One of the things I've loved about Florida is having good friends and family nearby.

Of course all the dear friends I've made in Orlando over the last 5 years, but in addition to them... my brother and his family live in Tampa. And in Gainesville I have my aunt, uncle, cousin and her family, and my good friend from my college days.

One of the reasons I left work when I did was to make sure I had some time in Gainesville before I headed out of the state. This week has been such a good week. An aunt, uncle and cousin from Dallas, TX surprised us by coming into town this week also so it's been a fun family gathering. We've spent a lot of time eating and shopping -- our family's favorite pastimes.

We've also played a lot of Ninendo DS :)

We went to campus to see how things have changed, have some Burrito Brothers and to try and spot some alligators over at Lake Alice. We caught sight of a couple of eyes peeking out above the water, but that was all. There were lots of turtles though! (Do gators eat turtles?)

My nephew, Xander and my nieces, Jasmine and Julie-- they all three were born to be Gator fans :)

Friday I got to have lunch and spend the afternoon with my friend, Kristy, and her two kids -- Caleb and Cate. It was soo good to spend time with her -- in the same room! Her kids are so cute. It was fun spending the day with them.

today I left Orlando.

For the past 5 years "The City Beautiful" has been my home. I've really come to love being an Orlando resident.
God brought me to Orlando. I came here in April 2002 to work as an employee with a ministry. Back then it was a job in ministry and honestly I saw it as a step to move me towards full-time ministry (what I thought then was Campus Ministry).

I'm leaving Orlando now ... getting ready to go overseas to serve the Bible translation movement. During this time God has given me a heart for this ministry. He has opened my eyes and my heart to the people around the world who don't have access to His Word in a language they know best.

And He has given me a heart for His body. During this time I've had the incredible privilege of working alongside truly beautiful people. As I've grown in appreciation of the unique ways that God has gifted and skilled each person... He's given me a heart too for seeing people plugged into their giftings and to fulfill the good works that He has prepared in advanced for them uniquely. I have loved the moments when I've seen my co-laborers get that surge of energy when they've been doing something that has made them sigh in delight. I have hurt for them when they've struggled through knowing if "this" is for them. And I've been grateful for the lessons and the ways they've grown along the way -- and how they've let me be a part of it with them.

I'll miss this group of people. Thankful that I'll get to continue to work with them -- from the otherside of the ocean.


I don't think that it's really sunk in that I'm not going back to work there anymore. In a way it just feels like I'm off for a trip and in a few weeks I'll drive up our street, park my car and walk into the office like any other day. But I won't.


My time in Orlando was definitely not without hard times and challenges. I was stretched - A LOT. I saw that my work-aholic tendencies was not just because of my old job... it's me. I saw how I really do care about what people think... approval addiction is hard to manage anytime, but I found it especially when you're a manager. I learned more about myself and I think I've become more aware when I'm in situations or in relationships what my tendencies can be. I think I've learned more about my gifts and abilities -- and I'm learning to appreciate them and be a good steward of those things.

Yes, there's always more to learn. But, I'm thankful for the time that God gave me to be there. To be stretched and to be grown in such a nurturing and fruitful environment.

...oh the growing and learning that's ahead!!

I got to have "last" lunch today with Emily and Marshall. About 4 years ago or so I met Emily through people at work. Together with another good friend, SarahJoy, we met to study the Bible, pray and encourage each other. I love these women. They are such good friends and I cherish the times I've had to spend with them.

Emily and Marshall got married a couple of years ago and I have loved seeing them grow in their marriage and in their walks in the Lord. It's been neat to see how God has worked in their lives and how He's been growing them. I admire their prayerfulness and their faith. AND... Marshall was teaching me how to play guitar for a while. He's the best instrument teacher I've had (if anyone in Orlando needs a teacher... he's the one to go to!) -- I was even able to start playing a couple of chords to a David Crowder song! Ok -- granted, I've not picked up my guitar in almost a year now and have since forgotten it, but still I knew it at one point and that was a huge accomplishment!

BTW - I brought my guitar and am determined to learn how to play it!

I will definitely miss them.