Florida

I just had a WONDERFUL time with my sweet cousin Lana. I finally made the trip to Orlando, Florida and spent a few days with her. It was fantastic in so many ways. Just being able to spend time together, seeing her performances, meeting her friends, it was all great. It was also kind of fun knowing that our mothers were together and we were together at the same time. I know this is not abnormal for man people, but for our families to have more than one member spending time together is not common.
Lana and I did the normal reminiscing thing. We pulled out old photo albums of hers, and read old diary entries. We talked about past incidents and new adventures. It was just what I needed: family time, spiritual time; it puts life in perspective.
What did this the most for me was being able to go to The Holy Land Experience, where she works, and see her perform. Lana's voice makes me want to cry. I remember picking on her when we were little because she knew every song and always sang them higher than anyone else. To hear her now, I know why. It was amazing. It wasn't only the singing though. It was the message behind them. Seeing Bible stories that we have heard for years brought to life was amazing and sad, and glorious all at once. I was able to see a performance of the Passion: Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, this brought me to tears. I saw the Ministry of Jesus. The actor playing Jesus actually called the children from the audience to come to him. He did this in character just as it says Jesus does in the Bible. He spoke about worry and jealousy all was biblically based. I was floored. I felt that Jesus really was in this place really speaking to me. If anyone ever has a chance to go and visit you need to see this.
I got to meet Lana's beau Charlie. He is a wonderful christian man with such honest intentions. He treats Lana with such an amazing love and sincerity. He also performs with the Holy Land Experience, and is in several of the pictures. I give him a big thumbs up. He was gracious and unselfish of his time with Lana while I was there. God is so good.
I was sad to leave, but ready to come home. I missed Benji. It was weird being so far away without him. I think it was good for both of us though. We got some "me time", and of course absence makes the heart grow fonder.
I hope to see all of my family this summer, but if something happens, maybe sooner. Treasure any of the time you have with each other. It amazes me every time I see family, I feel like I never left them. Benji comments on that all the time. We all live so far away from each other, but to see us all together you would never know it.
The family reunions are a must. Even if they are planned around weddings or other events. I want my children to have what we all had growing up. Times with family are such special times.