Stranger to friend to a new sister in Christ to possible co-worker???

Do you guys remember my friend Meena? I just got this email from her - how cool is this!?

I got to spend some time with Meena when she was visiting Orlando in March.

"I have some exciting news -- I have been approached by the National Director of Agape (Campus Crusade for Christ in Europe) here in Birmingham, England to apply for the role as her PA in ministry! I'm really overwhelmed still to be honest, but know that God is growing me & strengthening me in considering and applying for the role alone. I'm asking for your prayers during this time as I'm completing my application and seek out God's will for me during what I believe to be a really essential time in my life! Your prayers are priceless to me! I'm thanking you in advance."

Will you join me in praying for her as God continues to reveals His plans for her? I will keep you posted as I hear back :)

"God Save the Queen"

"What does it mean?" We were both puzzled, unsure of the origin of this phrase.

Last October, during my internship with Campus Crusade for Christ in Orlando, I met Meena. She had been interning with the Disney program for several months and still wanting to experience some true American culture. As our initial conversation continued to unfold, so our friendship began.

We baked that apple pie right there, oh yes we did.

We ended up spending the classic, American holiday - Thanksgiving - together. I think Meena would agree, that this was a good "taste" of American traditions.

In the next couple of weeks in December and early January, we continued to hang out, going out to eat at classic American restaurants like Cracker Barrel and the Cheesecake Factory. We had many conversations about our internships, living in different countries, culture and religion. Based on the questions she asked, I knew Meena was definitely searching for the satisfaction only a relationship with God could bring.

Dinner at Cracker Barrel - biscuits and gravy! 

As the end of January approached, so did the end of Meena's internship and ultimately, her time in Orlando. As limited as it was, I was excited and thankful for the time we had spent together. We continued to stay in touch through out the spring and summer months. I was trusting God to continue to work in Meena's life as she had moved home.

WHICH HE DID!!! A couple of days ago, I skyped with Meena and she told me she had become a Christian!!! 

She explained to me that our friend Bryn had described the gospel in a creative way. We each have report cards, full of C's and D's, but Jesus has a report card full of A+'s! Because Jesus loves us so much, He is willing to trade His report card with us, so we can succeed and have a relationship with Him.

This August, she was visiting friends in Orlando. During her visit, she faced some challenges and tough choices. Toward the end of her trip, as she was processing life, her future and her journey thus far, she decided she wanted to trade report cards with Jesus. She realized He was pursuing her and wasn't going to stop.

Praise God for technology!

Since then, "I've been focusing on God, learning to really enjoy Him. My job right now is to become more Christian (Christ-like) everyday" Meena said this afternoon. My jaw dropped a little bit at how God has been transforming Meena in her newfound relationship with Him. Truely awesome!

It was so great to hear more of her testimony/story, listen to her questions and experiences as a new Christian. I asked her if I could write about her and share prayer requests.

Please pray:

• First that Meena would continue to trust in the Spirit and His work in her life.
• For a teachable heart to soak up the Word
• For patience and trusting God to heal and lead

And Praise God for a new sister in Christ!!!

Thanksgiving with a Brit!

About two weeks ago, I wrote about a Disney intern I met at Disney. Her name is Meena. During our conversation, I learned she felt like she had not fully experienced American culture. After a while, I decided to extend an invitation to Meena to spend Thanksgiving with me and my roomates. I wasn't sure she would accept, but I hoped she would. I remembered the kindness and hospitality French people showed to me when I was living in France and wanted to do the same for Meena.

To my happy surprise, Meena decided to come! The night before Thanksgiving, I picked up Meena from her apartment and we went grocery shopping for Thanksgiving deserts! We made apple pie and chocolate pilgrim hat cookies. Thanksgiving morning, we watched the Macy’s parade with friends. Around lunchtime, we joined my roommate’s church in hosting a Thanksgiving lunch for people who live in a trailer park. We made the kids gospel bracelets. It was so cool to watch Meena, who is still seeking a personal relationship with God, explain to the kids the meaning behind the gospel bracelets. On our way home, Meena shared that she liked giving back to the community.

Me and Meena at the trailer park Thanksgiving outreach.

After we watched some football and took a nap, we headed to my friend’s home for dinner. One of the other guests there was a woman named Bryn. She was so warm, welcoming and engaging. It was apparent she is a woman of God because as she spoke with us, I could see the Holy Spirit using her to love and care for Meena by asking intriguing questions. I even felt like I walked away from the conversation, wanting to know God on a deeper level. Later when we got home, Meena brought up some of the things we had talked about with Bryn and we were able to discuss them further – grace, not being perfect, God’s work in our lives.

Meena and me with our apple pie!

I so enjoyed the time I spent with Meena over the Thanksgiving break. It made me take a fresh look and why we celebrate. It was also just fun to hang out with Meena - she is a very sweet girl. Tonight, we are going out to dinner together to the American restaurant The Cheesecake Factory at her request :)

Thanksgiving Outreach

Man, this past Saturday was a long and full day! We hosted Thanksgiving for the international Disney interns. We had 110 people feast and celebrate this holiday of appreciation. 85 internationals were there and of them, 17 were European -- 10 FRENCH PEOPLE!!! I was honestly amazed!

In our time spent at Disney, we as the European team, have had a hard time building relationships with the interns outside of Disney. They are very friendly and happy to see us when we come to their pavilion during the week, but usually are unavailable or uninterested in hanging out apart from Disney. So, we as the European team were so excited that so many Europeans came to this event.

One of my jobs was to drive interns to and from the event. There and back, I drove a couple French interns. On the way back, our conversation led to sharing the gospel! One of the girls was asking me where I work - which lead to explaining Cru, and Campus Crusade for Christ International - which lead to telling them about Cru in France/Europe which is called Life Agape - which lead to me trying to explain the word Agape - which went into a verrrry brief lesson of the Greek word - which lead to using it in an example = the Agape (unconditional love) of God through sending His Son to pay for our sins. It was cool :)

God's faithfulness - Pray BIG or go home.

God is just so good, faithful and wants to invest in the lives of His children.

Last week, before our Friday Disney day, I was praying for God to do something big. In the past, these Friday's have been pretty good, but I've felt myself relying on my own abilities to engage in conversations with interns. In realizing that, I feel that the "fruits of my labor" have been small. I have a BIG God, so why not fully rely on HIS abilities?

I kid you not, the first conversation of the day that I had, God blew me away. I met a girl named Meena who is from the UK and has been interning for 9 months. In our conversation, she shared with me about her families spiritual background - her dad is Buddhist and her mom is Catholic. She does not specifically identify with either, but acknowledges there is a God.

"So, is it easy for you?" she asked, regarding my journey of being a Christ follower. It seemed to be an opportunity for me to share my story with her and briefly explain the gospel. She was intrigued and wants to meet up for coffee sometime this coming week! I am thankful God has given me another international friend!

French Friends

A few weeks ago, I missed a Disney friday due to an event at headquarters. A week or so later, I had a Disney "make-up" day on a Wednesday with a teammate, Evangeline and her daughter Annada. Usually, I never go on Wednesdays!

I ate lunch at the Paris pavilion and ended up meeting a french girl named Pauline. She studied at a university near by and came back to American for the Disney intern program. I mentioned to her I had just moved back from France and wanted to practice my french! Sort of hinting at the idea of hanging out :) I think she caught on because she said "If I wanted to hang out with French people, I would move back to France. I want to meet more Americans!"

We ended up exchanging phone numbers and I invited her to the Halloween party. Unfortunately, she was working late that night and couldn't come. A few days after the party, she texted me and invited me to hang out! I was pretty excited because this was the first intern I've met who has shown an interest in hanging out OUTSIDE of when I see them at Disney. I drove to Disney, picked her up at her apartment and we went out to a restaurant to chat about life. She is a honest person and not afraid to share her views. She speaks English really well! We talked about fun things to do in Orlando, making friends, dating - which lead to what qualities we look for in guys, and eventually the topic of marriage! She told me about her job and asked about mine. It was interesting for me to explain to her about support raising and that my job wants me to stay. On my way home, after I dropped her off at her place, Pauline sent me a text thanking me for hanging and hoping to again soon!

Pauline is also kind of an answer to prayer because when I found out I was accepted to YearOne, I prayed I would meet a French girl who would want to be my friend. I am excited to spend more time with her as the year continues.

Day 67

67 days here already. Recently, I've taken a little time to reflect on this year so far. I'm happy to say I've see myself grown in areas of need, and also see God provide in different ways - community, outside friendships, learning more about who He is as a relational God.

Last Thursday, I went out sharing with one of the Cru staff, who's campus happens to be Disney. We spoke with this newly married gal, who was very colorful with her words and anecdotes.

As we spoke, we learned she had become a believer at a young age. In conversation, her references to God were truths I've known my whole life... yet God seemed to use her to minister to me!

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Matthew 11:28-29

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

1 John 4:19

We love him, because he first loved us.

Luke 12:7
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

It was a sweet and humbling moment when I realized God was teaching me something through this conversation with a stranger. Because He is a relational God and cares deeply about each one of us He has created. He knows me better than I know my self. Its a wild and peaceful thought.