We welcome this guest post and whimsical video today by from South Africa, who sent this to us after reflecting on her time visiting us in June, where she got to participate in the Table, a writing workshop, church on the water, and sweet moments of prayer and community. We miss her already!
“I love all of you so much. It’s as if the lil Rock Hill community I met is always in my heart. Not sure how I will recover from it.”
I met Lana Shaw at the 24-7 National Gathering in Rotterdam, which took place from 31 October to 2 November 2024. After an incredible gathering, I was ready to spend the 3rd wandering about on my own in Amsterdam before catching my flight back to South Africa. I love being a solo traveller, but God had other plans. At the breakfast table that morning, Lana and I discovered similar plans to wander before our flights. Both quite independent and fine on our own, we decided to spend the day together in Amsterdam, not sure at all if two acquaintances could hang out together for an entire day. How awkward if we had nothing much to talk about!
It turns out that we did. In fact, we spoke for hours and discovered a kindred spirit between us—instant, familiar, and unexpected. A friendship dropped into my lap that day, fully grown.
Seven months later, God blessed me with an unexpected work trip to Boston. It sparked a wild idea: why not visit Lana, her family, and their community in Rock Hill, South Carolina for the weekend? And so, I did, from 20 to 23 June 2025.
This is my reflection on my experience in the region beyond:
 | A guest post by
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Loved the post, love the video!
Lana Franks — what a joy to meet you and begin a lifelong friendship!
Oh I love this Lana and Lana!!
It was wonderful to meet sweet Lana from S Africa!!!