February 11 – “Arrival”

We made in into Fort Worth last night without incident.  We are staying in a hotel complex that Southwestern Seminary built several years ago.  It is a huge building with a massive central area for receptions and conferences.  I don't know how many hotel rooms are here, but the one we are in is very nice.  It is quite roomy.  There is a table with internet connection provided, two double beds, a TV (for some strange reason there are no stations like HBO or Cinemax), a microwave, a little fridge, two sinks, and a big bathroom.  The only weird thing so far is the toilet.  It was built for really short people.  Not very far off the floor, actually.  The perks are there, too.  We got vouchers for a free breakfast at the seminary student center café.  There was even a menu.  Looks like we'll get to choose from pigs in a blanket, muffins, and cold cereal.  They said on Saturday and Sunday we would have a breakfast basket in our room.  Can't say I've ever had one of those before.  We'll see.  We did pass an IHOP last night.   Speaking of last night, we went for supper to a place we haven't been to in a long time.  Black Eye Pea.  Or is it Black Eyed Pea?  I didn't notice how well they handled grammar.  They are famous for chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken.  We split a steak and got some extra veggies.  Chris watched the weather channel on the TV she was facing and kept me updated on how cold it was getting.  I watched the UConn basketball game on the TV on the other wall and never mentioned the score even once.  Actually it was nice to have some time with just the two of us again.  That trip back in September or October or whenever it was kind of spoiled us on that count.     It felt different driving through Mansfield instead of stopping there.  In fact we couldn't help ourselves.  We took the exit for Josh and Christi's old house and did a driveby.  Looks like the people who bought it are just now moving in.  Big pile of boxes and trash and stuff on the front lawn.  Looking forward to seeing some friends later today or tomorrow, and the plan is to go to church at South Oaks on Sunday before we head home.     We'll have some breakfast and give the Wilson family a call first before we head out to Weatherford this morning.  Talked to Mike briefly last night.  He called to make sure we got here and checked in without any trouble.     Psalms 143:10 says, "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground."   Father, comfort the family and give them your peace as the days pass.  Amen.