Friends from Spain - How Wonderful!

When John and I were in Spain (Feb 9, 2007) we met Mari Carmen and invited her and her husband Pedro to our home whenever they would be in USA. We knew it would be in about 2 weeks...well last Thursday they called from NY....rented a car and because of snow and getting lost we finally met at Target in Washington PA about 9:00PM. What a miracle to see them both. We had not met Pedro before, but he was friendly and we felt like we knew him for a long time. John and I quickly made friends with them because they were so warm and friendly.
We woke early Friday to return the car to Budget in North Hills and then went to Bob Evan's for breakfast. They were impressed when the waitress came to refill their coffee cups that it was for free! Jackie, Scott, Mari Carmen, Pedro and I went to see the Frick Museum to see the many old time coaches and cars from 1800's and 1900's. We saw the actual car that was driven by Thomas Edison. Then we had dinner at Jakes at the Galleria. We had onion rings with a special sauce, salad, pork shredded on a bun and delicious french fries and very Grande (seemed like 2 liters) Cokes, for each one of us. We also took them to Giant Eagle at South Hills Village Square....an amazing grocery store.
Saturday we met the team and had an American dinner at Jackie Myer's. Fred Baker, Pam Hoffman, Heather, John and I were there, with Mari Carmen and Pedro...for hamburgers, baked beans, salad and Heather Keebler's home made chocolate cookies...Mmmm. After dinner we went to church and had a time of singing (worshipping the Lord Jesus for dying for us, because we are so thankful to Him). Ron Moore our Pastor was excited to meet Mari Carmen and Pedro and told them he and Lori will be coming to Spain to speak to Ken & Carolyn Muckle and Paul and Sarie....near a nice beach. After church we met with our daughter Dianne at Eat N Park restaurant for a snack. Dianne has not spoken Spanish for at least 11 years, but Mari Carmen and Pedro were excited to hear her speak Spanish.
Sunday the roads were very icy in the morning so we waited until noon and then went to a brand new shopping place called Robinson Mall. It was so much fun. They bought gifts for family especially their children Pedro and Elba. We had lunch (2:30PM) at the food court.
After we finished shopping we rode up to Nevillewood to see the hugh homes, then at the invitation of Heather and Evan, we went to their place to have dinner of ...Yes!!!!! Piaya, Spanish meatballs, salad, macaroni and cheese and apple pie for dessert. Heather is such a wonderful cook and Pedro told Evan ...you are a lucky man! Their son John was excited to see Mari Carmen again (because he had gone on the trip to Spain). We took pictures of Evan, Heather, John and Anna. Before we left the children gave beginning reading books and toys for Mari Carmen and Pedro's children...and Heather and Evan gave gifts for Mari Carmen and Pedro.
It was such a wonderful time..to end the evening, Heather asked me (Mary Ann) to sign the song "I Can Only Imagine". I explained first the meaning of imagine. Thinking about a place where we have never been....we can only "guess" what it would be like. This song says I can only imagine what heaven will be like. I then asked Heather..."when you die, will you go to heaven or hell?" She answered ..."Yes, for certain heaven". I explained Jesus came to earth to die to take away our sins and after we repent of our sin and trust Him, He then promises to take us to heaven...God loves us so much. Since we have never been in heaven yet...we can only imagine what it will be like. Then John put on the CD, the song began and I signed it. We then said our good-byes! We will miss Mari Carmen and Pedro so much. What wonderful memories for them and us.
Tomorrow is Monday and we have planned to go to the Dollar Store, Giant Eagle, and Walmart for the second time....also Sam's Club where I need to get film developed for them to take back to Spain. So much fun!
On Tuesday we will leave early in the morning for the airport and then pray, asking God for a safe trip to New York and then on to Spain. Hopefully they will have no delays! Pittsburgh is calling for about 1/2 inch of snow which means the roads will be slippy on the way to the airport. Tuesday morning 6:00AM...NO SNOW!!! And the New York Airport is also clear for flying with no delays. Thank You Lord!!
I will thank God every time I think of you Mari Carmen, that God allowed our paths to cross at the Spanish-English Camp.....and I will miss you and pray for you...I love you Mari Carmen and Pedro.
Love, John and Mary Ann

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Sunday February 25, 2007 - 10:49pm (EST) Edit | Delete | Permanent Link | 0 Comments