America, short version

Grandpa Tom enjoying his precious Harper!  We had such a great trip to visit her and her momma and daddy and the rest of our families in America. 

 

 This was certainly our motivation for our trip this year to the states.  We spent a whirlwind 3 weeks there and saw many sights, but none compares to this little bundle of precious beauty and intelligence.  

We enjoyed a wonderful visit with the Arnold's.  Can't even remember the last time we saw them, although Michelle and I get to chat on the phone on occasion, emal and FB communication.  But nothing like fellowship with great friends and wonderful food.  As our families grow in size and love for the Lord, it is a pleasure to continue to share a common bond of the love of Jesus with them and to have the pleasure to pray for each other.

Here we are after our personal tour of the Capitol with Jim Ryan.  His lovely bride Anne is taking the picture.  They are parents of friends here in Okinawa Heather and Damon Tiffany.  When the Tiffany's heard we were taking a trip up the East Coast, they insisted we contact her mom and dad who live a block or two away from the Capitol and they were more than happy to feed us a wonderful lunch and take us on a tour.  It was the perfect way to end our 3 week trip to the states.

Statue of Dr. Crawford Long representing one of the two statues that are placed in the Capitol from the state of Georgia. 

The Rotunda in the Capitol. 

 The chapel in the Capitol.  We had the priviledge to pray for our country and our leaders.

 View from the Inaugural Balcony looking toward the Washington Monument.

The absolute center of the Rotunda.

Bethany seems to be saying, "Perhaps I'll run for President one day....and make a speech from here....maybe not!"

The Ryan's home, saying our goodbyes and having a sweet prayer time.

The famous "Occidental Cafe" a block away from the White House.  There have been some major desicions made here regarding our nation over a meal.  The only decisions we made were what to order...

We went out with a BANG.  No kidding, we were leaving the cafe, heading to the White House for a night time pic and the "Fireworks" began to go off to our surprise.  We haven't seen fireworks in America in a while.  They were fabulous.