And some people go to Orlando!??
Sunday, August 16th, 2009I’m writing this post from Boston, Massachusetts. It’s a long story. Every year we do a “Back to School Vacation.” Joanna loves this title, because it sounds like an oxymoron. We do SOMETHING educational. It has sometimes been a local museum. Last year we went to Cincinnati for 2-1/2 days, touring the Creation Museum and attending lectures. This year we find ourselves in Boston. How did that happen? The brief story:
Summer of 2005 found us attending a Joni and Friends Family Retreat. Joni Tada is a quadrapalegic who heads up a ministry to people with disabilities. Years ago, we donated Grace’s walker to her ministry, to be rehabbed and sent to a third world country. Another ministry of Joni and Friends are the Family Retreats. They happen all over the world, and are a time of uplift and encouragement to families who are affected by disability. They are WONDERFUL! Every year since, Grace has asked to go again. This past year, she started saving money towards that end. This year, I told her we could not go, as there were so many unknows with Ruby - how she would be adjusting. And, since in many cases, you have to sign up on January 1 to get a spot, I knew we just could not commit to that. ANYHOW, in early June, on a whim, I decided to see if any retreats had open spots, knowing it was futile. Well, there was ONE camp in the US with openings - in NEW HAMPSHIRE. I was pumped. I broached the subject with Mike. We’d really have to scrimp vacation days and money to make it happen. We signed up, and found out that we qualified for a scholarship. Praise the Lord! Then, we looked at the map, and saw how close we’d be to Boston, and realized that this would make a GREAT back to school activity. So, last evening found us driving into Boston. The historical attractions were closed, but we could walk around just the same. And this is where Grace made the comment in the title of this post. We were standing in front of Old North Church, taking it all in, and Grace said, “Just think - some people go to Orlando for vacations.” She just could not believe one would go to amusement parks when you can be standing in the same place Paul Revere, among others, played such a part in our country’s quest for freedom. I loved it.
Today, after attending church at Eastern Nazarene College, we headed to Plymouth Plantation, and spent a VERY hot afternoon there. Then we drove to the wharf in Plymouth and Mike, Ruby, and Joanna all enjoyed some lobster, while watching a fishing boat unload their day’s catch. Grace and I were not as brave! I can’t wait to download my pictures when I get home. Stay tuned.
We may take in the Adam’s estate tomorrow, but around noon we’re off to New Hampshire - where we have a cabin for a week of Family Retreat. It’s gonna be good!
