Most of our time in Florida was spent indoors because it was pouring rain pretty much the entire time we were there. On one of our last days Matt’s parents took us to the beach, and thankfully, it was beautiful!
Flashback #1 – Fourth of July in Philly
Yikes! I’m a bit behind on the blogging. 🙂
We spent the Fourth of July weekend in Philadelphia. What a perfect place to be for this particular holiday. When we landed at the airport we saw a group of people who were there to meet a soldier returning home from Iraq. The group pulled up to the curb in a procession of old cars and motorcycles all sporting American flags. Then they lined the stairs next to the escalator and prepared a great welcome for this soldier. I was really moved by the fact that a group of people would take the time to make sure one of our soldiers was welcomed home in style. I asked if I could take pictures and was told by one of the larger men there that I could and if anyone gave me any trouble to punch them in the nose. Luckily, I didn’t have to do that.
On the Fourth, we walked around downtown Philly for awhile. We went to Independence Square and discovered that it was the celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday. They had all kinds of people dressed up and sharing information about life in the 1800’s. Of course, there was also a group of protestors there. Matt wouldn’t let me go over there because some guy was wearing a shirt that basically said Jesus is OK with hate. Jesus is not OK with hate, and I think that man needs to know it, but Matt kept me on the other side of the street, so I didn’t get to tell him.
While we were in Philly, we of course had to go to a Phillies’ game. The game was actually on the Fourth of July, so they had a pre-game program to honor veterans. They rolled out the biggest flag I have ever seen! It was a really fun time.
One of the things I love everytime I go to the east coast is getting to see lightning bugs. We don’t have these in California, and I am completely fascinated by them. Matt caught a couple for me to get pictures of, but getting pictures of them actually lit up is a little harder. I’m going to keep working on that next time I’m there.
The (S)unshine State
This was the weather in Florida pretty much the entire time we were there. Bizarre weather for Florida this time of year. However, it did clear up enough for us to get some quality beach time Tuesday evening before we left.
We did get away to Philadelphia for 4th of July weekend where it was always sunny and surprisingly not too hot. Perfect weather for taking in a baseball game.
We really enjoyed our time in Florida and Philly, catching up with family and friends. I’m sorry we couldn’t see everyone we wanted to, but hopefully we will be there longer the next time we’re stateside. We both decided that spending 3.5 weeks between three places (CA, FL, and Philly) isn’t quite enough time to do everything we’d like to do.
Please pray for us as Tricia and I recoup before new and old staff start trickling in and the school year gets underway.
California Dreamin’
We’ve been in California for almost two weeks which means that our time here is almost over. 🙁
On June 20, my brother Derrick married his sweetheart Desire’e. It was a fantastic day, and we’re so glad that we got to be here for it!
We made a quick trip to Santa Barbara last week to visit with friends. I got to show Matt Westmont for the first time, but it wasn’t very impressive because the whole place is under construction. I’ll just have to take him back up there next time. 🙂 I’m super thankful that we had some time to spend with my friends up there. I love them a lot!
The rest of our California time is being spent in Idyllwild with my family. It’s so good to be home and visit for awhile. The only hard part of living in Vienna is missing my family. I’m so thankful for this time with them.
Thanks for all of your prayers as we travel. We’re off to Florida on Monday. Klein family – here we come!
Upcoming Travels
We are so excited to be coming to the States for a few weeks. We’d love to see all of you. Here’s our itinerary so far. Please join us if you can!
June 15: Arrive in San Diego & eat at In-N-Out – YUMMM!
June 15-20: In Idyllwild helping get the wedding of the summer ready to go
June 20: Derrick & Desire’e get married – Wahoo!
June 21: Church at Idyllwild Community Presbyterian
June 23-25: Santa Barbara
June 23: Meet & Greet at Shoreline Park, 4:00-7:00pm
June 24: Home Group with the Guptas
June 28: Church at Idyllwild Community Presbyterian
June 29: Arrive in Tampa
July 3: Arrive in Philadelphia
July 4: Phillies’ Game – Fireworks & Baseball 🙂
July 5: Church at Woodland Presbyterian
July 6: Arrive in Tampa
July 8: Leave for Vienna