Fort Sumter and Spring!!!!!! March 20, 2015

March 20, 2015

First Day of Spring!!!!!!

The day started out very wet and very FOGGY!

We had to be at the waterfront at 9:00 to board the ferry to Fort Sumter. It was quite an ordeal as we have not had to get up early in a while. It is kind of nice living a life where you can get up at 8.  Or later…sometimes.

We miraculously arrived early and were able to get the kids their Junior Ranger books and answer some of the questions at the Visitor Center. The kids were very excited about the boat ride. Daniel was a little nervous though. We boarded right on time and began our journey to the Fort.

As we began, Esther told me thought she saw something in the water. A dolphin!!! I did not believe her at first and then I began to see it too. Dolphins – 4 or 5 of them – were swimming by our boat even before we got started. When the boat began to move, they swam in front of the boat most of the 30 minute trip to the Fort. I was able to get great pictures of them. It was such an unexpected surprise blessing for the Lord to send some of his awesome creation to bring us such joy.

There were some people on the boat who were not very happy about our excited squeals of delight. Someone must have complained because on the ride back the ranger came on the loud speaker and asked parents and chaperons to keep children quiet.

That was one thing that struck me. There were a lot of retirees on the boat and a large school group. Anytime the kids – mine or the school group – made any kind of noise, the older people around us would scowl and stare and start to whisper to one another. No smiles at all. I was shocked as most places we have gone someone always smiles and comments about our family. All we got today at Fort Sumter was dirty looks. Maybe it was because it was a dreary foggy morning.

We got to the Fort and Esther was very glad to get off. Her stomach was not feeling well with the rough docking. We heard the ranger give an explanation of a musket demonstration and got yelled at in the process. We were one of the last ones off the boat – stroller issues – and did not hear him tell others not to stand in a certain area. The people had allowed the school kids to go up front and then blocked the way for every other kid who wanted to see but came late. They made no room for the shorter kids to see the demonstration, not even when I asked. They just scowled again, especially when Tirzah started to say she could not see. She did not even say it loudly. One lady turned around and if looks could kill, I would be dead. I was frustrated at way they did the demonstration. First, by not allowing ALL the kids up front and then by reprimanding those who could not hear the ranger say where not to stand. One good thing though was when a gentleman in the back answered his very loud cell phone and very loudly began to discuss business on the line, right during the demonstration, the ranger actually stopped and walked over to him to demand he stop.

After the demonstration, we got to explore the fort. It was very interesting but we really only had about 40 minutes to look at everything. We felt so rushed and ended up just running around taking pictures of everything so we could read it later. At the 10 minute warning call everyone made a mad dash for the boats again pushing families with little kids to board last. I did not mind. I had purposed in my heart to enjoy the rest of the day. I had a great boat ride back pouring love into my children in hopes that they would touch the lives of the people on the boat. We again saw the dolphins and finished the kids Junior Ranger books. We got their badges and heading to the car for lunch.

We ran out of bread this morning so Carl and I had to grab a sandwich out. We ended up going to a wonderful little pub and had the best hamburgers I have had in a while. I had the Black and Blue burger and Carl had the Carolina burger with chili and coleslaw. The kids helped us finish off the burgers.

We then went to Fort Moultrie. I had never heard of this Fort but it was by far my favorite. This fort’/s history spans 200 years as it was started during the Revolutionary War and was closed after World War 2. The way the fort was set up was that each side was set up like it would have been in different eras. The kids had a blast running through the powder rooms and yelling. The acoustics were…very good due to the brick and concrete rooms. The kids had a great time and it was their favorite too. The Junior Ranger program was set up like a scavenger hunt and told the kids where to go to get their answers. We had so much fun. We even got the see the grave of Moultrie himself.

We ended the long day with children who went to bed very well. I love days where we run them so hard that sleep comes quickly…for everyone.

Today I learned that people need JOY. There are a lot of hurting people out there who are living lives full of misery and pain. They need the love of Jesus in their lives. What better way to do that than to show them the joy that Jesus can bring. I made it a point today to show much love and joy to my children so that others can see how much love and joy Jesus can bring in their lives. We are to shine as lights to a dark world. People need to see me enjoy my children and my husband. People need to be so attracted to my life that Jesus shines through without a doubt. I want to bring smiles into lives and for people to ask me why I have the joy I do. JOY. It should be what others see. It should be what attracts them to us. JOY in the journey.