Finally Arrived

We are finally in Richmond! WOO HOO!!! We arrived Monday afternoon and moved in. There were some helpful movers from First Baptist Church Roanoke, VA. Everyone told us how glad they were that we were here, but we assured him them all that we were more excited than they could imagine - 8 weeks in the same bed, the boys have separate beds (fianlly), no more eating out, no more living out of the suitcases (atleast for now) and a schedule (yeah for mom!). We've met up with other M's that we've met along the way and the boys have found fast friends already. Micah seems to be becoming a big brother to many. There always seems to be a little one hanging around his knees. They both got to visit their classrooms today and start school in the morning. Our apartment backs up to the soccer field and frisbee golf course, so Micah is excited. Tonight he met a group of young guys (early 20's) who included him in pick-up basketball game. They wanted to know which apartment we were in so they could come and get him when they play. I think that made his day. Both boys are having to adapt to little girls being in the house. We share an apartment house (called a quad) with 3 other families. Between them there are 4 girls and 1 boy and they are all under 4. This should be an adventure. I will try to add pictures of where we are soon. It is really hard to describe without pictures. Pray for us this week as we begin to oreintation and as the boys begin school.

Last Day in Williamsburg

We had a wonderful time this morning worshiping at Smith Memorial Baptist Church. Pastor Wade is an IMB trustee and on the Western Europe committee. We were able to share about Portugal and ask them to pray for us as we prepare to go. Ethan went to children's church and they decided to be pen-pals with him. He is so excited. After lunch we went back to Old Williamsburg and watched some dramatizations. I think the kids enjoyed this part best - history in action.

Tomorrow we will head to Richmond for orientation. We have enjoyed traveling but have grown a little weary of living out of a suitcase and eating out. The thought of being in the same bed for 8 weeks sounds wonderful right now. Pray for us as we move in, see old friends and meet new ones. We will all start classes on Wednesday morning. The kids are so excited about that - NOT! It maybe a few days before we update as we begin a new schedule, but check back soon.

Williamsburg

Today started out quite cold (40 something degrees)and it never got much warmer. The boys commented that they could see their breath. We spent the majority of the day in Old Williamsburg. Ethan got to help make wooden shingles, Andy got to be a judge in the courthouse and Micah was chosen to be a rooster in the storytelling area. For those of you who know Micah well, it was way out of his comfort zone, but he hung in there. We also visited museums, homes and stores. We've really enjoyed the slower pace compared to the last few days in DC. We've learned the background of a few of our sayings. "Passing the bar" came from the concept that the judge had to ask you to cross the railing (the bar) in order to be heard. It was all very interesting.

Pray for us tomorrow as we visit a local Williamsburg church. The pastor is an IMB trustee that is on our Western Europe committee.

Last Day in DC

Today was our last day in DC. The weather had dropped by 20 degrees, as you can see by the change in our clothing. As we left town we stopped at the Jefferson Memorial. The view across the river was beautiful. We then drove by the Pentagon Memorial and stopped at Arlington National Cemetery. We knew it was big, but didn't really grasp how big. We were there almost 3 hours and only saw a portion. We saw where President Kennedy and President Taft are buried, the Arlington House (Robert E. Lee's former home) and the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremony at the Tomb was so moving. Everyone was silent as it took place and then taps was played. As the bugle rose above the cemetery, it was truly moving. Once back on the road to Williamsburg we were able to experience a taste of Washington traffic. OH MY! It was only 2:00 in the afternoon but it took us 2 hours to travel about 50 miles, then it began to rain. Needless to say we were glad to finally get to Wiliamsburg. The rain has brought even cooler weather and the leaves are in full color, so we feel like falll has finally arrived!

Thursday in Washington

We have again had a full day. It began with an unusual encounter on the shuttle from the hotel to the metro train. We met a man from FL who was on his way to Sen. Obama's office and he was VERY opinionated. He rambled on for a while and then asked where we were from and what Andy did. When he realized that Andy was a minister he began to give his opinion on clergy and how the ones he had met were hypocritical and only out for money. Once we got to the Metro train he got on and sat behind us. The conversation continued and we tried to talk to him, but he always had a strong opinion about anything we said. He finally told Andy that he did not believe Jesus was born of a virgin and that Jesus was just a good man. WOW! Once he exited, we hoped we had at least given him a more favorable impression of ministers and Christians, so maybe the next time he encounters a Christian he will be more willing to listen to the gospel.

The rest of our day was spent seeing the rest of the Air & Space Museum (we only saw part yesterday), touring the the capital (thanks to Sen. Alexander) and visiting the US Postal Museum. Tomorrow we leave for Williamsburg and plan to stop and see the Jefferson Memorial and Arlington Cemetery on the way.

Wednesday in Washington

Today started out with an unexpected side trip. We had a 9:00am scheduled tour at the National Cathedral. We knew the train ride in would be at least 30-45minutes. We left in plenty of time, but there was a problem on the train line and we were delayed. When we finally got off at the stop where we thought the Cathedral was, we found we were 10 blocks away and it was 9:15. We decided to go ahead and try to catch a later tour, but we never found the church. 30 minutes later(after walking how far?!), we finally found another train stop. We gave up, got on the train, and headed back to the Lincoln Monument. It was so amazing! Ethan kept calling it Lincoln's house. We then went to the Vietnam and WWII Memorials. Wow! What a wonderful tribute to our service men and women. Since Andy's grandfather served in WWII, it was especially meaningful. A tour group of veterans there and it was interesting to watch them and hear them share memories. Later (after a $35 McDonald's lunch) we went to the National Air & Space Museum. I think this has been the boys' favorite so far. There are so many hands on things that we did not even make it to the 2nd floor, so we'll go back tomorrow. Well, I've rambled enough. Check out the pictures of our adventures today.

Washington, D.C. Vacation

We have finally made it to Washington, D.C. I am going to try and keep a daily log of the week so that our family and friends can see what all we have done. We left North Carolina on Sunday afternoon and stopped over night in the Shenandoah Valley. The ride up was beautiful as the leaves on the trees have begun to turn (and we found gas for $2.95!!!) We stopped to visit Mt. Vernon (George Washington's home) on Monday afternoon before going on into D.C. It was a beautiful day to be out on the Potomac River. Below is a slide show of our visit.

Today we began our walking tour of D.C. We began at the Library of Congress and continued past the Supreme Court and Capital Buildings to the Museum of Natural History. The boys really loved seeing the animal and ocean exhibits. During our lunch detour we found the Ford Theatre and the house where President Lincoln died. We wrapped up the day with a visit to the Washington Monument and the White House. It was a long first day, but the boys were troopers. They complained very little and kept up every step of the way. Below are pictures from Day One.

Moving On

We have had a great time visiting with Michelle's family. We were all able to have some down time, plus wrap up some loose ends and last minute things. On Saturday we went to a corn maze. We did fine on the first half (#1-5), but when we started the second half we could never find #8. We found another family though. They had been in the maze for almost 2 hours and could not find their way out. We finally all turned around and came out the in. I've attached pictures. (Check out Micah in the cow train. It don't think it meant for 6 foot guys.) We are now on our way to Washington, D.C. for a few days. We'll update when we get there.

Our final day

Well the time has finally come. We are leaving Morristown today for adventures unknown. I never thought all of the stuff would fit, but is all packed (just not sure where everything is). There will have to be a little repacking eventually. We ran out of suitcases and such so what was left went in trash bags until we can get a few more duffles. I wanted to share a few random thoughts (because that it all I can muster after 2 nights of going to bed after 2am.) The last few weeks have been very much like a whirlwind. We have finally gotten rid of everything, sold the house, sold the car, left our dog with grandparents, and now burying a second grandmother in less than a month. It has been an emotional roller coaster as we have had parties and dinner and had to say goodbyes to so many dear family and friends. It has been an exciting journey so far and though not all days have been easy we have been able to hold on to God's promises for our lives. Isaiah 42:6 says, "I, the Lord, have called you for a righteous purpose and I will hold you by your hand. I will keep you and I make you a covenant for the people and a light unto the nations."

I've attached a few pictures of our last few days. We love you all and are blessed to call you family and friends. Continue to pray for us as we journey with the Lord.

Quiet Moment

As I have a quite moment before my household awakes, I wanted to give you a quick update. We are back home for a few days to finish packing and close our moving crate. We had planned on leaving Tuesday or Wednesday, but Michelle's grandmother passed away on Friday night, so we will be leaving on Monday morning. Please pray as we try to finish last minute details, get the remaining things packed (ugh), speak in Knoxville Sunday and then travel to the funeral. We will still have our cellphones if you need to contact us. We love you all.