Labelled: The Z Squad

Last night, I attended a new Bible study from the church I visited on Sunday. It has great potential of being my "church home" for my time here in Orlando.

It was somewhat refreshing being the "n00b" to the group. Just go and attend, maybe chirp in here and there. Growing up in the church with my natural strengths (and weaknesses), I always managed to be apart of some sort of leadership team. And I loved it.

It still, however, was refreshing to be the new girl (not quite Zooey Deschanel-like, but I do like to make others laugh) and remember the perspective of being an outsider.

The group and church, is going through a series on "Lies We Believe". Last night, we talked about shame. Feeling shamed, shaming others, shaming yourself...

As I sat there and listened to the girls, I started thinking about areas of my life I've felt shame or shamed others. As most of you know, I was home schooled. In high school, I did attend the public school for electives. I was looking forward to it for various reasons, one being largely surrounded by non-Christians. Growing up, my core group of friends were fellow Believers. And I am still thankful to this day I still consider them friends. Attending the public high school, I saw I could invite these new friends to youth group, retreats, church etc.

Weeks in to freshman year, a kid had labeled me and a few others "The Z Squad". I later learned it mean the Zealot Squad, and he meant it negatively (why are kids so mean??). I was so over high school and ready for college - even after the first day, freshman year. Reaching out to non-Christian friends became a struggle as I was apart of groups that morphed and changed dynamics through out the years or even the extent of being pushed out of cliques. Who wants to feel unwanted? It's safe to say, my college years were much better - friendships, ministry, the experience as a whole - much better.

Anyways, I am thankful that the "shameful" example I thought of didn't weigh me down for forever. By God's grace, He revealed truth to me that what others think of me doesn't matter - especially when it comes to graciously sharing the gospel. And again by His grace, for this season of life, He has lead me to be a missionary. Psh and I'm even using my college degree of marketing to do it!

#whoknew #lieswebelieve #HeRedeems #thezsquad

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 :)

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.