May 11, 2015 Best Laid Plans!


May 11, 2015

Best Laid Plans

Today was the day we were supposed to go to Shiloh National Military Park and then on the Vicksburg.

That was not how the day ended up.

Carl realized last night that we had missed one of the National Parks that he really wanted to visit, Fort Donelson in Tennessee. We had spent the day yesterday trying to drive through 5 states that we completely missed it. Carl was disappointed but it made us realize how carefully we need to look at the map at night when we are planning our days. It also made us realize how fast this trip is going already. We have so much more that we want to see but we are learning that we might not be able to see everything on our list. We are now starting to prioritize our visits. That led us to make the decision to forego Shiloh and just head to Vicksburg.

We packed up and got on the road pretty early. We did have quite a few stops as kids kept having to go to the bathroom. As we were leaving Memphis we arrived at a particular intersection that made me grab my camera. We were sitting at a light at ELVIS PRESLEY BOULEVARD. My dad has always been a fan of Elvis. I just thought it was the coolest thing and I was able to get a few good pictures.

We finally entered Mississippi and the kids were excited as we can add that sticker to our map on the camper. We have a map on the side of the camper now that we can add each state as we drive through it. I had seen them on other RV’s and Carl bought one last time he went to Camping World.

We headed into Mississippi and drove down to Vicksburg. I was so amazed at the bridges that we drove over. They were absolutely beautiful. I think I tried to take a picture of each one. Each one seemed to cross the Mississippi River. We seemed to drive over it several times. It was amazing how wide and long that river really is.

We arrived in Vicksburg around 3:30 and pulled into the park while pulling the trailer. It took some creative parking but we finally did it and went in. We did not have a lot of time. We wandered around the visitor’s center and then watched the movie. I so enjoy the movies that are more of a story and a reenactment. The kids were actually quite interested in the movie.

We talked to the ranger and he told us about a 3 mile loop that we could go on before the park closed at 5. We pulled the trailer through Vicksburg National Battlefield. That was a first for us. We had a great time driving through the battlefield. It is very beautiful and the monuments along the way were very interesting. We were able to talk to the kids about having a reverent attitude at places like this. We explained that men from both sides of the war died on these very grounds.

After we left (right at 5) we drove about an hour south into Natchez, Mississippi. We actually got to set up with daylight. That was the first time on this trip that we have set up in the daytime. We left William and Esther at the camper while the rest of us went into town to get groceries and supplies. We were planning on eating once we got back to the camper but Little Caesar's called to our hungry stomachs.

We ate our pizza and prepared for the next day. The plan is to go to Natchez National Park and get into Texas.

We listened to Pollyanna Grows Up but have not finished it yet. We read Matthew 13-19. We stayed at Natchez State Park which was very nice and relaxing. There was hardly anyone staying at the park. It was the first state park we have been in that had a laundry room. Bonus!!!

Even though our plans changed today it was a good day. We enjoyed our time in the car listening to the audio books. We also enjoyed learning about the history of Vicksburg. I am amazed at how much history we are learning on this trip. The kids are also enjoying talking about all the geography we have seen so far.

I am continuing to enjoy my Bible Reading. I have been purposing in my heart to be glad about everything. It has been difficult at times because the trip has not been all butterflies and rainbows. We have had moments where we were not kind to one another and did not show the love of Jesus or act as He would have in a situation. The problem with selling your house and buying a camper and traveling is that your sin and problems come right along with you. I am also dealing with some physical issues that is making being glad a real effort. Through it all though the Lord has been bringing to my mind the things that I need to be thankful for. I keep having to refocus my thoughts to what he would have me think about. I am so glad that I memorized Philippians 4:8 earlier this year. I keep having to quote it throughout the day. See GLADNESS and JOY! Once you start counting and noticing the things you have to be glad about, it just sort of comes out in everything. I pray that I would be able to continue to be glad and joyful throughout the remainder of this trip and my whole life long.














 

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