May 9, 2105 Detours!!


May 9, 2015

Detours!!!!!!

Today was a day of detours and things off the beaten path.
Today was also a day where I had to bite my tongue and just trust that my husband knew what he was doing.

You see, when I got up this morning I had a plan. I wanted to be certain places at certain times. I was very intent on getting my way. The Lord showed me today that letting go of my plans in obedience to being a good wife can sometimes lead to unexpected blessings.

We got up early and I had planned to be on the road quickly. I wanted to get to Mammoth Cave by lunch so we could enjoy ourselves and tour the caves.

Carl had other ideas.

He had learned from another camper that there was an old coal mine further up the park. He wanted to pack up the camper and then leave it at the campground and just take the van to the coal mine. I was a little upset but I relented and went alone. That was detour number 1.

On the way we saw the most beautiful scenery. We saw a huge cliff almost hanging over the edge of the mountain. We also saw a beautiful river that the kids actually walked down to. The boys picked up what they thought was river rocks but it actually turned out to be pieces of coal!!!

While the little boys were with Carl at the river, Esther and Nathan and I got to do something that I have always wanted to do. I actually walked on railroad tracks. It was so cool. I got some great pictures of the tracks.

That was detour number 2.

We finally reached the coal mine and found out that it was part of the National Park system. It was very neat as they had the trains and the tipple and the tracks. The mine was closed but they had these little metal outlines of buildings all over the place. We found out that they were built right over where the original buildings were. It was like the actual town was still there. There was also the most beautiful railroad bridge I have seen.

The park is open 24 hours so there was no one there yet. It was before 10. As we were wrapping up the park rangers arrived. They were very nice and actually opened the store so we could get our cancellation stamp.

Back into the car we went to go hitch up the camper.

Once we were all hitched up we headed back down the mountain. As we were driving Carl and I saw a little arch on the side of the road. We pulled over the camper and got a picture with everyone on top of the little arch. The kids had a blast. I am glad that there was no one driving down the road right then. That was detour number 3.

Driving down the road we realized that we had entered Daniel Boone National Forest. We stopped for a picture as the ranger station was closed. I picked up a brochure that led us to detour number 4. I read about a place called Natural Arch. It was not too far off of our path so we decided to go. It was one of the coolest things we have seen so far. It was so majestic looking. I was so glad we stopped by.

We were finally on the road to Mammoth Cave. We got there around 2:30 and was hoping and praying that they would have some availability. They did and we pulled into our campsite and set up. We then hoped in the car and rushed over to the visitor’s center. The last tour was leaving at 3:45 and we were cutting it close. We paid for our tickets and had to run to catch the bus to the caves.

Listening to the ranger talk about the tour, I was a little nervous about how the kids would do on the tour. He warned of close spaces, low lighting, spiders, and low ceilings. Some of the kids were getting scared but we committed and went in. We walked down almost 300 steps and went 250 feet down into the ground. It was dark and tight and I almost lost it but for keeping Tirzah from falling down the steps. Once at the bottom we had to keep walking. William was behind me saying that he hoped that there was not an earthquake. I told him to be quiet.

We walked for what seemed like forever before we came to small landing. The ranger gave a little talk where he explained that we were in one of the safest places to be in an earthquake. We were actual below the layer of rock where earthquakes occur. I instantly felt better.

We walked again and it was a chore keeping up with the rest of the group. Tirzah was being a handful wanting to dart everywhere. We reached another little landing where we had the most fun. The ranger actually turned off all the lights in the cave to give an idea of what true darkness really is. All I can say is WOW!!!!!! It was one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced in my life. The kids talked about it the whole rest of the day. The ranger then lit a single match and showed us what that small light can do to complete darkness. It was amazing.

We entered the last part of the caves where we saw the most amazing rock formations. I was astounded at the amazing display of God’s creation all around. It was incredible. We then left the cave and entered the surface. I was a little…relieved as the darkness and deep was a little disconcerting at times. I was very proud of all the kids for how well they did in the caves. What an adventure.

We then went back to the campsite and had a very typical campfire dinner. Hot dogs, baked beans, chips, s’mores, and popcorn were on the menu. After dinner we gathered round the campfire and sang hymns. It was amazing to hear the voices of my boys being carried through the park. What a blessed time. Bedtime came early since we were once again dry camping (no water or electricity). What a day!

The detours of my day turned out to be such a wonderful blessing. I got to enjoy so much more with my children after I let go of my plans. Sometimes we just get something in our minds and we just won’t let go. It ends up hurting the relationships we have with others. Today, I chose to forgo my own plans and allow the detours to bless me. The coal mine enabled my children to see a glimpse of their heritage as my grandfather was a coal miner. The arches allowed me to get some wonderful pictures of my children enjoying God’s creation. It was a blessed day.

One thing struck me though as we were in the caves. When that ranger turned off those lights my immediate thought was all the people who are walking around in darkness for lack of knowing who Jesus is. The light that the ranger had was so small but carried such a long way. We are called by Christ to be lights and this was such a wonderful reminder to shine brightly. I was able to share this with my kids and I realized that most families never get to experience things like this. What a wonderful opportunity to teach my kids about how we are to share the gospel. I am so blessed to be teaching them these lessons on this trip. I thank God every day that we are on this journey to JOY. Each day has its difficulties but I am finding gladness in each day and I am so thankful for each opportunity He gives to grow closer to Him and learn more.

We are almost done Pollyanna and will probably be done tomorrow. What a great book. It has taught me so much. I highly recommend it!























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