Oh, Dear Friends, Forsake Me Not

:o) Greetings dear friends and faithful readers—and I mean faithful. For many moons I have not pecked a worthy post, and I thank you all for graciously waiting for me. I could make many excuses about this busy holiday/Christmas season (but then again, so could you. . .), I could also make a few excuses stating that school has been keeping me busy (but then again. . .so could you. . . .). So, I will spare you the excuses and simply say how grateful I am to have readers and how grateful I am for this busy time in my life. I had a a refreshing and blessed time in Pennsylvania about one month ago. But to properly share the Lord’s goodness on my last trip I must tell you about the many blessings which encompassed me. To do that I will need to split the story into a few segments. . .it is far to long to set on one post! I hope you are blessed!
Part 1: St. Louis--Before the Take-off
The first blessing I received was that my best friend, Momma, and a dear friend, Mrs. Rowland, sewed four dresses and sent them for my trip! Friends, I cannot tell you what this meant to me—their kindness and sacrifice of time spared me many tears and stresses which I would have encountered had I been responsible for sewing. I like to sew and I like to imagine that I’ll sew dresses for my own little children, but I I strongly dislike learning how to sew. (Did I hear a literal gasp escape from your shocked heart and mouth?) :) This is something I hope to change; I know sewing is a wonderful and practical skill I must learn in order to be a blessing to my future home. But some women dislike baking, some dislike washing dishes, and I dislike sewing dresses. Anyways, I would just like to thank and bless Mrs. Rowland and Momma for being so kind and loving—the dresses are beautiful and I am so thankful for them.

The next blessing I received was my overnight stay with Daddy in St. Louis (I was flying out the following morning). While Daddy had to spend time in some classes, I was blessed to explore the St. Louis Arch.

 

The arch from an upward view.

The city and river from a high, upward perspective.

While visiting, I greatly enjoyed the general store. Seeing replicas of old books, candies, and McGuffey Readers made my pioneer-loving heart swell. Not to mention the well-made, affordable bonnets. . . :o) (Notice photo number two).

Afterwards, I happily explored the museum. I do not know as much as I should about America’s history, or history in general. I have only recently began appreciating the lives that came before me. While at the museum, I came across several good quotes (and you know I love a good and uplifting quotes).

I particularly enjoyed this quote by a migratory worker. I find this desire honorable.

 

Afterwards I was able to enter a nearby old Catholic church. I enjoyed the history of the church seeing that (I believe) it was the result of some of the first Catholic missionaries sent to the Indians. Funny how something so ancient and beautiful is now surrounded by modern city buildings.

About one block away stood the old court house in which Mr. Dred Scott’s, a black slave in the 1800’s, case was heard. His story is very interesting and I was once again intrigued by the brave lives which passed before me. Besides this, I was in awe over the beauty architecture of the building. The second photo is of an old court room.  The third is taken from the first floor looking to the roof—beautiful. Along the circular roof there were several floors and paintings. The few below were some I was able to capture:

 

After touring the courthouse, I met Daddy and had an enjoyable dinner with him. My dear Papi even indulged my simple whims and walked about two blocks of the city with me; we eventually ended up with a yummy coffee and tired feet before we made it back to the hotel. I truly had a wonderful time with Daddy and I also want to thank and bless him for being such a good protector, guide, and friend to me.

Well, friends, I had best be going. I hope to get the other parts out soon! 

May you continue to grow in the love and power of Jesus Christ,

Your sister in Christ,

 Frannie