United in a Common Purpose

There were 15 of us piling into a bus at 7:30 this morning, waiting patiently in line to check bags at the airport, sharing breakfast and lunch at airports, and getting to know each other during two flights to Orlando. Despite our best efforts, up until today not everyone on our team had met each other. We tried to orchestrate meetings in busy schedules where everyone could come, but it had just never worked out. So this morning, it was incredibly important to me to ensure that by the time we landed in Orlando, each person on our team would know something about everyone else.

And you know what? I needn't have worried. At first there were the few awkward greetings "Are you going to Orlando, too?" or "I don't think I've met you..." But by the time we landed, it was obvious to me that it didn't matter if we had been strangers only a few hours or a couple months before today; we are a team united with a common purpose.

Every individual here in Orlando is committed to Christ and sharing His love. It is clear by the way that they live their lives and in the way they treat people. How many people actually take time to get to know the stewardesses on flights? These guys did and carried on conversation throughout the airport. Who do you know who gives up an entire week of freedom when they could go home or take a true vacation? Every single person here gave up something else they could've been doing this week. I am honored to have each and every individual here with me in Orlando; I couldn't ask for a better team than those God sent my way.

Today we arrived in Orlando. It was a perfect day of flying. No luggage lost, no delays. We met with Mr. Dan, the college minister here and his wife made us a wonderful lasagna dinner. Then we each headed off to meet our host families. We are excited and eager to see how God will use us. These 15 college students who gathered this morning on a bus have become a team. We are here to serve. However, wherever, whenever. Each of us answered a call to come to Orlando. We are united in this purpose. And God can do amazing things through His people committed to a common goal.

-ej

*Also I've started posting pictures!!!!! Check out the picasa slideshow in the left column or click this link to see all of them: http://picasaweb.google.com/ejtotheworld/SpringBreak