33 Degrees Below Zero: I Pledge Allegiance....

"Make sure you dress for the weather because we'll be at the port. When you go in look for the American ship, you can't miss it." With advice like that we were not at all sure what the US Embassy had planned for this years 4th of July celebration but it sure did peak our interest and our hopes. We were not disappointed!!!

The USS Oak Hill was in the area because of cross-training exercises with Uruguay and Argentina. This was our first time on an in service American Military ship. They fed us good 'ol American BBQ - Burgers, dogs, baked beans, potato salad, chips and soda (Dr. Pepper and Mtn. Dew!!! Can't get either one here.). While we were eating the Captain took the time to greet us and chat for a little bit. Then they made the first cut into a HUGE cake with a Marine saber.

After lunch we were able to take a tour of the ship. Which was quite informative. Kaitlin has pictures of all the little kids sitting in the captains chair and at the helm.

Brandon got a picture with him sitting in a new humvee. I was amazed at how the door was so thick and heavy. I embarrassed the daylights out of Brandon, Kaitlin and Bethany when I had them line up for a picture by a landing craft...I wasn't thinking of the side show the kids would become.

The anchor of the Graff Spee - the Nazi ship sunk in the Montevideo Harbor.

Part of the group that was in our tour of the ship. The man to left of Brandon is a Marine serving in the embassy for a year. The Harmon family is to the left of him. And on either end are embassy employees.

The pictures below were sent to us by the Harmons, fellow missionaries and dear friends of ours who were also enjoying the 4th on the USS Oak Hill.

The whole family! And some guy in the background.

Isabel and Felicia Harmon.

I was "getting" a kiss from Silas. When you ask him for a kiss he holds his cheek out for you to kiss him. That's the port of Montevideo and the skyscraper (the only one here) is the Antel building.