"Where you be?!" . . .

 

 So . . . . my first time in the South was an experience that began on a Greyhound and I have to say it's the last time I will ride a Greyhound:) - Now, first off - the week before I left Greyhound Canada had a gruesome misfortunate murder that took place and frankly left me wondering if I would make it to Tennessee alive:).  One of my companions on the 14 hour trek (that could have been made in 6) happened to be very chatty informing me about how beer and weed are just "for fun" and recreational and gave me a step by step do's and don't list on crack cocaine and being a bootlegger and getting $100 for just a beer from friends on a weekend.  It certainly was a educational eye-opening trek:).  I have to say though, that it was wonderful to see some really beautiful country  - Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee were chalk full of trees that seemed to encompass everything but the strip of road we were driving on.  The big cities like Louisville, Nashville and Knoxville seemed to pop out of the trees just as you were upon them and not seconds before - it was really beautiful.  I was also able to stop in Elizabethtown and took a few pics from Mario and Wendy.  I had a great time with my mission companion Alma and learned how to speak southern from her friends as I overheard things like "Where you be?" to ask someone where they were.  It was great and at the end of the week I was talkin' southern.  We also got to go to Opryland and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville as well as BB King's Blues Club. 

Mario and I before I experienced the great Greyhound tour.

           Yeah!!  Elizabethtown - Orlando and Kirsten were just of to the side - you can faintly see them:)

Alma and I on our way to Institute . . . 
You got that right - the Grand ole Opry!
Ummmmm - -I think the pic is enough said:)
 

"Somewhere in middle America" . . . .

Yeah!!!  The USB camera cord has been found!  I have been waiting for weeks to finally be able to post some pics and now is the time.  It has really been a busy few weeks and some of the best times were had one the Indiana-Tennessee tour 2008 - Here is goes, folks . . . 

This is somewhere in Wyoming in the Budget truck and for some reason I like this pic:)

Now, this is somewhere in Iowa - which I have to say was the most beautiful of all the wonderful states that I drove across.  It was clean and beautiful and I have to say had wonderful rest areas:)  I could for sure see myself living there someday.  Now Illinois most definitely does not look like a place that I would like to live in - sorry to all those Illinois faithful but where we were was really not that great.

Haha - so this is one of my favs!  Here we are at the good ole' Purdue and I made them strike this great pose - I have to say that Marcos looks way too scared:)

 One of my favorite parts of the Purdue campus was this great Aslan water fountain that I have to say looked like just a statue but was really a working water fountain.  It was a wonderful campus and made me feel really Collegiate and happy for Mario and this great opportunity.

You are missed . . . .

       Ok.  I get it.  Everyone hates my "And I was thinking" post.  I was waiting to post until I got my new USB cord so that I can post some pictures but I just picked one up today and it doesn't work and I need to return it and keep looking   - - urrrrrrr - - so I will post some trip pictures soon.  Hopefully by monday.  What I really want to say today is - Mario, Wendy and Ethan, you are missed beyond comprehension.  It was a wonderful trip to move Mario and fam across the country with only one draw back . . . .they didn't get to come back with us:).  

     Since I have been back from the mission things at times have been rough but I could always find solace in the company of Mario and Wendy and my spirits were always lifted by the smiles of my litte Ethan.  I have been blessed with a wonderful family.  I am grateful that as siblings growing up my parents taught us the importance of loving one another and staying close and nurturing the friendships that we have with one another.  As our family grew and we were able to welcome Marcela and then Wendy I was more than grateful that I could finally have the sisters that I have always wanted.  That is why letting go of Mario and Wendy if even for a short time is hard.  It's the good hard though, because you know that what they are off doing is important and worthwhile and that bonds of friendship and love are not easily broken.  Mario and I got to spend a last day together and I am soooo grateful for that and the laughter and fun that we shared.  I love you three!!!  I just thought that you should know - you are missed . . . .