A Journey of Faith, Family, and Fellowship: Reflections on Our American Adventure
Yemisi Oluhaiyero
August 21, 2024
Our recent journey to the United States has been an extraordinary blend of exploration, spiritual reflection, and quality time with loved ones. Accompanied by my daughter Temitope and a close family friend, we set out to experience some of the most iconic sites in the country.
Our adventure began at the American Dream complex in New Jersey, where the children’s joy was palpable as we enjoyed thrilling roller coaster rides. This experience reminded me of the simple pleasures in life that God grants us, as stated in Ecclesiastes 3:12-13.
In New York City, we visited the Statue of Liberty, a poignant reminder of the freedoms we enjoy and the true freedom that comes from faith in Christ (John 8:36). The 9/11 Memorial was a humbling experience, and I found comfort in Psalm 46:1, which reminds us that God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble.
Visiting Wall Street and the American Stock Exchange was a meaningful moment for me, as I reflected on my aspirations for success and how my faith will guide me toward achieving them. I prayed that God would bless my career and elevate me to a place of influence, remembering Deuteronomy 8:18 and Psalm 37:4.
My daughter’s innocent perspective provided a profound revelation, highlighting the importance of family and love. Despite all the fun and exploration, she hesitated to accept that we were truly in the United States because she hadn’t seen her grandpa. This response reminded me of the deep emotional bonds we share with our loved ones (Proverbs 17:6).
As we continue our journey in Orlando, Florida, we look forward to creating lasting memories and deepening our fellowship. We are reminded of the beauty and goodness of God’s creation (Genesis 1:31) and the importance of fellowship, as found in Hebrews 10:24-25.
In conclusion, this American journey has been more than a series of visits to famous landmarks; it has been a spiritual voyage that emphasized the importance of faith, family, and fellowship. As we anticipate our reunion with my father in Illinois, I hold fast to the promise of Psalm 133:1, which reminds us of the goodness and pleasantness of living together in unity.
This trip has taught me that life’s greatest adventures are made richer by the love of family and the fellowship of believers, drawing us closer to each other and to God. As we explore this beautiful country, we are reminded of the importance of living a life that honors God and reflects His love to those around us.
Our journey is not just about sightseeing, but about deepening our relationship with God and with each other. We are grateful for this opportunity to experience the beauty of America and to grow in our faith together.
As I reflect on our journey so far, I am reminded of the words of Psalm 119:133, “Direct my steps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.” I pray that God will continue to guide us on our journey and that we will return home with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for serving Him.
In the midst of all the excitement and adventure, we have found moments of quiet reflection and spiritual growth. We have been reminded of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and of seeking His guidance in all we do.
As we prepare to reunite with my father in Illinois, we are filled with joy and anticipation. We know that this journey has been a blessing from God and we are grateful for every moment we have shared together.
In closing, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our family friends who have made this journey possible. Your love and support mean the world to us and we are so grateful to have you as part of our lives.
To my dear daughter Temitope, I want to say how proud I am of the young woman you are becoming. Your innocence and curiosity have been a blessing to me on this journey and I am so grateful to be your mother.
And to God, I want to say thank you for this incredible journey. Thank you for the opportunity to experience the beauty of America and to grow in our faith together. We are forever grateful.
