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...

The adjustment seems so natural...almost unnoticed

 

We are in the process of trying to figure out the most economical way to be able to maintain internet as this is the most difficult thing we have ran in to.  This was probably the thing that we thought about least because we figured that we would just go to a McDonalds or a library and get access.  The thing is that it is not always convenient to haul the family to a pace with it and also is not close (economical) to do so.  So, in other words, we hope to find a way to get more access soon and be able to plan our travel and update friends and family better. 

Since we left N.W. Tenn, we have seen God continue to work.  We continued to be amazed that He is allowing us to bless others during this journey.  He continues to put people in our path that He shows us a need for.  Sometimes prayer, kindness or a child's hug and smile.  Sometimes different kinds of help, but He continues to work. 

We ended up traveling and staying outside of Atlanta.  We got to see and spend time with Kelly's long time friend, Tina, and made a trip to Six Flags.  We also made it to the waterpark but needless to say that the night before, I had our first "camping accident" and long story short...ended up using alcohol, medical tape and super glue on my big toe; I couldn't get in the water.  Anyway, we spent a great deal of time with Tina and I had a realization...that I am now at an age where I honestly enjoyed watching my children get so much excitement at an amusement park.  I enjoyed it before but it was just different and the Lord showed me a whole new "level" of enjoyment with my family.  He also showed us a torrential downpour that we got to leave the park and swim to the truck...but it only made for a more memorable experience.  :)


It is so cool for the boys to be able to do things together now! 

Hangin' out in Looney Toons' Town

Riding the air tram and taking a break.

All of us riding in 1 tram.

We also had a chance to meet a number of people at the Navy campground that we were at and stayed directly across the street from the beach of a HUGE lake.  The first day while we were setting up it was raining pretty hard.  Everyone got wet so Mommy took the kids swimming!  Why not, they were already wet?!?!  Zachary also found a friend of another full-time family.  They did some fishing and hanging out.  We also had some other people that we met at the beach and had a blast hanging out with them for their time there and chatting. 

They were already wet...why not?!?!

We made it to another two Civil War battlefields.  We went to Chickamauga and Chatanooga along with Keenesaw.  Such amazing history of our country unlike we have ever known.  It is so amazing to be able to go to multiple sites and piece the story together.  Being where this all happened is so real.  To walk the same paths, see the same fields and some trees that were alive then is mind-blowing.  The kids were very proud as they were awarded a Jr Civil War Historian Ranger patch for visiting at least 3 Civil War sites and doing the work.   

Checking out the artifacts at Chickamauga and Chatanooga.

Picturing the battle, hearing the noises, and pausing...

Working very diligently!

We left the Navy campground and moved to the other side of the Lake.  We spent more time on the beach, did some fishing and met a few more folks.  The kids always seem to find families that love to be "invaded"!  We also ended up with a zoo in our "yard".  The kids got to see a doe, two squirrels, male and female cardinals, and chipmunks eating some seeds...all at the same time!  IT was amazing to se the enjoyment and amazement in Kamryn's face to be that close to Creation and just relax to enjoy it.  Made a trip out of the campground that day and got locked out.  Needless to say, we ended up carrying sleeping kiddos and walking a bit to our home.  Just a part of the story!

A smile that brightens so many days

 

 

 

 

 

 



Daddy just relaxing!



 

 

 

 

 

Left Atlanta and headed to Charleston, SC.  Stayed at a great campground and met another young family who are the campground hosts.  We were invited in the first night, hung out with them and got to know them.  The dad has major back pain and is staying in the area to get treatment.  I am sitting typing this under their awning because I couldn't get Wi-Fi from our site.  Really great folks.  Zachary is spending allot of time with their son and is finding that they really enjoy each other's company. 

 

They ride bikes allot and stay out a bit late walking the campground, drawing, and talking.  Met another 2 unrelated families and the kids invaded their spaces.  They, like most others, really had good things to say about the testimony that we are living out as a family.  One of them just started full-timing themselves and gained some insight on what they want to do after chatting with us and hearing about some of the ways that we are being/going to be involved and serve.  The others just let Kamryn borrow their laps and listen to stories that the kids had to tell. 

 

Doing some school work. 

Lounging during school?!?!?!  Yup!

Math on my bed!

 

Charleston  has been very interesting.  We visited Ft Sumter, the place where the Civil War started (and yes, the kids earned another Jr Ranger badge!).  That was an amazing trip.  WE also visited a beach that Kelly used to go to when she was young.  Saw numerous historical buildings, churches, and homes that Gen Lee and presidents have stayed.  There is so much beauty and so much history here from the Revolution and the Civil War.  Kelly was also here as a kid, so she is enjoying reminiscing and seeing a few friends.  We also had the pleasure of meeting someone from Charleston at the market.  She showed the kids how to make grass baskets as they have been made for generations.  That visit lasted about 45 minutes and the kids left letting her know that they will be praying for her.  We also later met some neighbors from Washington state.  After talking with them, we fond out that they knew Victoria, BC well and we traded some stories.

Taking a family picture where Kelly was with her family as a child.   

 Kelly used to swing from this branch as a kid. 

 Almost to Ft Sumter

 Entering Ft Sumter...and an unforgettable history lesson. 

 Learning from the Ranger.

 Talking with the Ranger and touching artillery shells that were shot into the interior walls of Ft Sumter.

 One of the flags flown at Ft Sumter

 mommy doing a history lesson.

Replica of the flags flown at Ft Sumter.  The real one is in the case behind Caleb. 

 Promising to protect and continue to learn about our history. 

Yup...another badge and history learned!



 We had a realization  a few nights ago.   In the last 7 weeks, we have been in 2 countries, touched 2 different oceans, crossed 12 states, crossed the Continental Divide, crossed 4 time zones, saw the starting and ending place of the Civil War, walked the trails of wars and pioneer trails, been in almost every type of weather known to man, and the list goes on.  Not only that, but we have met so many people and continue to pray for them, and share a story with them that only God could create.