A Blessed Weekend

This past weekend was one of the most fun weekends we have had since living in Kentucky. It was filled with old friends, new friends, new travels, and favorite places.

Friday afternoon, Mike and I left for Bloomington, Indiana where our friends’ band Mainstay was doing a show with Jeremy Camp. The trip took about 2 hours – some on I-65 and some on an Indiana state highway that offered many interesting sights. Along the road we saw lots of outdoor flea markets, tiny churches, country stores, an inn featuring a wedding chapel and hot tub suites (think cheesy Las Vegas style), and, perhaps the most interesting, a liquor store called “Hoosier Buddy.”

 

Once we arrived at the concert venue (a huge church), we were able to catch up with the guys for a few minutes, grab some supper, and find our seats in the artist reserve sections that Justin so graciously got for us. The show was amazing! God has gifted these guys so richly in writing and making music – check out their new CD Become Who You Are! Jeremy Camp performed after Mainstay. We have seen him a few times and thoroughly enjoy listening to him. The show was called “An Intimate Evening with Jeremy Camp.” He played an acoustic set, told a little of his story, and had a Q & A time. After his first set, we were able to steal Justin away for a few minutes to get some Starbucks coffee before having to be back for the end of the show. Once most of the fans left, we were able to catch up a little more and had the opportunity to meet Jeremy Camp. It was such a great evening!

Saturday morning, I had the wonderful priviledge of meeting up with a dear friend from Mountain Lake, who I went to MSU with – Natalie Schaller. She is in med school in Kansas City, but was in Louisville for a medical missions conference. Our time together was so encouraging as we were able to catch up and share about the unique places that God has us in right now and our visions for ministry.

These two opportunites to see people that I grew up with were so perfectly timed. Earlier this past week I had, for the first time, really began to miss home. The Lord was good in providing an expected time (the concert) and an unexpected time (Natalie) to see old friends from home.

Saturday afternoon, our small group from our Sunday School class met for our monthly hang out time. We went to the Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen, a Louisville dessert shop featuring tons of pies and flavors of ice cream. It is a place that Mike and I have enjoyed going for special occasions. We enjoyed the time we had to spend with our small group continuing to build friendships.

Well, time is flying by. This week is Mike’s last week of classes. Then, he has one week off, during which we will be driving to Minnesota for Thanksgiving. The following week is finals for Mike. Crazy!