Tour Scrapbook

Sunday, November 17
The Hilliards attended church with Charles and Margie Emig (the Autrys a little under the weather stayed home) then we all met for lunch. Charles and Margie were so

accommodating while we were in Bakersfield. Margie invited us over to make clay creations with the kids. Charles Emig is doing some work on our tow dollies (he's a welder). Laurie washed clothes at their house, we had packages sent to their address; it was definitely a home away from home! Thank you, Emigs!!

Monday, November 18
The highlight of the day for the Hilliards was Abby and Charles' date to a Bakersfield-original ice cream store! They also brought back taffy treats for everyone's Christmas stocking!

Tuesday, November 19
The Hilliards took the kids to a feline conservation center and to an airport in Mojave, CA - very near to Edwards AFB, where Chuck Yeager first broke the sound barrier!

The Autrys stayed in a hotel to get a little work done (having a phone line handy is such a gift!) That night, with the bus parked outside, Brittlea had croup, Davis was coughing, and no one could sleep! Pat made about 15 trips to the bus to get medicine, the humidifier, juice. He was so sweet to walk back and forth. He just said, "Never again!"

That night the Abby had the Emig girls over for a slumber party!

Wednesday, November 20

We moved to Laurelglen Bible Church. The ladies were so sweet and welcomed us as one of their own. They bought us Starbucks treats and invited us to hang out with them while we all set up for the next morning's meeting.

Thursday, November 21
Laurelglen Bible MOPS was such a blessing! †We later learned that a mom received Christ after we spoke. Her table leader had the privilege of leading her to the Lord and answering questions for her. Praise the Lord!

We began making our way to Glendora with all of us driving a vehicle. The tow dollies were staying in Bakersfield. On the way, we were supposed to stop and get diesel. The guys were behind in the buses because the mountains were slowing them down. Laurie and I went on ahead in the vans and were talking on the walkie talkies. After a while, Laurie asked if we had missed the truck stop exit. I assured her we hadn't and we drove on. A few minutes later Charles called and asked where we were. They were at the station and we were somewhere else! OOPS! We turned around and drove straight there!

When be finally arrived at the beautiful Glenkirk Presbyterian Church. We were able to get there in time to see the dress rehearsal for their presentation of "A Christmas Carol." It was like our own private showing! We made sweet memories with our kids that night.

Friday, November 22
The morning began with a prayer with the MOPS leaders at Glenkirk Presbyterian. After the program, we were able to talk with several ladies including two precious single moms who make the effort to come to MOPS. They were so sweet and such an encouragment to us.

That evening we were able to meet up with Pat's cousin Robert and his wife-Janet, son-Bradford. They invited all of us to the city Christmas celebration. We had lots of fun spending time with them and finding this "small town" atmosphere in California. We were able to meet Janet's sweet family. It was a fun night.

The Hilliards met a neat family in the Wal-Mart parking lot who need our prayers for jobs and decent housing.

Saturday, November 23
Pat and Charles agreed to keep the kids, except for Davis, while Laurie and I went shopping with our cousin, Lisa Young Hunkins. We had a great day with her and little Jacob. Jacob and Davis are about a month apart. They are sweet little boys. Later we met the guys at Lisa and Bill's house. The neighbors didn't know what to think of our big buses pulling into their neighborhood! It was sort of cousin weekend!

-- Sharon