My trip was definetley not a boring one!

I made it safe and sound two thursday nights ago and got to see one of my best friends Shirley. I love Shirley so much. She has been through so much the past couple of years and I was so proud to watch her graduate! With all the trials her family has been through and all the times she wanted to give up, God truly kept her strong. As she walked across the stage that day it truly was a moment that I felt God was pouring down His blessing on her.

It was so great to see my friends again, at the same time it was hard. All my friends will be done at BBC soon and will be going off in different directions. Some to places farther than the 5 1/2 hour drive, some will be getting married, and most are going off into full time ministry. It was just one of those bittersweet, wow we're really adults now aren't we, moments.

The trip home was much more eventful. A couple of hours before I was ready to leave I started feeling really sick. All my friends were going in different directions however, so I had to make the trip home. Once in the car I realized pretty quick that this was not a smart plan. So I ended up having to stay in a hotel by myself really sick with the stomach flu. It was pretty awful. But I survived and left the next morning.

On the drive home, someone cut me off and I slammed on my brakes harder than I ever have before. It was pretty scary. So a bit shaken up I kept driving down the highway. God showed up. As I was going through a toll a nice person ahead of me paid my toll. This put a smile on my face, despite being sick, grumpy and having had a near accident experience. That little act of kindness meant the world to me. I passed the woman who had paid my toll with a world peace bumper sticker on her car, smiled and mouthed the words thank you. She smiled and waved back.

I learned a lesson of love that day. That a perfect stranger had a heart's desire to brighten someone's day. Changing the world requires thinking of others above yourself and being willing to act. Whether going across the world to help the needy, or paying a 50 cent toll for a random person behind you in a toll line. Changing the world requires action.

"We've got this twinkie goes around the world
meeting all the boys and girls
Seen more sights than many have seen
Those guys in New Jersey are really really mean

There's this guy named Darin with crazy ideas
Being eaten is the twinkie's greatest fear
Will I melt or will I freeze?
Keep me safe if you please!

Got my picture with Uncle Doug!
Namibia, Africa here I come!
Stink!"

~Lyrics by Amanda LaFave and Emily Shaw, music by John Ilkenhons

I thought I'd give a quick summary of our trip:

Friday- Lots of driving
Saturday- More driving, made it to Diann's by 7. I got to meet the most amazing family who made me feel comfortable by the get go.
Sunday- We went over to John's church and then had a big family cookout.
Monday- Magic Kingdom to see the girls dance. Then we went on a bunch of rides till late. A very tiring day
Tuesday- Hollywood Studios. Tower of terror was my favorite!
Wednesday- Relaxing day. Went to Grandma's pool. Then back to Grandma's house for a bday party for em. Then played scattegories till really late! =)
Thursday- Hung out with my friend Jordan from BBC. Then made our journey to Dave's house. Had a cookout and met their family. Got to see Richard.
Friday- Went on a really fun boat ride where we saw gators. Then went to the beach and out to dinner. Played some music.
Saturday- Lot's of driving
Sunday- More Driving and we made it home!

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One of the things that really touched my heart on this trip was the family I was around. It was so nice to be around a family where God was truly at the center. That although they may be in different locations when they come together they can talk about what God is doing, and laugh about things like politics. The family traditions and love for one another was so apparent. It was nice to be around a family that has pretty much always had God in their lives, and were relatively normal. :-) It was just such a blessing for me.

The hardest part about trips like this is meeting such amazing people and not having enough time to get to know them. It's good experiences like the one I had that made me wish I could have stayed longer. Or sometimes I wish I could be in so many places at once. Be at home, school, my ohio friends, work friends, with my group from the cruise, florida friends, namibia friends, the texas friends I know I will have when I finally go visit! :-) But God has me where I am for a reason. I was a little heavy hearted waking up this morning. I was just wishing that my trip hadn't been so short and that I didn't have to go back to work already. But I prayed on the drive to work that God would take away the anxiety I had. As soon as I saw the big smiling face of the student I work with, I felt reassured that I am where I am supposed to be. God really does bring peace and remind us of our purpose when we put Him above our own personal desires. Yet another answer to prayer this week!

I put a ton of pictures up on my facebook. Overall I am just so thankful for the week I had to relax, read, meet new friends and listen to God.

To all my new Florida friends, thanks for everything!

"A thousand times I've failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I'm caught in your grace

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out Lord
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Chorus 2x
Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord, my soul cries out"

~Hillsong

So I cannot believe my week long trip to Florida is coming to an end. I'm in denile. I am willing to admit that. :-) Tomorrow we get in the car and make the long journey home. It's really not that bad. I have found it to be a great time to chat with the other people in the car and try to be an encouragement amongst the not always comfortable sitting space and getting on eachother's nerves cuz we are all over tired. :-)

My trip has been great. I have seen God answer prayers this week and bring me closer to Him. I had a great talk with Pastor Darin on the way down. I cried and just poured my heart out as to how much of the past year I have struggled with my relationship with God. Not having a desire to pray or read my bible or really anything for that matter. Through that talk I was able to learn more about myself. I learned I need to get comfortable in my own skin. :-) So as we were driving I sat, cried, listened to the lyrics of Crowder songs and began to pray. God has been answering those prayers.

I've been praying this week for the little things, the big things, and more for other people. I've had a desire to read and grow and learn on this trip. I've been around many people who love the Lord and I've been able to hear what God is doing in their lives. How He has been there, provided, and encouraged them.

It's been such a great week. I know I will have more to say later on, and lots of pictures to share. But I will leave you with this picture of just 5 of the really fun people I hung out with this week.



So in conclusion, God has been faithful on this trip. As with any relationship there will be times that are great, but there will also be times that will be difficult. I'm just thankful that God has given me the strength not to give up. I'm thankful that Jesus' story didn't end with Him dying on a cross.

"Here at your feet in awe and surrender"