The "Friends and Family" Trip is one developed by Dr. Varner as a way to get students some company in the middle of their semester.  Relatives and friends of IBEX students come for a week of fast-paced touring of the land of Israel, spending the evenings (and a few days) with their student.  It's a fantastic idea that went extremely well last week. Dr. Varner led the adults around all week and then at the end of the week led a joint chapel service for everyone.  John Saddler and his dad (Michael) enjoyed many laughs together.  Anyone see the resemblance?   Megan, here with her parents (Cliff and Diana), gave a testimony the last night of what the Lord has taught her while in Israel. Monica was beaming when she was with mom and dad (Benjamin and Marlene).  Her brother Justin lurks around somewhere else.   Kim is from Tulsa; that's where her parents (Jim and Sandra) raised her.  Tulsa's not such a bad place, we are reminded. :=) Jacquelyn enjoyed the week her mom and dad (Gordon and Joan).   Jake managed to squeeze a backrub out of his mom (Harriette).  Not only that, Jake got more food delivered than the current weights of both Zach and Luke combined! Josh gives his mom (Victoria) a kiss on the cheek. God has really blessed this family this last year.   Sunni and guess who? - her sister (Julie) of course - chat.  Sunni's parents (David and Sandi) and grandmother (Nadelle) were also here. Luke's mom (Linda) has sent both of her twin sons to IBEX now.  Noah came last semester; Luke got lucky and was here when mom came.   Andrew and his dad (George) even dress alike! Josh and Amy Keith got to hang out with mom, dad and a brother (Brenda, Michael and Nathan).  Terrific family.   Leo was visited by his uncle, aunt and cousin (Urban, Francis and Daniel). Zach snuggled up with dad during chapel.  Zach's eagerly waiting for a little brother - coming any time now!   Here the pregnant ladies are!  Kelli is due Nov. 7; Stephanie a few days earlier. After a week of touring, chapel at night, Dr. Varner's work was still not done.  Here he counsels two of the brightest: Seth and John.   Julie's parents (Kenny and Geraldine) escaped the careful notice of IBEX's camera.