MOUNTAINTOP MOMENTS
Daniel and I left the beaches and headed inward toward the rolling mountains of Mooresville, North Carolina, set on the beautiful Lake Norman. I’m not a racing fan, unless you count Lightning McQueen, but I did learn that many a NASCAR teams and drivers hail Mooresville as home. We had initially planned a portion of our trip to visit the Raleigh/Durham area, along with the three major universities in the vicinity, but we were never able to firm up any connections with local churches or ministries to communicate about opportunities. But we also have Young Living friends living in Mooresville that had graciously invited us to join them at their lake house so we could rest and contemplate our decisions. So we skipped over Raleigh and headed straight for the lake. They, nor we, could’ve ever proposed how beneficial that time would be to serve us in our decision-making.
By the time we reached North Carolina – which made the third state on our journey that we were visiting for the first time – Daniel and I both were able to speak out loud where we felt the Lord was leading us. We had both watched the details unfold before us throughout each conversation and connection made. Sure each of the other locations had opportunity and exciting possibilities, but we just knew. And when you know, there’s no reason fighting it.
After further prayer and discussion, we decided it was best to change our travel agenda so that we could make steps toward securing a place to live, finding a school for the kids, and having further conversations with the church leadership. We wanted their full support, as well as their spiritual guidance in making good decisions for our family. We found a fantastic local coffee shop and spent hours (literally like 5 hours) there as we talked, researched, made phone calls, and sought wise counsel.
It was such a joy and relief to know where God was leading and to have freedom and time to make plans for our family. And it really didn’t hurt that we did all this while leisurely enjoying some of the best cups of coffee we’ve ever experienced. We had stumbled upon a rare gem – this Colombian gentleman who was a true chemist in the art of making coffee. He had equipment to brew his beans every which way we’d ever heard of, as well as a few we hadn’t. We tried three different methods of brewed coffee in those hours we spent at AmoCafe, and delighted in each one of them. But we found the most interest in his personal story of owning their own family farm and together, with his wife, pursuing their dreams of delivering their coffee beans to the world. It reminded me of the Young Living story and mission to provide the best quality essential oils to every home in the world. And even more, it made me thankful for this opportunity we have to pursue freedom and live with purpose, doing what God has gifted us and burdened us to do.
This journey has taught me so much; my heart overflows with thanksgiving. Being free to live a missional life, going where God would lead. Every last bit, afforded by God’s grace upon us because we shared these drops of oil. Just because the oils made such a difference in our health and home. I’m seriously blown away, over and over again.
After lots of conversation, Daniel and I spent one more dinner with our good friends and woke early to make the drive back toward our next hometown.
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