USA's 250th birthday and last few days in VA

Righteous and Samara got to participate in a go-cart parade. 

If anyone were to ask me what my favorite book of the Bible is, I would say Hebrews. It has a great blend of the Old Testament stories that lead up to Jesus. It explains that Jesus is greater than the high priest and greater than angels. It also gives reference to Jesus death and ressurrection and that one day we will have ressurrected bodies in eternity. Hebrews has the "Hall of Faith" in chapter 11 giving the testimony of all our heroes who stood firm in their faith- living and dying for the Lord because of their assurance on the Creator and Author of Life. In a day and age where doom, death and destruction is around ever corner on the news- we can draw strength from God and His plan. In light of this we were here in the United States of America while the country celebrated its 250th birthday. I have such incredible gratitude to be an American. There are religious freedoms that simply are not found in other parts of the world. Education is free for elementary, middle school,  and high school where it is not free in other countries. Running water, indoor toilets and electricity are a normal part of homes and stores in the USA and those are considered to be more of a luxury in other places. We are blessed to have electricity and indoor plumbing in our home in Kenya but the water that comes out of the faucets is often brown which we will bathe in and then will use water filters so it's clean enough to drink. As we are traveling around Stateside we don't take for granted the roads and infrastructure of bridges and tunnels- it truly is remarkable if compared to other countries. 

All this to say we enjoyed being in the USA on the 4th of July. We got invited to spend the day at Stephen and Tiffany Butlers river house alongside the Carr family and others too. Got to witness 1) a golf cart parade, 2) crowds of people all decked out wearing their red, white, and blue, and 3) of couse the night ended with spectacular fireworks. I reflected on the fact that the founders of this nation all came from Christian heritages and backrounds and my research shows that the Bible had influence when the founders were creating the governance. By no means am I saying that the US government has reached perfection then or now or that we as believers will agree with all the happeings that are going on. In fact there are many things I am confused about when I look at the current events. In Hebrews the people also had similar concerns and were not satisfied with the here and now. "Instead, they were longing for a better country- a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11:16 and " For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come." Hebrews 13:24

Currently we are now on the road heading back to Minnesota. It was hard as always to say goodbye to the people we love so dearly in Virginia. The girls and I had fun helping put up VBS decorations at Southside Baptist church. We are praying that many children will come and hear truth about Jesus next week. That teachers would be ready to display and pour out love and ready to answer questions that the precious little ones have. 

We were able to go to Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina for the day and see Jason's Grandma, Aunt and Uncle, and cousin. Always very special to see family even if it's just for a quick visit. We never feel like we have gotten enough time to see everyone (as much as we would want to), but 4 of us Witts will be coming back to Virginia on September 1st so hope to get more time with you then!

We still have a month left as a Witt family of 6. As the day approaches that we will have to say goodbye to Righteous and Nevaeh when we drop them off at college please pray for us. I am seriously dreading this. I want to focus on treasuring each day until then and appreciate what God has given us.

Decked out in red, white, and blue.

Jason sporting his Merica hat and poses for the pic.

A stingray was caught (and thrown back). The night before Samara had caught a decent sized catfish. 

Spectacular fireworks displayed on a barge on the river.

Used a projector to outline VBS decorations. 

Samara always managed to get paint all over her when she helped. 

Charis and Nevaeh cutting out the sheep on cardboard. 

Righteous posing with decorations. 

Nevaeh and I learned how to put tablecloths on the ceiling. 

The rainbow represents God's promise.

Jason's cousin, Devon, waited on us at Hurricane Mo's.

Jason's Grandma and Aunt Cyndee.