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Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Farewell dinner

We went to the grocery store with the Dini’s, stocking up on yogurt drinks, bread and a few other items. Got back just in time to meet up with the Goeppner’s for one last meal. They had just gone and picked up their son’s passports. Can’t wait to do that with our son!!

Went to dinner at the Italian restaurant last night. We walked quite a ways- about 4 blocks or so, passed the toy store (can’t wait to get back there!!) and then across from where we had the business buffet last trip and next to the KFC that just went in a month or so ago was a great little Italian restaurant.

Since Dave can speak and understand Russian, it was kinda cool. He helped us navigate through the menu. We all placed our orders- I still can’t believe how well behaved the boys are. Their meals came- some pasta- which they enjoyed. Then Chris and Penny’s meals came, and Tim’s and Dave’s. Boy did the food smell good!! We told them not to wait for us. It was a good choice. 20-30minutes later the Goeppner’s left with the boys so they could get ready for bed. 30-45 minutes after they left, the tables were all cleared- but Bethany and I hadn’t received our meals yet. WOW!! I knew they had to leave at 4 in the morning. So, around 8 the manager came over and apologized for the wait, said it would be a little longer- maybe 10 or 15 minutes.

This is where the rubber meets the road, folks. Even though Pastor Brian will most likely never step foot in this restaurant, we know Jesus would like to be there permanently. So, we did all we could to extend grace. We politely asked for our bill. We’re not sure if this has ever happened to them before or not. They were all apologizing to us as we left. We were able to find the humor in the moment and our spirits, though lagging from not eating, were high with the great company we had been able to share over dinner. Just makes us wish Ohio was closer to Florida even more than before. There is an amazing thing that happens when we share Koinonea- Christian fellowship, isn’t there? We really enjoyed the extra time to get to know Chris’s family even more. Knowing Chris and his sister makes me even more excited to someday meet their parents. Wonderful children, wonderful spouses, good food (for some) great times……

Came home and stopped at the grocery. God really had our time set up to get to know this wonderful family better. We waited in line for over ½ hour to check out- but were able to talk with Bethany and Dave for an even longer period time.

1 comment:

Chris Goeppner said...

We love you guys! We really enjoyed the few days (meals) we were able to share with you. We're praying that God would continue to bless your time there and that the time you spend with your little guy would be amazing. We can't wait to meet up with you guys again!
Love,
C&P