A week and a half ago our family set out on a trip that I like to call “the unknown”…oh wait…that seems to be everyday of our lives on this journey God has us on! But really, we set out for Florida. I know, you are probably thinking, “are you nuts?!? Florida in the middle of the summer!!!” Why, yes, I think we are. It’s hot here, y’all!
So the first stop on our way to Florida was in Savannah, Georgia where we were able to spend some time with my good friend from college, Meghan and her awesome family. She is a doctor and was on call all day Saturday, but we were so thankful that after she made her rounds in the morning she did not have to go back to the hospital. We had a great time catching up with what’s been going on in each of our lives. An added blessing was being able to see another friend, Janci, from college who was stopping through after spending time with her soon to be hubby in Florida! So fun.
Next stop was my Grandma’s house in Bradenton, FL. We had not seen Grandma in 2 ½ years, so it was a blessing for her to meet Miriam and Gideon. We had fun playing games, taking walks, going swimming and taking naps! A highlight for Selah was making homemade orange juice. Silly me thought of the idea and talked to Selah about it before I realized that it is not orange season here in Florida. Needless to say, we made orange juice with freshly squeezed California oranges. We were also able to spend some time with my Uncle Dave and Aunt Linda which was very nice. Selah, Miriam and Gideon each left their house with hands full of Beanie Babies – what a fun treat!
After five days in Bradenton we made the trek eastward to the other side of Florida where we are currently spending time with Tropical Farms Baptist Church. This is the church where my team leaders, Ricky and Brenda, from Uganda are currently members. We were welcomed into their mission house with the fridge and cupboard filled with food for us – what a blessing for these weary travelers! The house has a pool which the girls have really been enjoying.
It’s been so fun to spend time with Ricky and Brenda and to reminisce about our time in Uganda! They had a barbeque at their home for us so that their missions committee and deacons could get to know us a little better. We had fun meeting everyone and also enjoying the Florida flatlands on a buggy ride!
Sunday was a busy day for us! Chandler and I were blessed with the opportunity to share with several classes during Sunday school and then Chandler gave the morning message. Chandler did an awesome job and I really believe the Lord honored him for all the time he spent in prayer and preparation for this time. We were so grateful for these opportunities to share our hearts and the vision God has given us as a family to serve in Tanzania among the least reached peoples.
So far it’s been a good trip and we are thankful for 3 additional partners the Lord has added to our team. This week coming week is filling up with some neat opportunities, so please keep us in your prayers! The interesting thing about this trip is that we came with only a few plans and prayed the Lord would fill the rest of our time…hence the “unknown.” We still have a few days at the end of the week and 2 days early next week that we would like to use strategically. Please pray that the Lord would give us people and or churches to meet with during this time. We are trusting in Him to do GREAT things! Thanks for taking the time to follow our travels. It is exciting to think that each day we are getting a little closer to Tanzania!
Thankful to be making HIM known,
-Jamie