What would we do without family? It's who we are. It's where we come from. Generations and generations form and mold our family. But as I've experienced more and more of life, I'm redefining what family is to me. First say that you can never replace the family in which you have been born into. I am so lucky and blessed to have the perfect parents for me. My brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephews will always be there! They are the perfect family for me...strange and funny at times, they are mine.
Family I'm talking more is how when we move beyond the walls of our immediate biological family and begin to make those relationships beyond. I think of the friendships I made in Nashville. Where some lasted merely the season I was living there, a few continue to be lifelong friendships. A
My ActsTwo family has been my family while growing in Orlando. Redefining my ideologies, my perspective on life and even my beliefs on theology. The most important thing I have received from my ActsTwo family is love without judgement. This is a rarity in today's church I have found. Having leaders that are authentic, genuine and humble lead and allow for an environment like this. It's family...
I think about the students at my former school. Especially the internationally students. These students came from all over the world to study and advance their opportunities in life. I remember that same feeling when I went to study in Germany for a semester. It was an adventure, scary at times and eye opening. The one thing I found with my time at the school is the amazing relationships the students and parents long for that are authentic and genuine....particularly the students. They want someone who listens and truly has their best interest at hand rather than the tuition payment they make to sustain the initity. I found that some of these students I swept under my wings as little brothers or little sisters. Someone for them to talk and confide in and simply to be heard. It's has given me some of the most memorable experiences of my life. Understanding these students stirred the desire to be abroad and to explore more. When traveling this summer to china, I truly was welcomed with warmth, admiration and the best hospitality ever. Even now, as I begin to make china my home for the next season of life, I find these students willing to help and stay engaged in relationship. Where some tried to stifle it, it has only grown stronger and deeper. Not only with the students, but also their families and parents. I cannot express how amazing these families are and what they truly mean to me. What I know is that they have become part of my family. It's exciting to know that one day I will be attending weddings and birthday parties for their children.
My ActsTwo family has been my family while growing in Orlando. Redefining my ideologies, my perspective on life and even my beliefs on theology. The most important thing I have received from my ActsTwo family is love without judgement. This is a rarity in today's church I have found. Having leaders that are authentic, genuine and humble lead and allow for an environment like this. It's family...
I think about the students at my former school. Especially the internationally students. These students came from all over the world to study and advance their opportunities in life. I remember that same feeling when I went to study in Germany for a semester. It was an adventure, scary at times and eye opening. The one thing I found with my time at the school is the amazing relationships the students and parents long for that are authentic and genuine....particularly the students. They want someone who listens and truly has their best interest at hand rather than the tuition payment they make to sustain the initity. I found that some of these students I swept under my wings as little brothers or little sisters. Someone for them to talk and confide in and simply to be heard. It's has given me some of the most memorable experiences of my life. Understanding these students stirred the desire to be abroad and to explore more. When traveling this summer to china, I truly was welcomed with warmth, admiration and the best hospitality ever. Even now, as I begin to make china my home for the next season of life, I find these students willing to help and stay engaged in relationship. Where some tried to stifle it, it has only grown stronger and deeper. Not only with the students, but also their families and parents. I cannot express how amazing these families are and what they truly mean to me. What I know is that they have become part of my family. It's exciting to know that one day I will be attending weddings and birthday parties for their children.
I think about the students at my former school. Especially the internationally students. These students came from all over the world to study and advance their opportunities in life. I remember that same feeling when I went to study in Germany for a semester. It was an adventure, scary at times and eye opening. The one thing I found with my time at the school is the amazing relationships the students and parents long for that are authentic and genuine....particularly the students. They want someone who listens and truly has their best interest at hand rather than the tuition payment they make to sustain the initity. I found that some of these students I swept under my wings as little brothers or little sisters. Someone for them to talk and confide in and simply to be heard. It's has given me some of the most memorable experiences of my life. Understanding these students stirred the desire to be abroad and to explore more. When traveling this summer to china, I truly was welcomed with warmth, admiration and the best hospitality ever. Even now, as I begin to make china my home for the next season of life, I find these students willing to help and stay engaged in relationship. Where some tried to stifle it, it has only grown stronger and deeper. Not only with the students, but also their families and parents. I cannot express how amazing these families are and what they truly mean to me. What I know is that they have become part of my family. It's exciting to know that one day I will be attending weddings and birthday parties for their children.
few of those possess more depth and I consider family. Especially those that started in Nashville and continued in Orlando. As as the wisdom continues to find me (and now the tinsel hair) realizing that relationships truly are the treasures we can invest in most with a deep return.
MORE TO BE CONTINUED....
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