Today was a full day. There was squad breakfast of oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar. Then there was worship in the parking lot; yes, the construction men on the street were watching intently, confused smiling. Worship was followed by the introduction of our “coaches,” a husband and wife team that will join us at debriefing, follow our blogs, pray for us by name and generally love us as their children. Lecture series on positive attitude followed. Then we were free for lunch, team meetings and personal time. Our team was scheduled for team briefing with our coaches and squad leaders…honestly this hour was rushed and awkward. However, on the Ramada Hotel pool patio Team Charis spent two hours talking, relating, questioning and planning. It was a fruitful time for our team.
As we walked the ten blocks back through Fort Lauderdale proper we tried to connect with a school we had passed on the other half of the route. Having been challenged with a video assignment, with a focus on community, we decided it would be neat to ask the school kids how they define or illustrate “community.” Turns out you need permission from office administration and that we will have to return again tomorrow. Yet the day was a success. Upon returning to our HQ for the week we had personal time where I was able to talk to two men on my squad about past trips and future dreams. It was a time of admiration, astonishment, and curiosity. I can’t wait to experience those countries of which Mike referred. Nor can I wait to tell my same stories and inspire others to explore and travel.
So, before our evening service dinner was being prepared all around. Pizzas were ordered, pasta was cooked, veggies were steamed. It was a collective effort that provided joy to all who partook. Nourishment, no matter how it came, was welcome.
Worship was good; the true blessing was the spirit seen and felt poured out of the band as they played and sang aloud. Their music is itself a ministry. I observed as worshippers raise their hands, sway with the beat, jump with joy, get on their knees to pray, or close their eyes and worship in silence. It came to me that no matter your style of worship, it is the heart the truly matters. The more conservative side of me longed for some hymns; however, the music was beautiful, powerful and energetic. The spirit of the Lord and the true devotion of our World Race teams was truly evident in this place.
