This 1st post is a test/introduction

Ok, so this is really a test. I'm entering the world of blog for the first time and just want to see what this is like.

Ok, I see what that looks like. I apologize in advance if my entries come across as tentative. I'm sure you'll understand, for now.

I'd better introduce myself, at least a little, for now. My name is Wade Baker and I live in Siloam Springs, AR. I chose the name Pool of Siloam, a reference from the bible, to set the tone for the things on my heart for the community I live in.

And I might as well get one thing straight. I'm going to type like I talk, okay? Please forgive, excuse typos, bad (poor) grammar and the commas, slashes and parenthesis. I'll try and run an occasional spell check when I remember. My point is, I'm trying to best convey my conversational style and not so worried about winning the spelling bee.

Ok, enough disclaimer/preface for now. Ah, that's so freeing. And yes, I'll jump around a bit; just following my brain.

So, let's get some other stuff out of the way. I've lived in Siloam Springs a little more than 10 years now. I've been married to my young bride for that same length of time. She imported me here from Orlando, FL. That story will come someday soon. I'm setting this blog up to primarily tell you about the incredible things happening in this community but my life is so intertwined with it that I don't think I should try to separate them. So is this about me or Siloam Springs? Yes. I'll try not to bore you with the "me" parts. Just know there is some related reason for sharing so You may have to figure it out if it's not obvious.

I won't have much time today to kick this off but I'll try and fill you in over the next few days. There are many stories to catch you up on. I will tell you the freshest thing on my mind is the Free Prayer booth we had at this weekend's Dogwood Festival. There were an estimated 30,000 people there this weekend. What an opportunity! I've had a bunch of people asking me about it so I figure I better start doing a better job of getting the word out. Let's just say for now, it was incredible! There will be much decompressing and many more realizations to come. In the menatime, ask me about the pregnant lady Tiffany I had the blessing to pray with. Then I'll know you read this post. :) Later! - Wade Baker