A New Love

Our morning started with our Rhode Island Family: 

church and coffee (two of the most important things in life!)

"Because the Lord lets me!"

"I get up early---I wake up about 4 a.m. but try not to get up for a while. I love New England!"

"I get up because God woke me...Able to get out of bed...To find my purpose of the day."

It was a wintry day on December 28th, 1941 when Rear Admiral Ben Moreell, then Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks, requested permission to commission a very special organization.

This unique group would support the Navy and Marines that were in remote locations.

Then, they were known as the Battallions.

Today, we remember them as the Seabees.

In 1942, Frank Iafrate created the infamous caricature that would soon make military history.

Because the Seabees were mainly there for support, but also were able to defend themselves if provoked, Iafrate knew that the best emblem would be...a bee.

"...doesn't bother you, unless you bother him. But provoked, the bee stings. (Seabeesmuseum.com)"

We were fortunate to not be too far away from the Seabees' original base in Davisville.

The Seabees' Motto:

Construmus Batumius

Translated:

We Build, We Fight

Del's famous lemonade stand was a tart and sweet, slushily refreshing drink between the base and our next stop:

 The Newport Cliff Walk!

"I get up every morning for the people that I love and care for."

"I get up in the morning because I have to for school/jazz/band/church/practice."

The Cliffwalk was a long walk that twisted and turned around every edge of the ocean-side.

Dear People who Did Something so that it was Necessary to have a Sign to Remind you not to Fall,

You are on a cliff, in case you haven't noticed.

That is all.

Along the cliff-side were the infamous Newport mansions.

There were so many great historical buildings of enormous size and magnificence.

*Draws Straws*

"Who goes first through the dark, long (...and dark...) tunnel?"

"Not I." says The Little Red Hen (otherwise known as Jennifer).

Such grandeur and beautiful yard space overlooking the ocean.

Ah, to just listen to the waves crash against the rocks...nothing like it.

You know your house is huge when...

You have elaborate gates with signs for 

[Entrance]

[Exit]

[Service Entrance]

 and

 [Service Exit].

Outside of the mansion where The Great Gatsby was filmed...

...at one of the rare occasions when Gatsby himself isn't throwing a party...

"I get up in the morning because I love and follow the words of the Psalms: 'This is the day that the Lord has made let's rejoice in and be glad in it!' I love my wife and the blessed life we have serving the Lord!"

"I'd like to be very spiritual about this... but the truth is... I get up in the morning because I wake up! Once I am up, it's exciting to see what the Lord has planned for my day!"

Thank you so much to our Rhode Island family for their kindness and generosity!

....and of course for the amazing coffee syrup!

In the iconic words of F. Scott Fitzgerald,

There are all kinds of love in this world, but never the same love twice.

With every state we discover a new beauty and a new love for our wonderful country.

Looking forward to what tomorrow holds.

Love,

The Crew