Friday morning my girls and I just rested. We were just flat exhausted from the hours on the road and decided to sleep in a bit. We did get up to enjoy the free hot breakfast that the hotel had. They even had a hotcake machine! I’ve seen the hot waffles, but this was the first pancake maker I’ve seen at a hotel breakfast. But right after breakfast we all went back to bed.
Later that afternoon we got to visit with some of our friends that we used to go to church with back in Texas. They moved up to Maryland last year and it was such a joy to get to see them again and get caught up. It’s so good to hear how God is blessing their lives.
We had a little while before my sister and brother where going to be done with their weeks so we wandered out behind the hotel where there is a beautiful lake and park. They have a playground for the kids and a stage for live bands. Some of the locals where telling us that they show free movies out there and will have all kinds of concerts and events there.
My sister, Cindy, also lives south of DC in Virginia, but she happen to have a bodybuilding competition in Maryland on Saturday. She arrived Friday evening at the hotel where we were staying and we got to visit with her between her evening preps. She looks so wonderful.
Friday evening my brother and his family drove down and took us to dinner. We shared stories and laughed for hours. It is good to see my brother stateside for a while. He is currently serving in the US Army, but after multiple injuries over the last several years he is starting a long process of surgeries at Walter Reid in DC for the next year or so. My prayers go out to him and his family for a speedy recovery. And hopefully I’ll get to make it out this way to see him again.
Saturday morning we got to visit with my brother and his daughter for a little bit, then we just relaxed at the hotel room the rest of the afternoon. That evening the girls went to check out the hotels indoor pool and I headed over to my sisters competition. She looked awesome! And took home fourth place in two different categories. Yea sis! I’m so proud of her and her accomplishments. I know she will hold the first place and overall one day soon!
It’s hard to say goodbye to the ones we love, especially when we don’t get the chance to see them very often. But I am very thankful and blessed for the time we got to spend with each one and look forward to another chance again one day.
Sunday morning rolled around and it was time to pack up and head off on our next leg of this journey. We decided to take the scenic route and head over to Hwy 81 outside of Hagerstown, Md and head north to upstate New York. It was beautiful and the traffic flowed along well until we reached New York where it got a little congested for a bit.
We made it in to Albany, NY, where my sister Tina lives, and where we will stay for the next few days here in New York. It is wonderful to get to spend time with her and we are so thankful for her gracious hospitality.
Looking forward to trying to see everyone while we are up here.
Til next time, enjoy your journey,
Rachele T.
[tb_google_map]
Facebook
Twitter