The Great American Eclipse of 2017

WHAT

is an Eclipse exactly?

Well, in Webster's Dictionary it is defined as:

"the total or partial obscuring of one celestial body by another"

This year, on August 21, 2017

the GREAT AMERICAN ECLIPSE occurred.

Why was it called such? Well, this solar eclipse spanned from one end of the United States continent to the other. That is unusual.

A few weeks before the Eclipse was to occur, I began speaking to my best friend - otherwise affectionately called my sister-wife, Joette.

We realized that even though our sleepy little town of Jasper was to be in the path of the Eclipse, we would only see it in partiality, NOT totality.

We decided that we did not want to miss an opportunity that may come only once in our lifetime to be so close to the path of totality. And we felt that it would also be a great educational experience for our kids.

We had such an amazing experience. It is hard to really put into words exactly how incredible this experience was.

We rented an Airbnb that was approximately one mile from the Adventure Science Center in Nashville.

When we arrived, we realized that the house had a rooftop that was flat, where there was a place to entertain.

It was going to be the absolute BEST spot to watch the Eclipse occur.

front view of the house

the first night, we saw a gorgeous sunset and ran to the rooftop

our 3 boys, dreaming of their futures

the pentacle of the sunset

The next morning, we scurried around and got the kids ready for

a long, hot day. We investigated and realized that the Eclipse would begin at approximately noon. Totality would occur at 1:28pm., and the finale of the Eclipse would be around 3pm.

We took an Uber ride to the Adventure Science Center because we knew it would difficult finding parking. The kids were SO excited! This was their first Uber ride.

When we arrived, there was a very long line that we waited in to catch a shuttle up to the building.

We enjoyed watching one of the men that was directing traffic that day. He definitely made the most of his job. He danced the entire time he directed traffic.

And we decided to join in on his enthusiasm and "flash mob" dance with him. Well, I decided to dance. And Joette filmed :)

Inside the Ad

EL SALVADORE MISSION TRIP

The same week that Sarah-Wilton 

was attending MAW week 

at Camp Sumatanga,

Ivey-Elise had the privilege of 

travelling to El Salvador

on her first Foreign Mission Trip.

This trip has literally been a year in the planning.

She sent out sponsorship letters, 

which asked for people to consider helping fund

her trip as well as pray for her while she was gone. 

The experience was very life-changing for her. 

She was able to see how other people live. 

She had the joy of interacting with children

from an orphanage.

She helped celebrate a little girl's birthday in a village - 

and the little girl is dying of cancer.

She helped in a Vacation Bible School.

She went without her cell phone, or any type of 

"first-world" electronics for 8 days - and survived!

Most importantly, she was able to show the love of Christ

to others. She was able to be HIS hands and feet.

She said she didn't really want to come home.

That speaks for itself.

This video is just a quick example of some of the things she experienced each day on the trip. 

Sing for JOY!!!

Camp Sumatanga

Music and Arts Week

Sarah-Wilton just returned

from a wonderful week 

of summer camp.

It is a special place. 

High mountains, green grass, 

a beautiful lake, 

scenery that soothes the soul.

But what is even more special about

Camp Sumatanga? 

This particular week every summer is deemed, Music and Arts Week. 

It allows the kids a special time to use their gifts. To Praise the Lord in Song, in dance, through art, and of course, just being kids!

MAW (as it is affectionately referred to) has been in place since 1967, and added a children's division in 1982. 

Summer Lovin'

Where have the Lazy Days of Summer gone? 

This year, it seems like it could be called

the CRAZY Days of Summer!

It started off with a surprise 40th birthday trip 

to Mexico for my husband and I!

Then, both girls went off to Church Camp for a week. 

One of our sons has played in All-Stars all summer that JUST ended. They made

 it to the State playoffs before being eliminated. 

Now, both girls are gone again. One at Camp Sumatanga for Music and Arts 

Week, the other is actually currently on a plane, flying to El Salvador for a

 mission trip with some people from her Youth Group. 

Whew!

It makes my head spin just typing it all out. 

By the time the girls arrive back, band camp will start and 

we will be in full preparation for the school year to start in just a few short 

weeks. 

eating lunch on the beach in Mexico

sisters at Camp Lee

FUMC Youth 

at Camp Lee

doing what he loves

Theater Camp

Mission Team leaving for El Salvador

Peach skirt created

during Sewing Class

Leaving for Camp Sumatanga MAW 2017

Roomies for the week at MAW

Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory?

On January 31, 2016 at approximately 8:45 am,

Samuel Adrian Rolfe, II

experienced his Home Going.

He is at peace. He is whole. He is with His Heavenly Father.

I am so thankful that he lived a full life.

I am thankful that he is not confused and in pain anymore.

And I am most thankful that we do not grieve as those who have no Hope.

God is our refuge and strength. 

I always hear Elizabeth Elliot's voice stating from scripture:

Psalm 91:4 (ESV)

He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

picture credit: Pinterest

When we are sad, or scared, or needing comfort, our Heavenly Father covers us like this bird. Protecting us. Shielding us. Holding us. Loving us. 

I am so thankful for the memories. There are so many I can't really name them all. 

But, I will treasure them in my heart and bring them out in special moments so as to enjoy those precious, fleeting moments.