The Word Of The Day is Priceline.com. Once I realized that I'd be heading to D.C., I figured I'd better find a good deal on a hotel and not try to take my chances. I wanted something near the Smithsonian and all the other touristy places, but knew that a hotel there would be outrageously expensive. So I was able to find one within blocks of the Smithsonian for only $64/night (normally $329/night!!!) How cool is that.
I got there on Thursday afternoon (during the middle of rush hour traffic). I oriented myself to what I really wanted to see and then struck out for the International Spy Museum. Totally fun interactive exhibit where I was a spy looking for nuclear trigger that was about to be sold on the black market!!
On Friday, I must have walked close to five miles. I breezed through the Natural History museum on my way to the African Art museum which was holding a special exhibit of Sub-Saharan art. That was really cool. Most of the art was from West and Central Africa, but it was still a great exhibit. Then back to the "Castle" which is the information center for the Smithsonian so I could buy a totally overpriced lunch and a map. Then I walked down the Mall toward the Capitol building and continued North to the National Postal Museum where I got to create some postcard to meter/send directly from the museum. This museum would be a lot of fun for kids (and kids in grown up sized bodies). I had a great time. I used Saturday morning to catch up on some more thank you cards and other work (and really to rest my aching feet) before heading out on the road again.
Saturday afternoon, I arrived in Franklin, West Virginia, where I met some supporters I had never met before. Their daughter is one of my good friends! It was delightful to finally meet them after hearing so much about them. They have recently finalized the adoption of their two little foster children (2 & 3 years old). Those two were certainly full of energy and a lot of fun!!!
Along the way, I have been blessed to meet so many wonderful people (some familiar, some brand new) and hear their stories. God is certainly good. As of today, the official support numbers are at 70%!!!! Yay God!!!
Today, I am in Rodanthe, NC (on the Outerbanks) taking 2 days for vacation. I'm headed out now to find a beach to lay on and rest in God's goodness. There is a lot of smoke in the air from the wild fires burning just west of here. But I know the ocean will do my soul good.
Today, I sent off 14 packages. They were filled with all the things I think I want to have in Zambia ~ eventually. They are things I won't need right away, but will want to use over the course of my time there. The packages included things like a small Christmas tree, crafting and scrapbooking supplies, books, winter clothes, framed pictures, cooking utensils, and other assorted goodies, mostly sentimental stuff.