Teaching Missions to Children - Deputation Days

   One of our favorite parts of deputation was having the opportunity to present Missions to the young people all across the U.S.  We are aware that all too often mission's is presented from a down-and-out standpoint where the missionary attempts to draw sympathy by relaying all the horrible things that have happened to him.  However, we strove to present the fact that there is joy in serving the Lord.  Sure, hard times come, but we have the opportunity to serve the Lord of all!
 
   We loved it when children would come to our display table and ask us all about Brazil and what it's like to be a missionary.

   We also tried to show the kids that there isn't anything extra-special about us.  We are simply common, ordinary people who are allowing God to use us to reach people in Brazil.

   I know that missionary presentations had a big impact on me as a young person, and we trust that the Lord was able to use us to impact others as well.

Big G's Deli - Deputation Days

     Another highlight of our Deputation was when our close friends, the Risingers, took us out to eat at Big G's Deli in Winslow, Maine!

     You could easily drive right by this little restaurant if you weren't looking for it, but oh, what you'd be missing out on!

     It's set up as a classic Deli with friendly staff and so many choices of Sandwiches.  Their Claim-to-Fame is their freshly made, huge, gigantic, bread that they use to make their sandwiches!

     I know this photo looks like an optical illusion, but it's not!  The sandwiches really are this big!  But, not only are the sandwiches enormous, the flavor is incredible!  The fresh bread combine with the best ingredients to make a meal that is so good, you'll wish you could actually eat the entire sandwich!

     After you have your Sandwich (or half-sandwich) and French Fries or Onion Rings (which were also the best I've had in a long, long time; make sure to order a gigantic whoopie pie or cinnamon roll!   Again, so large you could split it four ways!

This is really a great place to take the entire family or spend time with friends!

    But, be sure to keep your children close by your side, as warned by this sign posted near the counter!

    What great food and a great experience!  If you are ever driving on I-95 through Maine, I'd definitely recommend that you stop in at Big G's Deli in Winslow, Maine!

Carhenge - Deputation Days

     Many of you may be familiar with Stonehenge that "pre-historic . . . circular setting of large standing stones" in Wiltshire, England. Well, we recently visited Carhenge, a modern-day replica that was built, not with large stones, but with vintage automobiles! Carhenge, located near Alliance, Nebraska was built by Jim Reinders in 1987.   In 2009, TripAdvisor named Carhenge the No. 2 Wackiest Attraction in the United States; coming in a close second to the Toilet Seat museum in San Antonio which boasts a collection of more than 800 toilet seats, but has no bathroom!

  
   As you stand and gaze up at the many cars at Carhenge, now firmly planted in the Nebraska plains, you are forced to consider the possibility that this great work of art may, in reality, be nothing more than the most redneck tourist attraction ever!  Yes, we were not sorry we made the trip, although it was only a few miles off of our planned route anyway.   We did pity the thought, though, of those who might travel hundreds of miles to see this great sight, only to arrive and find that it truly is as simple as a bunch of cars half buried in the Nebraska prairie.













     Yes, these cars now stand tall on the high plains as a monument to what one man can do to make the most red-neck tourist attraction in the world!  Definitely a must-see!

Mt. Rushmore - Deputation Days

    One long branch of our deputation took us up to South Dakota and the amazing Black Hills.  We were able to visit Mt. Rushmore and were amazed by both the size of this landmark and the effort it must have taken to etch these faces into the granite mountain.

   As you first enter the park, there is this long walkway between the flags of all the States of the Union.

Then you come out to a full view of the majestic monument.  

   I took this photo and enjoyed "over-editing" it.  I usually don't edit my photos this much, but I liked the results on this one.

As you leave, make sure you take one more look as you drive around the mountain and you'll get to see the profile of Washington's face!