the Otter's Pool - web home of Ady Gould -

We headed to the airport, for what was my first ever visit to the USA. The check-in was simple, and relatively uneventful, apart from me having my bag checked because there was a big blip, which turned out to be a belt buckle.

The flight was good, and as Gareth and I were wearing Pride T-shirts, we got asked about them by the steward. It was like God providing the initial peace for the journey that we needed to have together.

In Florida we shopped, talked, screamed, were turned upside down, hugged Mickey, and more. It was a blessing to us, even when I got annoyed for no reason. The biggest show of God's love and careful eyes upon us were shown in this section of the trip.

Gareth and I were staying in LeHigh Acres when we arrived, but on the Saturday morning we checked out of the place we were at and headed to Orlando. Our first stop proved to be a wash-out, so we headed to the Quality Inn that was advertising for $40US a night. We got there and were told they were full, but the receptionist pointed us towards another hotel, and at the same price.

We headed to the place and as we approached we both just were amazed. We were going to be staying at the Omni Rosen hotel, a five star establishment with our room costing $40US in place of the normal $200US per night!

The place set the tone for us. We went to Wet and Wild and enjoyed ourselves. Even when I waited for an hour for a ride that lasted 5 seconds, Gareth was there smiling afterwards. A sight that I was so happy to see.

We checked in properly that evening, and afterwards went and ate. The next day we had decided to go shopping, and whilst there two guys were trying to seel their tickets to Disney, they were 3 day passes. Gareth ended up chasing them, and offering to buy the tickets. We went to a cash-point and got money out to pay for them. Gareth, though, left his card in the machine.

We headed off to Disney, got there and realised what had happened. Gareth panicked, I knew it would be OK. We headed back to the shopping mall. I prayed quietly whilst we headed back (I also told him to slow down when he wants to do something, but that is another story).

We arrived at the mall, and as Gareth was heading to the teller, I sauntered to the information desk. Gareth had not found the card, so he went and asked. The card was there. God had provided, as I knew He would.

We had two wonderful days at Disney and Epcot before heading onto Dallas for my first face to face meeting with Brett, a wonderful gay Christian man I know from the internet.

We arrived at Dallas / Fort Worth airport and were greeted by Brett. He was wonderful. We headed out to the Six Flags theme park, and did all the roller-coasters we could. Afterwards Brett took us on a tour of the city, which was to include for me, the highlight of the trip.

Brett, as it turned out, is a member of the Metropolitan Community Church in Dallas. The Cathedral of Hope is the largest MCC congregation in the world.

I walked into the main sanctuary and immediately my heart soared, and my spirit leapt as I felt God's peace and presence in the building.