Both Ends of the Journey

Good morning to Monday and a good morning to you!

Today I’m finishing out my Florida trip stories, starting with the church service I attended with Meagan and Nathan who attend Garden Grove Church in Winter Haven, FL, which is pastored by Meagan’s parents.

 In this photo, Meagan’s mom, Sheri, is leading in a time of prayer. (She is also an outstanding speaker.) Sheri and Frank’s son-in-law, John, is on the keyboard, and their daughter, Kristin, (who just got married last week) is next to John.

And here is my most lovely and wonderful daughter-in-law reading a scripture. (She has also sung on the worship team but is taking break.)

And my favorite drummer and son–the fun and fabulous Nathan Smith!

This is my very own grandson walking the aisles before the service, and hanging out with his Grandpa Hawley who did such a great job of preaching later in the service.

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This is Frank and Sheri’s middle daughter, Joy, (on the left) who is involved in music, youth and women’s ministry.

And this picture? Well, that would be me!  

Frank asked if I would speak at the end of his sermon and share a few things that would tie in with what he was preaching on. And so for about ten minutes (in each of the two morning services), I was privileged to speak and sing to the wonderful people of Garden Grove Church.

Actually speaking at Garden Grove turned out to be just one of my speaking opportunities during my visit. I was also invited to make a presentation about Roanoke Island to the fourth graders at Oasis Academy since the class just happened to be studying that location and I just happen to live there.

And the person who invited me to speak?  Why Mrs. Smith, of course! I told the class that they could call me the Old Mrs. Smith and call her the Young Mrs. Smith. They thought that was quite funny.

May I just add a quick note here and say two things: 

First of all, teachers are amazing people who accomplish great things and get paid only a fraction of what they’re worth.

Secondly, Meagan, is a fabulous teacher whom I admire greatly. She is a wife and a mom who works full-time teaching and does an exemplary job at all of it.  My hat is off to her and my heart is so grateful for her.

Once all the teaching, speaking, singing and baby hugging was done, I took off for home. After being caught up in the crowded environs of O’Hare Airport on my layover . . .

I was ever so happy to land in Norfolk and be greeted by this sight.   Ahhhh . . . .

And when I pulled up to the house two hours later and saw this Sarah-made sign? 

I truly knew I was home. I truly knew I was loved.

How wonderful to experience love at both ends of my journey.

 P.S.  In the comments last week, Mrs. Pam asked the reason behind the moustache theme for Noah’s first birthday party. It was due to the fact that Noah’s Uncle Cody had given him this pacifier for his first Christmas and the whole idea just seemed to stick.

I truly love this photo!