I have been in Orlando for a little over two weeks now, and life has been so full - full of fun, full of laughter, and full of God's grace. We have all quickly settled into the new rhythm of life here.
A typical day at headquarters for us is having someone come in and speak about a certain topic in the morning. We take an extended break for lunch and will usually wander around the office. Then we will have someone else come in and speak about a different topic in the afternoon before we head home for the day. Some of the topics we have covered include: handling finances, sharing the gospel, leading a Bible study, living the Spirit-filled life, Spiritual practices, studying the Bible, Jesus Films, Love styles, Love languages, managing conflict and confrontation, strengthsfinder personalities, and so many other things. Everything is so practical which makes them 10 times more interesting. I have also learned about so many free tools for Bible studies and sharing the Gospel. There truly are so many different resources out there.
The team and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time at headquarters and have genuinely made it our home. Whenever we have a break from our meetings we take the liberty to roam the halls, complete every puzzle we find, and befriend everyone we come across whether they like it or not. Skeeter (who we like to call Skeeter Skooter Skatatertots) supplies us with all of our snack needs despite us spilling jellybeans all over his floor. Karl is another victim of our craziness. We took the liberty of decorating his unofficial cubicle with sticky notes of encouragement. Luckily for us, he thoroughly enjoyed our artistic design. We also enjoy the complimentary coffee from the fancy machines that they have around the buildings. The coolest thing about them is that they display Bible verses as they make your drink!
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, we help out the Cru ministry in two local high schools. The ministry takes place during the students' lunch block, so there are two different groups of students coming in every week. They have snacks and sometimes pizza for the students and a time for small group discussions. We primarily help set up the classroom and lead small group discussions. Last Wednesday I briefly shared my testimony during one of the lunch blocks.
Last weekend I got to visit one of my friends who goes to USF in Tampa, which is about 1.5 hours west of Orlando - shoutout Anna :) It was so fun to be able to connect with her and to be able to meet all of her friends from college. The team was also invited over to Kamise's house for dinner by her parents. The food was absolutely delicious and it was so cool to be able to hear stories of when they served overseas doing missions. Her mom also gave us copies of her book "Out of Zion: Meeting Jesus in the Shadow of the Mormon Temple". I have only read the first few chapters, but it has been so interesting!!
Addison arrived safely on Monday. The bigger apartment we were intending on moving to was having plumbing issues, so she had to sleep on the couch for a few days while that was figured out. Thankfully there was another two-bedroom apartment open right next door, and she was able to move in there.
One of my biggest prayer requests has been for team unity, and the Lord has been so faithful. I love every moment I spend with these girls and we are able to encourage one another as well as laugh and have so much fun. We decided to read through Philippians while in Orlando, and when we read through the first chapter together one of the verses that stuck out to us was Philippians 1:17 which says, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel." We all agreed that we wanted to live out this verse this year because we are united in Christ and we have a common goal. We all wrote it on sticky notes and placed them throughout our apartment as little reminders to live a life worthy of the Gospel.
This past Saturday we took a day trip to New Smyrna Beach, which apparently is the shark attack capital of the world. We did not know this until we got there, but it didn't stop us from enjoying the beautiful day. We had a great time swimming in the water and lying out in the sun. On the way home we stopped for acai bowls. I had never had one before, but my life was changed. If you have never tried one I definitely recommend!!!
Some things you can be praying for as we head into another week of training:
Continued team unity - so far we have not had any conflict. Pray that the Lord will continue to give us patience and grace as we interact with one another.
The hearts of the students in the local schools to be open to hearing the Gospel. - many of the students who come to the Cru meetings are not believers. Pray that God would do a work in their hearts, so that they may know the truth.
The team will continue to grow closer to the Lord. Pray that we will each experience God work in our lives through this trip.
I will find my strength in the Lord and be wholly satisfied and content in Him. Pray that He will sustain me in any and every situation.
John 10:10
"The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come that they may have life and have it to the full."
(A verse that I am constantly reminded of and has been brought up a bunch during training. True life is found in Jesus and Jesus only. The Devil will decieve us so that we stray away from God and seek life in the things of this world, stealing the joy, hope, and life we would otherwise experience with the Lord, and ultimately destroying us.)
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