Merci in November

Life in the Booth household is always crazy, hectic and fun when all seven of us are back under the same roof. With me living at home for a few more weeks and my sisters back from college, Thanksgiving break was great – we even managed a family photo WITH the dogs!

This is my first time home for Thanksgiving in two years. My first year, I spent it across the ocean, living in France. (Side note: France does not sell Turkeys. We bought rotisserie chicken instead to feed to our 29 guests). My team and I hosted a feast for our new friends and explained the meaning of the American holiday. It was a great foundational event that allowed us to get to know our neighbors and some of the locals, on more of a relational level.

Thanksgiving in France 2010

Last year, I spent Thanksgiving in Orlando. I specifically chose to stay because I had randomly met (God’s divine plan) my UK friend, Meena a couple weeks prior. She and I had talked about many things, including American culture. I thought Hello, what other country celebrates AMERICAN Thanksgiving (Keyword: American… I know Canada has a Canadian thanksgiving – a bit different)? Invite Meena to celebrate with you! Which as we all now know, was somewhat of a pivotal point in Meena’s life as she met Bryn and other Christians during our Thanksgiving party!

This year, I was nice to be back home, celebrating with extended family, playing games, watching movies, and doing some Black Friday shopping with my siblings… (Though, I did feel a bit guilty going to Target at 10 pm on Thanksgiving night….) Traditions are still lots of fun.

Waiting in line at Target

Living at home in Michigan this fall, I’ve realized I have much to be thankful for: being home for Thanksgiving, my growing family, having cool hair and knowing how to do it, my new car, the ability to vote, a nice camera to take family pictures, freedom, watching football, meeting friends like Meena and seeing a change in her life, my support team, the use of all five senses, traveling for my job,  and great friends, among many other things. God is so good and always faithful. #Iamthankful

"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 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 :)

Thanksgiving

It is hard to believe our Thanksgiving feast was almost 2 weeks ago! It was a great success, so thank you all for praying.

We have 25 people come to our apartment for the feast, which was a great turnout! We had spend the days prior cooking and baking all home-made goodies for the event: apple sauce, stuffing, potatoes and gravy, pumpkin pie... It was sooo good.

We had lots of neighbors come, including Grandma! She said she had a wonderful time and was thankful for kind neighbors. I think this feast helped our neighbors get to know each other as well!

One of the activities we had them do was the classic "trace you hand, because it looks like a Turkey [???] and write what your are thankful for". It was so fun to watch all our French friends participate in this childhood activity. We then cut them out and taped them to the wall. The funny part is, while instructing the activity, my roommate forgot to explain how the hand looks like a Turkey... so I just wonder what they thought..

Thank you all for praying! I apologize for not blogging more often. I promise I will be better about it!