I love my family and friends!

We've had a great week because we've seen a ton of people that we love but miss when we are in Budapest. This weeks' blog update may be pretty boring for everyone except our children but I knew they'd want to see our family and friends.



Queenie and Pa



4 generations: Queenie, Carolyn, Mallory and Holly



Our wonderful neighbors, Ed and Jo



Chris and Nancy

We went to Maryville, Tennessee for a day and visited two of our families from Central and Eastern Europe who are home on stateside assignment right now. They are good friends of ours over there, and it was good to see them again!



Monte Vista Baptist Church

We also visited with Howard and Jean, the former pastor and his wife of Monte Vista Baptist Church, which is the church for which Glenn was the Youth Minister way back in the summer of 1976 and 1977. Howard also married Glenn and me on December 17, 1977 so we all go waaaayyyyy back!



202 Seventh Ave: The house that Chris built (remodeled, anyway)

We also went by to check on the house where our son and his wife lived before they moved to New Jersey last summer. The house still looked great but it was kinda sad to see it and know they weren't there.

Brad, Karen, Abby and Chloe

The Pollard's live in Budapest with us and we have missed their friendship so much! They will be returning from their stateside assignment shortly after we get back to town.

New Salem Baptist Church in Marietta

Wednesday evening Glenn and I spoke at New Salem Baptist Church about our work in Eurasia. It's been a long time since we've spoken in front of churches and I was a little rusty. Glenn did a great job though!

Borders homestead; old becomes new!

Glenn and I went by the house where he grew up, the one his parents recently vacated so that Glenn's nephew and his wife could remodel it for their family to live in. The original house was built in 1867! They've done a great job, trying to leave as much as they could of the old house while updating it. It is about 2 times as big as the old house and twice as beautiful!

Some of our friends, Anne and Mary Jean

Mid-week Glenn's mother (on the right) took us out to eat with two of the ladies in the church that we've known for many years and have always shown a lot of support for us. The meal was okay, but not nearly as good as the fellowship!

Stephen, Glenn's nephew

Madeline, Stephen's daughter

Beck and Darden

We squeezed in a BBQ dinner with Beck and Darden (Glenn's brother and sister-in-law) before they left on a week's vacation. They will be back the day before we depart but we wanted to have some time with them before we head home. They are Stephen's parents, and Madeline's grandparents.

North Cobb Christian School fundraiser

Friday night we were meeting our pastor and his wife (Ken and Shawna) for dinner (but I forgot to get a picture!!!) at 6:00 at Ted's Montana Grill at The Avenues but before going, we decided to run by Barnes and Noble bookstore to pick up some books to take back with us. Just as we were leaving, in walked a good friend of mine from NCCS, Donna Gillespie! Glenn and I just happened to be there on the night that NCCS was having a fundraiser and tons of families would be coming to shop from 6-10 pm! After dinner with the Williams, Glenn and I went back to the bookstore to be able to see folks we knew when I worked as the Admissions Director (9 years!) at the school. It was packed!

Friends Barb and Rick

We enjoyed talking with Barb and Rick and getting caught up on their news. All three of their children were Eagle Ambassadors, a program I started at NCCS. One day the Pfahl's are coming to visit us in BP! (Okay Barb, it's public knowledge so now you have to come!)

I also got to see Beth, who was the Assistant to the Head of School when I worked there, but is now doing my job as Admissions Director. She and I went to a couple of "late night" movies a few years' back. I don't have anyone in BP who will do that with me, except for Glenn!

My best friend

Saturday morning I met Kristin at IHOP for a fattening breakfast and a great time of heart to heart sharing. We sat there and talked for 3 hours before we realized how much time had passed! We then went Christmas shopping (well, she shopped and I accompanied her) and talked the whole time. We really needed a full day because I think it would take 16 hours to get caught up on everything that happened during the past year!

My brother Jim

Saturday evening my brother drove down from Chattanooga where he lives to be able to spend the evening with Glenn and me. It was a special time, and I really appreciated him coming.

Our Israel trip benefactor

It was cool to see Mr. Sekulow on television! If you remember, Glenn and I took a 10 day trip to Israel this past May as guests of Jay and Pam. A trip of a lifetime, and seeing Jay on the TV brought back a flood of great memories!

Great friends, great food!

My sister, Elizabeth offered to have a small luncheon for us to be able to spend some time with our closest friends from West Cobb Church so on Sunday after worship, we all met at Brennon and Elizabeth's house for a delicious lunch of chili and potato soup. Thank you, Elizabeth and Brennon!

Do we look alike?

We are heading into our last week here in Marietta before we head to Virginia for a member care meeting. We have a full week ahead, visiting with lots of friends and family members. Unfortunately, most of the times we get together with folks, it is over a meal. I think I've gained 3-4 pounds already, and I still have another week to go! Akkkkk!