Friday we were heading back to Knoxville for a presentation and a potluck at Laurel church. We weren’t in any hurry to get back since the dinner started at 6.30 EST. We did some shopping—mostly we have been looking for some sandals for Lena’s mom. We then ate lunch. I was enjoying the new Reuben at Arby’s and Lena was marveling at the curly fries when I asked what time it was. It was 3.30. 4.30 in Knoxville. 2 hours to drive a 3-hour trip. I burned up a lot of gas to make it there by 6.45. We did enjoy seeing many supporters. We showed some pictures during the meal and then gave our little presentation. Some great questions were asked and they even made a cake for us! We then spent the night at the Buckleys. Mike had spent several nights in our solarium in Kyiv but we had never even been to his house. They have a great place and an energetic dog.

We then shopped some more in Knoxville; mostly, we were looking for those sandals. We did go in a Christian book store. I’m not sure to laugh or cry when I go in a Christian bookstore, especially one like LifeWay. We spent Saturday night at home and went to church. At 9.59, my uncle asked me if I would teach Sunday school. Then, later, I was asked to preach Sunday night. No way would we cancel the church service for the Super Bowl. But I was told to keep it short. The service was 27 minutes, had to be a record. Just before church, my good friend Loren called and graciously listened to me talk for about an hour. If everyone could have friends as good as my Lipscomb buddies Ken and Loren. Statistics would say it’s impossible to keep a close friendship going for so long. But the Lord has blessed me these two friends. Thanks, guys.

Back to Nashville on Monday we guess. To Dallas on Wednesday. To Kyiv on Monday.