A Fresh Start: A Fresh Start

Saturday, July 22, 2006

A Fresh Start

This summer has been quite different than what I had expected. Now mind you, this may seem as if I'm preparing to post a list of complaints. Aside from my intern experience, it is quite the opposite.

When I left home in mid-May, I was not all that excited about leaving my comfortable spot in Pennsylvania to spend a summer in the Florida heat. I was nervous about the internship that I would soon begin and thought of returning to school in the later half of August. Unbeknownst to me, God had some major surprises in store for me.

While my internship hasn't been quite what I had hoped for, I am learning a bit. What I did not expect was the incredible young adult community I found here in the Orlando area. It is so refreshing to be around others who are passionate about God and who are involved in the ministry at their church. For quite some time I was beginning to wonder if I would ever feel as if I belonged anywhere. Sure I can get along with most people, but to find others who share my interest in worship and fellowship with other believers has seemed near impossible.

My first weeks in Florida I had the privilege of attending GodEncounters, the young-adult worship service at Florida Campmeeting. The topic was that of finding a sacred space where you can be in the presence of God. Now as important as the personal time is each day, I also find strength in the fellowship of other believers.

Since arriving in Florida, I found community at not only one church, but two. Every Friday night I spend a few hours at MeltDown, sitting with friends simply relaxing as we look out over a lake. Nothing is planned but to simply relax and let the Sabbath enter into our lives. What an incredible concept and a wonderful blessing.

Aside from MeltDown, I've enjoyed SomethingMORE Sabbath School at the Florida Hospital Church. This is a great young-adult, discussion class. We really need more like this. Other weeks I've gone to Forest Lake Church for Deeper and sometimes the second service as well (it depends on what time I get out of the house). I mainly enjoy this because though I've been here for only a short time, I'm already involved.

Fourth of July weekend was when things really began to get interesting. First of all, my best friend came down to visit which was cool on its own. The weekend began with MeltDown on Friday night and then SomethingMORE Sabbath morning. Amy arrived around noon and she, another friend Tiffany and I headed home for lunch. That night we went to Chad's for game night and had a blast. Sunday Amy and I went to FleaWorld thinking it would be a blast... we lasted for an hour before heading out and stopping at the mall on the way home (Charlotte Russe is dangerous when they have sales). That night we went to Forest Lake for the 4th of July party and once again had a great time. After everything was officially over, Amy, Todd and I sat around talking until I could no longer handle the bugs that were biting my legs. To say that was the end of my weekend would be far from the truth. The next day, Todd picked Amy and me up and went to Val's house for another 4th of July party. Another great night with a group that I was already looking forward to getting to know better... one person in particular. Tuesday morning I woke up early and headed to Winter Park where I participated in my first 5k and then that evening headed to Zellwood for the Family Friendly Fourth Celebration with Avalon and Chris Rice. It was okay, but I have to say that I enjoyed the activities the previous two nights more.

After making it through 3 days of work that week, I again found myself at another great weekend. Deeper for church (of which I was part of the hospitality team), lunch and the entire afternoon at Todd's with a different Tiffany than the previous weekend, and a night of swing dancing. While I don't mind to terribly much dancing with strangers, I really enjoy dancing with friends. I was in luck! While I spent a few dances with other guys, most of the night was spent dancing, talking and laughing with Todd. Talk about keeping emotions under control while dancing with a guy you really enjoy yet having been sure you were not going to get into a relationship for a realllllyy long time. Another Saturday over, that Sunday I met Todd at his house before going to play Rook at Brennan's with another great group. I think I may kind of understand the concept of the game.

Notice a theme in my activities here...? Before this point, I had done next to nothing during the week (4th of July not included). Wednesday I met Todd at Craine's Roost Park to walk and for four hours we talked about nearly everything under the sun... things I would never think of bringing up with someone I had known just over a month.

The following Friday, because I had asked Todd to make sure I left MeltDown at a decent time, he picked me up so that I would have to leave when he did. That evening did not end at all as I expected or ever dreamed. From this evening came a promise of further discussion the next day....

For those who will read this, and I expect that it will really only be those closest to me, let it be known that while I was once a happy single girl, I am still happy (incredibly happy) but no longer single. God has blessed me beyond what I could have ever expected. This summer has become the launching point for the rest of my life, a new beginning. Even before Todd entered my life as more than a casual friend, I was planning to return to Orlando after I graduate in May. Sure it will be hard being 18 hours from home, but I really feel that this is where I belong, a part of a young-adult community on fire for Christ.

Its such a wonderful feeling... belonging. Knowing that God has a plan for you and that He loves you so much to surprise you with a community of faith that will only help to draw you closer to Him. Thank You, God for your rich blessings and for loving my in spite of who I have been and still continue to be!

posted by Elizabeth @ 7:26 PM

1 Comments:

At 10:08 AM, Priscilla said…

Hey, its been great having you here. I'm so glad you are planning to come back! :)

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