This week we have been in sunny Florida for Will to speak at a youth retreat.  It has brought back many memories for me of my summer here in 1996.  Over a decade ago, I came to Daytona for a summer mission project and had no idea the impact the trip would have on my life.  Going on a mission trip just seemed like the right thing to do for someone who called herself a “Christian.”  So on to Daytona I went and in the next few days and weeks to come, God would completely rock my world.  On July 6, 1996, I put Jesus on the throne of my life.

When we arrived in Daytona this past Monday, I immediately had Will drive me to the place of my salvation.  As silly as that sounds, I had this urge to experience again the day God got a hold of me.  While we spent all of about two minutes in the actual hotel, it brought this overwhelming sense of gratitude to the Lord.  Why would he choose me, the rebellious, self-centered young lady that I was and which I still struggle not to be?  Why would he do the work that he has done in my life?  Why would he allow me to be a part of his mission to the world?  It is a great calling for such a simple girl.  I am humbled to know that as God wrote his story, he decided to write me in it.  Wow, what a privildege!

Tarah

I have heard the stories, but now I know the truth for myself.  Family vacations are no vacation at all.  I don’t mean to sound so trite, but before kids I saw vacation as a time to rest and recoup.  I now understand that vacation means craziness, sleeplessness, and mind-numbing excitement.


Those who work or volunteer beside me know how much a “Type A” person I am.  Within the first twenty-four hours, I came up with a schedule for the week.  I am so, “type A” that I actually wrote out the schedule and posted it on the refrigerator so there would be no confusion or opposition.  It was occasionally mocked but it was respected and implemented.  The family vacation schedule flaunted some exciting events.  Hard Rock Park, Myrtle Wave Waterpark, and Nascar Speedpark were at the top of the list.
 

The kids had an absolute blast.  Piper told me, “Daddy this was the best week of my life!”  Ethan asked, “Can I stay at Myrtle Beach for 100 more days?”  I may not have slept as much as I wanted, read the book that I brought, or got to play a game of volleyball but it was worth it to see my kids so excited.  Thanks Mom, Dad, Mark, & Shanda.