Liberty Enlightening the World

Did you know the title of this blog entry is the actual name of the Statue of Liberty? We had a fun time over three days learning about the Statue of Liberty. There is so much symbolism in all of her. I asked all three of the children what they learned about the Statue of Liberty. Andrew said, "She is on an island in the water somewhere. Cynthia is as tall as her nose and I am as tall as the middle of her mouth if you cut my head off!" Cynthia could remember that she has seven points on her crown. She said, "The Statue of Liberty has one foot raised to make it look like she is walking and her foot is 25 feet long. Her book says "July 4, 1776." And she has a flashlight (torch!). She represents freedom for our country." Lee said, "The Statue of Liberty stands on an island off of New York. Andrew, without his head, is as tall as the center of her mouth, Cynthia is as tall as her nose, and Caleb is the size of how wide her eye is. She was made in France to represent freedom. The broken chains under her raised foot stand for the slaves being freed. The seven points on her crown stand for the 7 continents and there are 25 windows that stand for all the natural gemstones found on the earth. She was finished ten years late."

Again, I am so proud of what they learned! We really enjoyed measuring their heights and comparing them to measurements of the Statue of Liberty. I don't think they will ever foget the measurement of Andrew "without his head" being as tall as her mouth! I think this helped put into perspective for them how tall she really is! Did you know she sways 3 inches when the wind blows 50 mph? The Statue of Liberty was the idea of a Frenchman in 1865, at the end of the Civil War and almost 100 years after American won it's independence. At a party, several Frenchmen were discussing the "two sisters" of France and America. They had great admiration for America's success in gaining their independence and establishing their government and abolishing slavery. They talked about the close ties between the two countries and their love of liberty. The host of the party, Edouard Laboulaye posed the question, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if people in France gave the United States a great monument as a lasting memorial to independence and thereby showed that the French government was also dedicated to the idea of human liberty?" And with that, the idea was planted in the mind of Bartholdi, a sculptor. In 1871, he visited the U.S. and was amazed with the view as he sailed into New York Harbor. He decided that would be the perfect spot for the statue because that was "where people get their first view of the New World." Because of funding problems, the Statue of Liberty was finished 10 years later than desired. The French wanted it to be a gift for the 100 year celebration of independence of the U.S. The man who designed the Eiffel Tower is the same man who designed the actual structure under the "clothing" of the Statue of Liberty. As Lee remembered, the Statue was built in France and then taken apart and shipped to the U.S. in 350 pieces! It took four months to put her together. In 1889, a 1/4 scale replica of the Statue of Liberty was presented to the French people as a gift, which still stands close to the Eiffel Tower. In 1916, the Statue was closed for about a week when Germans blew up some dynamite close by which popped out some of the bolts in the Statue's right arm. After she was re-opened, the arm was made "off-limits" to tourists. Emma Lazaurs wrote a poem to help raise money for the construction of the base where the Statue of Liberty was placed. She said (as most of us memorized in school), "Give me your tired, you poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" I have recited these words many times and thought what a great object in our history to represent what we as Americans have - freedom which came at such a great cost. While studying for this lesson, I couldn't help but think what a great object we as Christians also possess - the cross, which also came at such great cost. The cross is God's way of saying, "Give me your tired and poor souls, yearning to be free of sin and guilt, the refuse in your life, Give yourself to me, I lift the Light of the World to show the way!" Tears sting my eyes as I so desire to be able to share the Light of the World with the many lost souls that pass by me each day but yet I cannot because of the language barrier. Please pray for us as we continue to learn more language, culture and customs, and more of what they believe in order to be able to share with them more effectively.

Don't forget where your freedoms came from - your American freedom and your Christian freedom. History is HIS story and He has placed you where you are to honor and glorify Him.

A Busy But Blessed Week!

This past week we were extremely busy but God blessed richly. Our Liberty Bell lesson got postponed a few days for one thing or another but we finally squeezed it in! This is what Cynthia wrote that she learned:

"Things about the Liberty Bell

It waid 1 ton.

It whas brot from eengland.

It probablee whasn't rung on July 4, 1776 because the steeple whas rottun and they thot it woud foll.

It whas rung for lots of difrent things."

Of course, her spelling wasn't perfect but it was interesting to see what she remembered on her own several days later. Here is what Lee wrote that he learned.

"It is twelv feet long and 3 feet tall. It allwais wasn't called Liberty Bell but people who wanted the slaves free started calling it that and it just stuck. It was not made in America. It was made in England."

Andrew said, "All I can remember is that it broke and they tried to fix it and it broke again and now it doesn't do anything." Funny the things that children remember! As with everything I have studied, I also learned a few things. I knew that part of Leviticus 25:10 is quoted on the bell, but the part before what is quoted says "And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year." How appropriate, seeing as how the State House Bell, as it was originally named, was made in order to honor the 50th year of Pennsylvania's original Constitution. It was taken throughout the United States after the Civil War in hopes of uniting the people. As Lee said, the name "Liberty Bell" came from abolitionists when they began to use pictures of the bell to promote freeing the slaves. The Liberty Bell has been "rung" several times even after it's last crack that practically rendered it useless. A special mallet was made and a microphone was placed near the bell in order for people to hear it "ring" on special occasions. As Cynthia remembered, many historians believe the Liberty Bell was most likely not rung on July 4, 1776. One reason is because the Declaration of Independence was sent to the printer on that day and secondly, because the steeple was so rotten that people feared the bell would fall if it was rung. Lastly, the Liberty Bell was "attacked" by a man with a hammer in 2002 who succeeded to put several dents in the rim of the bell. He was put in jail. After several days, the dents were malleted out enough to where they can no longer be seen. These precious symbols of our freedom will soon be forgotten and maybe destroyed if our children are not taught to respect them. They may only be "things" but they remind us of the great cost of our freedom.

The next thing on our agenda for the week was an American/Thai wedding. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to help the bride and her family (from TN) decorate the chapel where the wedding was held. At last notice, Cynthia was asked to be a Jr. bridesmaid! She was thrilled to participate. After the wedding while pictures were being taken, it was funny to watch people pull at least one of our children into pictures with them. It made me realize how much our children are "fitting in" with the people here. What a blessing to see them making friends among the Thai people.

Last but not least, the "topper" of the last week and a half was Andrew accepting Jesus as his Saviour!!! He had been asking lots of questions lately about salvation and usually he would talk about it for a few minutes but then his mind would wander. Over the last week or so, we have had several bad thunderstorms. He had been scared several nights in a row of the storms so we talked about how God would take care of us, that the thunder can't hurt you, and that we are to trust in God for everything. After he went to bed this particular night, he talked to Lee about it. He told Lee he was scared. Lee told him that if Jesus was His Saviour, he would take his fear away. Andrew told Lee he had never asked Jesus to come into his heart and when could he. Lee said he could ask anytime. So, right then, Andrew prayed, asking Jesus to forgive his sins and save him. Lee was overjoyed the next morning to tell us what had happened. Randy started asking Andrew questions. He asked, "What will happen tonight if you get scared again?" Andrew replied, "I won't because I asked Jesus to save me." Randy said, "Well, what if Jesus isn't in your heart anymore?" to which Andrew replied, "He won't ever leave so He will always be there!" What a blessing to know that your children understand salvation and have asked Jesus to save them!!! Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on us.

The Great Seal of the United States

Since Randy and I had to make a visa run to the Cambodian border this week, we had to postpone school classes with the children on Thursday. So, instead of doing our lesson on the Great Seal of the United States on Thursday, we did our class tonight after supper. I thought it would be interesting this time to let Lee tell you what he learned in our class. So, as he talks, I will type!

"Today I learned that E Pluribus Unam means "Out of many, one." You see this on the Great Seal. I also learned that there are 13 stripes, 13 stars, 13 arrows, and 13 leaves on the olive branch. That represents the 13 states there were in 1776. On July 4th, 1776, which was Independence Day, the Continental Congress decided we needed a Great Seal. It took six years to design the Great Seal and 14 men helped to design it. The eagle holds the olive branch and arrows in it's talons. The arrows stand for war and the olive branch stands for peace. The eagle looks toward the olive branch showing we have peace toward all countries. The back of the Great Seal has an unfinished pyramid. On the bottom of the pyramid, it has roman numerals that mean 1776. That was the year the United States became a country. Above the pyramid, is the Eye of Providence. I am glad my Mommy taught me all this because now I know more about my country. Did you know you can see both sides of the Great Seal on the back of the dollar bill? Did you know they use the Great Seal more than 2,000 times every year? Since my Mommy taught me this, one day I want to teach it to my kids. Then they will learn to love and respect their country more." Again, this is what Lee said in his own words. I was amazed at what he remembered! As I talked about the Great Seal and taught them what each thing represented, they each colored a sheet I fixed with both sides of the Great Seal.

Of course, Caleb had to get in the picture, too! :)

I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity and great privilege I have to teach my children at home. I am able to teach them things that they would or would not learn at school. I love the fact that they are so excited about learning about their country. Since we don't live in America, I think that makes them appreciate their country more and want to learn more about it. Next week, we are going to learn about the Liberty Bell. Maybe I will let another one of the children share with you what they learn!

Holidays

I think of all the holidays, the 4th of July is my second most favorite. It is also one of those holidays that I really miss being in the U.S.A. This year, I have taken advantage of the fact that the children are still in school to teach them important things about our country's heritage and it's flag. Since we finally have a school room, I have decorated the room with a 4th of July theme. I have learned many things by doing research for different topics that I want to cover. Thursday, we talked about the 13-star flag that Betsy Ross made. Did you know that George Washington wanted a 6-point star on the flag? The reason it is a 5-point star is because Betsy Ross showed him that she could fold a piece of material a certain way and make 1 cut to have a 5-point star! He chose the 5-point star over his design because of how easy it would be to make the stars. Yesterday, we talked about Ft. McHenry, Frances Scott Key, and the "Star Spangled Banner." With the access of internet, the children were able to see Ft. McHenry and paintings of what the fighting on September 13-14, 1812, might have looked like. Also, we found audio of "You're a Grand Old Flag," "Star Spangled Banner," and several other patriotic songs. We learned where the phrase "Old Glory" for the flag came from. One of the ironic things of the "Old Glory" flag was that it was sent to England for safe keeping during the Civil War. The many facts we have learned together have been incredible. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to be able to teach my children the REAL history of the United States. So many never hear the details and facts surrounding the Biblical foundation of America. Our leaders were great men! We talked about the feelings the lawyer, Frances Scott Key, who wrote the "Star Spangled Banner", must have had. Before daylight, the fighting stopped and there was a mysterious silence. Key and the other men waiting with him didn't know what was going on. Then, "by the dawn's early light," they saw the beautiful flag blowing in the breeze which Gen. Armistead had asked for (a flag so big that "the British would have no trouble seeing it from a distance.") The flag measured 30' by 42'! I can't imagine the joy and relief he and the other men must have felt. I read every line of the "Star Spangled Banner" to the children and we talked about what every line meant. This song will no longer just be words to them - at least not for Lee. Tears came to my eyes as I saw tears come into his as he realized what the flag meant to Francis Scott Key. As I finished the class and the other kids left to play, he and I continued to talk about it. We discussed the fact that when you hear the song sung, yes, it makes us proud to be Americans. However, when you read the words following the punctuation and not the line breaks of the music, they give you the greater picture. Lee even caught in the 4th verse where the word "Power" is capitalized!!! He said, "Since he capitalized this word, that means he was talking about God!" What a blessing to watch your children learn and realize things for themselves. I could go on and on about what he and I learned together while "learning" the "Star Spangled Banner" but I am going to leave you with the words to read to yourself. Don't "sing" as you go along. Really stop and pay attention to the words and capture the feeling of wonder and awe that Francis Scott Key had as he waited to see his country's beloved flag. May we never forget the sacrifice that was made so that we may be blessed to call ourselves AMERICANS.

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,

Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,

What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,

As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,

In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:

'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so valiantly swore

That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,

A home and a country should leave us no more!

Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' polution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave

From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved home and the war's desolation!

Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

I Am Loved!!!

This past week, Randy and I celebrated our thirteenth wedding anniversary! Thirteen years ago, I would never have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would have been celebrating in Bangkok, Thailand. I have had people ask me all kinds of questions while being a missionary's wife. Of all the questions I have been asked, I think the most surprising question (which I have received many times) was, "If you had known all that was going to happen in your life, would you still have married Randy?" I have no doubt in my mind that God's will for my life was to marry Randy Ashcraft. There were too many "coincidences" to point me to the realization that Randy was the one for me. So, to answer the ever-surprising question, I give a resounding YES!!! Sure, we have had our disagreements and valleys, but doesn't every couple? God has been with us every second of the journey of our married life. Everything that has happened has been for a reason. Sometimes we discovered the reasons and some we will never know until eternity. However, as my devotions began the other day, "I have loved you with an everlasting love." God loves me more than I can imagine! He planned my life just as He desired. A dream I always had as a young child and teenager was to one day be able to visit Thailand. When Randy and I got married, I somewhat put the idea in the back of my mind, believing it would most likely not happen. And look what a change of events God has brought about in our lives! Not only did He allow me to visit this beautiful country, He has given me the opportunity to live here and share His Gospel with the unbelieving - to one day be able to share the knowledge of the "unknown God" as Paul did in Athens. God chose me to walk with Him down paths I wouldn't have dreamed and honestly, probably not chosen. My life has been unique because I have a unique God. God's plans for me are good. My future lies in heaven where I will one day relax from the "running" of this life. Although I do not know what lies before me in the future, I am excited to know that not only do I have a God that knows all and will lead the way but I have a loving husband who will walk alongside me as we fulfill God's plan for our lives together. Please pray for us as we continue our journey.

I love you with all my heart, Randy. I am so glad that God chose to put us together and give us five beautiful children.

2553???

Did you know the year is 2553 in Thailand!!! What??? How can that be? I was really confused. Well, confused would be an understatement. It was more like "Where has time gone?" So, really, how could it be 2553? And on top of that, it isn't A.D. It is B.E. Randy had noticed several days ago on paperwork that he was filling out that in the place for year there was 25___, like our American paperwork normally has 20____. So, we asked our teacher during class because we noticed her calendar. According to the symbols for the numbers that she had just taught us, the calendar said the year was 2553!!! She said the year really is 2553 because Lord Buddha was born 543 years before Christ! That is also the reason they use the letters B.E. It stands for "Buddhist Era." I sat there speechless. I didn't know what to think. Here I was in a country that even their calendar is based on Buddha and not Christ! Something I had not even thought about. I guess even the year is another thing we take for granted being from "one nation under God." The thought blew me away. And yet, she had just said the name "Christ." How much does she know of Christ? Just His name? Randy has made mention of the Bible and Jesus and stories from the Bible while talking about cultural issues with her. She has never given any indication to whether she knew or didn't know about the Bible and Jesus. Please pray for us that God may use even the little things like this to open a door to talk with the Thai people about Christ.

Another Year

Another year, another birthday! Thank you, Lord, for another year. Another year that was full of surprises. Another year that brought about moving from one place to another. Another year that brought another baby into our lives. Another year of ups and downs. BUT best of all, another year that God was with me! This time last year, I was pregnant, living in Mexico and getting ready for a big move. Little did I know ALL that would happen in one year's time! God protected and watched over me through an emergency cesarean that brought our little miracle, William, into this big world. God sent special people along the way to help with the packing while I was recuperating. God gave me special things all through the traveling to help with the children and my sanity! He let me know in His own special way that I was where He wanted me to be. I knew things would be hectic but I also knew He would be with me. Each day, God sends me something - whether through His Word or another person or just the thoughts He gives me through the day. Today, that special "something" came in the form of a birthday card. I want to share it with you because it was so special to me. Every person who reads this can apply it to their own life. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." God's purpose for me today included many things but the most important one was serving Him where He has placed me. So throughout my 36-hour birthday (as it starts on one side of the world and stretches to the other!), maybe another one of God's purposes for me today is to share these thoughts with you. God bless each one of you!

"Just think ... You are not here by chance, but by God's choosing.

Just think ... His hand formed you and made you the person you are.

Just think ... He compares you to no on else - You are one of a kind.

Just think ... You lack nothing that His grace can't give you.

Just think ... He has allowed you to be here at this time in history

To fulfill His special purpose for this generation."