This morning 5 Good Shepherd ladies were up before the birds, or, in my case, before the geese, to drive to Merritt Island for an LWMS Rally at Redeemer Lutheran. Our former member, Jennifer, is married to the pastor who serves this congregation so it's extra special for us to go there.
Jennifer is especially dear to my friend, Terri, going back to years ago when they were young. Not that they are old now, but just long time friends. Terri's dad, Gordy, walked Jennifer down the aisle when she married David. These occasional visits are extra special for these two ladies. And I sure don't mind seeing Jennifer, either!
The theme was about being fishers of men (people) so the host congregation did all their decorations and even the desserts with a nautical or fishing theme. Would have been fun to play a sort of 'Where's Waldo?" with all the ways they incorporated the theme into the Rally!
Even the table decorations were cleverly done!
One of the pastors present did our closing devotion. He is such a good Spiritual Growth pastor for our LWMS!
This is our group, with driver, Judy, in the center. On the left is Betty, right is Gretchen, with Terri and me standing in the back. Note the fishing net hanging down behind us. We are glad to have our jackets and sweaters along as the room was quite cool. Gretchen found it just right for her!
Besides making this trip safely, the highlight of my day was finding my sweet friend, Cynthia, there. I knew she lived in Orlando now but it just didn't occur to me that she would be at the Rally. I leapt to my feet immediately when I saw her come in. I squeezed the daylights out of her and had to wipe tears away. Cynthia thought about messaging me to say she would see me but decided to just surprise me. Awesome!
Cynthia and I met on the cruise in 2007 when her daughter, Lynnette and her friend, Becky, joined Cynthia as we retraced the steps of St. Paul on his 2nd Missionary Journey. Now Lynnette is married to a pastor, starting a mission church outside of Houston, and Becky is a Lutheran school teacher, newly wed to a man in his senior year at the Seminary. Cynthia said the two 'girls' were planning a trip to Orlando in July and plans are being made to meet me in St. Augustine. Awesome again! Love love love this!
I had a chance to meet up with Cynthia and Lynnette in 2010 when they traveled from St. Louis to St. Augustine for vacation. These ladies are dear to me, even if we don't see each other often. Again, I am so thankful for the Internet and Facebook to help keep us connected!
