Fort Pulaski and Damage!!!!

Fort Pulaski and Damage!!!! - March 22, 2015

April 28, 2015

March 22, 2015

Fort Pulaski and Damage!!!

Hunter Army Air Field was a little different because it was the first campground that we have stayed at that did not have a bathhouse. We did have full hook up so it really did not matter. The people were so nice and we were only staying one night. We woke up in the morning and went to Fort Pulaski. It was one of the most interesting forts that we have been to so far. At Charles Pinckney, the ranger said to make sure we looked for damage done to the fort.

We woke up and got on our way. The fort was a little bit down the road. It looked like it was in the middle of nowhere. We pulled up and were quite surprised at how big it was. We went in to watch the movie and pick up the Junior Ranger books. The books were by age group so I took the little ones and Carl took Daniel and Esther. The older boys were on their own. We followed the book and went all the around the fort from the prison to the powder room to the parade ground to the top to see the cannons. Up at the top we were told to look for damage to the fort.

Sam was excited. Everywhere we looked we saw evidence of the battle that was fought during the Civil War. The kids loved learning about the different types of cannon fire and shot that was developed in the Civil War. The new rifle shot was what destroyed Fort Pulaski. The brick that the fort was made out of could not stand up to the new rifle shot. Sam loved yelling out “Damage” over and over again.

It started to rain and we headed out of the fort but not before we had to answer one last question. We had to walk around to the front of the fort and see the damage from the cannon fire. It was incredible. I am so glad that when the National Park Service took over Fort Pulaski that they kept the damage from the cannon fire. It was amazing to see how powerful the weapons were and how fierce the battle was. You could see where they had repaired the breach in the wall and then all the damage from the cannon fire.

After the kids got their badges we went on a little walk through their nature trail. We saw the John Wesley cross. Apparently when John Wesley came to America he landed near Fort Pulaski. We also saw the old wharf landing where supplies would come in. We got to see a huge ship that was passing by and also a World War 2 bunker that was built. It was never used but it was cool to see. Everywhere we looked Sam could see damage from the effects of war and the passage of time.

It got me to thinking that fort with all its damage is kind of like the Christian. We go through our lives and each trial can hurt us. It can bring us to places that are deep pits. I have been in a deep pit. Especially when we lost Asa. I went into a pit so deep that I did not think that there was any way out. I look at that time now and see damage. I can still see the scars of losing a child. But I am still here and I am stronger for it. Just like the walls of that fort are still standing today. It stands of a reminder of what has happened in the past. You would never know the history of the battle looking at the front of the fort. You literally have to walk around the back of the fort and then you are astonished at what you see. Your eyes cannot believe what you are seeing. How can it still be standing? Is it still safe? I just walked up there on the top. But the walls are just as strong today as they were when they were built. Our lives are the same way. Even through the hard times, the trials, the hurts, we still stand. But it is not really us who is standing but our precious Savior who gives us strength and walks right beside us. He is the one who pulls us out of the pit. He gives us his strength and sometimes carries us through the fiercest of trials. My view of people I encounter has changed since I lost Asa. You see, anyone going down the street would never know the turmoil I went through having a miscarriage. But I was in pain and it was only the grace of my dear Savior is sending friends and family to love on me and care for me that got me through it. I look at people differently know. I ask myself what could be going on in their lives to make them so unhappy or mean or anger or sad. I notice people’s faces now. What is going on behind the façade that we put on every day? I try to smile more and be pleasant. I will be honest though, there are times when the memories of Asa and what could have been bring me down. It is in those moments that I remember where my child is. He is being taken care of by my precious Savior and will never know pain or tears or sickness or anything this fallen world can do. He is at peace waiting to be reunited with his mom and dad. That, even through tears sometimes, brings me joy and that is what this is all about. Joy – through all the damage. Joy – is knowing that the damage makes us stronger and brings us closer to God. So when I look at my life and see damage and scars I know that it has all been for my good and His glory.