Into the second month!

We left Ft Fisher in Wilmington NC and headed to Strathmore Defense Supply Command near Richmond Va.  We met a family there that is just starting to full time and we were able to lend a hand with some things.  We had a great time getting to know them and the kids got to hang out for a while.  We hope to see them again on the East coast and maybe work together with Mission Builders/Youth With a Mission as they are also praying for opportunities to serve.  We traded stories and we passed along some of the things that we have learned, what we have needed, and how to maintain our sanity a bit.  Also while we were there, we were able to visit a few different National Battlefields there but we were in for a treat.  We were able to tour Tredegar; a warehouse turned Civil War cannon maker that produced over 50% of the canons that were shot during the Civil War and a place that Lincoln visited with his son 10 days before he was assassinated.  It is one of the only places that is a Civil War National Park that was not a place of battle.  We spent allot of time there and were able to do so much.  One of the most exciting things (after seeing all of the battlefields, cannons, and artifacts that we have seen in the last month) was to be able to be "placed" on a canon firing team and learn how the canons were fired.  We were the only ones on the floor and the kids had so many questions (so did we).  Needless to say, they earned more badges and because of their high level of involvement, were also awarded a few "special" awards that Mrs. Obama started a while back; they were proud.  Richmond was great; it is a beautiful city that is full of history and had so much to do with shaping this Country.  Although we started learning some Revolution history in Charleston, Richmond is where we really starting being able to do a great deal of learning about the Revolution and the War of 1812.  We ended up visiting about 4 National Battlefields while in Richmond. 

Getting some one on  one on manning a cannon.  Then we got to pretend and do it!

So proud of them for taking in so much history.



The fruits of their labor.

Where Lincoln visited with Tad just 10 days before he was assassinated. 

One of the battle fields in Virginia where the earthworks of the North and the South were just feet apart.

We left Richmond and headed to D.C.  We were nonstop at this place!  Some of the time was filled with history (and Jr Ranger badges!) involving the Civil War and the Revolution.  on the way into DC we stopped at a friend's house for a visit.  We haven't seen her since since we lived in Illinois and we had a great visit.  We made it to Andrews AFB and settled in.  Some of the time was filled with museums and zoos, Six Flags, and other time was filled with seeing old friends and meeting new ones.  We got here and it was nearly 100 degrees...and muggy!  We settled in, got set up, and stocked up for the week ahead.  We did about everything one may be able to do that was free in D.C.  One of the highlights was Ford's Theater; that place is amazing!  The story that started with the history  of his grandmother to the legacy that he left behind.  We also saw a few of the Smithosians, did "The Mall", Arlington and Gen Lee's mansion, a day at the zoo and got to have dinner, swim, and spend the evening with my old commander who had retired me, his wife and their daughter.  We also visited the Holocaust museum and kept it "safe" for the kids while teaching what we felt was appropriate for their ages.  spend some time around Andrews AFB at the library and the community center and we played ALLOT of ping pong, pool, and foosball at the RV park.  All in all this was a very busy stop and we had a great time.  The day before we left, a couple that we had camped with in Charleston pulled in and the kids invaded their space!  It was a treat to already have ran into someone that we had met somewhere else.  We traded some stories, they fed the kids a bag full of candy, Caleb told them all about the bugs and mushrooms that were around there, Kamryn "loved" all over their dogs and we departed the next day. 

The kids wrote a note to "Daniel" at the Holocaust museum.  They had amazing words to say to him. 

Daddy and the kids for a photo opp



Working on the Jr Ranger books at the WWII memorial. 

Awarded their badges at the Lincoln memorial.  So proud!

 

Starting at Ford's Theater

This was the boy's favorite part of the artifacts at Ford's theater.  Caleb couldn't get over that this was the boot that Booth wore!

A tragic ending to a man who left an amazing legacy.

You guessed it!  Jr Rangers!

Another badge as Rangers.  This one was neat as the man that swore them in was a Vietnam vet and told a gentle story of how he lost his arm. 

Such tourists sometimes!

A little one on one ranger time at Gen Lee's mansion

Respecting the lost and taking it all in on a VERY hot day. 

Getting to see the sun! 

Starting the Smithsonians!  We loved all of the ones we visited. 

The boys loved learning about space this day.  They chose their jobs when the are older and work for NASA like Mr. Keith!

After traveling and learning so much history about the flags of the US, we finally saw the Star Spangled Banner!

So cool...!
 

We have finally hit the 40's as far as the number of days go that we have been on the road.  It is so exciting and although it may seem like the same thing over and over and "too much being together" (we've heard this one quite often from others)...it's not.  We have continued to meet folks and get to know about them.  We have learned more history than we ever thought possible.  We have also figured some things out that have turned out to be such a blessing.  What have we learned?

We have learned quite a few things in the last month while living in 250ish sq ft.  A few of the finer points (in my mind) are as follows 1) Quickly learn to cook only as much food as will be consumed in one sitting as there is not enough room for leftovers in the fridge.  2) Just because you wear clothes for 1, 2 or maybe even 3 days does not make them dirty 3) You don't need a clock... 4) Conflict must be dealt with immediately or...well...you don't have a choice...deal with it immediately.  5) Realize that when you send your child to their room; if you go to the next room to avoid conflict; if you want to be alone...everyone is still only 5 ft away.  (refer to rule 4)  6) If it's hot outside, find something to do that is free and cool elsewhere because it is going to be hot inside your house (RV) also.  7) If you don't know how to take a Navy shower...learn quickly...the RV tanks aren't very large.  8)  Realize quickly that other people on the highway don't care that you're 50 ft long; that it takes you a LOT longer to stop; that if the blinker is on, that means I must come over; that you can't always see them; that you aren't a race car, and that there is no need to hurry (refer to rule 3) 9)  If something is sitting on the edge of the counter, whether it has something in it or not, someone is going to knock it off
10) Know and trust that God has a plan and when we trust him with that plan, He provides Great things and amazing people along with awesome "opportunities" 11) Realize that this much time with your family is one of the greatest blessings that anyone could ever experience and be able to see how absolutely amazing each one of them really are. 

We left DC and headed north.  That leads us to where we are now...more on that later...

From the south to the north...

First off, we had talked about Zachary being able to update the site but it has seemed that we are only able to get a fast enough wi-fi connection later in the night.  Also, we have been surprisingly busy each day getting out into the local area and meeting people and seeing the sights.  He is excited to start updating this from his point of view, once we can figure out the connection issues/availability of wi-fi. 

We had a few good last days in Charleston.  We ended up spending some time with a few friends and I was able to get into a VA; huge blessing and answered prayer.  The kids attended a tennis camp on base and we had to deal with some first issues with the camper..AC probs but had great help and figured it out.  Met a 79 year young lady in the commissary at Charleston and talked for about 30 mins.  She was funny and full of wisdom in our conversation.  We traded a few stories and I took a few words away from her that she said God had shown her through the years.  Then, in line, another lady found Kamryn to be "so sweet" that she bought her a bag of Hershey's bar because Kamryn said she wanted s'mores and we didn't have any.  Great fun!  Went to our new friend's camper that night for some s'mores and last night conversation and hung out for a bit.  Said bye to them that next morning but exchanged info and plan on keeping tabs on each other. 

Kamryn catching the big ones!

Playing the ocean.

Z and his skills.

Taking a break from the water.
 

The cheesy grins from the All Stars.

We left Charleston and the folks that we had met there and took a trip to Ft Fisher, NC.  We were going to stay 3 days but ended up staying 5.  The trip here was rather interesting...pulling out of a Wal Mart parking lot, the truck came to a complete stop...QUICK!  After swallowing my heart and checking things out, I found out that my emergency brake on the camper had tripped.  Fixed it and moved on...nicce drive until an 18 wheeler somehow missed our little ol' truck and camper and tried to run us off into the sandy shoulder...again...swallow heart...and pray.  Pulled into campground and Kamryn helped me to meet some folks across the street and we chatted for a bit.  Got to take a trip and meet some friends that we were stationed with in Biloxi.  We drove and met them for dinner and saw their beautiful baby girl that we prayed long and hard for.

Kamryn calls her "Pennepy"

We found a place for dinner last night and God showed us right where he wanted us.  From leaving the "house" to getting back home, He led that entire trip.  Just a bit of it...we couldn't decide where to go and I mentioned a place (but didn't think she would want it because it was all "soul food") and she said only if it was within 30 mins.  Well, Maps said it was 29 mins.  We arrived and sat right down and loved our server, Monica.  We ate and talked to a few folks around us until we couldn't talk and eat anymore.  A lady came out and asked how things were and it started from there.  Long story short, we both told "our story" and God ended up speaking to both of us through the words of the other and the stories.  She was the owner and we ended up chatting for a long while, standing out front with her,  her husband, and our server (for a bit) and chatting away.  We left with a full belly, full hearts, a few gifts and had met a strong husband and wife couple who love the Lord.  It was such a great evening!   

A great evening meeting some amazing people!

We have also found a public pier here and have really enjoyed seeing the fish that are pulled out.  We have seen some beautiful fish but the best was a few 3-4 ft sharks!  So cool!  The kids were able to feed pelicans and see them up close and personal!  Caleb ran around asking everyone if he could take their fish (and sharks no matter what size) off of their hooks.  Many of them obliged and he had a great time.  Kamryn ran from person to person asking if she could fish and if they had any candy...again...many of them obliged.  Zachary hung with mom and dad and enjoyed the sights and stars and the great people that we met and spoke with.  Met a great couple who are about to get married and talked for a while.  We talked about how amazing God is and how He has worked in and around us.  They hope to keep up with the blog and check in on the kids and see how they are. 

1st trip to the beach...and a welcoming committee!

Playing...

Sanding...

Yes...he has a live fish in his hand standing on the beach!

A favorite spot here. 

This is how I roll!  Making some breakfast and having some coffee.  (Really I didn't want our "house" smelling like bacon!)

One of our new friend's.

Snack time!

Caleb was helping another fisherman!
 



Time for fishing.  (Little did we know that at 0330, there was a 12 ft tiger shark right here!)



K waiting for the big one using some gear of some fine folks we met at the pier.   

C wanted to try and take the shark off of someone else's hook...they said, "ok".

Z's turn...

They ran over to se this one.  K is helping to hold it.  Then they chased him down while he cut it. 

Our 4 ft turtle creation.

One night Zachary had asked Kelly to get up with him and go see the sunrise...they did.  Now, we came to Ft Fisher hoping to see the rescue group for Loggerhead turtles and their nesting but decided against it for a few reasons.  Back to the sunrise...they went to see the sunrise and then took a bike ride to the pier, about 1 + miles away.  They saw a four wheeler and followed t and had just missed the loggerhead mommy who layed eggs on the beach!  They talked with the team there and came home ecstatic! 

Mom and Z's morning out

The Heavens proclaim the Glory of God, the skies show the work of His hands.  Ps 19:1
The kids love a sunrise and sunset...

Awwww...just missed her...but really cool anyway!  These are her flipper tracks. 

 Last story...but one of the best.  We tool a walk tonight and went to the pavilion as there was a band paying some Jimmy Buffet.  After walking the small pier and listening to some music, Kamryn looked up and asked Zachary to dance.  He politely took her on the concrete and danced with her.  After he brought her back, Caleb asked her for a dance.  I stood there with a tear in my eye and a smile on my face.  We didn't have the camera but I will never lose that picture in my mind. 

Please continue to pray for our journey.  We continue to pray for God to put people in our path and give us the words to speak.  We also have been praying for Him to show us the work He wants us to do.  We received an email today from  YWAM, Youth With a Mission.  I have hyperlinked the site but from the site, "Youth With A Mission is a global movement of Christians from many cultures, age groups, and Christian traditions, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world. Also known as YWAM (pronounced “WHY-wham”), we unite in a common purpose to know God and to make Him known."  This is one of the organizations that we have been praying about.  We would be able to travel to the city that needs assistance and stay in the RV as hey have special projects/needs in areas that will accommodate families with RVs.  We are very excited about what He is allowing us to do and hope that you will continue to pray with us. 

1 John 3:18


Until next time...