Deep South Adventures

There is one route we take regularly that goes right by the gulf. It is far more scenic than the stretch of interstate a few miles north. I don't mind taking more time in a commute to enjoy the views of the water and white sand beaches and the smell of the salty, sea air.

We also found a new park; Gulf Islands National Seashore. I took the boys there recently to play some soccer.

We were informed at the visitor's Center that there are alligators in the park and where exactly to find them. Andrew and Elijah were more than excited about seeing alligators in their natural habitat. As for me, I wouldn't call my reaction "excitement". It felt more like... well... freaking out! They were so disappointed when we didn't "meet an alligator" as Andrew said. I was relieved:)

A fellow CFA Interim shared tickets to a Mississippi Surge Hockey Game with our family. I have learned one thing after attending one hockey game. I am not a fan of hockey games! I am sure there is skill involved, but in my simple mind, I only see disorganization and fighting! Call me crazy, but I guess it is just my ignorant opinion~ I kept thinking, what does Mary Kassian think about this? She is my female theologian hero from Canada who has boys that play hockey. Maybe someday I will understand. For the boys, any place with cotton candy and popcorn is fun!

The most amusing part of the whole thing was the visiting team's box.

There nothing like an old friend to help me feel connectedness to our past. My friend Karen's parents were gracious enough to allow us to visit with her and her children at their home near Mobile. It was fun to get our kiddos together. When Karen and I first met nine years ago, neither of us had any children. We used to plan big dinners and Pendegraph functions for The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary together. Now, we play duck-duck-goose and fly kites with our little balls of energy:)

Easter was day of worshiping our Risen Savior. I know I am a girl and like shopping, but for me, dressing us Easter Sunday morning in new clothes with bright, spring colors exemplifies how Christ has given me new clothes- His clothes. What He accomplished for me in His death and resurrection allow me to be presented to the Father clothed in His righteousness and with a new heart.

Micah is working diligently to make the most of his time here. We continue to wait and pray for contentment in every circumstance.

Trip to Mobile, AL

This past Monday, we visited the U.S.S. Alabama. It was a battleship used in WWII. It was voted by the boys as one of the coolest things they have ever toured.

Andrew and Elijah "operating" the on-deck machine guns.

They allowed us to see all the loading areas for these enormous guns. It was fascinating to see how the artillery made it up several flights and into the barrels.

The boys met this guy on the tour.

The Brig... Just where these two monkeys belong!

They thought the sleeping quarters were fabulous! As for me, I was not sure I could handle such close quarters. I am pretty sure these were the upscale officers' bunks.

This was a program for a worship service in the Chapel. They sometimes held services on deck in good weather. The Hymn was beautiful:

From all that dwell below the skies,

Let the Creator's praise arise;

Let the Redeemer's Name be sung,

Thro' every land, by every tongue.

Eternal are Thy mercies, Lord;

Eternal truth attends Thy word;

Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore

Till suns shall rise and set no more.

Micah's favorite: A Tomcat

We also went inside the U.S.S. Drum; a submarine that completed 14 war patrols from 1942-1946. Claustrophobia, here I come!

They let Andrew and Elijah take her for a spin around the Gulf;)

Some buy the T-Shirt, we buy the hats. Captain Childs and Sailor Childs reporting for duty- running around and playing on all the "military stuff".

At the end of the day, we had some fabulous seafood at "The Original Oyster House". Micah and I loved the fresh seafood and the boys loved the little alligators that sat perched on their kids shrimp and fish.

For more info on the U.S.S. Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, visit http://www.ussalabama.com/.

Mississippi

Micah and I both have already begun to reflect on the past two months. The one thing that is the most obvious is that God truly grew us into being able to cope with all the trials in our situation. It has taken a great deal of trust in His sovereignty over CA and NC (and all the places in between) to make it as well. I am absolutely sure that had we had to have been in this situation years ago, we would have handled it much differently. That doesn't speak well of us, but of God who allowed us to mature toward this task. This quote by Wendell Berry is so true: "It is not from ourselves that we learn to be better than we are."

From the Northeast to the far West, now to South Mississippi, we have seen a good portion of the United States. We moved into our new life for the next few months last week and the best part is that we all feel like a family again! The trip down south was full of "Are we there yet's?" and "Can we watch another movie?" What is funny about this picture is that I had to take several to get one of both boys looking like they were enjoying themselves! In the others, one or both boys were making terrible, scowling faces:) I think maybe I bribed them with candy for this one shot...

New culture, new surroundings, new people. What is interesting, though, is that people, even though they are different, are the same. We have heard a lot of stereotypes about people from the north or from the south or from the city or country, but all things considered, at the core, people are exactly the same. Though it comes out of them with different accents, they all have struggles, preferences, concerns, a history that always lends them to some type of behavior, etc. It is more and more obvious that the fundamental problem is that we need Jesus! All of us in the exact same way. We all need a big God who is in control of life when all seems out of control. We all need Him to be working on our behalf, giving us life and breath and everything else. We need Him to take us off the twisted, steep, thorny path and put us on the straight, well-lit path where He is the ultimate goal. We are either sluggishly navigating our own way or following Him and that- only through graciously sanctified eyes- is clear.

We have never lived so close to the coast! The boys are excited about warmer weather and playing on the beach some while we are here.

These pics are from Biloxi, known for its casinos. Andrew preferred the mini-lighthouse to the ominous buildings.

Our goal no matter where we are is learning to love people where they are in the way we have been loved. I would like to say that this is easy, but it is truly difficult. It is just as difficult as it is for others to love me even on my good days! But our Example is perfect and empowers us to know love and then in turn love others. Of course we are hoping this is just one step closer to God providing Micah with a permanent position with Chick-fil-a. For us, these two goals go hand in hand.