Confession… I miss home… I miss having a mutual connection with everyone I meet. I miss my family. I miss my dog. I miss my friends. I miss walking around Stranmillis and recognizing everyone I see. The first 6 weeks here have been amazing and I have enjoyed every moment of it but it’s not home. I think a huge part of that has been how I have struggled to really get involved in a church. God is amazing in how he works and satifies our every need.

This past weekend I went on an overnight retreat to camp Moneto about an hour away from the University. Unfortunately I don’t have any photos or videos from this weekend because I really took time to just set aside time to connect with God and those in the community around me. To spend time with other believers in praise, in banter and in deep conversations concerning faith.

We were given two hours go out into the woods and enjoy God’s creation all alone. It was amazing to take the time to be still and remember the creator of all around you, something I struggle to do on a regular basis.

The theme for the weekend was “I Belong” which for me part of me when I saw that I was like, “I mean I’m 7000 miles from home I will never truly belong anywhere here.” The other half reminded me that every person around me in that retreat was my family. They were my brothers and sisters, united by the cross. They were my family.

As the weekend continued I enjoyed getting to know everyone on the camp and learning a bit more about their story. Sunday morning came and I returned to Southport Presbyterian Church with Cole and Jared. My mind was blown when we walked into the service and the sermon was all about family. The pastor reinforced that “Our truest form of family is God’s family.” Our brothers and sisters around us each day are our family. Leaving church that day I felt emotions (crazy for me I know) I was comforted. Calmed. I felt connected. When I looked around me I felt a sense of belonging and a place I could call my family.

I want to thank Southport Presbyterian Church for being an amazingly welcome family that have such joy for visitors and a caring heart. The pastor really challenged his congregation, and me, to demonstrate our love for our family by showing true hospitality to each other. Do you have a seat at your dinner table that could be filled by someone who might eat alone? Do you have 5 mins to talk to someone who looks like they need cheered up? Can you offer a smile to everyone you meet and share the JOY of Jesus in your life?

“By the blood of Jesus we are one big family.”

Amen.

(David Livingston)