We left Newnan, GA on Thursday morning heading towards Wetumpka, AL. Along the way, we made a stop in LaGrange, GA to visit with the Frye family. They served a few years as missionaries in Guatemala. We lived in different parts of the country so we did not get to see them very often. Then, when we moved to Antigua, they ended up having to return to the States for a season. We were glad to get to have lunch with them in their home and visit again. It was good to catch up in person and let our kids play together. They are a sweet family. We would love for them to be able to return to Guatemala and serve again one day.
our family with the Fryes
We then traveled on to Wetumpka and arrived mid-afternoon at the Browder's home. We spent some time visiting before they took us to the place we would be staying at for the next several days.
We were gifted a three night stay at this cute and cozy little lake house. It is a VRBO vacation rental on Lake Jordan. We absolutely loved everything about our time there. It was very fun and relaxing.
the view of the lake from the deck
Once we arrived, the boys wasted no time getting wet. They changed clothes and jumped right in the water.
soaking in the last days of summer
The Browders live nearby so they joined us for most all of our meals. That evening we had pizza and salad out on the deck. It was fun to watch the sunset as we fellowshipped and enjoyed our meal together. The Browders served on teams that we hosted during our first term with the Kekchi in Coban. They have also been down a few times to work with us in the Chiquimula and Antigua areas. They are kind, generous, strong supporters of missions, and great encouragers to our family. Just like our other visits on this road trip, we hope to host them back in Guatemala next year too.
this was my favorite spot
Thursday evening sunset
After finishing their school work on Friday morning, they were back in the lake. We all went for a morning swim.
The Browders brought over BBQ for lunch and ate with us. That afternoon we had fun playing corn hole on the deck.
On Friday night we had supper at the McGriff's house. Carol and her late husband Jim were our supervisors during our first missionary term. We lived in an apartment in their side yard in Coban. Mr. Jim passed away last year and we were very sad not to get to see him. He was one of the best bosses we have ever had. It was good to visit with Ms. Carol, Keeley, and Brantley again. We had a wonderful meal together. We laughed and reminisced about times past.
the boys with Brantley and Keeley
Guatemala MK's
playing checkers on Saturday morning back at the lake house
We had a sweet visit from Ms. Shirley and her daughter Suzanne on Saturday morning. They drove over to see us. Ms. Shirley served on several teams we hosted during our first term in Coban with the Kekchi. She loves Guatemala and the people there. It was so good to see her again and especially for her to see the boys.
For lunch, Mr. Jim grilled hot dogs, sausage, and hamburgers. We ate out on the deck again. We were joined by their daughter and grandson.
the boys liked getting to play together
Annie lives next door and owns the lake house where we stayed. She is
the WMU director at the Browder's church. I enjoyed meeting her and
getting to visit with her during our stay.
On Sunday morning we attended church with the Browders.
David sharing during the service.
Carol and Jim Browder, Carol McGriff, and our family after church
the boys with Ms. Carol McGriff
We had lunch with the Browders at a local Mexican restaurant. There was a tienda next door, so before we ate we walked through it. Cruz almost squealed when he spotted these refried black beans. They are his favorite food in Guatemala. We bought several packs to bring home with us.
Sunday lunch with the Browders before we drove back home to Mississippi
Home Sweet Home
Overall, it was an amazing road trip. We saw so many dear friends along the way and met a few new ones as well. We are thankful for each visit that was made, each hug, word of encouragement, and sweet time of reminiscing that we had. We are thankful for those who love and invest in us. Precious folks like the ones we saw during this road trip are what keep us going.
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