Earlier this month I managed a five-day client event in St. Lucia.
I know. Right?
The sun was warm (okay, hot), the salt air was (as always) amazing, and I found time to pray and get quiet with God, even though I was extremely busy at work during each of the days and many of the nights.
This trip was a blessing for both my client and me. The work that my clients are doing in the world is changing lives, something I am proud and honored to be a part of. This event was no exception. There were couples with us that were in danger of separation less than eight months ago but were now reconciled and in the process of mending their relationships.
It was tough, though. I am not going to lie. I worked six full days. The day before the event started, then each day of the event. Keeping on top of an island mentality was, at times, challenging. Event locations were only set up on time because I was present an hour before our start times. We had required standard items at each site, but would have been missing had I not been present to remind the staff to move them. You know, standard event planning challenges but amplified by the island mentality.
My clients were magnificent. They nailed each and every segment. Over-delivering. Creating unbelievable breakthroughs. Opening hearts, minds, and eyes. And, I am proud to say, they were able to focus solely on that delivery because of my dependable support. Creating an exceptional experience for my clients, and theirs, allowed them to bring 100% to their customers as well and magic ensued.
It was powerful.
And, I soaked it all in. It’s magnificent to have my own business and be supporting this work and the changing lives. It is a blessing and honor.
So while the photographs I shared on Facebook with my friends showed the lovely 5 hours on the beach on Tuesday, a candlelight dinner at the water’s edge on Tuesday night, a needed pool break on Friday afternoon, and the post-event recovery afternoon on Sunday, these were my downtimes. The remaining awake time, all 63 hours of it, was spent supporting my clients. It was busy but rewarding in every way. And, I am excited to say, I get to do it again next April. And, learning from this year, I will add on one day to chill on the beach after the event. Always a lesson to learn.
So, I get to go back and spend another week rocking this event in St. Lucia in 2017. Working in paradise.
I know. Right?