While living and serving in Mississippi we try to see as much of the South as we can, so during Christmas break we drove down to Sister Elena’s sister and brother-in-law’s home in Spanish Fort, AL
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- On the way to Spanish Fort, AL.
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- It was a gray and rainy day as we arrived.
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- Sr. Elena’s brother-in-law, Lee, is a pilot for Southwest Airlines.
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- The sun came out on and off and everyone was eager to see the Bay despite the cold wind which greeted us.
Each day held new adventures!
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- A cold and windy first peek at the Bay, but we didn’t want to miss any of it.
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- Sister Elena with her brother-in-law’s mother
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- Pelicans–not something you would see in Greenwood, MS!
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- A tour of the unique town of Fair Hope, AL. The feel of New Orleans was evident everywhere.
Lee gave a memorable ride on his fishing boat up Blakely River. Civil War research has shown that the Battle of Blakely was the last major battle of the Civil War occurring six hours after Lee surrendered at Appomattox.
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- We knew we had to dress warmly for this adventure, but we had NO idea what we were in for!
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- Some friendly pelicans greeted us.
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- Lee with some of his crew after a chilly “jetting” around the river.
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- A few pilings from a pier remain from the Civil War battles.
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- The best seat on the boat with her back to the wind!
Back at Lee’s home he lit a warm fire to chase the chill and give an added coziness to his home.
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- Sisters Elena and Kathleen enjoyed a good game of “Bananagrams”.
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- While Sister Mary Ann was heavily into her sci-fi book.
During this part of our Christmas break there were many opportunities for prayer and reflection on God’s beauty.We were blessed to be able to attend Christ the King Church in the morning for mass. Following mass we prayed Morning Prayer and since there was an Adoration Chapel connected to the parish church we were able to spend an hour there praying for all those who requested our prayers and giving thanks for all His many gifts.
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- How would this work for Evening Prayer?
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- “O God, come to our assistance…”
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- She doesn’t think I am taking her picture!
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- The end of the pier was a great spot to pray!
A new experience for some of us was enjoying a meal at an authentic gulf seafood restaurant.
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- Nope! Sister Kathleen is not having oysters or alligator!
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- Fresh oysters being opened and grilled to taste!
Then there was this…
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- Meet Luke and Lea.
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- Come on now stop fussing. I want a picture with the two of you.
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- A beautiful old live oak tree covered with Spanish Moss.
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- A private Greek Orthodox Church we were able to visit.
In the evening we were able to view some amazing Christmas lights.
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- An unbelievable view. Any guess how many lights here?
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- Time for a group picture at this sight!