#CoCMidAtlantic, Day 7

Today started relatively slower than the past few days as we made our way to the Wilmington hall. Upon arrival we greeted the saints and we began to sing some hymns and have some fellowship. However, when I thought we were about to end, a brother from the locality stood up to share about how it was “no mistake” that we were there and how “[we] are here for a reason”. I was just so touched how lightly he spoke those sentences, yet the amount of weight each of the words held. The Lord’s timing and sovereignty brought the 30+ brothers and sisters from California to be in that hall and to have that fellowship. And who knows what the reason is for our presence in Delaware; but the Lord knows as He works behind the scenes. 

After our fellowship, we split off into groups to have lunch near the campus of University of Delaware. Then some of the sisters helped show us around the campus with very fun photos of the pink leafed trees towards the end of the tour. All the while, I can’t help but just have this overflow of happiness to see the brothers and sisters having a laugh and smiling throughout the time; as school and studying would drown all of this out back home on campus

Next we drove over to see the Winterthur museum. However due to a late lunch, some of us (myself included) mistakenly believed that we needed to rush through the experience and all the sights to see, while others took more time and slowed down a little (which I should have done)

Upon returning to the hall (and tired from playing ultimate frisbee with the brothers) we had a blending dinner and sang hymns with the local saints. Though I was physically cold, watching and singing along with the brothers and sisters warmed me spiritually. To see God’s life and joy spread throughout the room and bounce off the walls faster than our echoes of song brought a sense that time stopped and brought the question: could this may be a reason why we were here? Throughout the walking, the spending, the laughing, and the talking; that no matter where, if the body of Christ is there, then there is my reason. To enjoy Christ. 

— Joseph T.

Today we had an opportunity to spend time with saints in Wilmington Delaware. We first went to the University of Delaware Campus where we had a short and very sweet campus tour. Then we split off into groups as I went to eat delicious Ramen from Kumamoto Ramen for lunch. After lunch we spent the afternoon at Winterthur Museum, where we spent a lot of time walking and exploring the house of Henry Francis Du Pont, glancing at all the furniture and paintings on the walls of the house. Some time later I took a walk to see a bunch of flowers and went sightseeing around the area. A pit stop to the farmers market followed by ending our day enjoying the Lord back in the Wilmington Meeting Hall for dinner led us to the meeting that concluded our day. 

As I look back during this week, I felt like there was a mutual love offering that was shared among students during this time, which led to our overflow time where many students were emotional for the love they received during the trip. There was a sweet fragrance when the students poured out their love toward the saints during this time of overflow. I was reminded of a verse in John 11:2 “It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped His feet with her hair.” I am grateful that we have received from many pouring out their love toward us.  

— Ethan C.

While I don’t think I’ve managed to wake up before 9 a.m. this semester, today was different. I was excited to wake up at 7 a.m. because it meant I was one step closer to enjoying the Lord with the rest of my brothers and sisters in Wilmington, Deleware. 

One of our first activities for the day was a tour of the University of Delaware. The campus featured dark red brick buildings, beautifully complemented by white accents and luscious green lawns. Walking through the university felt like stepping into the colonial past. At the end of our tour, we arrived at a row of blooming cherry blossom trees. With a gentle breeze carrying flower petals through the air, it became a popular picture spot for those on the tour. 

Our next stop was Winterthur Gardens, a massive 1,000-acre estate showcasing a vast array of flowers, trees, and multiple colonial homes that had been transformed into museum exhibits.

Upon returning to the Wilmington meeting hall, the saints prepared a gourmet love feast, featuring an abundance of chicken, dinner rolls, salad, and, best of all—egg drop soup. 

Though the day was fun and I was satisfied physically, the true highlight came from spiritually taking a drink of Christ with all of the saints in Wilmington. After dinner, we had a refreshing and joyful time of singing. With the room filled with praises and joyous noise to the Lord, it was the perfect ending to a great day, and one that I will cherish for a long time to come. 

— Mark P.