October was a full month of speaking engagements and fellowship with family and friends.
I kicked off the month having lunch with a former youth ministry student. David and I did full time student ministry for seven years before going on the mission field. Our students were like our kids because we did not have kids of our own at that time. We always enjoy getting to catch up with some of them while in the States. Ashley is now married and has two kids the same age as mine. That seems crazy!! We especially enjoyed talking about motherhood and reminiscing about old times.
The first weekend in October was the Ole Brook Festival in Brookhaven. We enjoyed walking around on that Friday night, seeing many familiar faces, and enjoying some good food.
That Sunday morning we were at our home church (Harmony Baptist). Afterwards Cruz joined a group of guys for a church work day.
When they were done working, a few of them went to Lake Chautauqua to play disc golf.
David spent a few days in Oxford visiting his dad. His stepmom was out of town so they had some one on one time. David enjoyed that. Here they are eating out one evening.
David's niece had her first child, a sweet baby boy. On David's drive home from Oxford, he stopped by the hospital to visit them. Here he is pictured with baby Lake, his sister, and his three aunts.
We enjoyed speaking to a GA group at FBC Summit on a Wednesday night. I loved Girls in Action classes when I was young and always love getting to share with them when we are home. One of their leaders, Cecelia Brister, is a former IMB missionary, and we enjoyed visiting with her also.
The Children's and Family Pastor at FBC Summit, Trey, is a former youth ministry student. It was great to see him and his precious family. He just completed his doctorate, and we are so proud of him!
The following Sunday David preached and shared at Stronghope Baptist Church in Wesson. Here he is with the pastor, Bro. Matt. They took seminary classes together many years ago.
While there we got to see many people that we know and love. One of those was Mrs. Ann. She is my mom's friend and one of the sweetest ladies we know. She loves the boys and was tickled to see them.
I also got to see and hug (many times) another former youth ministry student, Dallas. I was so happy to see her and meet her sweet little family.
The next day I made the drive over to Meridian, MS to speak to their WMU group. We had a delicious lunch meal together before I shared.
speaking at a WMU ladies' luncheon at FBC Meridian
The next day I spoke to a WMU group at FBC Brookhaven. I sadly did not take any photos, but I did enjoy getting to meet three retired IMB missionaries while there.
The following Sunday we were back at our home church. Here is Cruz with one of his best friends, Jude. He is the pastor's son there at Harmony.
That evening David spoke at Union Hall Baptist Church in Brookhaven. Here we are with Pastor Ken and his wife.
our family at Union Hall Baptist Church
After the service, the church had a cake and ice cream fellowship time. It was fun and delicious.
me with Mrs. Nancy
She is a precious lady and such an encouragement to me.
'That evening began a four night Go Tell Crusade event in Brookhaven. It was put on by the Lincoln Baptist Association and took place each evening at the Brookhaven High School football field. It was an incredible event for this area!
Go Tell Crusade
On Thursday of that week we attended a Copiah Lincoln Community College football game. Look at that gorgeous sunset view from our seats!
Cruz's friend from work, Jose, is a cheerleader there, and it was fun to get to see him cheer. They recognized him as one of the sophomores who would be graduating in the spring.
On October 24 David and I celebrated nineteen years of service with the International Mission Board. We are very humbled and grateful for this opportunity that God has given us to serve Him. We truly love what we do!
Later that day, I met two of my cousins, Kim and Amy, for lunch in town. We had such a fun time sharing stories around the table. The laughter did us all good!
Cruz had a Saturday off from work so I took him to Flowood for a full day of shopping. We were literally gone for nine hours! It was so much fun having that one on one time together. I recognize that my time having him at home is quickly slipping away so I am trying to savor moments like this as much as I can.
taking a break from shopping to enjoy a Chick-fil-A lunch
How did we go from kid's meals to thirty piece nuggets so fast?? Feeding teenage boys is no joke!
The last Sunday of the month we attended Gallman Baptist Church. We had a lunch fellowship, and then I shared with a ladies' group in the afternoon. I always enjoy my time with the ladies at Gallman.
That evening our home church hosted a Beast Feast. It was a night of food, fellowship, prizes, and a challenging message. A great time was had by all!
Cruz helping be a door greeter for the Beast Feast.
Beast Feast event at Harmony Baptist Church in Crystal Springs.
On October 27 and 28 David and I represented the IMB at the Mississippi Baptist Convention and Pastor's Conference. We loved getting to work the booth and have conversations with those that passed through. We saw many people that we knew and got to meet many others.. It was very fun!!
During the event there was a short reception for Mississippi IMB missionaries. We had both current and retired missionaries present. It was a joy to get to visit with all of them. We were served delicious coffee, both hot and iced, as well as some yummy scones.
Of those who stopped by our booth were our home pastor, Bro. Jonathan, and Zack, who grew up at our home church.
Zack and his family are currently church planters in Arizona. We have known him since he was a little boy and it is a blessing to see him all grown up and serving the Lord full time.
We spent that Wednesday afternoon visiting baby Lake.
He's so sweet and tiny.
and that wrapped up the month of October. It went by fast! 
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