Muchas Gracias

O' Southern Hospitality.

The Apostle Paul sure did talk a lot about hospitality, and after this trip I feel we (the boys of the BBQ Tour) can relate well to what he said. As the missionary, Paul, traveled and spread the good news of Jesus Christ, he was compelled to rely heavily upon people opening up their homes and their lives. We, in that same vein, found ourselves in that same boat, except instead of the Good News of Christ's redemption, we came preaching "Song, Song of the South." The love and care that our parents showed us was above and beyond anything we could imagine.

The Hodges

We decided to set out on the BBQ tour from Waco, TX at 8:30 p.m. Sunday night and drive through the night to Winona, MS. We didn't pull in to the Hodges driveway after the sun had come up. Although we were not even there for 6 hours, they were more than gracious with their beds and showers. The shower was probably what allowed us to pull through the next day. Also, Mrs. Hodges provided us with a late morning filled with lots of laughter with her forever memorable bicycle trip to the trash can.

The Moons

Never have I been more thankful for a bed than the night we stayed with the Moons. We had been on the go (despite a quick nap at the Hodges) for soe 30 plus hours and it was not looking good for us. When we pulled in to Cullman, AL Joel and Beth were waiting outside for us and gave us a warm greeting. With delicious cookies and rice crispie treats (with peanut butter, AMAZING!) we sat down and begin to unwind a little bit. Joel offered us a seat in his sacred massage chair that has more magical fingers than 2,000 Vietnamese ladies. After a long night sleep we got a great breakfast from Mrs. Beth Moon and were allowed to relax until we went to Johnny’s. This stay was a very happy ending to our stay in Alabama.

Mrs. Judy (Harper)

We got to Newnan on Tuesday night and received yet another warm welcome from Mrs. Judy. She had beds made up for us, towels folded and goody bags waiting. We had to get to Sprayberry’s pretty quick, but when we got back we got to relax and watch some top notch local television programming. It was a very great stay capped off by an amazing breakfast and a nice surprise found by all in our goody bags. We all had milk chocolate crosses. This great symbol of redemption and grace also makes a great chocolicous treat. Thank you so much Mrs. Judy, and Jared thanks you for the sleeping bag, he would have died without it. (Seriously. - jared)

The Hyde’s

We stayed with Rick and Kay Hyde for the last night of the tour. This is where we got our glorious T-shirts and got to relax while watching the last few episodes of the first season of “How I met Your Mother” on the Hyde’s amazing TV and surround sound system. Kay Hyde made an Apple dessert for us that would rival any of the deserts we had at any of the restaurants. Also we were highly entertained with videos from Jonathan as a youngster and his speech impediment.

The South

Words are not enough to express how deeply we appreciate you, South. You were more than gracious in supplying us with endless sunsets and beautiful landscape. Your people are what make you so special. If it had not been for your greatness, this trip would not have been possible.

Thank ya’ll so much and for everyone who has helped us on this journey. We love ya’ll so much and even though Porkin’ ain’t easy, ya’ll made it a little easier.

Boys of the BBQ Tour.

**** If you would like to see all the photos from the trip (as taken by Jared) please click on this link and find the album on the right-hand side titled "BBQ Tour of the South"***