A brief and perhaps boring recounting of our trip  and the people we were with. In short, we traveled to CO through AL, MS, and TX and visited with many friends along the way.

Returning late Monday (2/10) afternoon from our Georgia trip, we were told by Josh’s parents of wintery weather headed straight for us. After I went to my Tuesday morning doctor’s appointment and sonogram, we decided to leave that afternoon instead of Wednesday morning. It was a fast turn around as we quickly repacked for a month trip out west. The Hancock family graciously offered to open their home to us in Birmingham, AL. We were able to drive to AL on Tuesday and spend the night there, while the storm passed over during the night.

Wednesday morning (2/12) we drove to Greenville, Mississippi, to visit with the Parkerson Family and have our teeth cleaned. Dr. Parkerson let us stay with them from Wednesday to Friday and took care of all our teeth. It was Becca’s first time to the dentist.

Friday (2/14) we drove to Houston, TX, to be with North Houston Baptist Church. We visited this church last last May and thoroughly enjoyed being with the Brays and their church family (both times!). Becca was DELIGHTED to be back with her friend Charis.

Monday (2/17) we drove to the DFW area. We first stopped to spend the afternoon with Steven, Kristen, and Claire Ryland. Kristen had prepared Valentine cookies for the kids to decorate. It was great to visit with the Ryland family and meet Claire for the first time. That evening we drove to Alvarado, TX, where Micah and Anna Martin let us stay in their new home for the week (they had moved just 2 days before).

Tuesday (2/18) we had lunch with Leon and Nick Kahler and were able to see Aunt Rita Watson. We had dinner that evening with the Zollingers. Michael Zollinger used to work in AWANA at Hampton Park, and he was Josh’s worker to recited verses to.

Wednesday (2/19) we took the day off and went to the zoo. (See previous blog post.)

Thursday (2/20) we had dinner with Kathy, one of Becca’s main NICU nurses. We’ve enjoyed keeping up with Kathy since Becca left the NICU and are very grateful for the good care Becca received from Kathy when she was in the NICU. Isaiah LOVED the chocolate covered strawberries.

Friday (2/21) we had lunch with Kent and Alda Walton (no pictures). We spent the evening with Micah, Anna, and Adam Martin.

Saturday morning (2/23) I joined Anna at a ladies’ meeting set up for younger mothers to be encouraged by older women. I really enjoyed being with the ladies and received several good ideas for future use. Saturday afternoon and evening we had a lovely visit with the Countryman family.

Sunday (2/24) we were at Arlington Presbyterian Church. It was so good to be with our church family. Even though we attended for less than a year, it felt like being home. In the evening we had dinner with the Bennet family, a family from APC. Sunday night we moved into the Gamblins’ home so we could be in the Arlington area for a few days.

Monday (2/25) I had an appointment with Dr. Moseley to check on Little Sister. We then went to lunch with Parke and Lynnelle Brown. We had dinner that evening with Gary and Karen Isham.

Tuesday (2/26) we had lunch with the Crook family – I taught Cayti Crook piano and voice lessons when we lived in Arlington. We had dinner with Steve and Kelly Walter.

Wednesday (2/27) we had lunch with Pastor Wes and Kathy O’Niel from APC (no picture). Then we said goodbye to the Gamblins and made our way to Keller, TX, to have a New Life Bible Church reunion at the Woods’ home. It was good to get together with so many TX friends. Wednesday evening we stayed with the Ishams.

Thursday (2/28) we left the DFW area and started our trip to CO. We drove to Lubbock, TX, and stayed with the Siu family. Lap (who is Jarai from Vietnam) was a great help to Josh with his Jarai research and became a good friend. It was good to visit with their family.

Friday (2/29) we drove to a suburb of Denver. We saw a lot of interesting countryside during our drive. Saturday through Wednesday we participated in a missions conferences at Red Rocks Baptist Church.

Today we start out trip back to SC.