Today we left Dan and Charlene about 10:00 am on our way to the Creation Museum in Kentucky. We got there about noon. It was my second time to see it and there were many improvements since my first visit in 2008. There were many new inter-active things for the kids to do as well as some new exhibits in the Noah's Ark section and animals in the Adam and Eve section. The dinosaurs have also been moved around. We saw a couple of presentations in the planetarium which was really cool.
Outside the grounds have really grown up and many flowers and plants have been added, as well as a petting zoo. I fed the animals; Sara and Henry would not. That is a funny feeling—animal tongues on your palm. We will miss the sheep shearing on Saturday—that is always a spiffy thing to see.
Tonight we are in Berea, KY, at a hotel just down the street from another quilting friend I have not met. Saturday we will go up to Linda's house and finally meet since we missed each other two years ago in Paducah.
During our travels across the USA, I have taken many photos of water towers advertising the city or area we were passing by. I do not remember water towers in Japan, although there may be some. I find it somewhat interesting to see these towers rising above the plains or the trees and the highway, letting the travelers know that this particular city or town exists. Here are some of the many landmarks I have photographed.
Plainfield, Indiana, suburb of Indianapolis
Witchita Falls, TX
Chickaming Township, MI
Hampshire, IL
Stephen came over about 9:00 am on his way back to Greenville. He stayed about an hour while he told Dan and Charlene how Grandpa was doing. Friday he is to have a cardio test I think and another type of test. We hugged and said our goodbyes again. My son is so spiffy for stepping in and helping the Main's. They really appreciated him being there when needed and they really love the guy. I can see why.
Later that afternoon, Charlene, Sara and I went over again. Charlene went back to talk to her Dad while Sara and I sat in the kitchen and talked with Mrs. Main. She is one of eight children who grew up on a farm. She said that during the Depression, they did not know there was one because nothing changed on the farm. There are still 5 siblings living, the youngest being in their early 80's. Longevity.
Wednesday evening we went to church at the Thompson Road Baptist Church. Pastor was doing a Bible study on the Holy Spirit. He let Henry give a short testimony before the offering, then played the offertory.
Got an email from Stephen staying he got back safely and got his computer fixed.
Charlene, Sara and I decide to do some shopping since her Dad was doing better and since Stephen was going to take the grandparents to the doctor. When they got to the hospital and walked into the room, Stephen was asked who he was and he said, "I am the grandson." So they let him stay. They were there for tests and for a few hours awaiting results. Mr. Main was put on a heart monitor, and was improving a little.
Later in the afternoon, Henry, Sara and I went over to visit. We were supposed to play Dominoes, but ended up talking for a couple of hours or more. Mr. Main seemed to be doing better, but you could tell he was not doing well. His mind is still active, he is a little slow to respond or formulate a thought, but is still articulate. The doctor told him that when he feels lightheaded he is to sit down, even on the floor, until the feeling passes. I am surprised he is not on oxygen yet. Friday he is to go back for more tests and get the results of the heart monitor.
Stephen took Sara for a spin around the block in the new car. It gets over 30 mpg and rides quiet. I am jealous.
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6/1/2010, 8:48 AM
Today we traveled across Michigan down to Indianapolis. Nothing unusual except we ran into a couple of rainstorms. I was driving, so slowed to about 40 mph with the flashers going. We managed to go around the first storm only to come upon another one a few miles down the road. It is not a pleasant thing to attempt to drive when one cannot see out the window except for the taillight in front of you.
When we got about an hour from Indy, we called Stephen who was coming from the south side about 30 minutes ahead of us. So when we get to Dan and Charlene's house, Stephen is already there. He also has a new 2010 Honda Civic, blue in color. He bought it just after Easter and did not mention it to us. He said the other car died on his way to visit Indy around Easter, so he turned around and decided to get the new wheels.
He decided to spend the night at his adopted grandparents across town. Mr. Main is not doing well at all and is actually dying. He has shortness of breath and has passed out more than once, and is also retaining fluid but the doctors cannot find out why or where it is. Later Monday night, Charlene's mom calls and said that her Dad had passed out again for a couple of minutes. They decided to take him to the doctor on Tuesday. It was really good that Stephen was there to help, we were told many times later. Charlene decided not to go over and wait for the morning call from mom.
We spent the day at the Evergreen Bible Baptist Church. Henry taught the young adult class and I gave my testimony to the ladies' class, which is one thing I have not done in literally years.
We were asked to teach Junior Church. There were about 20 kids up to 6th grade plus three adults. First we sang Jesus Loves Me in Japanese and then taught them some Japanese words like 十字架 (Cross）イエス（Jesus） 立って（Stand）すわって （Sit)。Then he showed them where Japan was by using the kids as a visual aid. A group of 8 represented the USA. One boy was Hawaii, four were Japan and a couple more were China and SE Asia. Then he told them about salvation and how to get saved. A couple of kids raised their hands at the invitation. It was something they probably won't forget anytime soon.
After church we had lunch at Pastor's house with his in-laws who are in their 80's and drive about an hour to come to church each Sunday.
During the evening service Henry showed our presentation then preached.
After service we went to the Jenkins house for dessert. These people are long-time farmers and own hundreds of acres just down the road from the church. Mostly they grow potatoes. Henry talked to Mr. Jenkins about that process and found out that the fields they leave fallow every year are planted with rye then plowed under to get the nutrients into the soil. They also rotate their crop fields. These two folks are really lively; Mrs. Jenkins was always joking and talking like a young person. I hope I am as genki twenty years down the road.
