So thrilled to take lovingly knit scarves from the ladies of N. Street Village and blessed at Luther Place in Washington D.C. to Moscow. I was able to give these to the teen and adult members of the Student Venture Russia Project who wore the warm neck wear with the goal of being moved by the Holy Spirit to give their scarf away!
Stories are filtering in as folk were inspired to gift their scarf; one went to a Russian teacher who was the head of a christian teacher association in the town of Volgograd. She sat in on my class and was stern and taking lots of notes. Later we went to tea and she tearfully told me of her desire to have a camp like ours in her home town and of her own faith. I gave her mine!
One went to an interpreter who made the huge difference in a beginners class. One went to an orphanage, and several went to Russian students who prayed to live Christ-like lives. Mind you, we had been spoiled in the warmth of the scarves. It was a sacrifice AND a gift to give them away!
We had a great time at the Lodge at Williamsburg (and because of slow season, we were able to book at 1/2 price plus a $100 gift card that paid for two dinners!) Great weather, awesome folliage, and educational too! We heard the Declaration of Independence read aloud like I never heard it before. Fifes, drums, and a Glass Concert where all the instruments were made from crystal. The most amazing was the Armonia, invented by Benjamin Franklin, and very popular in it’s day. It was the same principle as a wet finger around the glass only with glasses tuned and separated by corks and turned via a spinning wheel. (yes we bought a christmas CD of it)
I have been known to tease my “older” friends about me being younger….the south side of 60. So, when it came my turn to hit that landmark number, I thought I would sneak out of town, and no one be the wiser. Could I get away with it? Nooooooooooooooo. A heavy package was delivered bright and early on the big day FULL of cards, gifts, and jabs at making the big turn into this new decade. To Betty, Andy, and Nikki…and all their other partners in crime, thank you, thank you! It’s great to feel loved. ..so many nice things said and special thoughts shared. The birthday I sought to avoid became the blessing I will never forget!!!!!!!!
When our friends, Joan and Ralph,left for a wedding out of state, we were left to our own devices at their home overnight. We spied the carpet of leaves on their lawn and thought “What Fun!”. Four hours later,we were cured. But it was pretty awesome. They promised if we return this winter, to save us some snow!!
Today we ventured out and hit 3 Americon icons. First the Supreme Court, then the Capitol with its new visitors’ center, and then the Library of Congress (new to me).
We traveled across the Delaware Bay on a car ferry. It was a very inclimate crossing, and yes, I lost my lunch over the side. Never throw up into the wind! We have made our way down to our nation’s capitol. We are amazed to see our national monuments once again in all their incredible glory.