The Alamo & Christmas!

       I’ve been thinking about friendships and those I miss back at home. What keeps me going is the people we meet on this journey –when they share their own stories of life and what God has done for them and how they use it to bless others. It makes me feel connected and it fights off the loneliness. 
       These connections and conversations have often made me think how much we need each other. I’ve been deeply wounded by many a person in my life (distant and not so distant past) and have a hard time trusting others because of it. Yet I can love fully when someone opens up and shares their story with me. It’s a way of saying, “I trust you with part of me”.  
       I miss kinships at home but I’m hoping that when I return, I will open up more and trust again without the fear of being wounded. To let people into my story and feel safe and trust again.
       Friends are a good thing - even if hard to find and keep. We need each other. We can't receive if we are holding back. I know because I did it for too long. Be wise in who you trust, but not too careful.  

NOW ONTO OUR WEEK IN PHOTOS...with some information on what we did.

We stayed the week with our friend Rebecka and visited The Alamo a few days before Christmas.

You are not allowed to take photos inside and there is not a lot to show from the outside.

Here are 2  I found online, one of the inside and an entrance photo without pedestrians. It's right in the middle of the city, so it is always crowded. I'm not even sure how this photographer managed to get this photo, but I'm thankful!

Afterwards we went across the street to the Riverwalk. There is a shopping and dining area built below ground level. Once you are down there, it really does feel like another place - the lighting and noise change due to how and where it is built.

I kept feeling like I was in the pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland - and loved it!

When we started this trip October 5th, we wondered what we would be doing for Christmas and knew that even if we were in a hotel, we would be thankful and have what we needed.

Our friend Rebecka works for the Air Force and is stationed in San Antonio. She was not able to go home for Christmas this year...so God met both of our needs - Friends to celebrate with!

It was a wonderful week celebrated with Christmas movies, cinnamon rolls, the making of gingerbread houses and crazy games with all her Air Force buddies after a traditional Italian Christmas dinner.

The girls received several outfits for their dolls, new jammies, shirts and some "toys" to suit their interests and ages.

We leave Texas and head off to Louisiana tomorrow morning. We will be in Baton Rouge tomorrow and staying at a YWAM base the rest of the week.

The girls are doing well with their school work and I love that journaling is part of their writing. One day they will look back and remember all we did this year!

Your prayers are appreciated for our safety and wisdom as Josh makes connections to help support our financial needs.