The Washington Tournament Ends...

Having been involved in Bible quizzing for over thirty years has allowed me the privilege of being a part of "regular" quizzes, end-of-season tournaments, Regional tournaments, and National tournaments.

I hate numbers, so don't keep count of how many of these events I've participated in...

But this last weekend ranks near the top as far as the spirit of the competition, the mutual encouragement demonstrated by quizzers and coaches, and the fingerprints of God all over the venue.

I'm now in my hotel near the Sea/Tac airport awaiting at 6am flight home...rather tired, spiritually spent, but amazed still that I get to do what I get to do...

And next weekend in the Midland Ministries Regional Tournament in Saint Joseph, Mo...and a few weeks after that the National tournament in Wisconsin Dells, Wi.

But the bar has been set high as far as overall experience...and I am so thankful that I got to be a part of the 2012 Washington/Idaho Regional Quiz tournament.

And, yeah, I took a few more photos:
Breakfast is served...the food at Lake Retreat was FANTASTIC:

A bit of craziness...

A young man who quizzed for several years who served as worship leader, quiz coach, table official, and overall encourager, and his lovely wife, Derek and April:

         Part of the 2nd place Go Fish Team relaxing after the competition:

Quizzing can get rather tense and stressful; during the breaks some of that tenseness evaporates:

Before the championship quizzes, individual quizzers are introduced and run a congratulatory gauntlet:

Teens For Christ Director Adam Borries waxing eloquent:

 A personal highlight...I get to meet and hold Adam (and Rachelle's) daughter Lenora:

For a fun twist all the seniors competed in a quiz over the material of the last several years...this poor young lady forgot that it wasn't "Open Book":

 Intense concentration as Elias answers...his team "PANG" had only four (of the normal seven) quizzers...and yet finished in 3rd place overall:

 In the championship quizzes at most regional and all national tournaments, the first team to capture two "first places" wins...today three quizzes were necessary before the "Aliens" captured first place!

 The rather colorful schedule for the days of competition:

 Every quizzer has their own sort-of-unique pose for thinking through and giving their answers:

 The team known as "Under Construction" was awarded the "Christian Character Award," with each table official nominating one team...Saturday a team member and her Mom were notified that Granddad was on his deathbed...the team pulled together, supported each other (as did all the other quizzers)..."In this world you will have tribulation" but "Great peace have they who love Your law...."

Worshipping the Living Word before competing over the written Word: