So I drove 500 miles....and I will drive 500 more

Hey Lovelies!

Today I'm writing from my sister's room in ATLANTA...so yeah I really did drive 500 +miles. (I love that song....and its walk 500 miles isn't it?)

Boomer and I drove down to Chattanooga on Friday to see the Sonrise Easter pageant that they put on every year at The Collegedale Seventh-Day Adventist Church. I went to college the first two years at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale TN (just outside of Chattanooga).

So anyway...I remember seeing the pageant and being incredibly moved by in when I was in school there. Boomer is actually really....spiritual...for a five year old. I thought she would really enjoy the play. It starts of in the church. The scene is different every year. This year, because of the recent tornado activity in that part of the country, the opening scene was of a tornado damaged home, and then various other scenes of people in trouble. They played Third Day's song 'Cry Out to Jesus' and angels appeared to each person in their time on trouble. Then 'Jesus' appeared floating over the stage. Everything fades to black and then Peter comes in. His monologue invites all the participants to follow him because Jesus is coming to Jerusalem. You walk out of the church and there is the beginnings of the city of Jerusalem.

My city girl actually pet the Donkey!

Real Camels! Boomer asked if they spit.

The money changers at the city gate.

Spices and Food stuffs at the market



The blacksmiths that gave Boomer a tiny sword....that mommy left in TN. Ooops :)





The Last Supper





These pictures are from the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus praying, the devil tempting him, and finally the angel interceding.



Jesus at Pilate's Palace

After you go through the passion play up to the Crucifixion you walk into the gymnasium, which has been transformed into a dark burial area. On the stage is the tomb, and people preparing the body for burial. Mary of Magdalene shares her story of Christ's love for her and then as the soldiers approach everyone leaves. I asked Leila if she was worried and she said, 'No Mommy, I mean we know how it ends.' The devil appears again basking in his triumph, but suddenly there is thunder and a flash of lightening. The ground shakes and the soldiers attempt to run away out of fear. An angel appears and does battle with the devil. There are more fireworks, and thunder and then the devil is defeated and thrown into the flames of hell. (Its pretty dramatic.) As the song 'Arise my Love' by Newsong is playing the angel delivers the message that God is calling Jesus from the grave. He is resurrected and then returns to heaven. (Yeah.....he flies...along with a few angels.) (I didn't take pictures of this or the Crucifixion because it seemed too somber and flashes would be distracting in the tomb scene)

Boomer really enjoyed it. She was clapping enthusiastically when Jesus was resurrected. I'm glad that I got to experience it and share it with her. I'll probably take her back in a few years.