The trip heats up in the Golden State (Event #8)

California greeted Alli and I with the warmest of hospitality. Our time there began with an extended visit to Biola University. There I spoke to a group of engaging and enthusiastic students about HOPE’s work in a variety of settings. Dr. Steve Rundle, our host while we were on campus, treated us to a great dinner in Downtown Disney.

We spent some wonderfully refreshing time with some friends in San Diego. There we had the opportunity to eat quite possibly the world’s largest breakfast. Alli’s blueberry-coconut pancake was the size of a jumbo Frisbee. I kid you not. Despite our best efforts, we weren’t able to finish the breakfast, though we felt good about our attempt.

Today we spent the morning at Point Loma Nazarene University. There I shared about HOPE in Dr. Rob Gailey’s nonprofit management class. While I taught, I had a clear view of the Pacific out the classroom window. Alli and I commiserated that this certainly wasn’t the case while we studied at Taylor University in Central Indiana. Following the class, we had our eighth event-an on-campus cookout. The Point Loma Microfinance Club hosted the event and we had a great turnout. In fact, we had more attendees than burgers, which is a good problem to have.

It’s been wonderful to see these colleges get behind our work, from hosting events, to providing interns, to even sponsoring community banks. We have been encouraged by the wonderful interactions we’ve had with professors and students at some of the premier universities throughout the country. Now we’re on to Las Vegas, where we’re hoping to “hit it big” for HOPE. Kidding.