Falling For Charlotte

This year has been filled with a lot of traveling for the team my son has played with. Some trips I didn't take and some I did. It just kinda depended on what was going on at home or church. As we began to prepare for Charlotte the question was, "Mom, are you going?" Well, yeah! I have never been to Charlotte. I've traveled through but never visited.

There came a point in our family conversations when the question was asked are we still a go as it appeared that the team wouldn't have all of it's players in attendance. I remember telling my sons. "We are not saying we are not going because we're going to see the salvation of the Lord." At that time I didn't know what that meant until Monday July 18 around 4p.m. when we drove into Uptown.

Immediately I felt like I knew the reason why I had to get here. God had to pull me out of my place of comfort and safety and show me the possibility of enlarging my territory many hours from home.

The first part of our week we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Uptown. Let me just say that I love the Hilton Garden Inn for so many reasons. One being that I have planned two worship events with them and I love their hospitality and beautiful décor. When a friend knew I was coming she suggested I stay here not knowing my love for the hotel.

Each morning and afternoon as we arrived to and fro I wondered about the building in the middle of the two hotels and upon seeing a name I immediately went to their website. www.themadisoncharlotte.com So....Not only does God place me in this beautiful hotel but each day I get to see these amazing condos and penthouses. Few people know that I love loft style living and it's been a dream to move into one.

Each morning I would awake and just look out at the beautiful scenery and think "I could live here."

Another picture from my hotel room.

One day were out and Alex discovered this restaurant. Of course he said I would love it. I asked what's the name? Chopped? No Chopt. www.choptsalad.com I walked in overwhelmed by everything salad. Lol.

The second part of our trip we stayed in North Charlotte and it was just as beautiful and peaceful. Riding to the schools and the hospitality of people in restaurants and stores really left an impression on us. And all of those things that had been on my mind, I sat and talked to God about it while there.

Of course we visited a church while there. We went to Elevation Church in the NoDa area. The welcoming of the church members the message was awesome. Something cool happened as were about to walk into the church. To the right of us were a group of runners who had stopped for water and socializing. Alex heard someone say his name. At first he just thought someone was calling someone else but after the third time he looked up and believe it or not it was a young man he had graduated high school with. Imagine that.

Of course we came here for basketball. North Coast Blue Chips ended up going 5-1. They lost the game prior to the championship round. After watching the championship game we, along with another family went to have lunch at Zaxbys. 

On Saturday night as Tyler sat in the pool I sat in the comfort of a beautiful Charlotte night. Dreading the time of saying goodbye that was coming on the following day.

 On Sunday when it was time to leave we were not ready to go. As I stopped at Mert's Heart and Soul for a Soul Roll, stuffed with collard greens, rice, cabbage and chicken, and we drove to the highway my eyes teared up. My son pulled out his phone and videotaped the city as we left. As I held back those tears in my heart I knew I had found something special. I knew I would be back, for I had fallen for Charlotte.