One of the ways God has blessed me during my time in Orlando has been with a really great home group. Both the one I was most recently a part of ... and the one that I was in 2 years ago. This is our group back then.

In 2005 I joined a home group that was a part of the 20s and 30s ministry, Revolution, that started at my church - Northland. I remember walking into the first home group meeting and looking around at the group of women -- thankful for the opportunity to be a part of a women's small group Bible study again. These women were a part of encouraging and praying me through the process of applying to pursue missionary work. That was two years ago. They have continued to pray, encourage and support me all along the way.


Last week we met all together at our old meeting place -- the Panera at Lake Eola -- and got to catch up and they took time to pray for me. I shared with them that I really do feel like they're going with me. I have such a sense of prayerful support from these women. It means so much.

Sunday I got to have lunch with Renae and Nicole at Crispers. And tonight I got to have dinner with Peggy and Renae -- all from the old home group and sweet friends. I'll miss hanging out --- okay, eating out... because no matter how well-intentioned, we always just ended up doing that :) ... CPK with Jody. A Winter Park something with Sam. SIGH.

I'm thankful for these women. I'm excited for the things that are going on in their lives... new husbands, homes, babies, possibilities for their futures... thankful that at least email will keep me in touch with the things God is doing in their lives. I'll miss being able to catch up face-to-face though.

I'll need to post some fun pics of my more recent home group from our Disney Boardwalk fun night... need to get copies of them first :)

And... just because I love this Panera I'm posting this picture :)

I've been spending the last week with Ruth at her house. (OK... mostly in one spot in her house -- on the blue chair in front of the TV!)

It's been such a blessing.

I had originally thought that I'd be able to stay at my house until I was ready to leave town on the 1st. However, my landlord/roommate is making a move back to California and needed to have the house ready for tenants this week. At first I thought it to be an extra, unnecessary move... but I am so thankful for it and God knew I needed it.

Ruth has been such a good friend to me from the time that I came to Orlando. I love her and appreciate her friendship so much. When I came to Wycliffe she had joined the Communications Department just a couple of months before me. It's been a crazy adventure over these years and I'm thankful for the things I've learned through her during it. She has been a huge example to me of stepping out in faith and being obedient to God. The ways I have seen her make herself available to be used by God-- however He chooses -- has been a gift. In the time that we've worked together I have seen her heart and passion for God and His people. She has been one that God has continually used to challenge and encourage me along the way. And she reminds me to have fun :)

Ruth and her Dad have always welcomed me into their home. It's one of my special places in Orlando. So, it's been good to have this week with Ruth and her Dad -- to be at home in their home. We spent the day together today -- watching movies, going out to eat, chatting... just spending time together -- and that means A LOT.

I have A LOT of stuff.
Waaaayyy too much stuff actually.

I'd been getting ready for the moving truck to come and pick up the bulk of my stuff and have been sorting, throwing, giving away most of my stuff. I got rid of almost 10 garbage bags worth of clothes. I gave away a ton of random things -- including some furniture and electronics.

On July 12th (about 2 weeks earlier than I had originally planned...) the moving truck came and we loaded it up with a bunch of stuff (mostly a few pieces of furniture, books and kitchen stuff). So neat to see how God takes care of details. The morning the truck was to arrive I wasn't sure how I was going to get it loaded. Thank God for servant-hearted friends ... Heather, Jeff, Jon and Norm came to help me get my stuff on the truck. And when the truck arrived at my parents' house in Newtown a family from the church arrived just when it did to help out. When will I learn to TRUST God to provide?

So I gave a way a ton of stuff and shipped a bunch home too ... so, why do I still have a lot of junk left??!!!

Today I moved into my friend Ruth's house. I couldn't even get everything over here to her house in one car load. I have to go back tomorrow to get the rest and clean up the house.

I'm supposed to travel to North Carolina and to Texas with everything I have left. Obviously... I have too much stuff and I'm going to have to get rid of more!!

It was a fun night tonight.

For a long time I've mentioned a couple of Filipino restaurants in town and have told people that I'd take them to try some Filipino food out.

Well... time's running out. So, I invited a bunch of people to come out for some Filipino Food and Fun!

We went to a restaurant in town, Cafe Mindanao for a monthly special they have -- the Lechon Platter. Roasted pig (lechon), rice, noodles (pancit) and an egg roll (lumpia). There were about 25 of us there -- taking up most of the cozy, little restaurant. If you're wondering what everyone is looking at... there was a TV with TFC (The Filipino Channel) that was showing some soap opera like show with superheroes with wings or something :)

It was so fun for me to see my friends try out some Filipino cuisine -- including my favorite dessert, halo-halo (shaved ice with different toppings and ice cream that you "mix-mix" for a delicious icy treat!)

Afterwards some of us went next door to Broadway Entertainment for 9 holes of Glow-in-the-dark mini golf. FUN :) And you can't have a night of fun without Marble Slab.

It was a fun night. What was most fun for me was seeing good friends and sharing that time with them. God has blessed me with fun friends ... I'm grateful.

OR

Early one Saturday...

I'm sitting on the floor of my bedroom -- because I no longer have a bed here -- with stacks and stacks of clothes piled against my wall. Clothes I realize I don't need -- and hope to give away to some friends.

This is one of the last few weekends I have in Orlando before I leave this town I've come to call "home."

Lots of thoughts. Lots of emotions.

Right now mostly... I'm tired.

Goodnight.