ATI Family Conference – 2016
Last month we had the privilege of attending the annual ATI Family Conference held in Big Sandy, Texas. We look forward to this trip each year as we anticipate solid messages and heartening fellowship with old and new friends alike.
Before I discuss what actually happened at the conference, let me back up to a few days beforehand. We had initially planned to fly ourselves (Dad being the pilot of course) to the conference, but after observing some hazardous weather patterns, decided that might not be the safest choice. So the Saturday before the conference (which started on Tuesday evening), we made last-minute plans to fly commercially to Dallas/Fort Worth then to Longview where we would rent a car and drive to Big Sandy. In accordance with our plan, we boarded a plane *early* Sunday morning. After sitting in a plane on the tarmac for two hours, we were informed that the flight was going to be canceled because of the aforementioned storm. Disappointed, we headed home, not quite sure what to do next. After all, it was too late to drive at this point. A short while later, it was decided that we would fly in our plane to Odessa, TX (which was just outside the wall-of- a-storm) and, well, figure out the rest when we got there! I think we were all just eager to begin our vacation! So we made it to Odessa and, upon weather-watching the following morning, opted to rent a car and drive seven hours to our final destination.
Praise the Lord, that we arrived safe and sound, and were able to enjoy a wonderful week at the conference! Now enough words! The pictures speak for themselves!
On Monday night, we had the privilege of meeting the Thomas family from Georgia. We enjoyed playing countless rounds of Spoons with the Thomases and the Ciampis (our fellow Arizonan friends). Afterwards we headed to the volleyball court to join the ongoing game before calling it a night. That was definitely the best night of the week for many of us!
It was so sad to leave after an amazing and refreshing week, but we were grateful to have such faithful friends to bid us farewell!
“Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”
~ Hebrews 10:25
Glad you guys figured out a way! Golden chick – never heard of it. looks like a tasty, greasy, awesome place to eat! haha! Anyway, great to hear from the Nakatsus! Jordan clan says hey!!!
Good to hear from you all. We missed seeing your family this year!