Wacky Wednesday way out west!

We were busy yesterday - Belinda has been pushing quite hard to get the wellness center ready to open and will be so glad when July 20th rolls around (the center's grand opening).

Charles went to Iraan this morning and discovered a door had blown open creating a mess in the sancutary. He did remember to pick up supper at the best little BBQ hut in Texas! Belinda was very happy when she was able to sit down and rest. After lunch at the Senior's Center, he came back to McCamey and battled the gremlins interfering with the internet service at the parsonage. He's lost track of the hours this has taken, perhaps 8-10 hours so far!

We're Getting Rain!

What a relief it was to wake up this morning and find the streets wet!!! We've had rain most of the morning and into the early afternoon. We so need moisture that the sound of rain is like music. It has been downright chilly todat with temps in the upper 60's!

We had to go to Odessa this morning (driving in some heavy rain), so Belinda could see about some items for the Wellness Center. She had a great meeting with the good people at Stemarco, Terri & Jerry Tucker, who are going to help with some special signage at the center. Charles in the meantime ran some errands in "the city" and enjoyed navigating the standing water in the streets that Odessa is known for in these parts. Charles also spotted a couple of the iconic jackrabbits that are found throughout the city.

Terri made Charles' day with the gift of three buttons for his collection. Could the day be much better - lots of rain, buttons, negotiating AT&T to get the parsonage connected to the internet and an afternoon of World Cup football (Spain-Portugal)? To cap the dy off when Belinda got home from work we were able to enjoy a tasty meal at Elena's! A good day all around!

With the work week underway there was plenty to do for both of us! The surprise rain last night was a welcome relief and it made today much cooler than it was last week. Belinda continued her efforts to get the wellness center up and running in time for the grand opening next month. Today the weights were delivered and Charles got a guided tour of the new facility from the new director, BELINDA!

A hot Sunday in west Texas

We've had a busy day already and a hot day too! With a breakfast potluck in Iraan and three worship services it makes for a full morning. The afternoon service at the McCamey Convalescent Center rounds out the day! After worship at FUMC - McCamey, Charles was presented with a button, any day with a button is a good day for him!

Even though he missed the England-Germany match this morning Charles was thrilled to be able to catch most of the Mexico-Argentina match from the World Cup in the afternoon!

Charles is back in Texas!

Yesterday Charles drove from Shawnee, Oklahoma, back home to Texas. Driving 557 miles in one day makes for a long day, especially if the departure time is delayed until the afternoon. He said it was sure good to see the lights of McCamey at long last!

Belinda was very glad to have him home!

He stopped at the Texas welcome center at Wichita Falls and enjoyed seeing the Red River up close, as well as the six flags that have flown over Texas (Spain, France, Mexico, Texas Republic, Confederate and USA).

Oklahoma, day 3

The greatly anticipated key being sent from Texas by Belinda has arrived and soon Charles will be heading back to Texas!

After securing the key from the post office, Charles stopped to say goodbye to his brother Dale who was staying with Alex and Crystal. Dale is heading to Denver where he will be scuba diving in the big tank at the acquarium! Before leaving, Dale gave a demonstration of his harmonica technique that he uses while driving. What fun!

Charles spotted some of the local flavor in the form of painted horses placed around the town. It is fun seeing how different communities promote unity and celebrate what makes that place unique.

Oklahoma, day 2

Today was largely given to family time, first at a Cracker Barrel and then at a local all-you-can-eat catfish restaurant. We capped the day off with a time of sharing family stories at Alex & Crystal's home. Not sure who told the most embarrassing story about whom but it was worth the price of admission!!!

More pictures from the wedding

The wedding of Alex & Crystal

Charles co-officiated at the wedding of his nephew Alex and his fiance` Crystal this evening in a ceremony at the couple's home in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The small gathering of family and friends watched as the vows were taken and rings were exchanged. Everyone then adjourned to Crystal's grandmother's home for refreshments. It was a wonderful time to be with family and friends!

A day in Oklahoma

Charles visited this afternoon with his brother Dale and their mom, Jean, and her husband, Tom. They visited the nearby town of Okemah, just east of Shawnee. They had a great lunch at "Boomerang's" and then toured the Okemah town museum which has a nice assortment of items from hometown hero Woodie Guthrie. The Guthrie homestead is marked by a totem with Guthrie's most well-known song, "This Land is Your Land" carved into a tree trunk.

Love Such as This!

Yesterday was a good/great-kind of busy day for us. We celebrated the life and faith-journey of our dear "Henry." Charles drove to Oklahoma, so he can officiate at his nephew's wedding. Dear parishoners visited Belinda at her work and extended the loving offer to loan her one of their cars for her to use while Charles is away. Other dear parishoners took Belinda out to supper for great food and a great visit. Afterwards, they took her for a lovely dashboard tour of the town, which was loads of fun. They pointed out the homes of folks she now knows in McCamey. And when Belinda went to bed, there sitting on the pillows was a surprise bear that Charles had left her as a loving reminder that even though he is away from her, his love and thoughts are also with her. Praise be to God for such love as this!

Charles Travels to Oklahoma

After the funeral today, Charles drove to Shawnee, Oklahoma (just east of Oklahoma City). Tomorrow he'll be officiating at the wedding of his nephew, Alex (son of Charles' younger brother, Dale).

On his way north, Charles spotted some interesting things, including a turtle that Charles moved from the middle of the road and a really cool looking cycle! Of course he had to drop in on the Cracker Barrel at Wichita Falls (in honor of Belinda!) As for the first picture above, Charles drove through a place called Sweetwater, Texas, where he saw a lot of wind turbines. (It made him feel nostalgic for his west Texas home of McCamey, which we all know is the "Wind Energy Capital of Texas!") While in Sweetwater, he heard the claim that Nolan County is largely recognized as the "Wind Energy Capital of the World." My, how God's Spirit is moving in and around Texas: Yee-haw!!! Thanks be to God!!!