Day 10, 11, 12 Meeting the Elliotts

Jacksonville, Georgia... Meeting my Great Uncle and Aunt!

To start this post off we left New Orleans for Alabama to the Unclaimed Baggage Center, which was a bit of a disappointment. It was more like an upgraded thrift store; however I still found and purchased 3 shirts, and Rebecca got some jewelry. After we shopped for a bit we found a little hotel/motel to stay in that was incredibly cheap, and just rested.

 

 

In the morning we took off on a 3 and 1/2 hour drive to meet our great uncle and aunt! The best decision thus far we've made this trip! We are so blessed to have met them. For the past day and a half we've been spoiled with love, and good ol' southern food! And I'm so excited to say we also got to meet our cousin (not sure the exact relation, but we are blood;)) Alex!! Such a beautiful and strong girl just like myself, I think it's an Elliott thing haha. 

 

Anyways when we arrived here in Georgia Uncle Tom took us all out to eat some delicious southern food, and we got to shop at the gift store. I got some cool/fun souvenirs for some of you hehe but I'm not saying who, it'll be a surprise!

Unfortunately I was only able to take a picture of the biscuits because as soon as the food came we all forgot about everything except our appetites hahaha ;) we had a jolly good time!
Rebecca and I actually planned on leaving the very next day; however we we're having such a fabulous time we had to stay just one more day (today) and we stayed the night here at Uncle Tom and Aunt Suzie's beautiful house (sorry I don't have any pictures). And in the morning when we woke up Aunt Suzie was at work at the water plant, and Uncle Tom invited us to go with him to help prepare food to feed the homeless (one of the ministries at his church that he leads). So we first drove to Sam's Club and bought the food to be prepared and then he took us to Chick-file-a for breakfast :) how could we resist?

 Then we headed to the church to prepare the food. And we had a hoot. First time I've ever worn a hair net! So we just had to take a few funny pictures. What a great time we had preparing the food, and we would've stayed to serve but there were already plenty of volunteers signed up and coming to do that. They serve lunch every day!! And uncle Tom heads the ministry. It is such a blessing for the homeless and needy that surround the area.

 

 

After that we picked up some take-out at another delicious southern food place and brought lunch to aunt Suzie. 

 
 

 

Aunt Suzie took Rebecca and I on a tour of the water plant. I had no idea that much effort was put into our water. After the tour we let her get back to work and went on a tour via the car through the town. Uncle Tom took us to his church and we got to see the inside, where he sings and practiced for the choir (fun fact, that's how they met and fell in love). It is a beautiful church (sorry I don't have any pictures). After the church we took a siesta (nap). When I woke up from my somber rest we went swimming at one of Uncle Tom's friends house. After swimming we had to go to the store to pick up supplies for dinner. Rebecca made a guacamole, and I made some salsa. We also got to try our very first fried Oreo!! (side note Oreo is translated as beautiful in Greek!) I got a scoop of butter pecan ice cream as well and Rebecca got peanut butter cup.

 




So for dinner we had salmon (prepared by uncle Tom and Aunt Suzie) and some veggies, and our dips!

 Unfortunately my salsa was too spicy for aunt Suzie... but at least we got a good picture haha

 


We have had a complete blast hanging out with and getting to know our great uncle and aunt! We are so blessed that God led us here. They are such strong Christians and wonderful examples for us. They have given us so much advice, and we fellowshipped sharing each of our testimonies,. All I can say is this has been my complete favorite stop! I cannot wait to spend time with them both again. Aunt Suzie and Uncle Tom I hope to see you both in California soon!

Tomorrow we leave for Jacksonville, NC to see some more Elliotts:)

Cheers,

Gabriella

2 Timothy 2:1-10

2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. ³ Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. ⁵ Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. ⁷ Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, ⁹ for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.