South Boston, VA

We arrived to South Boston last Wednesday in time to join First Baptist for their weekly meal and prayer time. They invited us to share with the church about Project Ruth and our time in Romania.

We first met FBC last summer when a team of seven came to work with Project Ruth. Relationships were formed and one year later we were reuniting in South Boston. They (the whole church) welcomed us with open hearts and open arms. After the Wednesday evening service we were hosted by Lucian & Poo Roberts, a very generous and established family in South Boston. They shared with us stories about Virginia and about their lives. It was a privilege to get to know them and we were grateful for their hospitality.

Susan and Poo (our host)

On Thursday we made a day trip to Richmond. It was quick with some sightseeing and a good lunch. Richmond was quieter than expected, but a very beautiful city. We were very tired and didn't give it the time it deserved. The highlight of that trip was the visit to St. John's Church where Patrick Henry gave his famous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech in 1775 at the brink of the Revolutionary War.

We left Richmond and returned to South Boston where would meet the team for dinner. They chose a cute little restaurant downtown called Bistro 1888. It had a wonderful atmosphere and excellent food. It was great to reconnect in more depth with our friends.

Friday was our last day in South Boston. Mickey & Ben had decided to show us some sites of South Boston like Berry Hill (an old plantation) & The Prizery (where tobacco was sent to be sold). We even saw our first tobacco field.

At the end of our trip before heading south, Mickey (joined with Jessica) took us to a place called Ziggi's. It truly is a landmark in South Boston with excellent pizza. Some might describe it as a "hole in the wall." While the building is dilapidated and our seat felt was tilted down and to the right, and while the restaurant is known for the "rudest service in town", Ziggi's is THE place to go. Unfortunately, it won't be in business very much longer since they will be tearing it down, which is such a shame!

We will miss our old and new friends, but will always keep them in our hearts. Their hospitality and love was truly a blessing.