Day 9 - Second Baptist Houston and Boyd family Thanksgiving (in May)

Our first Sunday in Texas brought us to my dad's church and Sunday school class at Second Baptist in Houston. After coming from a small church in Tirana (about 120 people total) this church campus and people gathering to worship (well over 8,000) was a bit overwhelming. What a great joy and blessing it was for Kris to be able to communicate with the dear folks in my dad's Sunday school class how grateful we are for their faithful prayers for our family and to give them and update on what God is doing in the country of Albania.

Everyone was so gracious and warm to us. We had a splendid day of worship together with this dear body of believers.
Happy (official) 11th birthday to Whitney Laine Stire! This may the 11th year of her physical life, but it is the first year of her spiritual life. ON April 26th, Whitney came downstairs with a paper that had these words on the front "The Prayer of My Life". Inside was this prayer that she had written to God:

"God, please forgive my sins in the past and in the future. I know I don't deserve to go to heaven and I am sorry that You died on the cross for my sin and You took the blame for me. I am thankful that You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords, but please send me to heaven where there is no sickness, no cuts or bruises, and no sin, just You. In the name of Jesus, Amen. "

Praise God for opening her spiritual eyes and awakening her spiritual heart to seek Him and find salvation! So, this birthday is an extra special one for us!
There is nothing like a traditional Thanksgiving meal - especially in May. We certainly were thankful for all that God has been doing in our lives and for bringing us together with our family again. My mom, sister, dad, Amanda, Aunt Wanda, Uncle Tom, and my cousin Elise with her sweet husband and 4 kids all gathered for a huge thanksgiving feast! Boy, was it good!
The girls had a wonderful time re-connecting with their 2nd cousins, Brooke, Bradley, Bethany, and Brenna.
Chelle and her dad, Bill Boyd.
Stephanie (Chelle's sister), Elaine (Chelle's mom), and Chelle
All the adults enjoying turkey, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole (!), etc. Also, brownies, cookies, lemon meringue pie... for dessert.
Stephanie, Elise (Chelle's cousin), and Chelle
Chelle and Steph
Chelle, dad, and Steph
It was such a blast to talk, catch up, and play games together. One fun game involved blowing ping-pong balls across the table to try to get it off the table at other players spaces. I almost passed out from blowing so hard. I think Kris was victorious.
Brad and Kris were like long lost brothers together. They are hilarious playing ping-pong by their own rules. It was driving Amanda and Steph crazy.
Cousins - Stires and Groenemans
The Groenemans and the Stires - what a blessing to be together.
What a fun photo of all the kids! Memories in the making.
Uncle Tom (Bill's brother), Aunt Wanda, Bill, Amanda, and the Stire family.
What a tremendous day we had! Praise God for the church family and for our physical families. We are blessed indeed!