Greenville: Journey to Bethlehem Event
Roman Solider on the outside of the gate to Bethlehem
We went to the Journey to Bethlehem Event with Jake’s cousins family a couple weeks ago. It was a really neat event by the Greenville Nazarene church. When you arrived you signed in and received a token to pay your taxes to the Roman soldiers once you arrived at the city of Bethlehem. Before going into the city you watched a short video sharing the history behind the event and preparing you for what will happen once inside the city. The event is free and well worth going through with your family. They do it every year.
They had about 12 booths that you could go to each one doing something different. At each booth you got a treat (like bread that would be eaten during that time) or bead to put onto your necklace or you made something (like a toy from that era). There were animals you could pet, hot chocolate, a manger scene, and so much more. We have wanted to attend this event for the past few years, but always had a conflict on the weekend they did it. Thanks Luke and Kristen for inviting us to come with you. We had a great time and it was a wonderful learning experience for the kids too! It was really nice to attend an event that reflected on the original meaning of Christmas. This event had to take a lot of time and energy from many people to make happen. Thank You!
Eating a homemade cookie and listening to the lady tell a story!
Making a toy out of wood and string – fascinating!
As always the animals were a hit with the girls!
Angels making the announcement to the shepherds.
A live camel, the girls really wanted to go for a ride or at least pet it!
Native American & Hagood Mill History Experience
One sweet Native American that took several minutes with the girls explaining all the details of her outfit from the otters, knots on her blanket, family crest, leather, beads and so much more. Very fascinating!
The girls have been learning about the Native American Indians in their Social Studies class at school. It has been a lot of fun discovering neat details specifically about the Native Americans located in South Carolina. They have even done extra credit activities such as building a Wattle & Daub and Longhouse which were used by the Native Americans in SC as well.
Hagood Mill
While I was online I discovered that Hagood Mill in Pickens, South Carolina was doing a Native American celebration. We decided it would be a great opportunity for the girls to learn more and experience first hand a little piece of the Native American culture as well as the mill history in SC. The only problem is we already had multiple events already on the schedule for that Saturday! Thankfully, the event was only a few miles away and we were still able to squeeze in most of the events.
Cherokee “Duck & Dive” War Dance from their war in SC. The “Duck & Dive” was named after the way they fought with the the English ducking and diving as the muskets would be fired then re-loaded.
Karlie and Brina standing on one of the mill stone that used to be used in South Carolina’s old mills
The girls have been working very hard in their school activities, but it is always a lot of fun when we find extra ways to help them have a more interactive experience because it helps the information come alive for them (and makes it stick). This was a great event and will be very valuable as they continue to study the Native Americans at school. We talked to a lot of different people, watched demonstrations, Native American dances, items they used, and a lot more.
Putting their hand prints on the white horse, they loved this activity
Rainbow hand print horse, very colorful. The horse was a good sport! 🙂
Native American meal cooked over a fire, complete with mushroom soup, fish, venison, chicken, potatoes, and corn. It looked smelled delicious!
Local Activities: “Dine Out for Mom” Event on Thursday, October 20th
There is a special event going on tomorrow, Thursday, October 20, 2011 called “Dine Out For Mom” which is a part of the “Let There Be Mom” organization. As a Mom with small children it is important for me to remember that life is precious, sweet, and short. We never know what joys and trials life will bring our way. You may know of a friend or family member that has gone through serious illness and given only a short amount of time to live. This event is to remind us to celebrate life, create memories, cherish our family, and help others because our life here on earth is not forever.
What is “Let There Be Mom”? It is an organization that provides help to Moms when they or their spouse is diagnosed with a serious illness. How was it started? “Let There Be Mom” comes along side the family going through this difficult time to preserve memories. They do this through a variety of services tailored to meet the needs and wishes of the individual families. Some examples of ways you can get involved – photography, scrapbooks, journals, videos, meals, errands, special events, care packages, family cookbooks, and many more wonderful activities. The “Dine Out For Mom” event tomorrow is designed to help raise funds for this great organization. When you eat at one of the participating restaurants they will donate a portion of the proceeds to “Let There Be Mom” so they can continue to help families that are losing a loved one.
Take some time out of your busy day to meet a friend for lunch or take the family out for dinner. What a great way to spend time with those you love while helping a wonderful organization that is committed to preserving family memories.
For more information about the “Let There Be Mom” organization, their services, and how to get involved please visit their website.
