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Surfs Up, Dad!

Hey Dad,

Since leaving Philly, PA we spent the weekend in Sumter, SC where I was able to speak to a bunch of dads and moms. Sumter wasn’t the sightseeing capital of the world, but we did stop at the legendary South of the Border on the NC/SC border.

We’ve read the billboards and passed the big sombrero many times as we’ve driven up and down I-95 on the east coast and now we’ve done it. One word sums it up—tacky. But I kind of like it.

Last night we spent the night at First Landing State Park near Virginia Beach, VA and today we stopped in at Jamestown Settlement.

A couple more days on the beach and then we head up to North East, MD for a week of speaking at Camp Sandy Cove…and then we head HOME!!!!! Yea doggie.

Here are a few photos…

Keep your eye on your tail and swing wide,

This Post Has 7 Comments

  1. Hey guys, I’ve enjoyed watching your travels, and especially places our family have stopped at many many times. Now when you talk of “tacky” with Pedro, we know what you mean, but my kids HAVE to stop there every time we make the trip! Can’t wait ‘til someday when you can make it to Port St. Lucie, FL!

  2. Ok Todd,
    It looks like you are having a whole lot of fun out there with the family, I have to admit you got me wanting to head to the beach and play in the sand. Glad to see and hear that all is well. Hope to see another update soon, God Bless.

  3. Todd
    My wife and I love the jamestown Williamsburg area.If you get a chance go to Yorktown east of Williamsburg they have a working farm the kids would love.Yorktown is where the British surrendered to general Washington.Great history for home school.

  4. Ah, South of the Border. Tacky does just about sum it up but if you’re there with great company (like I’m positive you were), the gift shops are always fun with all of the wacky hats. I’ve got some great pics of my great company wearing many of them, not to mention standing with the giant Ape. Thank you for all of the encouragement and have a great week in Maryland!!
    You ‘Da Dad,
    Mike Porter

  5. Todd,

    Nice to see you running through our old stomping grounds! I grew up in the Hampton Roads area in Virginia and was stationed in Sumter, SC for 3 1/2 years in the 1990s at Shaw Air Force Base.

    Thank you for your kind words about Dads serving in the military in your last weekly note. As a member of that proud group, being recognized for what one does never gets old. While I’ve been fortunate not to deploy for a couple years – many of my friends continue to do just that, in fact one left today for 6 months; second deployment in a year and a half, leaving his wife and two kids here in Atlanta. On behalf of all of us in the military, thanks to everyone for the prayers and the gratitude we get from you. While it has happened countless times in recent years, I am always humbled when a complete stranger thanks me for my service – to be honest I never know what to say in return; and usually fumble with something very un-eloquent.

    Being a military dad is a challenge at times, but in the end very rewarding. To have a great God, to be a father (of 4 for me), a husband, and the privilege of wearing the uniform of our great nation – not a bad gig. Thanks again, safe travels!

  6. looks like fun! But you know you want to come back to Oregon 🙂

    Safe travels, and Bless you.

  7. Hey, Todd. Thanks for all the encouragement at Sandy Cove last week. To spend a nearly a week with the familyman is quite a treat, although you’d doubtless say I need to get out more!

    We are about ready to pile into a minivan and drive to visit our kids grandparents in southern Indiana, yep…home of the 30 yr. career elementary school teacher (my mom). Our 3 sons, ages 7, 6, and 3 can’t wait, but my wife, who has had unpleasant encounters with my mom in the past, has understandable trepidations. I will run the iron wall of interference this time around, respectful but firm…as I realize the peculiar vulnerabilities of my bride, and the incessant lies the enemy would have my wife believe…sometimes planted by ‘well-meaning’ but dream-killing in-laws.

    Thanks for sharing your ministry gifts and encouraging message with us and with all the homeschooling families at Sandy Cove during the first week of July 08. It was a terrific week, full of challenges and inspiration, and one that we will draw encouragement and strength from for a long time to come.

    Hope you made it back to Indiana safely! We’ll be in the ‘hoosier’ state shortly.

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