This week for Tell a Memory Tuesday, I share about a beach trip and Sara’s scary thoughts. Steve seemed to be fitting in well as a teacher at Covenant Christian School. Towards the end of the school year we were asked to be the chaperones for the senior class trip. It was a very small class of less than 10 students.
One of the parents offered her large beach house as a retreat for a couple of days.
Beach, Salty Air and Sun
Our bedroom had windows looking right out over the beach. It was wonderful! The salty sea air was good for my sinuses and I was amazed at how well I could breathe.
One thing I wasn’t prepared for was the bright sunlight. Even though I grew up in Florida near the beach, it had been awhile. I had forgotten how intense the sun could feel.
With it reflecting off the sand and the water, my eyes became dry and red. It almost felt like tiny pieces of glass were irritating them. I finally was able to get some drops to give some relief. After that I made sure I wore sunglasses.
It was a fun trip, and I think the students enjoyed it, too.
While We Enjoyed the Beach…
While we were on the beach trip, our girls stayed with the same friends whose kids we cared for as told in the post, Surprise: New Church and Extra Children. This was the first time we had ever left them. Sara was almost 5, and Jamie was 2 ½.
We knew they were in good hands, but I wanted to do something to remind them of us. I gave Sara one of my necklaces and Jamie a bracelet.
They had a fun time during the day playing with their friends. But when the quiet stillness of nighttime came, they were a little scared in that large house without us. Sara’s mind was filled with all kinds of imaginings.
Every night in bed, Sara filled Jamie’s mind with scary thoughts. She was sure something would happen to us, and we would never return. Then she told her that must be the reason I gave them the jewelry.
You just never know how children will react to some of the things you do. But they survived and were happy to see us when we returned after the weekend.
Before leaving Kenilworth we celebrated Sara’s 5th birthday complete with a ladybug cake as she requested.
Looking Back
With all our moves in such a short amount of time it seemed we didn’t belong anywhere in particular. We did not stay in one place long enough to put down roots. Nevertheless, in each place we made new friends and welcomed people into our home.
We saw God’s faithfulness in our lives no matter where we were or what happened. Though we did not have much in material wealth, we were rich in love and gained many lasting friendships.
Remember our friends, George and Sandy Leyh, from our time in New Hampshire, whose twins I watched two days a week as told in THIS POST? They came to visit us while we were living in Kenilworth, and we’ve had other visits including reconnecting this past July.
New Chapter in Our Lives
The year in Kenilworth, New Jersey, was the beginning of a new chapter in our lives. We were to move again, but this time it was to buy a house in Plainfield, New Jersey. Steve continued teaching at Covenant Christian School, and we lived in Plainfield for the next 5 years.
What about you? Does this inspire old memories of your own? I’d love to hear about them!
Next week I’ll either begin sharing some of the adventures we had there, or take a break and find something from my childhood.
I’m linking up with: #TellHisStory, #TeaAndWord
Dear Gayl,
Oh this thought touches me so much: “We saw God’s faithfulness in our lives no matter where we were or what happened.” When I look back, I can realize that same truth. When we moved to new cities or towns, God always sent someone to show us love and kindness too. And I love that ladybug cake! I tried to make fun cakes for our kids too. Even when mine didn’t always turn out right, they sure loved them. Such sweet memories. Blessings, love, and prayers for you and your family today my dear friend. xoxo
Dear Bettie, I’m so glad that thought resonated with you, too. I’m just blown away by how much our past stories are similar. God knew we would need to meet and how much we could encourage each other. It’s been such a blessing to get to know you more and more and share prayers and praises and so much of life. And all this from being miles apart, yet not so far in spirit. I’m thankful for technology making it possible to share with each other. My cakes didn’t always turn out right either, but my kids didn’t care either. It was special to them. Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear sister/poet/friend! xoxo
I love all the “vintage” photos.
Thank you, Susan! Blessings to you!