The New 40

My friend, Sidney Jean, turns 60 today.

Happy Birthday!

We have been friends since 1968 when I first starting going to the small Baptist church down the alley from my parents house.  We were in youth group together.  Pioneer girls.  We sang in the High school  and church choir together and we were even in the same Pep Ralley Squad together. I rode on my yellow Schwinn bike with her around White Rock Lake.  Countless times.  Always stopping at Rudy and Pearl's house.

After High school, our paths went two different ways.  Sidney went to college in Canada.  Got married.  Had 2 girls.  I went to college in Chicago.  Got married.  Had 3 kids. Moved to South America.

Then Facebook was invented.  We got re-connected - as if we had not been disconnected for so many years.  Although the years have passed, we've gotten older and we've moved on, we picked up just where we left off.

Today is Sidney's birthday.  She is 60 years old.  This is my first childhood "older" friend to turn 60.  
But I'm reminded that "60 is the NEW 40".

  I can always remember her birthday, because she shares it with another famous person.  Mickey Mouse.  60 years ago today, the theme park Disneyland in Anaheim, California opened its gates.  Happy Birthday to Mickey,
 but most especially, 

Happy Birthday to my friend, Sidney!

Fuego Volcano

While enjoying lunch at Cerro San Cristobal, the Fuego Volcano erupted.  

That was perfect timing!  

We had the team from NBC join us up on the hill top restaurant on the out skirts of town.

Our friend, Lee, didn't know what to think of the explosion. 
 I love his expression.

Team at Rio Hondo

Glenn and I returned to Guatemala and went directly to Rio Hondo.  That's 4 hours on the other side of town, down towards the Caribbean coast. 
 Yes, that is where it is hot.  Very hot.

Our supporting church, Northwest Bible Church, from Dallas, Texas, sends a team each summer to put on a camp for the children and young people of the community.  The team of 100 this year provided an excellent week of fun activities.  This team of volunteers played, sang, and ministered to the kids and families.  We were there on the final closing night.  There were songs, skits and testimonies.

It was hard for these young folks from North Dallas, to say Good-bye.  It was a great experience for both the kids that live in the US and for the kids that live in Guatemala.

Both lives will be changed F-O-R-E-V-E-R !

Nicaragua Visit

On our way back to Guatemala, we stopped by to see the grand-kids for 3 days. 

Of course we took the kids to the McDonald's play-land.

We went for walks in the neighborhood.

Lucy - 9 months old

 Gotta love those g'kids!

David gets a 'summer time' haircut.

This is one of my favorite photos.  

Ellen reading "Are You My Mother?", while sitting out on their Nicaragua patio.  The kids listened intently.

Saying Good-Bye

We spent some quality time with my mom and dad on this recent visit.  I must admit that it is getting harder to say Good-Bye to my sweet mom and dad.  We took her to the local Farmer's market so she could experience the smell and sights of all the great tasting vegetables and fruit.

Also, I drove Mom over to see her BFF, Lucille.  They have known each other for over 60 years.  This is what 86 and 97 looks like.

Karen, G'mommy and me

All in a Day's Work

We get asked quite frequently, "What does each day look like for you?"  Well, that is a tough question.  Because each day is so different.  It really depends on the ministry, what is going on in each of the missionaries' lives.

For example, even when we recently traveled to the states, we intentionally connected with Gail and her daughters. 

 Read about Driver's Education 101

Glenn and I attended the memorial service for our friend, Gloria Nash.  Since her funeral was just 30 minutes from where Katie was living, we dropped by to see her and help her with some projects.  Although Katie is still studying for her driver's test, we purchased a bicycle helmet for her, took her out for lunch and  encouraged her in this new stage of her life. 

 Imagine growing up in Guatemala and then moving up to the states and living near Texas A and M campus with 3 other girls, working for the first time at 2 part time jobs, taking driver's education, starting college, riding your bike wherever you need to go, finding a new church, making new friends and adjusting to a new season in your life. 

Talk about culture shock and adjustments.

 So when you think about it, pray for Katie as she makes new friends, starts her new jobs, attends college, etc. 

Rocky Mountain High

Our next stop along the way was 8 days in the Rockies.  Frisco, Colorado.

We enjoyed some fun times with Thomas and Karen.

Yep, Bicycle riding every day.

Then our good friends, Barbara and Scott, along with their grand daughter, Samantha, joined us for several days.  Each day included a bike ride adventure.

Beautiful.

Another Bike Ride. We rode from Vail Pass down to Frisco through Copper Mountain and from Vail Pass down to Vail.  From Breckenridge to Frisco.  And down from Leadville/Climax summit down to Frisco.

Another Bike Ride.

The Russells were brave enough to go White Water rafting down the Blue River.  I think the water was pretty cold.

Group Shot!

On our final day, we had a family picnic and my sister Sherrie stopped by along with Steve, Michelle, Stephen and his friend Alex. 

 What a way to finish off our Colorado vacation.

Friends Along the Way

My youth directors 

Glenn and I enjoyed reconnecting with my Junior High and High School youth director from North Highlands Baptist/Bible Church, back in the day.

We sat around the table re-living those fun memories of Sunday night youth meetings, Wednesday night youth gatherings, Pioneer girls, banquets, retreats, riding bicycles around White Rock Lake, babysitting for their 2 boys (who are now 40+) and just appreciating the friendships that have lasted over the years.

Dwight and Anne recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.  

Way to go!

Then we stopped by to see Jan and Lloyd C. in Denver, Colorado.  They were "long time" residents of Grand Prairie, and we have known them for 35+ years.  It was good to see them in their new residence and catch up on their lives. They treated us to lunch. Thank you!

The Airplane Restaurant

Glenn and I enjoyed a unique restaurant in Colorado Springs last month.

The Airplane Restaurant

check out the link

I must say, this is the most unusual restaurant I have ever eaten at.  There are tables inside the Boeing KC-97 tanker.  This aircraft was built in 1953.

We even got to sit in the cock-pit.

There are tables inside the aircraft and in the hangar.  The waitresses' uniforms are airline style and they introduce themselves as flight attendants.  This was very unique and fun.

The food was pretty good too, much like Chili's or TGI Fridays.

I only wish we had our grandson, David, with us, because he loves anything and everything about airplanes.  UP UP UP!

So, next time you are in the Colorado Springs area and want a unique dining experience, try

 The Airplane Restaurant.