Today was a crazy day! We woke up at 7:30 because, well because we wanted to be ready for continental breakfast,which we decided against eating. Instead we went to Denny's (again). Casey drove through Oklahoma City (and did a great job even though it scared her!) and we didn't stop until it was time for lunch. We had great Mexican food. I had probably my last chili rellano for awhile, since I've yet to find one made right in Georgia.
Then we decided that just driving was boring. First we tried a detour to get away from interstate driving, but found a toll road instead and decided that our entertainment wasn't worth the two dollar toll. We were amazed by how many towns advertised that you could visit celebrity homes. Instead we got back on the road until we saw an advertisement for the Honey Springs Civil War Battlefield. It was great, although we passed a massive snake in the road that's colors indicated that I probably didn't want to come face to face without my car. The battlefield was cool and then we headed back for the interstate.
We went through a Nature Preserve with mostly birds. Casey did see a massive snake hope it wasn't poisonous and we saw a few deer. Honestly, it wasn't what we expected, but it was cool.
For dinner we had sandwiches. Great food, but we were starting to get tired. We visited a lake and walked around a park. Casey noticed a sign saying there were gators, but because we were walking separately I didn't notice, so I walked a little farther. Didn't see any gators, although I am a football fan of Florida, I have no desire to meet one face to face.
We got to the hotel early because of fear of a repeat of last night. It gave us some time to chill out and get a swim in the hotel pool. We have 2 days until we are home and although we've enjoyed the time, I think we will both be ready to get back to Georgia.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Trip Home Part 5
What a day! We started out around 10 this morning and headed to Old Town Albuquerque. We had fun wandering around and got some shopping done, then decided to get back on the road. Casey was amazed at the road construction that took us driving on the wrong side of the freeway (not against traffic).
Today was mostly driving, but we did have a small adventure in Santa Rosa. After lunch we were curious about what the "Blue Hole" was. The map looked like it was down one road, but after driving for awhile, we turned around. We made more and more speculations about what this "hole" could be (ranging from an old broken down building to an empty swimming pool). We discovered that the "Blue Hole" was actually just off the main road. Admittedly, it was cool. It's an 81 feet deep swimming hole that people can dive to the bottom. We didn't really hang around because it seemed to be more of a local hang out, but still, it was cool.
Finding a hotel tonight was a little difficult, which makes me a little nervous about our plan of attack for the next two nights. We don't know where we are stopping,so we really don't know where to make hotel reservations. Instead, we are setting a time to start looking for a hotel each night. Tomorrow will be much earlier because we have realized that Memorial Day weekend will make rooms a little more pricy and also harder to find.
If you could, I would appreciate prayers that we would find a room tomorrow.
Today was mostly driving, but we did have a small adventure in Santa Rosa. After lunch we were curious about what the "Blue Hole" was. The map looked like it was down one road, but after driving for awhile, we turned around. We made more and more speculations about what this "hole" could be (ranging from an old broken down building to an empty swimming pool). We discovered that the "Blue Hole" was actually just off the main road. Admittedly, it was cool. It's an 81 feet deep swimming hole that people can dive to the bottom. We didn't really hang around because it seemed to be more of a local hang out, but still, it was cool.
Finding a hotel tonight was a little difficult, which makes me a little nervous about our plan of attack for the next two nights. We don't know where we are stopping,so we really don't know where to make hotel reservations. Instead, we are setting a time to start looking for a hotel each night. Tomorrow will be much earlier because we have realized that Memorial Day weekend will make rooms a little more pricy and also harder to find.
If you could, I would appreciate prayers that we would find a room tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Trip Day 4
Last night we stayed in a great motel on Route 66. Besides the bathroom window not locking (which Casey fixed) it was a great room.
This morning we woke up early and headed for the road. We had a great breakfast at some little cafe and then headed towards Flagstaff. Because we had already done the Grand Canyon we decided to hike Lenox Trail at Sunset Crater. I had been given the suggestion by a friend. It was a killer, straight up .5 mile hike. I got pictures in progression going up because honestly, I needed the breaks. For my friends, I'm sure pictures will be posted on Facebook sometime after the trip. This hike is not for the faint of heart, and usually we would qualify as ones who may have given up, except that the National Park Service charges money. So, we made it to the top, and it was so worth it. The view was amazing. Casey fell in love with the snow capped mountain accross from the volcano which seemed to follow her from the flight to Vegas and throughout today. It even seemed to say goodbye when we drove away.
Then we headed towards the Painted Desert. I had studied the map, and because I wanted to spend more time there, decided to take a scenic route. This is very bad with a hungry sister. However, after we got snacks, we were good. Casey admitted it was beautiful, and when we stumbled upon the majesty of the desert, it was well worth it. Finally, we got some Subway (the only thing around) around 3. We headed to the Petrified Forest, which was beautiful. After that we began heading toward the New Mexico line, finally stopping for dinner and the night.
It's been an amazing trip, and despite a few minor disagreements, we are getting along great.
This morning we woke up early and headed for the road. We had a great breakfast at some little cafe and then headed towards Flagstaff. Because we had already done the Grand Canyon we decided to hike Lenox Trail at Sunset Crater. I had been given the suggestion by a friend. It was a killer, straight up .5 mile hike. I got pictures in progression going up because honestly, I needed the breaks. For my friends, I'm sure pictures will be posted on Facebook sometime after the trip. This hike is not for the faint of heart, and usually we would qualify as ones who may have given up, except that the National Park Service charges money. So, we made it to the top, and it was so worth it. The view was amazing. Casey fell in love with the snow capped mountain accross from the volcano which seemed to follow her from the flight to Vegas and throughout today. It even seemed to say goodbye when we drove away.
Then we headed towards the Painted Desert. I had studied the map, and because I wanted to spend more time there, decided to take a scenic route. This is very bad with a hungry sister. However, after we got snacks, we were good. Casey admitted it was beautiful, and when we stumbled upon the majesty of the desert, it was well worth it. Finally, we got some Subway (the only thing around) around 3. We headed to the Petrified Forest, which was beautiful. After that we began heading toward the New Mexico line, finally stopping for dinner and the night.
It's been an amazing trip, and despite a few minor disagreements, we are getting along great.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Trip Home Days 2 and 3
Life has gotten much more interesting over the past 2 days of traveling. My day yesterday began with my Mom calling to inform me that my sister left her phone in the car, and wouldn't have it at the airport. We were able to meet up as she came out of baggage claim and everything went smoothly even though we were both a little worried.
I suggested lunch at Sweet Tomatoes knowing that my sister loves salad and hadn't had it before. It was amazing! Then we checked into the Imperial Palace on the Vegas Strip. We had a great night walking around Fremont Street and then exploring the Casino. My sisters take on Vegas-it was all right but nothing special.
This morning we left early and had breakfast at the Egg & I in Vegas and then went to Hoover Dam. Casey absolutely loved taking pictures of the dam. It was fun to see her reaction, and although I've been there before, I have to confess, it still takes my breathe away! When we were leaving the dam, I asked Casey if she wanted to drive. I was proud of her, to drive she had to get out of a parking garage (a first for her) and navigate over the bridge, which isn't so crowded now that the bypass is open, but was still full of tourists. We got past the bridge and up the road just in time to find it closed. Casey was wonderful as she turned around and came back the bypass.
We decided to head toward the Grand Canyon. Although my first thought was to go to Flagstaff and go to the Canyon there, after we had gone a little ways we decided to go to Grand Canyon West. We had to backtrack about 3 miles, but it was worth it. On the way we decided we needed some lunch and spotted a little place called Davis Ranch Restaurant. The food was amazing and we started driving....and driving...and then the road turned to dirt....and stayed dirt...for 14 miles.
Eventually, we got to the reservation land where we wanted to take the Skywalk. This is a big feat for my sister who was terrified of heights and I have to admit, the idea of being 4000 feet above the canyon was intimidating. However, you have to pay for the tour and the skywalk, so it was a pricey undertaking. We got to the Walk and took a lot of pictures and then it was time for the moment of truth. Casey started out incredibly shaky, but about halfway through she really got into it. We even had our picture taken (another marketing ploy, no cameras allowed on the Skywalk). Truthfully it was a lot of money, but worth it to watch Casey conquer her fear, and I have to admit it was beautiful. I've never seen the Canyon before, but we both agreed that we were really glad that we saw a part of the Canyon that most people don't go to.
Tonight we spend the night in a motel on Route 66...more when we get internet again...
I suggested lunch at Sweet Tomatoes knowing that my sister loves salad and hadn't had it before. It was amazing! Then we checked into the Imperial Palace on the Vegas Strip. We had a great night walking around Fremont Street and then exploring the Casino. My sisters take on Vegas-it was all right but nothing special.
This morning we left early and had breakfast at the Egg & I in Vegas and then went to Hoover Dam. Casey absolutely loved taking pictures of the dam. It was fun to see her reaction, and although I've been there before, I have to confess, it still takes my breathe away! When we were leaving the dam, I asked Casey if she wanted to drive. I was proud of her, to drive she had to get out of a parking garage (a first for her) and navigate over the bridge, which isn't so crowded now that the bypass is open, but was still full of tourists. We got past the bridge and up the road just in time to find it closed. Casey was wonderful as she turned around and came back the bypass.
We decided to head toward the Grand Canyon. Although my first thought was to go to Flagstaff and go to the Canyon there, after we had gone a little ways we decided to go to Grand Canyon West. We had to backtrack about 3 miles, but it was worth it. On the way we decided we needed some lunch and spotted a little place called Davis Ranch Restaurant. The food was amazing and we started driving....and driving...and then the road turned to dirt....and stayed dirt...for 14 miles.
Eventually, we got to the reservation land where we wanted to take the Skywalk. This is a big feat for my sister who was terrified of heights and I have to admit, the idea of being 4000 feet above the canyon was intimidating. However, you have to pay for the tour and the skywalk, so it was a pricey undertaking. We got to the Walk and took a lot of pictures and then it was time for the moment of truth. Casey started out incredibly shaky, but about halfway through she really got into it. We even had our picture taken (another marketing ploy, no cameras allowed on the Skywalk). Truthfully it was a lot of money, but worth it to watch Casey conquer her fear, and I have to admit it was beautiful. I've never seen the Canyon before, but we both agreed that we were really glad that we saw a part of the Canyon that most people don't go to.
Tonight we spend the night in a motel on Route 66...more when we get internet again...
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Trip Home Part 1
I know this is a kids ministry blog, but my aunt asked for us to do a travel journal, so I hope you don't mind. Tomorrow my sister joins me and the photography will begin. Perhaps we will share some.
Today I left after church. There were a lot of people to say goodbye too and I know I will miss them all.
After a quick stop at Walgreens for ice and drinks I headed out. I was very excited when I got to Fernley and gas was $3.83. The things that make people excited, I know. My stop for tonight is a place affectionately called by Nevada Baptists "equally inconvenient for all."
As much as people complain about the drive to Vegas, the first 4 hours really wasn't bad. I enjoyed the sites, and Nevada still takes my breath away. I was very excited when I made it here and only used a little less than half a tank of gas, and when I saw the gas prices on the outskirts of town I inwardly groaned, even though I had expected it to be much more expensive. Taking advice from someone, I'm not sure who, I decided to ride into town and see if I could get a better price. Considering we are in the middle of nowhere and they could honestly probably charge anything, I was thrilled when in town it was only $3.95.
Really, I haven't done much since I got here, mostly because I needed to catch up on some things before this trip really began. So I ate at the hotel, basking in typical Nevada's hotel, casino, and places to eat.
Admittedly, this first leg wasn't overly exciting, but I promise it will get better from here, considering Vegas is next on the list.
Today I left after church. There were a lot of people to say goodbye too and I know I will miss them all.
After a quick stop at Walgreens for ice and drinks I headed out. I was very excited when I got to Fernley and gas was $3.83. The things that make people excited, I know. My stop for tonight is a place affectionately called by Nevada Baptists "equally inconvenient for all."
As much as people complain about the drive to Vegas, the first 4 hours really wasn't bad. I enjoyed the sites, and Nevada still takes my breath away. I was very excited when I made it here and only used a little less than half a tank of gas, and when I saw the gas prices on the outskirts of town I inwardly groaned, even though I had expected it to be much more expensive. Taking advice from someone, I'm not sure who, I decided to ride into town and see if I could get a better price. Considering we are in the middle of nowhere and they could honestly probably charge anything, I was thrilled when in town it was only $3.95.
Really, I haven't done much since I got here, mostly because I needed to catch up on some things before this trip really began. So I ate at the hotel, basking in typical Nevada's hotel, casino, and places to eat.
Admittedly, this first leg wasn't overly exciting, but I promise it will get better from here, considering Vegas is next on the list.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Calling All Pastors!
Pastors, I know VBS week is a crazy week in your church. Some of you, I'm sure enjoy kids and some of you would rather avoid them. I'm really not judging you on that, we all have different callings and not everyone is called to work with kids. However, think of VBS as an opportunity for you as a pastor to connect with the kids (and families) in your church.
Especially if your children have children's church throughout the entire weekly service, you probably don't have much opportunity to work with the children in your ministry. VBS is a great opportunity to connect with the children. In most churched children's minds, a pastor is a real hero. Imagine the excitement in a child's mind when Pastor __________ comes to visit his classroom.
Also, participating in VBS gives you a chance to connect with unchurched families who may have ended up in your church for VBS. What an opportunity to connect!
Finally, statisically, VBS is the most evangelical event of a churches year. Why would you avoid the opportunity to share Christ in that setting? I think maybe sharing Christ with children is more intimidating because we realize that children think differently than adults (and sometimes ask harder questions). If your worried about this, consider taking a children and salvation class (or if you don't have time, you can read my blog on Salvation Day).
Allowing the kids to get to know you may also help kids when they transition to services. It's a little scary leaving children's church, but a familiar face in the pulpit is helpful for the kids.
The work is worth it when you consider the eternal value of VBS. Pastors, I know you are busy, but I truly believe that VBS is well worth the investment.
I would really appreciate your feedback on this, even if you disagree with me.
Especially if your children have children's church throughout the entire weekly service, you probably don't have much opportunity to work with the children in your ministry. VBS is a great opportunity to connect with the children. In most churched children's minds, a pastor is a real hero. Imagine the excitement in a child's mind when Pastor __________ comes to visit his classroom.
Also, participating in VBS gives you a chance to connect with unchurched families who may have ended up in your church for VBS. What an opportunity to connect!
Finally, statisically, VBS is the most evangelical event of a churches year. Why would you avoid the opportunity to share Christ in that setting? I think maybe sharing Christ with children is more intimidating because we realize that children think differently than adults (and sometimes ask harder questions). If your worried about this, consider taking a children and salvation class (or if you don't have time, you can read my blog on Salvation Day).
Allowing the kids to get to know you may also help kids when they transition to services. It's a little scary leaving children's church, but a familiar face in the pulpit is helpful for the kids.
The work is worth it when you consider the eternal value of VBS. Pastors, I know you are busy, but I truly believe that VBS is well worth the investment.
I would really appreciate your feedback on this, even if you disagree with me.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Transitions
Do you ever have those times where life seems to take off and all you can do is hold on? That has been the past 2 weeks (and probably the next 2 weeks) of my life. Hmm...Seems like the whole month of May, huh?
The first week of May I got to spend some time with my Aunt Judy and Grandma, who were in town. We had a great time seeing the sites and enjoying each others company. Between downtown Reno, Carson City, Genoa, Virginia City, and Lake Tahoe, my car got a lot of miles, but it was great.
My plan was to get back to work last week, but God had other plans. I ended up going back to Georgia for a funeral (and no time to write). Unexpected family time was great and I got to discover a little more about my family.
Now I'm down to week 3 of May...and what to say. I've got two big events happening right now. First of all, Friday night is the SBA VBS Clinic. I'm very excited and think it will be a great time. Then Sunday I begin a week long road trip moving back to Georgia with my sister.
It's been a crazy month and May is forcing me to dig deep into the emotional side of me and see what God has in store.
As I look at spending 2 months in Georgia and then beginning a new phase in New Orleans, I face a lot of sadness about leaving some great friends in Nevada, and excitement and anxiousness about the future.
The first week of May I got to spend some time with my Aunt Judy and Grandma, who were in town. We had a great time seeing the sites and enjoying each others company. Between downtown Reno, Carson City, Genoa, Virginia City, and Lake Tahoe, my car got a lot of miles, but it was great.
My plan was to get back to work last week, but God had other plans. I ended up going back to Georgia for a funeral (and no time to write). Unexpected family time was great and I got to discover a little more about my family.
Now I'm down to week 3 of May...and what to say. I've got two big events happening right now. First of all, Friday night is the SBA VBS Clinic. I'm very excited and think it will be a great time. Then Sunday I begin a week long road trip moving back to Georgia with my sister.
It's been a crazy month and May is forcing me to dig deep into the emotional side of me and see what God has in store.
As I look at spending 2 months in Georgia and then beginning a new phase in New Orleans, I face a lot of sadness about leaving some great friends in Nevada, and excitement and anxiousness about the future.
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