Back in FL?

So...i just returned from an incredible weekend in the DC area where I got to witness and be a part of the Melissa/Jacob wedding. What an amazing event, time, and experience! Not only was it great to witness the union of these two incredible people and families, but to catch up with good friends and family was more than I could have asked for. It not only was a blessing to hear about what is going on in their lives but to be able to share what is going on in my own. I was also reminded of how much I miss the community we all shared when we lived so close to each other and what a gift it is to be able to live with your friends.

As many know, living in FL has been quite difficult for me over the past year (I can't believe I've already been down here for over a year!!!). In fact, I actually was not looking forward to coming back. While I've made some great friends and have loved school, finding fellowship and a faith community was and is a trying process. But this has not stopped me from building community. I feel very blessed by the friends God has placed in my life down here. Even though they don't go to church, most don't believe, and they all live life styles that most people at Gordon would be uncomfortable with, they continue to show me how love and commitment bind people together in amazing ways. They care for each other very deeply and are always ready and willing to help in what ever way necessary. When someone needs help moving they're there with their trucks. If someone's car broke down, they're helping out with rides or pulling money together to help fix it. The only thing that is difficult though, is their is no sharing of faith or belief. And this weekend, I was once again hit with how much I miss and need that.

The love and commitment that is now binding Melissa and Jacob together is an incredible thing. But the love and commitment that has and does bind our group together is also incredible. It was wonderful to get together with Rachel, Lex and Heather this weekend. Even though we haven't seen each other in months, it was like no time had passed at all. We were talking, laughing, sharing stories, concerns, struggles, joys and meals together like we were back up at Hull St. We are truly fortunate with the friends we have and the community we've created, and the faith we share.

So...even though community is hard to build and not always tangible or very visible...it doesn't mean it's missing from our lives totally. So thank you all! - Sam