Trish Reed: Life as a missionary in Philadelphia: What a Sunday!

On Sunday I went to church late...on purpose. I didn't go to Sunday School because I knew that the wedding would be the big topic of conversation. I just wasn't ready for that. So, I came in just before the service started and one of my God's Girls pulled me aside because she needed to talk. We went to our Sunday School room and she shared with me some of the things that she is struggling with and we talked through them. I felt SO inadequate, but listened and did the best could to encourage her. I felt very encouraged as she shared with me that I am one of the few people that she feels comfortable talking to. As we walked into the church for the service I was thanking God for giving me a good start to the morning and reminding me that He is always working, even when I am struggling.

Since we came into the service late we decided to stay in the back for worship. Linda and Bonita spent the night with their mom on Saturday and they were supposed to meet me at church that morning. I looked around the sanctuary to try and find them and didn't see them. As I was getting my phone out to call them, I saw Rocky, Bonita and Linda come in the door across the room. And, behind them were Mac and Pac!! I hadn't seen them since the beginning of the summer before they left to spend the summer in Lancaster, PA. I was SO excited to see them!!

Next to Mac was a tall, very handsome looking young guy and my first thought was, "Wow, they brought a friend to church. That's awesome!". A few seconds later I realized I recognized him; it was Guapo, Linda and Bonita's oldest brother (and my oldest godson)!! (Not his real name, of course. He is the oldest boy that lived with me several years ago. He just turned 19, so a little too old to be living with me. I see him all the time, but I can't remember the last time he came to church! Incidentally, Guapo is handsome in Spanish, and he is definitely growing up to be such a handsome man!).

I couldn't believe he was in church and I literally ran to hug him. And yes, I started crying a little. I just love him SO much and miss getting to see him all the time. He has had a few wandering year recently, but I know God is still at work!!

What an amazing Sunday! ALL my kids were back at church (except for the girls' middle brother), and I didn't have to bribe any of them to come. They all came on their own!! I couldn't help but praise God after that excitement!!

I had to lead children's church, so I didn't get to talk to any of them until after the service. On my way downstairs to get ready for children's church, Bella pulled me aside and gave me a big hug. It was so sweet, but kind of random so I asked her what it was for. She said, "Because you're the best friend I've ever had". Yeah, the tears started to well up again. What a day!!

After church I decided we definitely needed to go out to lunch to celebrate everyone being together again, but first I wanted to some pictures. Thankfully, my friend Kirsten was there and she is an awesome photographer. She took pictures of everyone, and then edited them to look amazing!! Here are some of my favorites! (Most of the pics are of the boys since they were the special guests!)

In case you are a little confused about who I am talking about (especially if you know the kids by their real names and my fake ones confuse you); here is a little tutorial picture for you: