Lakewood Church & Joel Osteen

The worship team getting ready for the service

I've been watching his live sermons for almost two years now. But never tried to search his church location. Not in my wildest dream I thought of standing at this church in my lifetime.

I was surprised to hear from Paul that his house is only few feet away from the Lakewood Church. Really? - then what am I waiting for.

Searched for the worship timing for the next day and reached the church an hour before. As I was a first time visitor, they gave me the seating in the second row. Wow that was great.

I was excited to live in one of my dreams then. Worship for half an hour and there comes the person whom I admire the most...

And the best part, I could meet and talk to Joel after the service and got his autograph on my bible. 

Fantastic Experience...

The stage getting ready

Stadium size church got filled in minutes after this click

Joel on the stage with his joke of the day. I couldn't believe that I was watching him live, few feet away...

Hung around the church for sometime. Church getting ready for the next service.

Joel's autograph on my bible

Soo great and nice to meet you too Joel...

Meeting Paul and Nancy

Houston wasn't in my travel list, until I met Paul . 

Paul got transferred from Seattle to Texas, based on his location preference, as he was staying out of Houston.

We used to go pick lunch for the team together from Chipotle and I loved that ride always. When I speak about the facts of India, it will be closely correlated from Paul's experience from Hongkong.

It was during one of those journey, Paul asked about visiting him and Nancy at Houston. Houston got added to the weekend trip list as I was excited to meet them over a weekend. And it happened. 

This trip will be one of those moments that I will cherish for sure. There was no ice breaking needed, no formalities. They were so easy to get along. 

We went out for dinner at a Thai place together followed by a Houston city ride. In between the ride, we hopped in for a dessert from their favorite store. Coconut milk & bamboo based desserts, DrinkBamboo, but it was so tastey and yummy.

Paul and Nancy became the best Houston guides, showing around the places and explaining about the city and the culture.

After spending time with them for a day, I headed towards the Lake Wood church the next day for the Sunday service.

If I am visiting Houston again, they will be in my visiting list for sure...Thanks a ton for the wonderful moments!

Let's Go Houston!

An awaited trip to the famous NASA home town. 

3 hours from Arlington, Houston had surprising stuffs for me in the shelf. The actual plan to visit NASA and Galveston island did happen, however the main highlight was the moments with Paul/Nancy and the meet up with Joel Osteen at the Lakewood Church (a cherishing moment indeed).

It was a long drive and I wanted that drive to be a special one. So took the muscle machine for the journey. 

It wasn't like a normal drive though. I enjoyed the outstanding power the car delivered during the entire stretch. Smooth and steady, piercing the air in the front, it took me to Houston in two and half hours. 

Once reached Houston, wanted a short break. Then took out the planner which Ani shared to go through the locations in the wonderful state.

The horse is full and ready to dash. Houston was less than 300 miles and used the rest for a small town trip before re-fueling.

More trip memories coming soon...