family adventures - The Modern Nomads

Tag: family adventures

The Journey Home

On August 13, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

After two months on the road with over 6,000 miles traveled, WE ARE HOME!! We’ve traveled through 25 states, 4 Canadian provinces, visited 3 state parks, attended 2 conferences, and, along the way, seen many friends from different seasons of life. It has definitely been a summer for the record books.

It’s good to be HOME!

As we turned into our driveway, I was flooded with memories of moments, God moments, along the way. As we left two months ago, one of the things my (Amanda) heart was craving was connectivity. The last four years have been some of the toughest I’ve gone through emotionally, physically, spiritually, and relationally. I needed people who knew me, loved me, and accepted me for who I am. I needed to confide in “comfortable” people who knew my past but were also part of my present. I needed to hear about their joys, struggles, frustrations, elations, and most of all, their relationship with Jesus. God answered far above and beyond my heart’s cry. He allowed me to visit with two girls I had the privilege of investing in 10-15 years ago. He orchestrated two reunions with former roommates (one from college and one from seminary). He allowed me time to sit down and talk with a mentor. And, then, on top of all of those blessings, God gave us new friends.

But, God also gave me some in depth time to connect with Him. I’ll be honest with you, it didn’t come in the form I had anticipated. Before leaving for Maine, I envisioned uninterrupted time on the porch, coffee in hand, and reading hours (well at least an hour) of scripture. There was only one “problem” with this vision…I didn’t factor in our children. 🙂 HA! The entire time we were away our little man decided to wake up between 4:45-5:15. So, Chris and I had to re-think our strategy. Though, at times, I did get time for good reading, God took me down a different path. He used His amazing creation to remind me of His power, awesomeness, and the fact that He sees me. He used my children to remind me of His grace, forgiveness, and Fatherly affection towards me. And, He used my husband to remind me of His great love for me.

Why would God decide to use people and creation as His primary tool for pouring into me this summer? It goes back to what I was saying in the second paragraph…I was craving to connect relationally. God showed me that over the last several years I’ve been building a wall around my heart. I guess I’ve always known it was present. But, I didn’t know when it started or how to prevent it from happening again. This summer God began to show me where my brick laying began. It, as all walls, didn’t occur overnight. It happened slowly, methodically, but unnoticed. Every brick was used as “protection” for my hurting heart. However, those bricks were also preventing me from living and experiencing life and freedom. This summer God began the slow process of removing those pieces that were keeping me from relationships. And, as only God can do, He used relationships as the demolition crew. I still have a long way to go, but I know the process has begun for me.

This journey to Maine was so much more than a sabbatical for our family. It was a life-giving, healing breath of fresh air. It was a time to reconnect as a family and re-learn how to connect with other people. It was a time for us to pull away and discover what was important to our family and then have the courage to pursue those things. It was a time to discover new things about our children and learn new things as a couple. It was a time for us to have others pour into us, and yet an opportunity to pour into others. In a word… it was PERFECT! Yes, we had some crazy things that happened along the way. But, no journey is complete without some hiccups.

So, for all of you who are wondering if we would, again, take 3 kiddos on the road for two months and live out of a “tin can” (our van) for months at a time? The answer is a 100% YES!! I wouldn’t trade any of the moments, great and difficult, for a summer of routine. (And for those who know me well, you know I like my routine 🙂 ) The journey our family went on will be one that defines us for many years to come. For you who kept up with us, THANK YOU for taking the time to read, follow, and pray for us. We felt loved and were encouraged by each comment and text you sent us. To our Cook family, THANK YOU for giving us this time away. Your sacrifice did not go unnoticed. I feel we have returned to you rested and ready to fight the battle alongside you. We love you more than you will ever know!!

This is not the last journey for the Modern Nomads…stay tuned for more. But, until then, it’s time to get back into my beloved routine. 🙂

Our last stop before home was Collegiate Week in Oklahoma. Great time of worship!

9DEACDC0-36B7-4858-9F3A-8556DC939C09 (click on link for Collegiate Week sights.)

This pic cracks me up! The word we were standing by says “UNITED.” If you look closely, we were definitely not united in our picture taking. Chris is the ONLY one looking at the camera. 🙂

First things first, pick up our puppy, Abby. Thank you Aunt RaRa and Uncle BuBu for taking care of her. She was missed.

The day after we got back, Chris had the opportunity to perform the marriage ceremony of two former college students, and the girls were also flower girls in the wedding. We had a blast celebrating with Taylor and Emily and reconnecting with friends and family! 🙂

Fulfilling a Childhood Dream

By Amanda Walker

On August 4, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

As a young boy, I remember falling in love with the game of football, especially college football. Some of my fondest childhood memories was going to Louisiana Tech football games with my dad and playing Nerf football in the backyard with my brother and all my friends. During the 80’s, three college teams stand out in my memory: Florida State University (coached by Bobby Bowden), Notre Dame (coached by Lou Holtz), and the University of Michigan (coached by Lloyd Carr). With Notre Dame winning a National Championship in 1988, they solidified their place as #1 in this young boy’s mind. I frequently wore Notre Dame T-shirts, baseball caps, and many Saturdays you could find me watching them play their games on NBC.

Several months ago, as we were planning our travel route for the sabbatical, I realized we would be driving through the Detroit and Chicago area on our way to Nebraska. I made the request to Amanda that, if possible, I would like to see Notre Dame since South Bend, Indiana was on our route. She was, of course, more than excited to take this quick detour to visit one of my favorite universities (and football stadiums). The night before our trip from Detroit to Davenport, Iowa I realized the location of our hotel would also have us driving through Ann Arbor, Michigan. So, we decided to wake up a little early to visit both the University of Michigan AND Notre Dame!

University of Michigan

Notre Dame football stadium

It was surreal to visit both of these iconic stadiums on the same day. This was compounded by the fact that I had not seen either of them before. While I wasn’t allowed to walk onto the field at either stadium, we did get the kiddos out at Notre Dame and spent 30 minutes walking around the campus. It was pretty special to see the various famous places on campus, such as the Touchdown Jesus mural painted on the side of the library that faces the stadium, statues of past coaches and players (Knute Rockne and Lou Holtz), and the plaques and banners on the campus that display Notre Dame’s rich tradition. It was also neat to hold my young son’s hand as we walked hand-in-hand to the stadium. I know that my young children didn’t fully grasp where they were or what they were seeing, but one day, we can show them pictures and tell them stories about the day we visited Notre Dame’s beautiful campus.

Touchdown Jesus mural

Walking hand-in-hand with Aaron on Notre Dame campus 🙂

TOUCHDOWN!

The Majesty of God

By Amanda Walker

On August 2, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

The last few days have been busy for the Modern Nomads. Monday, Chris and I were able to complete something that has been on both of our bucket lists…Niagara Falls. I’ve seen pictures, watched videos, and heard people talk about this amazing wonder. But, nothing can prepare you for its beauty.

When approaching the Falls, you can’t tell there is beauty lying just around the corner. The only thing that gives it away is the carnival type atmosphere peppering the city. (Side note: I understand the ambition to make money, but I was a little shocked at the extent of the games, lights, billboards, and “tourist junk” in this small town. So, if you decide to go, be prepared to have more of a Vegan/Branson/Pigeon Forge feel to the actual town. OK…back to the Falls.)

Chris booked lunch at the lookout tower, which was absolutely amazing. The restaurant rotates 360 degrees during the hour you are there, and gives you an absolutely spectacular view of the Falls. From that vantage point, you get to see the magnitude of God’s creation. It’s so cool to see the Niagara River split to make this awesome site. I loved experiencing it from the ground level (more about that in a minute), but having a bird’s eye view is something I will never forget. Even now, looking back on this experience, the English language doesn’t possess the adequate vocabulary to describe this majestic display of God’s glory. I cannot fathom how someone could see what we saw, experience the power of the Falls, and then still deny the existence of a Creator. Furthermore, what’s even more amazing is this same Creator God loves us, is personally involved with each of our lives, and sent His Son in order that we might be reconciled back to Him. WOW!!

Chris and Hannah Boo at the top of Niagara Falls

The Modern Nomads

After the view from the top, Chris dropped me off to walk along the river to get pictures from the ground level. Some words to try to explain what I felt: Amazing! Spectacular! Powerful! Beautiful! Massive! Awesome! I literally walked from almost one end of the bridge to the place where the river pools before it becomes the Falls. OH MY! At one point, I thought it was raining but realized it was just the mist coming off the Falls. It was cool to see the smaller American Falls next to the Horseshoe Falls. The amount of water spilling over the rocks into the river below was fascinating. Standing next to the Falls, you realize just how small you are and how BIG God is.

The American Falls

The Horseshoe Falls

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Clink on link to see the Falls.

I’m so thankful and humbled that I serve a God who creates massive beauty like Niagara Falls, yet He is intimately involved and cares about every detail of my life. I think this is one of the lessons He has been trying to teach me this summer. As I mentioned in the last post, I’ve struggled with wondering if God sees me and is interested in the mundane of my life. Over and over this summer, He has screamed YES!! to me. It definitely hasn’t been an audible voice, but it’s been in the crashing of the waves at Schoodic Point, in the sound of the tide daily coming in and going out, and in the thunder of the water falling over the rocks at Niagara Falls. What a blessing it’s been to experience this with my sweet family!

We left Canada and entered back into the United States with a tired but full heart. This was only compounded by the opportunity to spend an evening with one of our former co-workers, Jon and his wife Marla. They serve in the Detroit area and minister to the churches there. They are always an encouragement to us, and though our time with them was shorter than expected (Hannah ended up getting sick Monday evening), it was a blessing to be with them. Jon and Chris talk regularly, and we have been able to pray for them and their ministry. It was fun to put a “face” to some of those prayers. I would ask that you also pray fro Jon and Marla as they serve in a very difficult area. Pray for strength and wisdom as they minister to hurting churches. Pray for discernment for Jon as he seeks to give them Godly council on what courses of action the pastors should take. And, pray for people to come alongside them to share in the responsibility. God is working and doing some great things in the greater Detroit area, and Jon and Marla are on the frontlines.

Jon Beard with the Modern Nomads

Today we left Michigan and are headed west. Be looking for a blog written by my sweet man about one of his boyhood dreams coming true. I can’t wait for him to share it…

From the Top of the World

By Amanda Walker

On July 30, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

Today is one of those two-posts types of days. We left Montreal headed west to Toronto. One of our goals this summer is to try and see one thing new or do something different every time we reach a new city. Sometimes it doesn’t work (like yesterday due to being stuck in traffic), but sometimes it does (like today).

We arrived in Toronto way ahead of schedule, which allowed us time to actually go into the city. Originally, our goal was to get a good view/picture of the Toronto skyline. So, as all good travelers do, we consulted Google. 🙂 It directed us to this quaint, little neighborhood that overlooked the city. Oh man! What a view! Toronto has one of the most unique skylines I’ve ever seen. It was fun getting some shots of the city.

View from Chester Hill Road

The girls with me at the lookout

And then…the real fun began. Chris decided it would be a fun idea to actually go into the city and go up the CN Tower. You know, that incredibly TALL tower that is famous in Toronto! So, we drove into the city, parked, and took a little walk to find it. I so enjoyed being back on the streets of an actual international city. We saw so many people from many different countries. My girls were fascinated by the different cultural clothing they saw. I loved being able to explain to them some of the cultures that I actually knew (namely Asian cultures), and then watch them discover a little of it for themselves. They also got to see how people use their gifts and talents to make money and support their families. During our short time in downtown, they saw two people playing an Erhu (Asian violin) which they hadn’t seen before, and then they saw another man playing the saxophone. Finally, they discovered the joy of street food. Everyone was starving, so we stopped for a street stand hot dog.

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Click on link to see the street entertainment.

Yummy street food

Fun Canada street sign

Toronto Blue Jays Stadium

Now, back to that CN Tower… Let me just say, it was the highest building I’ve ever been to the top of. The crazy part of the entire experience was its glass floor where you can actually look ALL. THE. WAY. DOWN! I wish I had a video of Aaron when he walked over it. It’s only partly glass, so you step on it before you realize it. He literally came out of his shoes and ended up running into a wall to get off of it. After that, it didn’t take much convincing to get him to ride in his stroller. 🙂

Kiddos with Toronto skyline

Family on top of CN Tower

Aaron, don’t look down 🙂

Yep, we went all the way to the top!

Today was one of those crazy, fun days where you go to bed exhausted but glad you took the chance. This summer has stretched our family in so many good ways, and I’m so thankful we got to do this together. Before having children, I enjoyed being spontaneous and trying new things. But, once I became a mommy, I stopped doing that. I realize that children need routine, but God continues to remind me that they, on occasion, also need spontaneity. Today was a day for spontaneous adventures!

Living on the wild side

Looking Ahead

By Amanda Walker

On July 27, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

Tonight is a bittersweet night for the Modern Nomads. Tomorrow is our last day in the place that has become a second home to us. The people of Downeast Maine are some of the kindest, most giving people we have ever met, and we are blessed to now call some of them friends. We’ve had a few mishaps during our stay, and those have provided opportunities for us to see the heart of our adoptive community. From helping us find an auto body shop to fix Red Rocket to Pastor Matt coming to visit with Chris and Makaylan while she was in the ER this morning…the people here have been amazing. Maine provided exactly what we needed during this season of rest. This quiet, off the beaten path, no cell service place will always hold a special place in our hearts. We still have much to process about what God has taught us during this time, and I look forward to sharing that as we feel led. But, for now, I’ll use this space to explain how we got to share this special place with my parents.

Red Rocket: Reunited snd it feels so good!

Yesterday, we said “See ya in Louisiana” to Nana and Popi. We had such a fun time showing them around and introducing them to places we have come to love. Two of those are Roque Bluffs and Schoodic Point. Roque Bluffs is a sweet little sandy beach that our kiddos could run around, build sandcastles, and enjoy the freezing Atlantic Ocean. Monday was no exception. I absolutely loved watching my mom and Aaron chase each other while Aaron giggled, “I get you, Nana!” It was also amazing to capture on film and in my mind’s eye the picture of my mom and girls standing hand in hand along the edge of the ocean. I don’t think I will ever forget that moment. I pray our children know how blessed they are to have two sets of grandparents who love them with their whole heart and seek to be a Godly example to them. Chris and I are overwhelmed by the blessing of having the parents that we have.

Nana with the girls

Schoodic Point is part of Acadia National Park and is exactly how I envisioned Maine to be. We didn’t discover this place until last week when the Walker grandparents were here, but it instantly became one of our favorites. Taking my parents back was so neat for me. There was a storm coming in so the waves were especially active. To see huge waves crashing over large boulders is something incredible to behold. As I stood there watching them roll in, I couldn’t help but think about the massive God I serve. There I stood with nothing between me and the ocean, and yet the ocean didn’t overtake me. I couldn’t help but think of what scripture says in Jeremiah 5:22: “I placed the sand as the boundary for the sea, a perpetual barrier that it cannot pass; though the waves toss, they cannot prevail; though they roar, they cannot pass over it.”

We serve an amazing God!

Aren’t my parents cute? 🙂

In reality, we are so small compared to the amazing God we serve. Yet, that same God created us, loves us, and desires a relationship with us. This truth is what God has been so sweet to show me this summer. In the rat race of life and being in the trenches of ministry, it is so easy to forget that my loving Heavenly Father loves me, sees me, and cares about me and my family. Ministers spend their lives telling other people these truths, and it’s vital that we believe that truth for ourselves. What a blessing that God would take me to the edge of the raging ocean to remind me of His infinite love and care for me! I don’t think I’ll ever look at the ocean quite the same.

So, as we get ready to say “good-bye” to this place, I’m looking forward to what God has in store for us. We still have two more weeks of travel before us, but I feel the Lord preparing and turning my heart towards our “real” earthly home…Ruston. Thank you, Maine, for being so good to us.

Beautiful Downeast Maine

PEI: My Second Home

By Amanda Walker

On July 23, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

This weekend was spent back at the place that is now my second home. The coolest part about this weekend was I got to share it with my mother. She was the one who introduced me to Anne of Green Gables and helped me begin cultivating my love for great stories. I will never forget the feeling or the moment my mom and I stepped around the corner and got our first glimpse of Green Gables. We just stood there, arm in arm, and reminisced about all those times we watched the movies together with a cup of coffee in hand. We envisioned Marilla and Anne sitting on the front porch chatting while Rachel Lynde hurried over to interject her opinion into their conversation. Being there with her was completely surreal.

Green Gables…Isn’t it stunning?!

And then…we actually saw Anne and had the opportunity to chat with her. She was “fascinated” by my mom’s fancy jewelry and my girls’ bright clothes. The girl playing her was so much fun. She stayed in character the entire time, and I was willing to allow myself to actually believe we were talking to the real Anne.

Mom, it’s ANNE!

To be honest, I always thought I would see Prince Edward Island on a romantic getaway with my incredible husband. But, I loved the way this has worked out. Sharing PEI with my mother, my own girls, and my mother-in-love was absolutely perfect. It’s hard to describe in words all the emotions I felt and sites I saw this weekend, so I’ll allow the pictures to do the talking…

The Red Cliffs

The Lake of Shining Waters

The beach we stopped at on our carriage ride.

Mom and Hannah on Anne’s beach.

Silver Bush…home of Lucy Montgomery’s uncle and her favorite place as a child.

Daisies are the happiest flowers.

My kiddos picking flowers off the road

All things Anne wasn’t the only thing we did this weekend. We wanted Aaron and the girls to experience part of the amazing countryside of PEI. The farms there are absolutely stunning. It’s hard to describe the beauty of its farmland, but imagine bright greens and yellows over a backdrop of the incredible red soil with a touch of brown in it. So, this time we went to Island Hill Farms and played with their baby goats, chickens, and bunnies while also watching them cut and store hay for the winter. Aaron was loved playing with the goats and watching the “big tractor” haul hay, and the girls were content to just sit and love on the bunnies. It was perfect farm experience for them.

Daddy, look at that tractor!

Sweet baby chickens

The baby bunnies were so soft

Acres of hay bales

I hug you goat!

And then it was on to the Butterfly House to actually allow the girls to be in the midst of a host of butterflies. (I’ll never admit this to KK, but it was a little creepy to me. 🙂 ) Let me just say, KK was in heaven. She has a love for fairies and butterflies. I came up and whispered: “Do you think there are fairies in here?” Oh, to have captured that smile would have been amazing. She just sheepishly grinned and shook her head “yes.” What a thrill it was to see her surrounded by her favorite “animal!”

Mommy, it landed on my finger!

: This one loved Hannah…at least the urge the held.

Popi, the butterfly whisperer.

I don’t know how long it will take for me to get back there, but God willing, I will go back. Maybe this time it will be the romantic getaway I once imagine. But, if not, I’m totally okay with that. Sharing places you love with the people you love is one of those gifts of grace that is so precious. Until next time PEI…you have my heart!

The iconic lighthouse on PEI

One of the oldest lighthouses on the island.

Our Little “Anne”

By Amanda Walker

On July 21, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

It has been such a blessing to see my children discover new things this summer. They each have either improved a skill or developed a new one. Since my girls are very close in age, they are often compared to each other. It’s been easier and tempting for me to lump them together instead of seeing them individually. This summer has given them time to discover a little of who they are as a person and not as “KK/Hannah’s sister.” So, today, I’ll focus on Makaylan.

I introduced Anne of Green Gables to my girls about a year ago. (Long before I even dreamed we would be here.) At the time, it was Hannah, not Makaylan, who took to the story. Hannah loved how unruly Anne could be and found her mischievousness to be hilarious. KK, on the other hand, was too practical for that. THEN came this summer.

We’ve been reading the books and watching the movies all summer. Though Hannah still loves Anne’s mischievous ways, it’s Makaylan who has found a “kindred spirit” in Anne’s character. This year KK discovered the absolute joy of reading. It’s hard for me to keep a book in her hand because she reads them so fast. She concluded that we were taking way too long to read Anne of Green Gables, so she decided to read ahead. Therefore, she discovered new things about Anne’s character that resonated within her. KK has always been a little more timid (but outspoken), somewhat “quirky, book-smart girl who sees the world just a tad differently. She studies people, places, and situations thoroughly, but she is not afraid to speak her mind if she must.

In Anne, she sees a little of herself…and she realizes it’s perfectly OK to be her. It’s okay to love to read. It’s okay if you are smart. It’s okay if you like things most seven year olds do not like. It’s beautifully and perfectly okay to be Makaylan! Oh, what joy this brings to this mama’s heart!

Makaylan has also discovered that she enjoys writing. (This writer mama is leaping with joy!) They’ve seen me write the blog most of the summer, and it never “dawned” on her that I, too, am a writer. She’s asked me so many questions about writing, blogging, and getting books published. To my great joy, she has even began writing a book titled ???? … You will have to wait until it’s ready to be published 🙂 I don’t know how long this writing adventure will last, but I will cultivate it as long as she wants it.

So, to end this post, I will let Makaylan tell you her feelings about coming back to Prince Edward Island. I will post it exactly like she wrote it, and I know you will enjoy PEI through the eyes of Our Little Anne!

Prince Edward Island

Do you want to learn about PEI? If you do you came to the right place. PEI is pretty. Prince Edward Island is where Anne is found. We have been there 1 time. I love PEI. You get to meet Anne, Diana, and Gilbert. We are on are way there. Tonight we are going to Anne and Gilberts love story. I love Anne. I love Diana. I love Gilbert. And I love you. We went to Anne’s house. We are about to go over the really tall bridge into PEI that dad doesn’t like and is scared of. We are with Nana and Popi and tomorrow we will go back to Anne’s house. Last time we went into the Haunted Forest. It was fun. I am excited about being back at Prince Edward Island.

Calling in the Cavalry

By Amanda Walker

On July 13, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

Yesterday we had quite the adventure while crossing back over the border. As we approached the US boarder crossing it was my job to gather all the passports. Easy task…I had put all of them in the glove compartment when we crossed into Canada a few days before. I reached in, grabbed the passports, counted them, and FROZE! My passport was MISSING! I checked the compartment again. Nothing! I checked in the bottom compartment. Nothing! I looked under my seat. Nothing! So, Chris pulled over for a more thorough search.

Needless to say, panic mode set in. Where in the world did it go? Did the Canadian birder agent accidentally keep it? Did one of the kids grab it to look at the picture?

Then, my questions changed… What if they don’t let me back across the border? How long will I be stuck here? Am I going to be interrogated? Thank goodness my parents in love are here to help Chris with the kiddos. I’ll call my parents and have them bring me my birth certificate. But, where will I stay until they get here?

All of a sudden, we see two Canadian agents begin walking towards us. Uh-oh! Then, we hear sirens and a border patrol jeep pulls up beside us. We also see an American agent peak around to stand guard…double UH-OH! We were about to be hauled into the interrogation room and possibly thrown into jail. (Yes, I realize I was being unreasonable, but I had never had the calvary of ANY country called in on me. 🙂 ) I was officially freaking out!

Thankfully, my calm, cool, and collected hubby was not freaking out. The agents came and asked us what was going on and did we know we were putting others at risk. (Let me say they were quite nice about this whole “lecture,” and I was thankful for that.) I admitted I couldn’t find my passport, so they told us to just proceed and to figure it out with the American border agent. She was a younger gal and was, under the circumstances, also kind. She gave us another small lecture and then simply asked for my driver’s license. After looking up my passport number, she let us back in the Great United States of America!! I’ve never been so glad to be HOME!!

Immediately, I BURST into tears. I cried for probably 20 minutes…partly out of relief, partly out of extreme exhaustion (Aaron hadn’t slept well the night before), and partly out of frustration. How did I lose my passport when I never took it out of the car?! After 20 minutes of crying and silence, Chris pulled over for us to have a potty break. And, then the lightbulb went “off.” At the Canadian border I had dropped something between the seat and the middle console. Could it have been my passport? I got out, pulled back the seat, and sitting there without s care in the world was my beloved MUCH needed passport!!

As KK would say: HALLELUJAH!! What once was lost has now been found! At that point I bursted into tears AGAIN…only this time is was tears of relief and joy! (By the way, tears of sadness men seem to understand, but tears of joy are still a mystery to them 🙂 )

I was reminded that if we choose to continue the “nomadic” lifestyle, mishaps will happen. I am a person who likes and thrives off of order. There has been NOTHING orderly about this trip. Because we’ve been blessed to do a lot of traveling and day trips, our kiddos sleeping, eating, educational, and all other habits are a bit off schedule. But, God knows I need this. Just like He used our New York City detour to remind me about the importance of spontaneity, He used the passport debacle to remind me of faith/trusting Him.

I trust way too much in my routine and schedule. I trust way too much in my concept of orderliness. And, yesterday was anything but orderly. I wouldn’t say that I handled the aftermath all that well (the 30 plus minutes of uncontrollable crying and unreasonable questions can attest to that). But, I want to be better at it. When we get back home, I want to allow more time for spontaneous adventures and trusting that those adventures, for the moment, will be better than a scheduled 7:30 bedtime. There is a place for order, and this mama will probably always strive for a little of it. However, I also want my children to experience the freedom that this “nomadic” lifestyle has allowed. We’ve all grown because of it!

A Down East Independence Day

By Amanda Walker

On July 5, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

Happy 4th of July from the East Coast! We’ve had such a fun time exploring more of our “neighborhood” and seeing this beautiful part of the country.

On Monday, we went to Lubec, Maine, which is the eastern most point of the United States. This is the first place the sun hits in this great land. How cool it was to imagine the reality that “our day” begins here! We were greeted with the sweetest white/red striped lighthouse named West Quoddy Lighthouse. It’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in America, and I now know why. It was impossible to get a bad picture. It was also fun for me to see our kiddos run circles around the lighthouse all the while laughing and having a blast being kids. In some “weird” way, I felt like part of a dream was coming true. It was one of the most “American” images/moments for me. I think that memory will forever be engraved into my memory.

West Quoddy Lighthouse in Lubec, Maine

On Tuesday, we went back to Roque Bluffs and actually got in the water…well the kiddos did. 🙂 This beach is both rocky and sandy, but totally different from the beaches of Florida. It was the first time on a beach where the kiddos could actually play, build sandcastles, while we sat back and enjoyed watching them play.

Roque Bluffs “sandy” beach

Then today was one of the coolest 4th of Julys we’ve celebrated. We decided to go to Eastport, which is one of the smallest towns in Maine but has the biggest 4th of July celebration in the state. For years a navy ship has docked in its port and allowed the public to come aboard for a tour. There were sailors all over town! Living in Louisiana, I consider us pretty patriotic. But, this town outdid even us. 🙂 It was also neat to celebrate our country’s birthday in the area where our forefathers landed. Every movie I’ve ever seen about patriotism in small town America became a reality today. The only thing missing was the watermelon.

Eastport, Maine…home of the largest 4th of July Celebration in the state.

And, finally…the girls have been fascinated watching me write our blog. So, they wrote a blog post (aka: a letter) and asked that I publish it on the blog. They were written to the pastor’s daughters, Victoria and Brooklyn, as a “Thank you” for allowing us to come to their home.

Dear Victoria

Thank you for playing with me. I had a fun time playing in the pool with you. You are a really good BFF. I loved makeing the domnios eavein when they fell. I knew that me and you were going to be friends. I loved that me and you were in the class. I don’t know your birthday. Can you tell me? Pleas? You are a good pal.

I love you!

Love,

KK writing her blog

Dear Brooklyn:

I liked plang with you in the pool. It wos fon. Thank you for plang with me.

Love,

Hannah.

And..then there is Hannah

(I wrote it exactly like they had it. 🙂 )

Oh Deer!

By Amanda Walker

On June 27, 2018

In Walker Epic Roadtrip 2018

The last couple of days have been filled with exploring our area and getting acquainted with our neighborhood. Sunday evening we worshipped with the sweetest church known as Machias Valley Baptist. Their pastor, Matt, and his wife, Marcy, took us in, loved on us, and welcomed us like we had always been part of their family. Thursday, I plan to attend their ladies’ luncheon and, prayerfully, connect more with that sweet church. We also plan to have Matt, Marcy, and their three girls over for supper this week. We’re so blessed God has given us likeminded brothers and sisters in Christ that we can learn from during our time away.

Yesterday (Monday), we decided to strike out on an adventure touring Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. We arrived to the top of Cadillac Mountain while it was still cloudy and drizzling, so our view was extremely hindered. However, the kiddos enjoyed climbing all over the rocks and trying to make their own trails. Aaron knows no fear, so, several times, I had to stop him from diving off the mountain. 🙂 It’s been fun to watch our children explore and take risks. They are absolutely loving the coastline and rocky beaches that grace Maine’s shores. The girls are learning so much about high tide, low tide, roll tide (just kidding 🙂 ), and all other vocabulary related to beach living. God has been so good.

Yesterday, we also had another adventure that we wish we could have skipped. While coming home from Bar Harbor a deer ran out of nowhere and hit the side off ur van. We were going about 50 miles/hr, and Chris didn’t have time to react. Thankfully, the only one hurt was the deer. Our kiddos were sleeping, so they didn’t see it. (Praise God!) However, Red Rocket, as our van is affectionately called, sustained some injuries. The deer broke the horn, air conditioner, hood, and front grill. It’s still drivable, but we are trying to get it fixed before we leave. Maine summers and no air conditioning is doable…the south’s summer NOT so much! Please be praying we will be able to get the insurance claims in a timely manner, and there will be a auto repair shop willing to fix it.

Even with this little mishap of a deer hitting us, we’re having a wonderful time. We slowly feel our minds and bodies relaxing in this amazing place. We can’t get over the generosity of our church family for granting us this time away. God has been so sweet to us through your kindness!

Looking forward to tomorrow’s adventures…