Ringing in the New Year 2026

We celebrated Christmas in the States but were back in Guatemala in time to ring in the new year. Most of New Year's Eve was spent running errands and lounging on the couch watching football. That evening after supper, David, Cruz, and I went into town to walk around and get coffee and dessert.  Ben had been at a sleepover the night before and didn't come home until around 9:30 p.m. on New Year's Eve so he wasn't here to join us.

 

Much of town was still decorated for Christmas.  It was pretty!  This is our town's Central Park. 

 

The San José Cathedral that faces our Central Park.

 

 

They had a large stage area set up for the New Year's celebration activities. 

 

 

ready to count down to the new year 

 

me and David in the Central Park

 

 

the famous arch in Antigua 

 

We stopped at Bru'd for coffee and dessert.  It is one of our favorite coffee shops in town. 

 

Cruz got cheesecake.  It is his favorite dessert. 

 

I had ice coffee and shared this cinnamon roll with David. 

 

I love the decorations in there. 

 

We came home, and I watched Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest.  I love Ryan! 

 

 

Happy New Year!!!

 

We stayed up another hour until midnight here to see the fireworks and then went to bed. 

 

 

We had chocolate chip banana pecan pancakes for our New Year's Day breakfast. 

I then spent the morning watching the Rose Parade.  I loved seeing this Mississippi float.

 

our annual family photo 

 

 

We went into town for lunch and ate at Hector's Bistro.  It is one of our favorite restaurants in town. 

 

 

I love these bacon wrapped stuffed dates!!! 

 

A view of Agua volcano on the walk back to the car. 

 

 

The highlight of the day was watching Ole Miss play Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. 

 

 

Let's go!!! 

 

I baked a cake.  I attempted to shape it like a football but didn't cut enough off of the middle.  Regardless, it was a delicious dessert. 

 

We also had Domino's pizza delivered for supper. 

 

 

We built a fire and watched the game. 

 

 

Ole Miss won!!!!!

I have watched a lot of football games in my life, but this one will always stand out as a highlight.  It was the most exciting, thrilling game ever!!!   It was hard to wind down and go to bed after that.  What a fun way to kick off the new year.

 

 

Happy New Year y'all!!!

 

Thanks for keeping up with our family on our little corner of the web.  We appreciate you reading!

 

As we start this new year, we are praying that it is a year filled with growth, obedience, and joy as we follow God's plan for our lives. We are trusting Him to lead every step in this new term. We are grateful for His guidance and excited for what He has in store for the days ahead.

Life Lately November 2025

We began the month hanging out with the Browns.  They hosted us for supper and to watch the Ole Miss vs South Carolina football game.  Ole Miss won!! 

 

fun night with our friends 

 

the boys with Sara Madalin 

 

 

Sara Madalin is a senior this year. Isn't that a cute photo of her! 

 

 

The next morning David spoke at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Hazlehurst.  Here we are with the pastor, Bro. Philip. 

 

 

me and the boys with my mom

 

 

a few of us went out to lunch together after church

 

 

the boys with my mom and Ms. Charlotte 

 

the boys with my Aunt Nita 

 

 

Mimi and the boys 

 

 

Cruz and Ben 

 

me with my Aunt Nita

 

 

That evening we were at our home church, Harmony Baptist in Crystal Springs, for their Harmony Fest.  It was a night of food, fun, and games.   

 

 

David, me, Sara Madalin, and Reagan on the cake walk 

 

 

Ben with Briggs and Flethcher

They worked the cake walk 

 

 

Cruz with Jude, Cash and Jett 

 

The next morning I had this speaking engagement at Easthaven Baptist in Brookhaven. 

 

 

me with the Lincoln County Baptist Association women's ministry leaders 

 

 

speaking at the World Day of Prayer event

 

me with a few of the ladies from Central Baptist Church in Brookhaven 

 

 

That evening David attended a Copiah Baptist Association's men rally at Gallman Baptist Church in Gallman. 

 

 

Later that week we were invited to supper with the Sullivans.  They cooked a delicious steak meal, and we enjoyed great fellowship with them around the table.

 

 

That weekend we headed to Oxford to attend the Ole Miss football game.  That was extremely fun!! 

 

Ole Miss won! 

 

 

a video of our day at the game 

 

 

That Sunday we attended church at Central Baptist in Brookhaven and afterwards went out to lunch with Ms. Berenda.  She is a precious lady and such a great encouragement to us. 

 

 

On Monday of that week, I was blessed to spend some time sharing with these precious ladies at FBC McComb, MS.  We had a delicious lunch meal together as well. 

 

 

David and the boys were invited out to the country for an afternoon of target shooting.  It has been several weeks now and they are still talking about it.  They really had a wonderful time! 

 

 

target shooting at the Carters 

 

 

We made a Saturday day trip to Hattiesburg to see the Epps.  They are fellow IMB missionaries and sweet friends.  We really loved getting to spend the day with them!  It began with lunch at Hattiesburgers & Blues and then an afternoon exploring The Lucky Rabbit.  

 

 

us with the Epps

(David and Aaron were parking the cars) 

 

 

me and Tiffany

She is one of the sweetest people I know! 

 

 

Cruz and Evan

MK buds 

 

 

The Brewsters were also in town, and we enjoyed all being together that day.  We love time spent with our IMB missionary family.

 

 

The next day David preached the morning and evening services at Highland Baptist in Crystal Springs.  His childhood friend, Van, took us out for lunch after the morning service.  It was great to spend a little time with him. 

 

 

The following Tuesday night I spoke to a women's group at FBC Hazlehurst.  I went to this church growing up and loved getting to return and share with them.  Seeing the faces of people I have known most of my life brought a smile to my face. 

 

 

Thanksgiving week was our fall break from school.  We had a fun week planned that began with a trip to Gulf Shores, AL.  We enjoyed time at the beach and also a visit to Tropic Falls theme park & water park as well as their Christmas season kickoff night.

 

video of our beach time 

 

 

Downtown OWA Christmas tree lighting and fireworks show in Foley, AL 

 

 

a video of the Christmas celebration 

 

 

our family at Tropic Falls in Foley, AL

 

 

a video of our time at the theme park and water park 

 

 

We spent Thanksgiving Day with David's family in Crystal Springs.

 

 

The next day we headed to Starkville to attend the 2025 Egg Bowl.  This is a yearly rivalry game between Ole Miss and Mississippi State.  Ole Miss won 38-19!!  We enjoyed getting to cheer them on.  It was a super fun day! 

 

 

our family at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville 

  

 

 

 

a video of our day at the game 

 

 

This past Saturday, Cruz had his last day of work at Ole Brook Snow Cones and Snacks. They officially closed for the season at the end of November. Having this job has been one of his favorite parts of being in the States this Stateside Assignment. It has been a great time of growth for him. It has taught him responsibility, time management, and some essential life skills. Plus, it has provided him a sense of independence and having his own spending money that he earned himself has given him a lot of pride. He will miss getting to work when we return to Guatemala!
 

We ended the month at our home church in Crystal Springs.  In addition to a great time of worship, it was fifth Sunday, which meant a covered dish meal after the service.  It was fun and delicious. 

 

Now, here we are in December.  It sure got here fast!