July was a fun filled month! Cruz had several "firsts" that he experienced during the month. It has been fun to watch him experience new things.
We kicked off the month with Cruz getting his driver's permit. He had been studying for months using an online driver's ed course and online practice tests. He aced the exam and was very proud of himself.
Since then, he has been chauffeuring us around all over town. That has been an exciting adventure!
We go driving almost every day. On this particular hot sunny day we picked up snow cones. In Guatemala he and I go out for coffee. Here, snow cones are our thing. I love this one on one time I am getting to spend with him!
We spent the 4th of July with David's family in Crystal Springs. We had a delicious meal and fellowship time together.
our family on the 4th of July
That evening we all drove out to Lake Copiah to watch their annual fireworks show. We have been home two years in a row now to attend this event. I love being in the U.S. on the 4th of July!
The first Saturday in July the Lincoln County Baptist Association hosted a Freedom Gospel Outreach event here in Brookhaven. The Johnson family came over for supper, and then we all went to the event together. The highlight was the fireworks show at the end of the night. It was fantastic!
David and Cruz watching the fireworks
The boys had a fun outing to Top Golf with some church friends. It was their first time to go, and they both loved it.
Ben and Cruz at Top Golf in Ridgeland, MS
Jude and Cruz
Ben attended a Trail Life meeting at our home church and came home with a new hat. He plans to attend the meetings throughout the fall.
The boys have been spending a lot of time with the youth group at our home church. In early July they had an outing to a Mississippi Mud Monsters baseball game in Pearl. We were excited to get to join them.
Ben with his friends
Cruz and his buds
The youth participated in several activities throughout the game. Here, Jude and Ben won a contest and each got four tickets to an upcoming game. We look forward to returning again this month to watch another game.
me and David at the game
Cruz won a hat and also caught a baseball. Here he is getting the baseball signed after the game.
Bro. Phil is the missions pastor at Easthaven Baptist here in Brookhaven. He has led several teams to work with us in Guatemala. He knows our Cruz and also has another Cruz in his church. He thought they needed to know each other so he took them both out to lunch and to Starbucks for coffee. They all had a great time together. Bro. Phil is a great connector and does a wonderful job pouring into young people.
My walking buddy in Guatemala had us matching hats made and shipped it to me. It was a great surprise to receive it. I look forward to us walking again in January with our new hats.
Cruz had three back to back events in July. His first one was a high school boys retreat. He was attending and David helped lead it. Cruz absolutely loved it and said it was the best thing he has ever done.
While they were gone, Ben and I attended the annual Miller family reunion. It is my dad's family. It was great to see everyone.
Cruz returned home from his retreat on a Sunday evening. I had to wash and repack all of his things and have him at the airport at 5:00 a.m. the next morning. He took his first solo flight, and it was international. He attended a high school retreat for IMB MK's whose parents serve in the Americas. He had a wonderful time there!
their retreat theme
Ben with my mom
me with my mom
We spent the day out shopping and having lunch together.
more driving practice
first time pumping gas
Jude and Cruz
We flew to Virginia to attend a Refresh Conference. It is a conference for IMB missionaries who are on furlough.
The sunrise as we left Jackson, MS.
Hello, Richmond.
Our colleagues who were at the conference and serve in the Americas.
We flew home on my mom's birthday and didn't get to celebrate with her. The next day, Sunday, we went to church with her, took her out to lunch, and spent the afternoon together at her house. Here she is at the Mexican restaurant after they sang to her and brought out dessert.
me and the boys with my mom
We had lunch with Isaac. He was one of our Summer Sojourners who came to work with us in Guatemala back in 2023.
The boys with Isaac.
Lastly, Cruz ended the month with a job interview at Ole Brook Snow Cones and Snacks and got his first job. One of his goals while we are in the States was to work, so you can imagine his excitement for this to become a reality. He begins today (August 1).
We'll be back in school starting next week. I am sad to see our summer break come to an end!!
I cannot believe it is August already!!! This year is flying by.
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