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It Takes a Village

 

We were on Little Gasparilla Island for eight days. I read an entire 600+ page book (just for fun). We played Ticket to Ride, Uno and Monopoly (each one, a number of times). We watched some movies and Sara and Anthony found amazing shells. They also helped a little, lost hatchling turtle find his way to the ocean (without touching him) and we saw quite a few dolphins swimming out near the sandbar. I also floated on a raft in the ocean for hours with maybe only two or three other people anywhere in sight. However, the most amazing experience for me on this vacation was the Manatee!

 

Little Gasparilla Island is unique in that there are no stores, no restaurants and no paved roads. There are just houses (on the bay side, the Gulf side and in-between). You actually need a boat to get to the island because there is no bridge. When we stay there, we rent a house on the Gulf side where you can walk right out onto the beach - the beach where there are very few people because only those on the island can get to it! 

 

There is a sandbar about 100 feet out from the beach (at high tide) and the waves are minimal. Anthony, Sara and I were in the ocean one day, standing about chest deep when, just to our left, a huge manatee slowly swam by! The gentle giant stopped a little past us and poked his head out of the water to say, "Hi!" It was a spectacular moment! It was also a moment that will only live in our memories because we clearly did not have a phone on us to take a picture.

 

I knew before I had Ieft Key West to head to Little Gasparilla, I needed this time away. I could feel the stress and exhaustion in my body and soul. But it wasn't until I got there that I realized how much I needed to completely disconnect and be alone with God's beautiful creation and the people I love the most. The ocean, the manatee, the beautiful sunsets and even the board games were medicine for my body and soul! I loved every moment and have come back refreshed and renewed!

 

I never would've been able to completely unplug and unwind if it weren't for the amazing team of people who were here at the church taking care of everyday business and unexpected emergencies. Colin Smith, you are a Rock Star! Thank you for handling all the facilities issues that arose! Kathy Winters, your leadership on projects and visioning was superb. Ralphie Segar, thank you for leading worship. Lee Johnson, your leadership with pastoral care and preaching was a true blessing. Brandi and Dani, thank you for filling in for Heather and, Heather, you are the glue that holds this place together. I am so grateful to everyone who helped with worship, communication and the day-to-day needs of the church. It's because of all of you, that I didn't worry even once and was able to fully enjoy my time away!

 

It takes a village! You are my village and I am so grateful to be here in ministry with all of you! It is very rare (especially in a church) to create a team that is so collaborative and supportive of one another! Thank you for being that rare team of disciples that makes ministry a true joy! 

 

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

 

Grace and Peace

-Pastor Madeline