Leah and I got home last night from a packed weekend in Philly. Here are a few random reflections from a busy three days.
- It was an adventurous drive to Philly on Friday morning. We hit bad weather through the mountains on the turnpike, and then had to detour off the turnpike for over an hour because of an accident involving 16 semis!
- We stopped at the PennDel District Office on the way to meet some of the AG leaders in Pennsylvania. Great guys--and they're excited about what God has called us to do in Philly!
- We stopped in Wayne, PA, just north of Philly, to meet a pastor. Next to the coffee shop was a great ice cream store called Gumdrops and Sprinkles. Leah felt God's Presence there. It's going to be a fun place to take Gabby for daddy-daughter dates.
- Friday night we had dinner in the home of a pastor and his wife just outside of the city. We laughed a lot. Felt good to make some new friends and allies in Philadelphia.
- It was late Friday night by the time we got downtown. I dropped Leah and Nick off at the house where we stayed and spent almost 30 minutes trying to park!
- I ended up parking next to the park where they shot the opening for Fresh Prince of Bel Aire!
- It was good to have Nick Poole with us Friday and Saturday. Nick is the MCM church planting director at Allison Park Church. He's an incredible asset as we prepare to plant in Philly.
- We started exploring the city first thing Saturday morning. We started in Northeast Philly, and then drove south through Kensington, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and South Philly.
- Found a great little coffee shop in Fishtown. They have a garden in the back that will be great to sit and study in once all the snow finally melts!
- Grabbed huge Cheesesteaks for lunch at Mama's, and spent the rest of the day feeling the effects. Leah vowed to never eat one again, which I pointed out will probably be a difficult promise to keep!
- We had a great conversation with our waitress that gave me another glimpse into the mindset of thousands of young adults in Philly who are far from God.
- After lunch we spent some time in Northwest Philly exploring Roxborough, Manayunk, East Falls, and Germantown.
- It really is amazing how unique and different each neighborhood is. Still seeking God about where to live and focus.
- Saturday night we had dinner with a friend of mine from College, and her roommate at their house in Fairmount. They really love the city and taught us a ton!
- On Sunday morning we worshipped at Highway Tabernacle in Center City. Highway has an incredible history of ministry in the city, and their pastor, Otto Wegner, has really mentored us as we prepare to move and start the church.
- After the service we met an incredible young couple who are considering moving to Philly with us to be a part of our leadership team. We took them to Jones, our favorite downtown restaurant, and then to check out the Liberty Bell.
- We got home last night, just in time for the closing ceremonies. Finished the weekend with human leaves, giant inflatable beavers, and way too many mounties. Canada sure is an interesting place.
We'll be back in Philadelphia in two weeks. Today I'm full of faith and anticipation, excited for God to continue to bring this dream together!
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