“Hello, my name is Arnie.”

I’ve always thought this is the best way to introduce myself to someone I didn’t know, especially if they were someone I may want to know. So today, after the first seminar of the International Youth Leaders Convention in Barcelona, it seemed natural to introduce myself to some of the 827 attendees as we enjoyed a light morning tea.

“Arni? You mean like Arni Schwarzawhatsisname, the president of California?”

“Ah, his name is Arnold, and my parents gave me the name Arnie, so it isn’t exactly the same.”

“It’s still cool though, maybe you could put it over some of these others here and pretend you were him.”

Hmmm. “So what’s your name?”

“I’m Simonosius from Greece. I love American basketball. Call me Simo.”

This is a youth leader? “Ah, Simo, I need to run, I have another seminar to attend. Maybe I’ll see you around.”

“Yeah man,” and then, with the worst attempted Austrian accent ever, “I’ll be back.”

Hasta la vista, Baby. “Okay, see you later.”