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Published: February 7th 2009
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Green Mound Live Oak Tree
This tree grows horizontal to the ground because of the winds coming off of the ocean. Nathanael and the other children enjoyed climbing its gnarly branches. Just kidding. There's not room for all of you down here.
We have been very busy since arriving at Port Orange, Florida. As you know, we pulled into the Dobberstein's laneway on Thursday, January 15. We enjoyed a pizza supper with them and were off to bed.
The next day, January 16, we settled in, organizing the camper so our sleeping arrangements would be more comfortable and we would be able to function in the cramped quarters. We were given a tour of the Dobberstein's fantastic yard which is a maze of beautiful palm trees and assorted tropical plants. Beth has created a supburb landscape which boasts a large front porch with hanging swing, many stone walkways, creative flower beds and delightful garden hideaways with yard ornaments, two ponds, hanging baskets, benches, a fire pit, barbecue and picnic table, etc. There is a play structure for the children and an above-ground pool which they will begin to use in March. The Dobberstein's home is a wonderfully warm and welcoming place, with five bed-rooms, three and a half bathrooms, a living room with a fire place, a country kitchen and a huge screened-in porch that looks like a Tahitian paradise.
Port Orange Lighthouse
An historic landmark in this area, the lighthouse has stood against hurricanes and tropical storms for many years. That same day we got to meet Mr. Chris Dreisbach, a WELS Christian music artist, who was giving a concert at church on Sunday. We also got to see a little bit of the area and were treated to a trip to see the 'Green Mound Live Oak Tree' which is situated in the sand dunes along the ocean shore. The mound consists of thousands and thousands of oyster shells that were deposited by the local Indian tribe which inhabited the area before the Spanish came. The shell mound, which is at least 50 feet high and even larger in diameter, is slowing becoming overgrown with vegetation. The area is being preserved as an historical monument. The Live Oak Tree grows almost horizontally to the ground with beautiful twisted boughs, perfect for climbing. The Spanish moss (which is neither Spanish nor moss) that adorns everything in this area reminds us once again of the tropical climate experienced in the region.
We then walked the boardwalk that juts out into the intercoastal river. This is a tidal river which extends along the entire eastern seabord of the United States, all the way up to Maine. It is a wonderul
The Atlantic Ocean
The windy conditions caused white caps on the surf. The scene was beautiful and the sound of the waves on the shore was enticing. nature preserve where we got to see a pelican flying in the wild for the very first time in our lives. We then drove a few blocks east and got to see the Port Orange lighthouse and the Atlantic Ocean for the first time on this trip. The breakers were of medium height but still an exciting sight to behold. God is surely good.
Saturday, January 17 dawned bright and clear, as do most days this time of year. It was quite cool but we didn't mind in the least! Nathanael and I accompanied the Dobberstein's, and several members from their congregation, to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Orlando, Florida, to attend an evangelism seminar. The theme was "Connecting With Your Neighbors." While the children watched movies and played on the playground, the adults in attendance (from congregations all over Florida) learned about techniques churches can use to reach out to members of their communities. It was very interesting and worthwhile.
Sunday, January 18 was exciting since it was the first time we would be worshipping together with our hosts. Pastor Dobberstein was just starting a new Bible study on the book of Romans. He is
Our Savior's
It is with this church family that we will worship for the next several weeks. This is the current altar of the church. a gifted Bible study leader, offering many intriguing insights to our studies. We were treated to the special event of a mini-concert during the worship service, presented by WELS Christian music artist, Chris Dreisbach. He is touring the churches of our Synod giving "thank you" concerts for the support offered to his home congregation in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. The church and homes of over 20 members were rebuilt with assistance from many others within our church body. He brought slide pictures of the devastation and rebuilding. His music included songs with the Sunday school. It was a truly wonderful service.
Our Savior's church is undergoing a building project of its own which includes an addition that will more than double the size of the building. Architectural designs of the new structure show that it will be a beautiful addition with a drive-through entryway and an impressive steeple tower. It will include a new sanctuary, fellowship hall, kitchen and staff offices. Of course, as with all buildings in this region, it must be hurricane-proof. The steel girders were being installed onto the cement slab when we arrived. It is exciting to consider how this project will help the congration with its ministry, including that of a pre-school program for three- and four-year-olds.
I will try to update this blog in a day or two and do a better job of keeping up-to-date with my entries. Would love to hear from everyone. Bye for now!
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Lynnette
non-member comment
There's always room for one more
Hi there you warm snow birds! Sure glad you got to meet and hear Chris Dreisbach. Isn't it amazing how he is sharing the gospel and encouraging fellow Christians? I am thankful that he has chosen this way to say thanks and so glad I got to meet him in Tacoma in 2006. Have fun down there! Lynnette