August 24 - “Toward Galveston”

We pulled out of Baton Rouge (Port Allen, actually) around 8:45. Time to head toward Galveston. 

We almost took a detour to check out the Tabasco Factory. Even made the first turn. But it meant a 45 minute detour one way plus however long the tour would take. Well save that one for another day. 

Other than that, the road was flat and straight all the way into Texas. And speaking of Texas, once we crossed the border a strange rumbling began in both of our stomachs. A rumbling - a longing - for Whataburger.  Did you know that there was no Whataburger off of I 10 through all of Beaumont? Shame! Found one in Winnie, though. Welcome  to Texas. 

A few Whataburger Jrs and milkshakes later, we were back on the road, more focused than ever. Well, at least “more fuller” than ever. 

We stopped at HEB and picked up some flowers for Cailyn. As Chris said, “She’s been sick.” We also added a few packages of Joyride to “sweeten the pot” so to speak. While there we saw some friends who we generally only see at random places around the area. Great to see y’all, Paul and Carolyn. 

We got there before they did - Nathan and gang, that is. We did sneak in and avail ourselves of the facilities. We also let the dogs out, just to be useful. 

When they arrived Chris finally got the lowdown on Cailyn’s recent sickness. Of course the fact that Cailyn was standing right there didn’t hurt her encouragement level. We even got to see Gavin. It was great to see them all and get those hugs we need. 

And when we got home, guess what greeted us? Well, I mean besides Corey and Janell and Brennan and Freddy and the little puppy they are fostering. There on our lawn in brightly colorful letters was “Happy Birthday.” And inside there were banners hanging with “Feliz Cumpleanos” wishes, along with a card and a gift card to Chris’ favorite Mexican restaurant, all from our home group. Sense a theme yet?  My favorite, though? The table was covered with a variety of my stuffed animals, all wearing tiny sombreros. Sigh. Familia.

Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬ says, Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.

Father, thank you for friends who are close like family. Bless them. Amen.