So the picture (right) – taken early Friday morning – is the first official “self-portrait” taken at my new home base airport. That’s right, I can no longer fly out of TPA ( possibly the nation’s most well-organized airport). From here on I’m all about RDU (Raleigh-Durham Airport).

Driving out this morning I followed the advice of my new friend Dan, in order to avoid US Hwy 1. It worked, and I didn’t get lost, but I must admit I was a titch nervous when I turned on something called “Possum Track Road.” But then I remembered we’ve moved to North Carolina.

WHY? I’m here, fairly early in the AM, because I’m headed to Wichita to speak at a Disciples of Christ regional men’s retreat. This will be my third major event with the DOC, and it’s a relationship I’m very happy with.

Of course, in the wonderful world of “convenient” air travel, my route will be Raleigh, Dallas, Wichita, Chicago, and back to Raleigh again. So my question is, can I in good conscience say I’m away for a “Four-city speaking tour?”

Talking of speaking (or, more properly, “writing about speaking”), I’m curious to see how my schedule shakes out now we’re here in NC. Not only are we more centrally located, but we’re within driving distance of several densely populated areas. Theoretically, I should pick up more invitations.

But, on the other hand, no-one around here is even aware that I exist! Everyone knows about The Upper Room, and pretty much every church in the United States is concerned about spiritual vitality (especially in men’s ministry), but there’s a huge communication gap in the system.

DALLAS-FORT WORTH: This airport is quite possibly as difficult to navigate as Tampa is easy. I’ve never been through DFW without having my gate change somewhere between reading it on the board and arriving for the flight.

Today is no exception. My first mistake was to figure I could walk from the gate I arrived at – C4 – to the gate of departure – C35… or C27… or C33 as it is at this moment. Not so easy. Halfway through my stroll down the concourse I was instructed to take the train and loop part way around DFW.

Let’s see what happens between now and when the flight leaves for Kansas!

Regardless, I’m out of here, I think I hear them calling my flight. Peace – DEREK