Nicole’s e-Pistle
July 9, 2025
Greetings, Friends!
This marks the middle of week two of my vacation. I am actually writing to you on June 27th to keep my promise to myself to step away from work while away. By the time you read this e-Pistle, I will be deep underground with my family as we explore the Lost Sea in Sweetwater, TN. The last time we visited the Lost Sea, which is an underground lake with blind fish, I was pregnant with Layfe! I remember descending into the cave, which took me much longer than everyone else, and then taking the hands of strangers who helped me into the boat. It will be so much fun to see it again, this time when both of my children can experience it alongside me!
One thing I neglected to mention in last week’s e-Pistle is that I had a similar connection to the Wild Animal Safari we visited in Pine Mountain, GA. The last time we visited that attraction was when I was pregnant with Lovinia. In fact, I was 8 months pregnant and ginormous! At one point during that trip, in which we drove safari vehicles through an open range of wild (and hungry) animals, a giant spider fell from the rusty metal that made up the ceiling of the Jeep and fell on Layfe! I was sitting next to him… 8 months pregnant with his sister… and I jumped clear across the bench seat away from him while screaming to my husband to save him from the spider! I always thought I would give my very life to protect my children, but evidently not from spiders!
At this point in the trip, we have planned some flex days before my parents and brother leave in the motorhome for Florida on Saturday. Bjorn and the kids and I will have time to rest before I return to work for Monday and Tuesday. Then, I will be off again with the Livelys and two of our youth for the Montreat Middle School Conference. I hope you are all having a wonderful week, and I look forward to seeing you soon!
Blessings and Peace,
