PHILADELPHIA: City with the brother that I love!

Every summer, for the last three summers, my brother and I take a trip together. It is never a far or expensive trip, just a trip to spend time away with eachother. We started doing this because I thought about all of those years that I will miss spending time with William when I am in South Africa. He will be all grown up when I return.
For now, William is only 14 years old. He enjoys seeing things he has never seen before and learning about science and history. This year we went to Philadelphia, PA (just about a 2 hr. drive from home).

We visited the Historic District and went into the Constitution Center (where we signed the Constitution).

Later that evening, we walked a few blocks to Philly's Chinatown.

Chinatown was the highlight of our weekend for William. I think he fell asleep repeating over and over "I went to Chinatown, I went to Chinatown,..." If you know William, he has a heart for other people and gets excited to learn about other cultures and places. He really wants to learn Chinese. He took everything in as we walked the streets, visited shops, and ate in one of thier restaurants. I believe that the Lord may be planting a seed for future ministry in his life. He already has a few Chinese friends.

On Saturday, we went to the Franklin Institute Museum.

At every exhibit I marveled at how God has created us and given us so much. We saw how our heart works, how electricity works, a flight room, a train room, and an Egyptian exhibit. Each room showed off our great Creator. As I passed out tracts and looked around, I wondered how many people understood that these were not merely science and history exhibits, but the boasting on our God's all-powerfulness. They too could know personally the One who has made all of this possible.

As William and I were talking the other day about everything we saw on that trip, he said,"Isn't it amazing how the Egyptians believed in so many differant gods and how we believe in the One True God". I was thankful that he had thought things through, not just about the exhibits, but about how God was always there for them, but they failed to trust in Him alone. We talked more about the plagues of Egypt in Exodus and how each of them proved God's power over the Egyptian gods. In conclusion, we became even more burdened for those around us to have salvation and to serve our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I want to encourage everyone who reads this to take the time to spend with your loved ones - James 4:14 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." My moments with William were precious to me and will remain as memories to carry me through those times in South Africa when I miss my dear little brother. Take advantage of time together with your loved ones, as well as those who need to know Christ.