Day 2

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

We began our day a little bit earlier in order to make it out to Ham's Orchard before it got too hot.  We told Melinda about the orchard and how you can pick your own blackberries.  Ally and Abby each got a bucket and Melinda helped them fill it up.  Once we were done picking, we headed back into the store to select some more fresh fruit and banana bread.  Melinda got to try fudge for the very first time, which was very exciting for me as well.  I hope to present her with as many new and different experiences while she is here.

Alejandra and Abigail picking blackberries

One ripe blackberry surrounded by lots that aren't ready yet

Once we finished at Ham's, we headed to Rockwall to do a little shopping before heading home.  We stopped at Petco for dog food and Abigail and Alejandra showed Melinda all of the pets that are in the store.  She told us that she had a chinchilla at one time and has a guinea pig at home right now.  

Momma Nina called and asked if we'd like to meet her for lunch at Chili's in Forney.  Again, Melinda was surprised by how large the lunch plate was.  'Everything's bigger in Texas!!'  Tita is also very excited about her new granddaughter.

Tita (short for 'Abuelita', grandmother in Spanish) and Melinda

 Robert and I were being inducted into the Forney Lions Club that night, and boy oh boy, was Melinda in for a treat.  The Lions Club is a group of Forney citizens that volunteer their time for several different charities throughout the year.  The president of the club came over to welcome us, as he always does, and we introduced him to Melinda.  He was very excited to meet her and wanted me to introduce her to the entire group once the meeting had begun.  I think Melinda was a little surprised by this, but handled it very well.  When it was time for dinner, Melinda and I headed for the serving line and were confronted by the owners and writers of our local newspaper, The Forney Messenger.  They were both interested in interviewing and writing an article about Melinda and her visit with us over the summer.  I think Melinda is very excited about this!  Then, our wonderful mayor, Darren Rozell, said that he would see about presenting Melinda at one of our city council meetings while she is here.  Wow!!!!  What a way to end the day!!!

Once we got home and got the girls into bed, Robert, Melinda and I sat down and talked about her life and background.  We are learning more and more each day what it is like to grow up in Hungary.  We now understand how her school is run, what type of courses she takes, and what extracurricular activities she participates in.  There are similarities and differences in how our school is run, but at the end of the day, the ultimate goal is higher education.  Melinda is well on her way towards this goal.  She is a very bright and inquisitive young lady and I know she will do great things as she continues with her education.