Day One July 21: Destination: Knoxville, Tennessee. We cheered when we crossed into Tennessee.We arrived in Knoxville at 8:00 PM, and were exhausted. We had planned to stop on the east side of Knoxville to put us a little closer when we left town. But we couldn’t go on.We stopped on the edge of the west side. We were hungry and so tired of sitting. We had driven about ten hours that day. We ate at Shoney’s where the server shared some interesting information with us, that caused us to rejoice. She said that a storm had just blown through earlier (we had missed all of that, praise the Lord) and that a huge power line had fallen down on the East side of Knoxville on I-40 stopping the traffic. We thanked the Lord that He had led us off of the Interstate when he did. We missed the rain, and the traffic jam.
Day Two July 22: Destination: Winston-Salem, NC. We head out for the remaining four hour journey at 9:00. The day held a lot of twists and turns as we passed through the edge of the Smokey Mountains, which were gorgeous. We got way too close to some eighteen wheelers, but the Lord kept us safe. Our kids loved the two tunnels we passed through. We finally cheer as we cross into North Carolina! Melanie, Andy [Griffith], here I come! We got to Melanie’s house around 2:00 that afternoon. Her house is so beautiful! I can’t believe it, but I didn’t take any pictures that first day, or the second. I guess we were focused on getting there, and then resting.
Day Three July 23: Terry was scheduled to preach for our friend, Pastor Ben Graham. Terry and I have known him most of our lives. His Dad, Ken Graham, has been my home pastor for over 20 years. We drove two hours to York, SC with Leslie and Laci. Lauren and Mitchell went to church with Melanie and her boys at Gospel Light. My kids were eager to attend Master Clubs, even if it was only for one time. They had a blast! We enjoyed seeing Ben’s family. His wife, Candace is very sweet and his boys are adorable. They were kind enough to show us around the property – which is very impressive – and to go out to eat with us. We had a great time laughing and talking over old times. We later went to their home and visited until…uhhum…1:00AM. I told you, they are very nice people! Once again, my camera is MIA. Camera? Yoohoo! Where are you??
Day Four July 24: Travel back to Winston-Salem from York, SC. Then, we played kickball with the kids, ate and sat on Melanie’s wonderful screened in porch and relaxed. As I sat there, I felt like I was on an episode of The Andy Griffith Show. Have I told you how I love that show? NO?? Well, let me tell you, I do!
More to come later…and I promise, I do have some pictures! I have to stay in order though! ;]