Shalom: One of the wonderful things about being with Todd and family is learning that they as a family had gone through similar losts as we had over the year. Not only did Todd lose his job, but his home as well. But it was the kindness of the Amish that saved his family. First, they were given a trailer to rent, later they were offered a home by the family who rented out the trailer. A home Todd and family opened to Mark, Monti and me. We saw first hand how HaShem not only restored, but gave our family so much more. The family is also in the egg business. It is a nice way to bring in income as things get better. And when you have had fresh, farm fresh eggs, you will settle for nothing less. Yes, these are Reel eggs. Yes, they are coloured eggs, one a slight pink, the other, light blue. Mark and I talked about it. We are thinking about raising chickens when we get settled in Montana. Though I will have a lot to learn. But there is no great hurry in deciding what to do we get to Montana. Right now, I am just enjoying the journey. Until next time.
Shalom: West Union, Ohio. Amish Land. While I have always admitted the Amish people; they faith, they values. I even have a devotional I love entitled Amish Peace. But I never realise that a huge part of our healing would be found in the heart of Amish country. Mark's brother and family live in the heart of Amish country. In fact, their home, owned by an Amish family is being rented to our family. Not only is it huge, but lovely and the craftsmanship is amazing. It is here, with our family that our healing began. As I said in another entry, Todd and his family welcomed us with open arms and hearts. Even down to the bedroom they created for us; the feel of a jewish honeymoon suite, with sweet little touches. I met the children eight years ago, just before the wedding. They were so young and I was afraid they wouldn't remember me. But they did! To hear my two nephews and one niece call me "Aunt Laini!"meant the world to both Mark and I. And of course everyone fell in love with Monti. We had planned only to stay a day or two. But thanks to celebrating Passover and then an incoming snow storm, we were there five. If we weren't committed to moving to Montana, West Union could have easily become home. More next time.
Shalom: The next day, after a light breakfast and a quick rearrangement of our luggage, we were off again. This time, heading for West Union, Ohio, the home of Mark's brother Todd and family. We stopped in West Virginia for lunch. The weather here was must colder, so Montaque got to wear his new packer. Knowing that the weather would still be chilly in Montana, we brought the furry baby a new coat.
Turns out he needed it now. I had just gotten a copy of the Chronicles of Narnia on DVD. It is the radio program Focus on The Family had produced years ago. So this is what we chose to listen to as we travelled. Listening to the Narnia series kept us both awake as well as something to talk about.
It was a long trip and I was thankful for packing bottles of water, fruit and nuts, as well as doggie treats for Montaque. Our little guy prove to be a very good traveller. How he love to step upon my lap and look out the window. At other times, he would crawl into his bed in the back seat and sleep. That afternoon, we received a call from Todd. He had asked if we could hold a Passover Seder for the family. It would be good for the children since they had never been to one. Mark and I were delighted. Since we were travelling, we had made no plans for Passover, thinking we would have to wait until next month to do so. And now here was an golden chance to not only keep the Feast, but to share with family. Reaching Ohio, we entered into a snow storm, even hit a patch of black ice and spin out. Everyone was fine. Montaque was thrown from his bed, laying on my jacket and went back to sleep. We made it in safe. Mark called Todd to let him know where we were. Todd told us how to get to the nearby MacDonald's, where he would meet us and drive us the rest of the way. It was dark and late, but no matter. Within thirty minutes, we were with family, being embraced by nephews and a niece that I feared would not remember me, but did. We were embraced in the arms and warmth of family. What an amazing feeling.
It was a nice sunny Saturday afternoon the Reel tribe took off for Montana. I had done most of my crying earlier in the week. Virginia had been my home for some 33 years. I came here with my first husband, with hopes of saving our marriage. And you can see how well that turned out. It was here that both my son and I grew up. Where I reclaimed my faith as a Messianic Jew, enjoyed a career as a Hospices CNA, started my own small business and met my beloved. I had developed many close friendships. My mother is still here. And yet it was now time to leave, with my husband, for the new chapter in our lives. I looked out the window, my body filled with so many emotions; sadness and joy. Excitement and dread. Curious to see what the unknown holds. And fearful of it. Mark took my hand and squeezed it. He understood my feels. But didn't share them. He was so ready to move to Montana, the place his heart been longing for all these years. We arrived in Fairfax, Virginia around ten pm. Since we are travelling with a dog, this meant finding a Pet Friendly hotel. The local Quality Inn was such an hotel. Our timing was excellent because the hotel we went to was quickly filling up with groups of high school kids and their teachers. And of course, Monti made a new friend.
We were sadden to miss Sam, but he did send a gift to help with the travel cost. Our hope is one day, when back in Virginia, we can stop for a real visit. After a supper of the worse Chinese food I have ever eaten, we headed off for bed. The excitement of the day finally catching up with us. The adventure had truly begun. We are really on our way to Montana.
Shalom: Today Mark and I took a break from packing. Yesterday morning, a friend send a link for free tickets to attend a rally in support of Gov. Mitt Romney. The event would be held upon the grounds of Tidewater Community College (TCC) in Chesapeake. So last night, Mark printed out the tickets and this morning, after dropping Monti off at Doggie Daycare, we headed off for TCC. It was a beautiful, sunny morning. We noted it was a good thing we left early; we didn't run into much traffic and found a nice parking spot.
Making things easy for all, there were shutters back and forth to the campus, not just for crowd control, but security, which was quite high.
We were actually excited about attending the event, the first political rally for both of us. We knew we were part of something bigger than us. Given how our lives have been impacted by Mr.Obama and not for the better, it was important that we were there, adding our voices to the "change" we wanted to see in the White House, in the direction of our nation.
The air was filled with laughter and music. All Motown hits. I have to admit, I approve of Mr.Romney's taste in music. The lines getting onto the grounds were long, but with the music playing and people swaying to the beat as they chatted, no one really seen to mind. I found myself having my picture taken a lot. The last time I drew such a crowd was when I was in Turkey and the locals thought I was Nell Carter from Gimme a Break. At one point, a woman asked if I was Muslim. "No, madam, I am Hebrew and I wear the attire of my fore mothers (though mother Sarah didn't wear blue jeans). She then asked, "do you mind if I have my picture taken with you." Of course. I knew the reason. It's for the same reason I came, that I brought my camera. How often we hear no non-white person will vote for Mitt Romney. Well, here I am. As you can see, Mark and I have found ourselves right behind where the speakers would take their place. And to tell the truth, it was a pretty good point. We also recorded some video, hope to have that up tomorrow.
As you can see, we "have Mr.Romney's Back." We kept waiting for him to turn around so I can get a better picture him. I will tell you, he already carrys himself as the President. Standing straight and tall, clearly a mature man, a man secure in himself and yet modest. And doesn't look a bit of sixty-five years old. When it came to thank our armied forces for their service, that is when Mr. Romney turned around.
Seeing Mark's raised hand, Mr. Romney nodded at him. So cool. But I have to admit to my favourite part.... When Mr. Romney speaking, he worked the crowd, shaking hands and thanking folks for coming, for their support. When he saw me, he reached his full length and not only shook my hand, but squeezed it. And while someone stepped into the shot so you can't see him holding my hand, it is me Mr. Romney is speaking to.
We met many folks at the Rally; young and old, Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, my newest friend, who a Mormon, a pastor friend and his wife and a lady from our shul. We met a older gentlemen, retired navy who's forty-three year old son had to return home to live with his parents because he couldn't find a job. "I'm not worry about myself," he told me. "I'm worry about my five grandchildren." I met a black student who had voted for Mr. Obama, but switch his support to Romney. When asked why. his answer; "the dude lied." Mark and I had already decided to vote for Mr. Romney, but being at the Rally today helped seal the deal. I like what I saw in Mr. Romney. Dull? No way. Stiff? Nope. Engaging? Quite. And that smile! The dancing eyes, the voice clear and strong. The firm hand shake. The way he looked me in the eye, knowing how tough it is for a woman of colour to go against the tide. So after a day at Doggie Daycare and then a quick run through the Doggie Park, Monti is now sleep in front of the radio. Mark is packing and I need to go and help. But what day it has been.
Boker Tov: Back to our trip to Rochester. After we leave GettryBurg, PA (see post from 11-16-2001) we were once agin on the road. The sun was high and the weather was great; the air was crisp and had me longing for hot apple cider.
On our way, we stopped a warm and visiting little town known as Champ Hill. It was a great place to stop and stretch our legs. As well as an wonderful place to take pictures:
A carpit of fallen leaves. I leaarned my beloved had never had the joy of kicking through a pile of leaves or even have a leave fight. So we had to have a little fun playing in the leaves.
This is All About Wedding Cakes. It's by appointment only, so we couldn't go in.
The homes are so lovely, the feel that one gets is the warmth that comes from the charm of a small town.
Our time in Champ Hill was far too short. We have to come back.
Boker Tov: Gerryburg, PA. One day we hope to spend more than a few fleeing nights in this remarkable city;
But right now, here a few pictures from our brief time....
Gettysburg Pennsylvania Movie Theater - This is the Gateway Theater. On the Reel to-do list. Since we're going to be here long, I did some research: The Gateway Theater is a state of the arts theater and is the home of the "Fields of Freedom" movie. Field of Freedom is an unprecedented look at the Battle of Gettysburg, and has eight movie screens. I hope lots of leg room. Mark and I are tall people. Featuring giant viewing screens, landmark Gateway Theater boasts the most advanced sound and viewing technologies for the ultimate experience possible at a movie theater. Two theaters feature the largest digital movie screens in the country - three stories high. Yeah, we need to come and stay longer than a night.
Looks like a cool place to eat, but Old Eagle was still close when we checked out.
The fire is as cozy as it looks....
Alas, we have to leave far too....
But now refreshed..we are on our way to Rochester, New York....
