It's time for me to leave General Convention. It's a bit premature, it seems, because so much business remains on the docket and decisions are as yet unmade. And the gavel won't be sounded until some time tomorrow, after putting in a rare evening session.

I'll be adding photos and more stories as I can and publishing our weekly Connecting e-newsletter tomorrow. I'll be staying tuned just like you are, from my computer.

What a time. I'm so grateful to have been here, to support Bishop Alexander and to get to know the fine people who make up our deputation and diocesan community. I've been so impressed by their commitment. Did you know that only deputies and first alternates have their ways paid by the diocese, but all other alternates, volunteers and visitors must pay their own expenses? It comes out of their own pockets, and in some cases, out of the pockets of generous parishioners back home.

The other surprise is how many other Atlantans have come to support Bishop Alexander and Lynn and see for themselves how the legislative bodies of this church operate. At last night's Diocese of Atlanta dinner (at Schmidt's Sausage House in the German village part of town) there were nearly 60 people in attendance enjoying some fabulous food and fellowship!

Relying on the Episcopal News Service to inform you and your own ingenuity for web searching, I've tried to bring you on-the-scene reports about of some of the people from our diocese who came to see the church at work and at worship, and at building community. We have some great folks. I'm very proud to be representing and reporting on the Diocese of Atlanta.

I must note I'll never forget Sunday and the presiding bishop election. I am so privileged to be here at this history-making convention, one we'll talk about years from now. I was so hoping Bishop Alexander would win, and we were told not to make a sound when the announcement was made. But I'll never forget the involuntary gasp I uttered from way deep inside me. Today I am even prouder to be an Episcopalian and delight in being able to tell my two daughters about how we have made history here, and hear their amazed responses.

Peace and blessings to all of you at home, and safe travel to all of us here as we head for North and Middle Georgia. I hope you will write to me -- news@episcopalatlanta.org -- if you have any questions. I can forward the ones I can't answer to our hard-at-work bishop and deputies.

Nan