A Homecoming of Sorts - Day 1

Over the next few days I am embarking on a road trip to my childhood home (Chesterfield, Va). One of the biggest reasons for taking this trip is seeing Daryl Turlington. He was in the 6th grade when I started as Minister of Students at PVBC 10 years ago. Donna and I have had to privilege of seeing him grow into a man after God's heart. I always said during his time at UNC-Chapel Hill that I would go see him but it never worked out with either of our schedules. Well now that he has graduated and is working at VCU in Richmond, I thought this is the time. Donna and I also have the blessing of bringing some great friends with us (The Hollidays) who also have invested much time and love into Daryl and many other students. I am praying for a few specific things for this trip to accomplish but I'll keep those close to my chest for now.


Secondly, I am looking forward to tomorrow because I am going to see the house and neighborhood I was raised in for the first 12 years of my life. I haven't been "Home" in a looooooong time. If you have ever moved as a teen you know how "akward" it is to return over the years to see old friends. One thing becomes painfully obvious. Over time we all change. Anyway, I can't wait to share a little of my life story with my wife who has never been to see my "humble beginnings".


Finally, some good friends of ours from our time at First North are at Colonial Heights Baptist church and I hope to see them, even if it is just for a moment. We shall see :) Either way, I am blessed with a great family, friends, ministry and most importantly a God that loves me in spite of my faults. This should be an interesting journey.


If you want to read more about how I got to this point, check out this old blog post http://www.jamesbstrickland.com/2009/06/why-i-am-here.html