The Call

How-How!

My cell phone rang the other week on the way to a baseball game and it was Moose. He was calling about some changes I needed to make to the web site. As the nation's web spinner I get quite a few calls and e-mails from the YGP office so I'm used to it. After telling me a change he needed me to make to the calendar, he said he needed to ask me a question. He followed that by saying he'd prefer to ask over lunch, but he needed an answer to an important question:

"Would you be interested in being Nation Chief?"

This was it. I was getting "The Call." The Call to Serve the Nation. The Call to Lead. The Call to Step Up and Be All That I Can Be. The Call from Moose. While I hoped The Call would come some day, I had no idea I would get The Call when I did. Needless to say, I knew exactly how I would answer: "Yes. I would be honored. Thank you."

After arriving at the baseball game, I immediately informed my youngest son, Dylan, of the phone call with Moose. I asked him if it would be okay if I served as Nation Chief. His beaming smile was all the answer I needed. Upon my older son's arrival at the game, I told him Moose had asked me to serve. Ridge immediately shot back "You told him 'YES!' didn't you?" It was safe to assume my two Guides were behind me.

Since accepting Moose's offer I have told a few friends and a couple of dads in both boys' tribes - as I have seen them face to face. I have not e-mailed anyone or made an official announcement, keeping my good news kind of low key for the time being. But news does travel fast. It's been interesting here lately as I run into dads at the pool, at work, etc. that have heard that I am the new Nation Chief and congratulated me. I still don't really know how to react. I say "thanks" and that I hope I can live up to the great chiefs that have preceded me - especially Brendan Bailey, Alan Dickinson and Bryan James.

These chiefs have set a high bar that I can only aspire to reach. Their personal commitment and belief in the program is above compare. These chief's excitement about YGP is contagious and they each want nothing more than to spread the joy of Guides and Princesses to the masses. I am committed to continuing their good works and hope (an pray) that I am worthy to follow in their footsteps.

This is my very first blog posting as the Nation Chief and it is here that I plan on keeping in touch with the nation on a regular basis. As Brendan did before me, I'd like this to be a place where members of the nation can learn about special events, outings, and my thoughts on all things YGP. I will continue to serve as Nation Webspinner while serving as Chief, so please feel free to let me know what you're thinking - about the web and the nation as whole.

I am looking forward to the coming year - and serving the nation...