Pages

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

February Inspiration


My oldest daughter and I watched this movie yesterday.
I always enjoy hearing about and seeing parts of the world that I have never been to, and especially love it when I get to hear the stories behind the places. (I am always searching for profound messages in everything and this film is no exception.) I suppose it's just me trying to hear God speaking to me. Well, He did through this movie. What it doesn't offer in thrilling suspense or lots of sex scenes, it more than makes up for in spectacular shots of the sweeping Spanish countryside, the quaint little towns and their people and sends a message loud and clear that speaks clearer than any scripted talking scenes can offer. I especially loved viewing the church Tom and his group reached towards the end of the film, named the Santiago de Compostela. (Be patient with the video-the frame is corrected shortly after it begins and is a real treat to view.

It made me think of how something as simple as spending time with a stranger and enjoying a meal can give you a glimpse into your own soul (if you look hard enough) given the setting and the circumstances. Aaah, but the key is being able to recognize it and appreciate it, because these windows are few and far between.

It makes me realize just how small we all are in this vast, spectacular world full of all it's stories about her places and her people.

After all, it's all about the journey, isn't it? I believe I am going to add Santiago de Compostela to my bucket list. xoxo Andi

Saturday, February 11, 2012

A Girl's Dream...The Jacob Kime Farm


Some of you might have read my post about this beautiful spot some time ago-it's funny how life can take a turn down a road you never thought you would go. But I suppose it's all about the journey. My oldest daughter, who is now in 9th grade, has decided she wants to save this place. Every time we would drive down Tablerock Road in Gettysburg, she would have a sad look on her face, and say how terrible it was that history was slowly slipping away there. "Soldiers died there, mom." she would say. "No one is going to remember this in a few years when a housing development is here, or worse."
I would nod in agreement, like parents do-with a million other things going through my mind, like calling my mechanic to set up an appointment for an oil change, or what I was going to make for dinner that night. I knew she was right, but I didn't know how to go about helping her. I thought it was a very noble and worthy cause, but again, where do you start with something like this? And besides, I had way too many other things going on. Between work and helping the kids with their regular school work and trying to get my own little business going-(I want to start making and selling one of a kind equestrian crafts and art work that blend history with a love of horses,) I had my hands full. I was actually kind of hoping that my daughter would forget about that farm and let me focus on trying to get through each day.

Well....of course, that didn't happen. A few days later, I recieve an email from the National Park Service in Washington, D.C. from a young gal who thinks my offspring has a fantastic idea, and while it is a huge undertaking, it can be done. She suggests the first steps to take.....Apparently, my child had written hearfelt letters to everyone she could think of that might be able to help her, including Bill and Melinda Gates. (We did recieve a nice note back from someone at their office stating that this project was out of their realm of what they allocate funds for, but good luck.")

Voila-my daughter makes friends with a very special gal in the Mapping Department at the Courthouse in Gettysburg, and has a consultation with Mr. Eastman, a prominent real estate attorney and Gettysburg's town solicitor. All of a sudden things are catapulting forward. It has become like a National Treasure Hunt right here in Gettysburg. This young lady who is my daughter secures the address of the owner of the property and writes a letter to her. The owner, who lives in Wichita, Kansas, writes back and they begin a dialogue about her family's time growing up on the farm, the child hood memories,and some of the surrounding history of the buildings and what happened to them. It was absolutely fascinating!

What I have found to be the most wonderful thing of all is the kindness and generosity of people to take time out of their busy day to help a young lady realize her dream.

The most valuable lesson I have learned from this for myself is that I need to have more faith in people, and that the Good Lord will make sure it all works out.

Will she save this farm? I am thinking it is a very good possibility. It may not be in the capacity of her vision, (she wants to make it into a natural history museum to share with everyone) but by George, I think it just might be saved to be preserved as farm land, at the very least. Maybe even something more.

To follow along, you can find her on Facebook, or at
SavetheJacobKimeFarm
.