Hello Family!

I just returned from St. Louis for a few days. Leslie is doing remarkably well. She is relaxing (which is not in her vocabulary) and resting. I enjoyed my visit with them and hopefully helped out a little. It was nice for Leslie and I to spend time alone talking and watching Oprah. Aunt Betty sent her famous cranberry chicken and cheesy potatoes. The meal was delicious and very much appreciated.

Mark is a wonderful husband. He is taking such good care of Leslie and is such a positive guy. We are blessed to have him in our family and a big "Thank You " to Mark for taking such good care of our sister.

I realized driving to and from St. Louis that it was my first time going alone. I wasn't sure how I felt about it until I took off and realized I could do whatever I wanted!! I loved every minute of it! I stopped where I wanted, listened to the music I wanted and sang at the top of my lungs. I was especially excited about stopping at the Warm Candle Outlet Store on I-70 just outside of Richmond. I have driven by that store for many years and asked my fellow riders if we could stop.....always a very adamant "NO". Well, I stopped and wandered around slowly enjoying my independence.

I start working 4 to 5 evenings this week at H & R Block as it is coming up on peak tax season. Should keep me busy and out of trouble.

Love,
Beth, Justin and Stephanie

Keep Leslie in your prayers

Just a little reminder to everyone that Leslie will be undergoing surgery on Tuesday, January 20th. Let's keep her in our prayers. We love you!

Beth, Justin and Stephanie

Beech Family Update

We just returned from 10 days in El Salvador visiting Ryan. All went very well and we had a great time. Highlights included a visit to the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador and meeting the U.S. Ambassador (by accident -- we caught him letting his dogs swim in the Embassy pool.) A visit to a resort town in the mountains, a six hour horse back ride (way too strenuous and dangerous, won’t do that again), and four days staying with Ryan in his home town of Jocoro (no tarantula visits this year). We had lots of great meals; corn tortillas, cheese & beans (called Pupusa) and Indio chicken (wild - very chewy).

Just like last year, we felt very safe and welcomed in his town. He is nothing short of a celebrity there. As we walked thru town residents shouted “Mr. Ryan” and told us how much they love Ryan and enjoy being in one of his classes or being on one of his teams. Ryan’s Peace Corps term will end August of this year.

Some trip pictures are below. We will put all 200 on a CD and show them to you next time we see y0u.

Mark & Alex catching a chicken (We let it go)

Firecrackers are gigantic

Susitlan Lake

The U.S. Ambassador

Dinner at the Sheraton Presidente in San Salvador