at a nearby mall for lunch and then walked back to enjoy more films in the afternoon. We were excited to attend Smuggler's Ransom and it wasn't in any way a disappointment. I almost made it through the entire movie with both girls - something which didn't happen a whole lot during the Festival.
I was glad, though, that I ended up having to take the girls out because Kaitlynn was being fussy since it gave me the opportunity to run into Elizabeth Botkin. She and I have known each other "from afar" for some time, but it was wonderful to finally meet in person. We hit it off from the get-go.
What I thought was a 20 minute conversation actually turned out to be an over two-hour conversation. And we could have easily talked a lot longer except it was almost dinner time!
Myself, Kaitlynn, and Elizabeth Botkin
Elizabeth and Anna Sofia (whom I also got to meet briefly) were such an inspiration to me over the course of the Festival. I was challenged not only through our discussions but through observing their lives and seeing first-hand how the vision and encouragement their father has given them coupled with the grace of the Lord has truly enabled them to accomplish many great things for the Lord - and at such a young age!
Sometimes we miss out on so many blessings because we do not challenge ourselves out of our comfort zone. Instead, we are content to be complacent. Elizabeth and Anna Sofia are most certainly not content with mediocrity but are instead approaching life with a passion, a zeal, and a mission to change and challenge this culture for the glory of God!
While Elizabeth and I talked, Kathrynne enjoyed spending some time with KimC's girls...
...And their one and only boy
We enjoyed dinner at a Mexican restaurant on the boardwalk with the Hayden family and the Hawley family. Our conversations with the Haydens are never dull and this was no exception. We had lively discussions on the current Republican Presidential candidates and why we could or couldn't vote for them.
Waiting to be seated for dinner
We made it back to the conference center in time to catch the last half of the premiere of The Return of the Daughters. I was encouraged and blessed by the part of the film I was able to see and hope to see the film in its entirety in the near future. I've met so many young women and parents who do not feel the Lord is leading them to go to college, but they don't really have any idea what else to do. This film gives hope and practical encouragement for girls who want to "turn their hearts towards home" and impact this culture for the glory of God while serving their families, their local churches, and their communities.
Ray Comfort gave another stirring message and then we made our way to the Riverwalk Outdoor Theatre to see George Sarris share a dramatization from Scripture and then we greatly enjoyed the talented Booher Brothers share some fun folk tunes.
We finally arrived back at our hotel around 12:30 a.m. realizing that the Film Festival and a good night's sleep are not synonymous. However, we were hoping tonight we'd actually get more than a few hours of sleep - but that was not to be, thanks to an unexpected visitor.
To be continued...
After getting the girls up and around, we headed to find the convention center where the Film Festival was being held. Upon our arrival, Jesse dropped both girls and I off to try and navigate our way through registration while he found a place to park.
That was easier said than done.
I followed the crowd of people wearing Film Festival name tags into the building but then we had no idea where to go. Everyone else was headed confidently in this direction and that - everyone that is, but us.
After observing my surroundings for a few moments, I decided more people were headed upstairs than downstairs, so we proceeded to attempt going up. The only problem was that I had two little girls and a big diaper bag and the only way up we could find was an escalator.
I surveyed the escalator situation and determined that I could make it up safely holding the two girls and the bulging diaper bag. I started to get on but we almost all collapsed in the process. I quickly lost my confidence.
Some other Film Festival attendees saw my predicament and came the the rescue helping us all manage to safely reach the top of the escalator. Once up there, I was still lost, though. Just at that moment, Tim Horn appeared and graciously pointed us in the direction of the registration table which was, to my chagrin, back down on the main floor within feet of the entrance door.
At any rate, Tim helped us locate the one elevator in the building and we finally reached our first destination - the registration table! Once registered, I realized I didn't have my cell phone and didn't have any way to get in contact with Jesse. We finally decided to just head in to the main auditorium and hope to find Jesse at the break.
We enjoyed the first set of short films we watched - especially the film called "Opportunity" which some friends from our church had produced. I know I'm biased, but I thought it was one of the best films of the Festival and, even though it did not win any awards, it was very well-received by the audience.
Kaitlynn and Kathrynne at the FestivalAfter meeting up with Jesse at the break, we had a chance to briefly meet blog reader Bethany Maxson before we attended an excellent session titled Guerilla Apologetics for the Glory of God by Ray Comfort. He was one of the guest speakers at the conference and probably our overall favorite. His engaging, hilarious, and convicting style of preaching leaves you ever wanting to hear more.
The girls and I tried to make it to the showing of Heartstrings (winner of the Young Filmmaker's Award and the Audience Choice Award) after that, but the room showing it was completely packed out and there wasn't even any standing room left. We opted to walk around instead and ended up running into Jennie Chancey and some of her children and KimC and some of her brood.
I'd met Jennie once before, and it was great to get reacquainted and have the privilege of picking her brain on various things. I've only known Kim from blogging, so it was fun to finally meet.
We went with the Haydens over to the food court at a nearby mall for lunch and then walked back to enjoy more films in the afternoon. We were excited to attend Smuggler's Ransom and it wasn't in any way a disappointment. I almost made it through the entire movie with both girls - something which didn't happen a whole lot during the Festival.
I was glad, though, that I ended up having to take the girls out because Kaitlynn was being fussy since it gave me the opportunity to run into Elizabeth Botkin. She and I have known each other "from afar" for some time, but it was wonderful to finally meet in person. We hit it off from the get-go.
What I thought was a 20 minute conversation actually turned out to be an over two-hour conversation. And we could have easily talked a lot longer except it was almost dinner time!
Myself, Kaitlynn, and Elizabeth BotkinElizabeth and Anna Sofia (whom I also got to meet briefly) were such an inspiration to me over the course of the Festival. I was challenged not only through our discussions but through observing their lives and seeing first-hand how the vision and encouragement their father has given them coupled with the grace of the Lord has truly enabled them to accomplish many great things for the Lord - and at such a young age!
Sometimes we miss out on so many blessings because we do not challenge ourselves out of our comfort zone. Instead, we are content to be complacent. Elizabeth and Anna Sofia are most certainly not content with mediocrity but are instead approaching life with a passion, a zeal, and a mission to change and challenge this culture for the glory of God!
While Elizabeth and I talked, Kathrynne enjoyed spending some time with KimC's girls...
...And their one and only boyWe enjoyed dinner at a Mexican restaurant on the boardwalk with the Hayden family and the Hawley family. Our conversations with the Haydens are never dull and this was no exception. We had lively discussions on the current Republican Presidential candidates and why we could or couldn't vote for them.
Waiting to be seated for dinnerWe made it back to the conference center in time to catch the last half of the premiere of The Return of the Daughters. I was encouraged and blessed by the part of the film I was able to see and hope to see the film in its entirety in the near future. I've met so many young women and parents who do not feel the Lord is leading them to go to college, but they don't really have any idea what else to do. This film gives hope and practical encouragement for girls who want to "turn their hearts towards home" and impact this culture for the glory of God while serving their families, their local churches, and their communities.
Ray Comfort gave another stirring message and then we made our way to the Riverwalk Outdoor Theatre to see George Sarris share a dramatization from Scripture and then we greatly enjoyed the talented Booher Brothers share some fun folk tunes.
We finally arrived back at our hotel around 12:30 a.m. realizing that the Film Festival and a good night's sleep are not synonymous. However, we were hoping tonight we'd actually get more than a few hours of sleep - but that was not to be, thanks to an unexpected visitor.
To be continued...
posted by Crystal Paine at 5:22 PM
19 Comments:
Oh what fun! Thank you so much for the pics! I was so blessed by meeting the Botkins at this year's father/daughter retreat. They are such dear dear sisters in Christ.
I wish I could have gone as well, and met all of those wonderful people (especially Mrs. Chancey!!), but I'm really enjoying hearing all about your time there!
Blessings to you in Christ,
Rebekah
How neat to meet some bloggers and see old friends.I had to laugh -seeing Kathrynne in her boots.At least you are getting your moneys worth before she outgrows them!!
Sounds like you and your family had a marvelous time! Praise the Lord for encouraging fellowship and inspiring testimonies! God is so good and gracious!
Blessings always!
an unexpected visitor... uh oh!
hmm, a rat?
now we're in suspense!
It sounds like alot of fun, in spite of your poor lodging! Maybe they had a timer on their hot water heater to save money on hot water? If you got up too early at my parents that is what you got was tepid water that had been sitting all night! Great way to save money, but not so great for the early riser!
Thanks for sharing about your trip! It looks like you had a lovely time. : )
What a cliff hanger! I'm on the edge of my seat for 'part 3'!! The festival sounds like it was wonderful and I can't wait to see The Return of Daughters!!
We love the Botkin sisters and we've had the pleasure of meeting them in person a couple of times. They are so delightful!!
It looks like you had such a great weekend! I really wish we could've been there. Please fill us in on everything.
:)
Crystal,
You know I just love you blog (okay both blogs! :) After reading this entry and clicking on the links. I want to buy all the films now! I am really glad your family had a lot of fun.
Crystal,
Thank you so much for taking the time to recap and share your pictures from the film festival - it is especially nice for those of us that couldn't make it, but would've loved to.
Thanks!! Love the photos and stories! Savannah
Crystal, this sounds so fun! I am so pleased you were able to see so many wonderful people. Can't wait to hear the next segment!
This is reading just like a novel, including the cliffhanger! It looks like a lot of fun. Hopefully DH and I can do something like that sometime in the future.
Johanna
Crystal,
You are so brave to be taking your little ones on a plane and to a conference. I just would never dream of doing that. lol.
We just got a minivan to take long trips in and I will see how the kids do in that before I take them on a plane. Of course, we rarely take long trips...
i am so jealous! glad you had a great time!
I am having a hunch that the visitor was NOT someTHING you wanted to see.....
Cockroaches?
Tarantula?
oh come on now... i will be looking for updates!
It does sound like fun. I'm glad you had the opportunity to have a good time and meet likeminded ladies.
Well, at least the "unexpected visitor" is in the singular rather than plural since it doesn't sound like a welcome guest! Can't wait to read more....
Your girls are so beautiful and I love the lavendar and purple colours you have them in! :-)
It looks like you had a wonderful time away. I had no idea there were enough Christian films made to make a festival. We're don't hear about many of them over here in Australia.
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