Somewhere in the Middle

Washington DC Trip - Day 3

Our friend Mary Beth set us up with a tour of the Pentagon on our 3rd morning in DC.  Robby Sudder is an army officer and gave us a 2 hour tour.  Just getting past the security was impressive--but we were also impressed at how the place is a city in itself with grocery store, drug store, restaurants, flower shop, barbers, book stores, etc.  I guess the people who work there spend so much time there that they need to not have to go into the real world for goods and services.  

Washington DC Trip - Day 2

On the second day of our trip to DC, we took the metro to the Smithsonian Museum of American History--way too much to see but we tried valiantly to see as much as we could in about 3 hours: Judy Garland's ruby slippers from Wizard of Oz, Archie Bunker's chair from All in the Family,c the presidents and their wives, old cars, trains,--even Julia Child's kitchen!  We weren't able to see it all, but we had fun trying.  

After grabbing a quick lunch, we met our friend Mary Beth Brednich at the visitors' center of Congress.  She works as an aid in the Senate and gave us a fabulous tour--walked the halls, stood in the House gallery, and saw more statues and paintings than we can remember!  One of the fun things about being with Mary Beth is all the insider tidbits and history that she knows and shared with us as we walked the halls of the Capitol.  Her job puts her in regular contact with all 100 senators--a wealth of knowledge--and a beautiful person!

Then...we went to "Ben's Chili Bowl"-- a famous Washington dive for hot dogs and chili cheese fries.  

We finished the evening off with a tour of Washington Monument--went all the way to the top for a beautiful view of the city.  There was a jazz concert nearby as we left. 

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Washington DC Trip - Day 1

We just flew in today from an 8 day trip to Washington DC--a kind of family graduation/senior trip for Natali and Morgan before they go off to college.  Lots of sights, fun and memories.  

For the next few days I'm going to record what we did on each of the days there with a few of the photos--so we won't forget.  

The first morning, after buying subway passes for the week, we spent a few hours at the U.S. Botanical Gardens which are located to one side of the capitol building.  I think they have most every plant from every place in the world--have recreated different environments: desert, southwest, jungle, rain forest, etc.  

Afterwards, we had tickets to a Washington Nationals-Atlanta Braves baseball game at Nationals Park.  It was our first MLB game ever.  We had peanuts and hotdogs.  The game was rain delayed in the 6th--but we had a blast.

We ended the day with a visit of Lincoln Memorial--very impressive!

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Plunged into Life in Texas

Its hard to believe that 2 months have passed since we left Mexico. Settled in to a farm house. Girls in school at Amherst Independent School District. Got some farm animals: baby chicks, an old horse for Ceci to ride, some baby heifers to feed milk. We feel over our head right now. Like a person must feel who jumps out of a helicopter into the ocean for an important mission of some kind. He comes up. Is breathing and alive...but still not sure which way is north. But figuring it out. And feeling good to be alive. I wonder what lies ahead!

In San Antonio with Pruett Family

Today was a good day.  We spent time with them and with the church that meets in their house: eating, praying, talking, reading scripture and listening to the Lord together.  

One of the things I liked best was seeing how Joe and Elaine are following Jesus with this group of people--how they continue to be missionaries.  

An Unforgettable July 4th: Good Friends, Mariachis and Saying Goodbye

We spent this past Sunday with good friends at our despedida (Going Away Party).  The churches had gotten together and planned a wonderful day.  We worshipped together in the morning--and spent time telling one another what we have meant to each other--and encouraging one another to continue on with faithfulness and courage.  

Then, we had a great meal together. There were gifts.  And Mariachis.  And lots of tears. And photos and stories and laughing.  

The time was wonderful.  It was hard.  

When Nancy, Morgan, Natali, Ceci and I drove north from Guadalajara on Monday, our hearts were full of gratitude for the life we have been graced to live in Mexico--and for our dear friends. Our emotions are mixed--up and down and all over the place.  

We won't soon forget this 4th of July.  

One Last Trailer Load

We had fun together.  And it feels good to have these trips done and our things in Texas.  

I plan to fly back to Guadalajara on Wednesday morning to say goodbyes and drive north again with my family next week.  

A Great Sunday - Baptisms, Good Food and World Cup Soccer

The church that meets in Jardines del Valle has seen four baptisms in the last three weeks.  This past Sunday, Melanie Garcia and Diego Mendoza were baptized into Christ.  Two weeks ago, two young ladies, Laura and Celina decided to follow Jesus in baptism too.  

Seeds had been planted and nurtured in each of these young people over many months and years and by many people.  God caused the growth.  

There were nearly 70 present as friends gathered from three different house churches to worship together and witness these new births.  Afterwards everyone had a carne asada meal together and watched the Mexico national team play a World Cup Soccer match.  

A great day!  Even if Mexico lost the match.  

Nancy flew to Texas yesterday

I took Nancy to the airport early yesterday so she could fly to Texas to be with her family.  

Her dad, who had a heart attack a couple of weeks ago, is scheduled to have open heart surgery this coming Thursday morning.

Also, her grandpa ("Popsy") passed away early this morning.  He was 96 years old and had been struggling with his health for several months.  Nancy arrived in Lubbock in time to see him yesterday.  The funeral will be on Wednesday afternoon.  

I'm happy she gets to be there this week.  

Moving our Stuff!

I got back home to Guadalajara this past Thursday night after spending nine of the past eleven days driving between Texas and Mexico.  My folks loaned us a pick-up and stock trailer.  Its weird that this time has finally arrived!  

June 7-10 - I drove our little Chevy Cavalier to Texas and exchanged it for the pick-up and trailer.  One of my co-workers, Joe Pruett decided to make the trip back with me to GDL.  We also picked up Benjy Brednich and James Henderson in San Antonio (they had driven a car up from Mexico City and needed a ride back to Mexico).  We had a blast together on the road--almost 18 hours driving between San Antonio and GDL!

June 13-17 - After loading it to the hilt, I drove the pick-up/trailer rig to Amherst--stopping for a night in San Antonio at the Pruett's house.  My coworker Gerardo Garcia joined me to help with the drive.  We had lots of fun showing him Texas and eating Texas cuisine along the way.  We made it back with the rig late on Thursday.  

Everything went smooth on the road--minor problems with easy solutions.  

The thing I liked best about it all was the help and accompaniment of good friends.  My coworkers Cory Burns and Zack Montandon helped us load the trailer.  It was great to be with James, Benjy, Joe and Gerardo for the drive.  The Pruett's house in San Antonio and Elaine's cooking have been a great blessing!  

Good memories!