Thursday, April 5, 2018

Dillards in Colorado

The Dillards are currently in the Colorado Springs area, where Derick Dillard has been working with a team from Cross Church. They had some free time today and were able to visit Pikes Peak.

Jill Dillard, Israel Dillard, Samuel Dillard
Enjoying a Chick-fil-A meal while Derick works with the team from church

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

97 comments:

  1. Why is Jill on all these church mission trips? I am not trying to be rude but with two small children to look after she isn't doing any mission work. They raised the money for Derick to attend this church mission 'school', so it doesn't seem right that Jill and the kids tag along making the cost at least double, surely that extra money could be put to better use? If Jill can't bear to be apart from Derick then maybe him being in school at the moment isn't the right direction for them to be heading?

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    1. The cost is not double; it would be minimal. Whether 4 or 1 people are in the car driving there. Whether 4 or 1 people are in a hotel room. Whether they eat in Arkansas or in Colorado, they still need to eat. I can't think of any real extra cost.

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    2. Really? Why can’t she take her children for a family get away. When I was reading, “ surely that extra money could be put to better use”, I immediately thought of the reaction people had when the woman poured the expensive perfume on Jesus and He said she had done a beautiful thing.
      Jill I hope you enjoyed your family time together.

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    3. Maybe they have a policy that one can't travel without the other.

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    4. Maybe the kids have a nanny to look after them?

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    5. Actually, I assume @4:00, you do not book too many hotel rooms. The additional cost per extra person is not minimal. I would expect that a hotel room for 2 adults and 2 children would be at least double, if not more,than for one person. Derrick might have been able to share a hotel room,if he was by himself. And eating in restaurants versus eating at home is more expensive. Although it is true that Jill and the boys still have to eat while Dereck is away,you can make nutritious cheap meals at home.

      Gas mileage depends on the weight of the car. So, although the increase of weight will not increase gas usage a great deal, it still is a factor. There is the added weight of Jill,the kids and kid stuff like stroller,portable baby bed, car seats and added log luggage. It does add up. You would also have to stop more frequently for bathroom breaks and kid snacks.

      Derrick also could not share a ride other students.

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    6. 2:28, hotels do not generally charge for children that young.

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    7. Is shameful that so many people share such negative words for the world to see. I am sure that if Jesus had social media, He would not have expressed such negativity. We are to be like Him. Build up, not tear down. I think this family and their off spring are a family that shares in that kind of love and life we Christians should be living. God please continue to bless each and every one of them. And I ask for wisdom for the nay sayer's so they too may come to know Christian love.

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  2. Jill needs to find another selfie look. That open mouth surprised look is getting old. On the other hand, Sam is king of the selfies!! His face is absolutely priceless!

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    1. A thousand times this. please close your mouth Jill

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    2. Completely agree. The boys are probably tired of having a phone constantly in their faces.

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    3. I don't think it is Jill who needs to close her mouth. But it is all you naysayers who need to shut it and stop being so negative and ridiculous over a cute selfie. She looks fine. Nothing gross in her teeth or hanging out her mouth. Again, she looks fine!

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  3. This is where my sister and her family live. They are UPC. Their church.

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  4. So good to hear what they are up to! God bless them!

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  5. Haha! Best stink face ever Sam!! Maybe he is over the whole selfie thing

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  6. So good to hear how the cute Dillard family is !!! Miss seeing them.

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  7. Time 1:50AM Fri 4/6/18
    Good to hear reports about Jill Derek & Israel & Samuel. Derek & Jill are doing a good thing helping the red Cross team.

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    1. The Red Cross? I think they're referring to a church in Colorado Springs not the American Red Cross.

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  8. I know exactly which Chick-fil-A you were at! Used to live in Colorado Springs. Were you all visiting Focus On The Family Church or The New Life Church?

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  9. May I ask a question? Why is it necessary for Jill and the children to constantly travel with Derick and his group? I don't see anyone else in photos bringing their whole family along with them. Doesn't this get costly? Is Jill capable of handling her own household and 2 children without Derick for a few days? How are they paying for these trips? I have heard that they are lacking for some money as Derick has no job at this point and is a 'student' at this church. What are the facts about these situations? I ask these questions to put some rumors to rest.

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    1. Rumors will never be put to rest. There are enough hateful people to spread them. Don’t read them! Rumors sometimes have some truth to them but are never completely accurate. The Bible says whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely... think on these things.

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    2. Or you could stop stirring up rumours and being a part of them.

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    3. It is really no one else's business and they owe no one any explanations for any choices they make. Even if they did give out more information it would never silence the critics or the rumours...just feed them with more information to criticise them further.

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    4. 1) Perhaps families are encouraged to join in. 2) The cost to drive together and stay in the same hotel room is the same whether Derick goes alone or the whole family comes.

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    5. Actually, it’s no ones business.

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    6. You are asking this to stir up rumors not to clear them up. Why it would be wrong for a wife to want to have her kids near her husband is not clear to me. I mean of all the crazy things, a family that wants to be together!

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    7. People are going to wonder,giving the fund raising Derek did to attend the church program. But as long as the church organization does not object that Dereck takes his family with him on church missions and trips and the Dillards are supporting themselves, it is up to them.

      As for criticisms and rumours, when you put yourself out in the public,you will have to know people will comment. The Dillards are no longer in a reality TV show, there is no benefit for them and especially their children, to being so public. Fan curiosity is not a good enough reason.

      They should be more like Josh and Anna,getting on with their lives out of of the spot light. Guard the privacy of their children.

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    8. Most of the people bring their famiky too they just don't want to be in the picture.

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  10. Jill is such a pretty young woman, but the constant wide-open mouth in every picture is unflattering. Is she incapable of just smiling?

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    1. 7:12 I have wondered the very same thing. They used to make wide open eyes that seemed unnatural, but since most of older girls got married, they sopped somewhat. I agree she is more attractive when she smiles naturally.

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    2. It means she is giving an excited look.... I use this look many times with my friends in selfies

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    3. All my cousins under 30 yrs old do these looks for their selfies. It is normal for their generation.

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    4. My momma used to say close your mouth before some flies get in it, if we were talking too much or had our mouth open in shock about something. That's all I can think of when I see those open-mouthed selfies anywhere online. Flies! lol

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    5. It is a general trend. Don't see why we have to single Jill out to mock. Again I am surprised the blog owners allow mockery of their friends here.

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    6. And I'm surprised that the friends do things that invite mockery!

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  11. No wonder they need donations. Taking your family on a "work trip" is very frivolous. If I asked my company to pay to send my husband with me when I went out of town on business, they'd think I'd gone insane.

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    1. It doesn’t cost any extra if they rode with him in the car. I have gone on some of my husband’s business trips when we have been able to travel by car.

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    2. Going on a business trip this year. Including a friend for the off time, paying the additional cost out of pocket... not a big deal.. but again.. find fault..

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    3. Derrick doesn't seem to mind living off donations. He quit Counting On and now is busy with mission trips and seems to expect to take his family along on them.

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    4. I have never traveled with my husband on business, kids or not. First, who needs the added expense, and second, who wants to go to a boring business trip location? Besides, my husband is there to do his work, not to have distractions.

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    5. How is it frivolous? Either Derick is in the car alone or his family is sitting with him. Same gas cost. Either Derick is alone in the hotel or the rest are with him. Same cost. Eat at home or buy groceries and eat at the hotel. Same cost. Either sit at home with your husband away half the time or go along with him. Hmm. I love my husband, if he was away this much, I'd go along, especially since the kids are little. If the kids were older and in activities, then perhaps stay at home with them more.

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    6. While it does not cost to ride in a car with Derrick, it does cost to feed the additional family members and likely to house them on the trip (particularly if they're staying at a hotel/motel). Not to mention that having Jill along means that Derrick does have to consider her, spending time with her and the children= less time focusing on the reason he's there, his work, and his team members. That's not very considerate to the others involved.

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    7. Why does anyone go on someone's business trip? It's supposed to be for getting business done, not for hosting and sightseeing!

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    8. @Anon 10:24 am it did cost for Jill to go to Mexico.

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    9. She has always seemed clingy with him.

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    10. Depending on the business trip, it is not always encouraged. The employee will be concerned about keeping his or her family busy while at work and thus distracted. Many times, there is no free time. The employee is working long hours, with dinner meetings and late nights,even if it is a conference. It is not a holiday.

      It is one thing to bring a spouse but young children,no. And yes, the family could drive in the car with Derek but that would mean that, perhaps, he could not car pool with three other students. It is strange that Jill is always along, with the kids. The trip to a dangerous part of Mexico with a young child was, well, concerning.

      It could be that that the church is including Jill because of her higher profile and a more positive image than that of her husband. It helps to get their particular church known. She is, if I remember correctly, active in some of the church activities. So, in a sense, she could be working too on these church missions, not just Derek.

      Most people go about their church and charity activities quietly. The church activities may be advertised but not who in the church is involved. Would many people even pay attention or even know about this Crossing Church organization if the Dillards were not members? Nope, but knowing that the Dillards are involved, increases the public profile of the organization. The same can be said about S.O.S. and IBLP and the Duggars. Most people only heard of these organizations because of the Duggars.

      Another point, they seem to be pushing certain restaurants and products. The back story of the pictures posted here was that she and children walked over a hour,well she walked and the kids rode,to get to a particular fast food restaurant. I hope the chain gave her some $$ for her endorsement. (Nothing wrong with her using her celebrity to make some money,especially if it is a product or service she actually uses.)

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    11. Posters who think that hotels do not charge a surcharge for extra guests and eating at a restaurant cost the same as preparing a meal at home are mistaken.

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    12. When my husband travels for work, it relieves him greatly if our little one and I can go with him. Gives a sense of family normalcy when he returns at the end of the day and on weekends, to have dinner together, in our hotel kitchenettes, and time as a family. He doesn't have to worry about us while he is states away. His company pays for his expenses, and we pay for our own added expenses (meals, etc.,) out of pocket. Depends on the company and types of travel and vocation, but traveling as a small family can be a great blessing, and less of a strain than being apart.

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    13. My husband is a pastor. Last year I attended a pastor's conference with him. I was one of a number of wives who attended with their husbands. Several had young children and nursing babies with them. No one saw it as a problem. The cost for me to attend was minimal. My husband's congregation had already paid for his registration and room and we stayed in the same room, obviously. We paid for my meals out of our own pockets so there was no additional expense for the church. However, Jill and the kids going with Derrick is really none of our business anyway.

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    14. Jill helps out at the church.
      They get one room. Most hotels never ask how many to a room.
      If they drove they probably brought drinks and snacks in and cooler with them.

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    15. I have a family of 7. When we travel, there are many hotels that will not accommodate us because of our size.

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  12. Do you think Jill will ever get in the habit of closing her mouth during a selfie? She's the only one there who looks delighted.

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    1. 9:24 I completely agree. The other sisters have done it, and I have noticed it with Jeremy. They are much more attractive when they just smile naturally. I think somebody must have coached them to do it.

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    2. So kind of you to take the time to post so that you could be catty.

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    3. Same could be said of you, 2:03. That wasn't kind either.

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  13. How fun! We've loved visiting Colorado Springs. I'd love to go back and visit Pike's Peak.

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    1. You would love pikes peak! I went a long time ago. Be sure to wear a coat even in summer since it is colder there. It will take a whole day. It is definitely worth it :)

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  14. Wonder what the rest of the church team thinks about having Jill tag along. Don’t they also have wives/husbands/significant others? If Jill doesn’t like to be alone why wouldn’t she go visit her family?

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    1. Sincere question -- how do you know that there are no other spouses or children in Colorado Springs with the group enrolled in the program?

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    2. And how do you know that other team members don't also have family members with them? I hope the Dillards had a wonderful time together.

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    3. Maybe other wives have jobs they have to stay home for. ? !
      Good for them, I love road trips.....

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    4. If this is a short church trip involving the student missionaries, it would be more cost effective if they all car-pooled and left their families at home.

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  15. Relax Jill, it’s Chick-fil-A. No need for such exorbitant joy. The kids aren’t even that impressed

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    1. Guess the kids don't like greasy fast food and Jill does.

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    2. Can’t she just be excited to be with her boys? Why are so many people making negative comments about a mom smiling with her children. I really don’t get it.

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    3. Lol she's not smiling exactly!

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    4. She's likely endorsing certain products and being compensated for it, hence the reason for feigned excitment.

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    5. 5:29 -- I honestly think people come to this website just to find things to pick on. Maybe they're unhappy and criticizing is cathartic in some way?

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    6. They when to chick -fil-a to play in the play area.

      The food their is not greasy. I been they and my food was never greasy.

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  16. Ha, Jill makes the same face for Chickfila as she does chocolate milk!

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  17. Colorado Springs is nice. We took the cog railroad train up Pike's Peak and went to the Garden of the Gods while there.

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    1. On my list to visit! Seems like a beautiful place.

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  18. Wow such unnecessary comments about the Dillard family. I mean really... Is to know everything about them like finances and cost of travel expenses! This is a fan update page. Is anyone asking you for a play by play of your expenses. It's ridiculous. Just keep it to your selves. I enjoy this family and am greatful to them for continuing to share with us. If you have issues don't come on here. I just hope they never take to heart such comments. Cast every word that is not edifying down. God bless and peace.

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    1. It's only because Derick and Jill have asked for donations to their ministry recently. I believe that calls for more accountability in their finances. If I were asking other people to donate to my living and travel expenses, I would make different choices than I do with my own money. I would be more mindful of how I used that money and want to reassure people that I was being a good steward of their generosity.

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    2. I love the Duggars and this blog....that being said....Jill and Derick have asked for donations to fund his missionary training, when you ask others to fund your pursuits they have a righ to ask how the funds are being spent. I agree that taking the whole family is likely more expensive than Derick going alone. If the trips are short Jill could stay home with the kids, if they are extended then I t may make sense for the family to go. It’s their choice, with donated funds they should spend wisely.

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    3. I appreciate your comment so much. The news media beats this family up so much. Why can't the body of Christ do what the Bible says, to edify one another!

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    4. Since Derek allowed for these pics to be posted he obviously isn't hiding that he takes family along on mission trips. I also don't understand why very few people questioned why Jill went to Central America but now we're haranguing her for going to Colorado? I don't donate to the Dillard's but I don't think it's so horrible for her to do so. They're eating at Chick-fil-A not a 5 star restaurant.

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    5. Derick and Jill (and their kids) were the only ones from their church on this particular 'mission',so maybe they went to keep him company?? I have to agree with other posters, if they are relying on public donations to fund these trips then they need think about how to spend it, they need to let people see where their money is going. I for one would not be happy funding vacations for someones wife and children if thats not what I donated it for.

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  19. Jill went somewhere by herself (well yes the little kids were there, but she was the only adult) in a new place and considering how infrequently that has happened in her life, I am proud of her!

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    1. Best comment on here! Others put down these girls for not going out into the world and here is Jill doing just that. Off exploring and with two little ones in tow. Good for her!

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    2. I know. To me, walking an hour and half in a strange new place alone is scary. That is awesome she did that. Kudos to her and not having an accountability partner. With her celebrity status though it is a wonder nobody recognized her.

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    3. Open-mouthed or closed-mouth, who cares as long as she isn't eating something! For goodness sakes, she can pose how she feels. She is pretty, no matter how she poses for a selfie. Some people are so petty. I just hope they always keep their mouth shut when taking a pic.Unbelievable.

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    4. I never thought of that. I've traveled a lot by myself and thought nothing of it. But then I didn't have a family like the Duggars. Guess it was an "adventure" for her to try something many people do regularly.

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    5. @ anon 11:40. I hate to break this to you but Jill is only a "celebrity" to people in a limited circle of Christians. 99% of the people in the world have never heard of the Duggars and I doubt anyone in Colorado Springs would recognize her if she just walked by them.

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    6. @4:07 - LOL at Chick-fil-A being “out into the world.”

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    7. 12:17 Do you know for certain that she didn't have someone else along besides the kids? I wouldn't be suprised if Jana was enlisted as a traveling companion and babysitter.

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    8. Now we don't know,,,but,,,,,there may have been someone with her.. ❗️
      Most likely.......I would think...❣

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    9. Some of my best memories with my baby are of exploring new cities little by little with our stroller as we traveled with my husband for work. In safe areas, it's great exercise and a ton of fun!!!

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    10. I will be "some other adult was along"; TLC crew, Jana?

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  20. They must be getting some kind of monetary compensation for endorsing Chick-fil-A.

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    1. Free meal vouchers, perhaps? That would explain the hour walk, for a free meal, if that was indeed the case.

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  21. I loved visiting Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs. Highly recommend.

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    1. Me too! My kids loved the Adventures on Odyssey area. I loved the book store. :)

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  22. Happy Birthday Israel may God watch over you and shower many blessings on you.

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  23. This picture is priceless, Jill having fun with her boys...Jane

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  24. Blessing to Jill and DERICK , children

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