This past week has been one of the highlights of the year for me. Geoffrey was in visiting from Uganda and was able to spend some time in Louisiana. It was wonderful having him at my house and showing him life in LA. Many of you don't even know what that means....but as SaraBeth described it "you guys are like your own country." We just do things a little different around here and in the last 10 years of living here I have fully embraced it. I know Geoffrey got tired of us taking his picture and putting his every move on social media but we just wanted to enjoy every moment of his time here.
He and SaraBeth arrived on Thursday after an unexpected stay in Washington DC because of weather. His first night in America he got to experience a blizzard and the airport shutting down. On Thursday we were able to pick them up in Alexandria to start our adventures.
It was so good to have this guy sitting in my living room for a change. I told Andrew on the way to the airport that I had known Geoffrey for four years and he had never seen me freshly showered with make up on....he might not recognize me. After catching our breath and settling in we had a dinner planned for the team that went to Uganda last year. It was a fun little reunion. We had fried fish, gumbo and red beans and rice to welcome our African friend to Louisiana. I do believe he liked what he tasted.
Unfortunately jet lag is not a kind friend...our African was worn out at his own party.
Among other things we got into a game of dominoes where I beat Parker Pearson yet again! It was a good night for Big Momma!
Friday we spent the day running some errands and experiencing some more new things. Months ago when SaraBeth visited I introduced her to the viva vegas roll at Sake Sushi so we decided to take Geoffrey there for lunch. I knew this would be a hit or miss but we had a winner....and he mastered eating with chopsticks.
After sushi there was only one more food to introduce this trip...crawfish. That's right...we had to introduce Geoffrey and SaraBeth both to the yummy goodness of a mudbug. They liked them but said it was a lot of work.
On Saturday we ventured to Winnfield, LA where Andrew's family lives. We wanted to show Geoffrey that not all of America lives like New York. So on Saturday we enjoyed country living....riding four wheelers on the farm, petting animals, fishing...you name it. I don't know who had more fun...Geoffrey or me.
He wouldn't ride the four wheeler but he got on for a picture.
SaraBeth and I would have played on the farm all day, however.
We did get him to finally drive the kabota and he loved it...
We only fished for a little while but Geoffrey and SaraBeth proved to be the fishermen of the group. The only thing I caught was crickets to use as bait. We all have a part to play and I took my role seriously. SaraBeth got the biggest catch of the day after I baited her hook...and Andrew took the fish off the hook so it was a team effort.
It wasn't all fun and games. Geoffrey preached at First Baptist Church Winnfield on Sunday and then we stayed that evening for Andrew's ordination service where Geoffrey prayed. It was a special thing to be part of and we had a great day.
Monday night we hosted an event at LC for students to hear Geoffrey and SaraBeth's stories and passion for caring for orphans and widows. The Lord blessed that event...students were generous in their giving and their interest in going. And it was so good to be back together with the team from last summer talking about Uganda and laughing over memories.
On Tuesday it was time to send them on their way....they have a busy month of traveling and speaking ahead of them. Loved having them though. We didn't send Geoffrey away empty handed. He got several new articles of clothing, the Daizy shirt in particular and a new pair of shoes that were donated by our local running store, Run Wild.
And Geoffrey even made a new friend during his stay....who would have ever imagined that he and Matti would hit it off so well??? There is hope for Matti girl that she will get to stay when Daizy arrives.
And then the airport farewells began....
Such a great week with such dear friends! Welcome to America Geoffrey!!
*sorry for the sideways pics....it's a pet peeve of mine but I can't get them turned and didn't want to exclude them
