The last part of my sabbatical provided two different opportunities to spend time with family members. We took a quick trip to Arlington with Mark’s youngest brother and his family for their last hurrah before the start of school. It was great to spend time with our niece and nephew, because they’re growing up so fast.
The second trip was to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where my dad grew up. I got the chance to see some relatives that I had not seen for many years. When I found out that my parents were making a trip to Santa Fe while I was on sabbatical, I knew it was the perfect opportunity for a visit.
Our first stop was my dad’s favorite restaurant, Tomasita’s, which is across the street from the train station where my grandad worked. Both of my uncles and one aunt met us there for a delicious New Mexican dinner. We spent several evenings at Uncle Dale and Aunt Marilyn’s house, eating dinner on their patio overlooking the mountains. My cousin, Becky, came over and it was good to catch up with her. We also took some time for sightseeing around Santa Fe, walking around the Plaza, touring the Loretto Chapel with the “Miraculous Staircase”, driving up to the mountains, touring the Pueblo ruins at the Pecos National Historical Park, and the Veterans National Cemetery where my grandparents are buried.
The main reason for making the trip around August 13th, was to attend the 100th Anniversary Celebration of First Baptist Church. My great-grandparents, grandmother and great-uncle were charter members in 1921, and my dad grew up in that church. He had been invited to talk about the history, and to sing at the service. The first services were held in a tent until the church was built in 1922, and the first baptisms were held down at the river. My Great-Uncle Jabez is the one standing in front of the tent in the picture, and my great-grandfather’s name is on the original cornerstone. Today, the church meets in a traditional adobe-style building built in 1960. I really enjoyed seeing pictures of my relatives, and learning how instrumental they were in starting a church that has served so many people over the past 100 years. It was a very meaningful experience and I’m so glad I was able to be part of it.
God led me to experience some wonderful things during the last 30 days, and I’m so grateful to have had these opportunities.