Ft. Belvoir in the Winter

What a beautiful day we had here in the DC area. Yesterday we finally ventured out after Carlos finished his last paper for his next to last class at 5:00 pm to find a Kinko's to print a mailing label to send his paper to his instructor, which he reminded me many times how antiquated that was. Gotta love a techy. Nevertheless, we were able to send out his 12 page research paper on Romans and head out to dinner where we dined at Outback Steakhouse. As we stepped in to the building, we were once again reminded that Virginia still allows smoking and non-smoking sections of restaurants, and no matter how hard you try, smoke does not stay on it's own side of the restaurant. After an under-cooked blooming onion, 3 full glasses of sweet tea and steak and shrimp, I was utterly stuffed. Unfortunately I have a head cold and felt miserable so we headed back to the hotel where we talked until the wee hours and then, since Carlos had only had 2 hours of sleep, we went to bed. However, I am still on PST and I believe it was around 4:30 EST when I finally fell asleep. Today we went to Ft. Belvoir and saw where Carlos has been doing his practicum. The Post, unlike an Air Force Base, is densely populated with TREES. However, in the winter in this area the trees are bare and the ground is brown (even peoples lawns are brown). As we drove around and looked at the sites on post, I realized I was rather warm. The thermometer in the car said 68. WOW! And like all southern states, it was humid. The houses on Post are all designed in colonial style. It is rather elegant.

This one was calling my name!Even the lower enlisted houses are beautiful. The Colonel and General row leads up to the Officers Club and the back of their houses face the Potomac River through forest. What a childs dream backyard. I felt like I could be in a Tom Sawyer book. Here is a picture of the Officers Club:

I expected Rhet Butler to walk out at any minute. What a beautiful building and had we thought about it earlier we would have dined there this morning for brunch. We toured through all of the Post and ended up back at one of the most important places, Starbucks. Of course there is one right on post where the buildings look colonial too. While there, Carlos engaged in a conversation with a little girl who was enjoying her cookie. Her mother was expecting their second child and the little girl was 2 and her name was Ellie. The mom was concerned that Ellie would be mean to the baby since the mother had an older brother that used to pick on her growing up. As Carlos encouraged the woman to involve Ellie in the new baby as much as possible, I couldn't help but smile about my own two wonderful children. Yes, aren't all our children wonderful because they are created by God, but I'm their mother and I think they are extra special. I told the lady that we had a girl 13 y/0 and a boy almost 11 y/o and how close they are not only in age but in love. Carlos shared with her how Faith, from the birth of Caleb, has been his bestfriend and playmate and we attribute that to encouraging her that the baby was hers too. The woman asked us to keep her in our prayers and we said we would. As I walked out of Starbucks, I got a glimpse of myself in the reflection on the door. These are the women my heart is burdened for. I have been blessed with a family who loves me and a spiritual family who loves me. Who would have thought that our life would be turning in the path that it is. As we drove through the Post a bit more, Carlos said, "I sometimes regret that I didn't do this earlier so that the kids would have known this life earlier, however, we've been blessed because our children have had the opportunity to grow spiritually in an environment that has nurtured and trained them." I can only pray that it will sustain them in the environment they are about to embark on. Proverbs 22:6 says "Train up a child in the way he should go;even when he is old he will not depart from it." I can only pray that their training will take them far beyond their own ability. I have to believe that no matter what, God will be our supplier. I stand on his word. "Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Galatians 6:9.

A field outside the post with Canadian Geese in it:
Just past this field on Highway 1 is Highway 267 Mount Vernon Highway where George Washingtons home is. We drove on past, as I promised my children we would not site see on this trip but would stop there on our next trip to DC. So we did the next best thing, we headed to the mall, where I was disappointed (Carlos said if you've seen one mall, you've seen them all). Since my body is tired and I am achy tonight, I guess we'll just stay in and watch church online. Carlos needs to finish up a discussion board post for his last class along with a test for this week. He also needs to do his laundry for the week and get ready for an 0400 wake up call tomorrow. Although my trip has been rather dull in comparison to most of my vacations, being with my bestfriend for a few days and talking about the future and reminiscing about the past has been enjoyable. We both miss our kids and I look forward to seeing them at the airport tomorrow night. We've talked often with them while separated but mama rarely leaves her babies and it has been refreshing but I can't wait to be home with them tomorrow night. I'll leave Carlos tomorrow in the morning to catch the metro back to the bus to Baltimore Airport. He has offered to drive me to the airport but it's 45 miles one way. I want him to be available for the soldiers if needed tomorrow. That is what he is called to do. His time here is short, he'll be home in less than 2 weeks. Until then, I want God to use him for His purpose as much as possible. For God's glory.