And Now An Ordination

First a seminary graduation and now? A beautiful ordination. My husband’s oldest daughter, Rebecca completed 3 years at Virginia Theological Seminary and was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacon a week ago. The service was celebrated at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church. This gorgeous church was built in 1881, and their Nave is on the National Register of Historic Buildings.

We decided to take Cupcake Girl to the celebration for “her Reb.” She was so quiet and a very patient little girl for the hour and a half service. She kept looking for “her Reb” throughout the service and every time she made eye-contact Cupcake would just grin. At one point, she caught Rebecca’s reflection in a side mirror and oh, that made her so happy!

The ordination was moving. Beautiful music, a heartfelt message, laying on of hands by the presiding Bishop and the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist. I didn’t grow up in the Episcopal Church (I’m a Baptist girl), but I am moved by their services and enjoy each and every one I have attend over the years.

Here are a few glimpses into this beautiful ceremony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rebecca’s mother presented her with her red stole. This stole has a history in that each VTS graduating senior will hand it down to a upcoming senior the following year for their ordination (I hope I have that correct, Reb). I believe this particular stole began it’s journey around the late 90’s. I had the privilege to photograph it. I seriously could feel the power this gift had and know it will continue to bring joy to each ordinate it will grace in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post-ceremony pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The picture on the left is Rebecca’s presenters for her ordination. Her friend Tommy, former boss Billy and her sweet husband Josh. On the right is Rebecca’s godfather, Bruce.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And now for a few family pictures. Brother-in-law, mom, sister, dad, husband and then her aunts and mom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And now here are some of my favorites of the day…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And now for my absolute favorite from the day. Sheer joy and happiness!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rebecca, I am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. I know in my heart that you will be a tireless and excellent servant of God and your new church and community are blessed to have you and Josh. Blessings to you both as you serve the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in San Diego, California.

P.S. Glad you have that extra bedroom for when we come visit!!!!

P.S. Cupcake Girl really misses you!

The Traveling Adventurers

Following my daughter’s college graduation, we took a little side trip to a swamp. Therefore, after my husband’s oldest daughter’s seminary graduation, another side trip was in order. We turned our little car south-east our of Alexandria, Virginia and headed for Jamestown and Williamsburg, Virginia. We didn’t know if we would be overnighting there, but we at least wanted to visit.

As we headed to Jamestown, I noticed signs for the Jamestown Settlement Museum. It looked just like the place we wanted to see. After the walking tour we realized it was not exactly the place we had hoped it would be. It is a living museum, but not as authentic as we had hoped. On the positive side, it did make a great backdrop for some beautiful photography shots!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After this quick stop we headed out to Jamestown Island. This isthmus was once the seat of government for Jamestown and then developed into large plantations. From the island's rim, Confederate forts guarded the river channel during the Civil War. Today, the  5-mile Island Drive gives you views of the James River, the marshlands, and regenerating forest. It is a nice quiet place to hike and bike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our next stop was Colonial Williamsburg. We actually just drove around the historic area in order to scope it our for a future visit. It certainly looks promising. I’ve heard it is beautiful at Christmas. A future trip will be scheduled, that’s for sure!

After deciding not to stay overnight, we headed south/southwest and drove all the way home. After a 1:00 a.m. arrival our cozy bed welcomed us for a long night’s sleep!

Segging on a Segway

Now comes the adventurous portion of our D.C. trip.

My sweet husband and I headed into Washington, D.C. to spend a few hours at the National Museum of the American Indian. A truly fascinating place! Reb and Josh headed in a bit later to meet us for lunch at the museum’s food court. Delicious!

On a previous trip to D.C., the Captain and I took a Segway tour. It was exciting, but also a bit scary. I just couldn’t relax and looked serious and stiff the entire time. This did make for some hilarious videos, I will admit. Reb and Josh were excited to try this Segway adventure, but me, again? Not so much! I just didn’t want to fall. I was really scared of falling. As long as I can speed along on a flat surface without any folks, cars, or obstacles around, well, that would be just dandy with me. This time? A few not-so-flat-surfaces and LOTS of folks/cars/obstacles to weave in and out of. Scary! I just hung out at the back of our 7-person pack and took it slow and easy.

During the first portion of our little tour I was feeling a bit more relaxed. Actually, I was relaxed enough to snap a few photos with my phone WHILE on the Segway machine!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am so proud of the above camera phone pic AND I took it while standing on that Segway machine!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think I look pretty relaxed, don’t you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then? Then IT happened! Doom. despair and tragedy on me! We were traveling down the sideway and there was a GIGANTIC obstacle in our path. We had to maneuver through the grass a short distance then back up on the sidewalk through a very narrow concrete barrier. Grass? No one said anything about grass? Ok. Well, that part was pretty simple. But the slight raise of the sidewalk and the concrete barrier did me in! I was already anxious and that didn’t help matters. I didn’t actually fall off, but I did step backwards and the Segway, which took a turn to the right, collided with my leg and my leg then collided with the concrete barrier. Our guide was back there in a flash. I told him I was okay, but I could feel a little trickle of liquid rolling down my shin. With a quiet grace, humility and a throbbing leg, I finished the tour. Boy was I ready to dismount that machine!

I didn’t tell any of the others about my injury until we were back at the hotel. Doesn’t look too bad in the pictures, but I did get a very nasty bruise on the inner part of my upper calf (and it’s still there). Thank you Mr. Segway!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the tour, we took the train back to Alexandria and while we were waiting, I snapped a few more pics with my camera phone. Pretty cool!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We ended this adventurous day with a great dinner at a local restaurant. I forgot the name of it, but it was yummilicious and uber cool!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following morning, after a quick breakfast we turned out car south and headed home. Of course, with us “adventurous travelers” we don’t always go straight home. Stay tuned!