Monday: OKC Memorial

I am finally back home in Louisiana from a fantastic and much needed week in my Tulsa home.  I pretty much had every meal, almost every hour and every moment of the day planned with friends and family. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love it down here in Lafayette, but it's not home. Home isn't necessarily Tulsa, but Lafayette is missing a few key components: Friends. Church home. Religious comfort. Family. All this to say, I'm thrilled to be back home with my cute husband, but I thoroughly enjoyed my week in OK. 

Let's back up to last Monday and recap the events that took place. 

A few weeks ago, I texted both of my parents suggesting that we do a little field trip over to Oklahoma City to see the OKC National Memorial Museum. I went when I was in 8th grade, I believe, but they had never gone. I thought it'd be a fun event for us to do together. Something out of the ordinary. 

My mom planned on going, but she realized that she better get as much rest as possible before today. 

SIDE NOTE: My mama had full knee replacement surgery this afternoon, and she is in a great deal of pain. Please keep her in your prayers and ask God for a speedy and complete recovery. My mama is one tough cookie, but I can only imagine the unreal amount of pain she's feeling right now. Love you, mamacita!!! 

So, my dad and I headed to "The City" for our fun-filled field trip. One of my favorite parts of the trip was the conversation my Dooda and I had together. He's an excellent conversationalist, a biblical wiz, patient, kind, wise, and is just a wealth of knowledge. We had a great time covering all areas of topics, and I am so grateful for those few hours in the car together. 

Here are a few pictures I got at the museum: 

Little handprints from children all around the world on a wall outside the museum:

The Gates of Time:

9:01 AM--signifying the minute before the destruction of the bombing:

Field of Empty Chairs--signifying the 168 lives taken on April 19, 1995. They're laid out in nine rows to represent each floor of the Murrah Building and each chair is inscribed with the name of someone killed on that floor. There are 19 smaller chairs that stand for the children who died on that day:

The outside of the museum:

The other side of the Gates of Time--9:03 AM signifies the minute after the devastating bombing:

Me and my Dooda:

Standing in front of the Reflecting Pool:

It is a gorgeous memorial:

Gates outside of the museum covered with memories, well wishes, prayers, letters, pictures and more:

Pictures of the bombing on a sign:

The other side of the memorial:

Senior picture moment:

It was a fabulous little field trip that was unfortunately cut short by the 6:00 closing time of the museum. Last time I was there, I was 14. I'm now 25 and now realize the incredible impact this bombing had on America. As I was touring the museum, I watched and read testimonies of survivors, family members and friends who retold the happenings of April 19th. What's truly amazing is that there was no hate in their voices. Only hope. Love. Peace. Forgiveness. Grace. Prayer. Thanksgiving. 

It is truly remarkable that such a horrid event did not make our nation crumble. No. Instead, we rose up, banding together as one nation under God and decided that evil will not take over. I'm so proud to be an American. I'm so proud to be an Oklahoman. I'm so proud to be a Christian, knowing that no matter what evil comes my way or what the Devil throws at me, I know that God is on my side and there is no greater warrior than He. 

I hope if you're ever in the area or get the chance to visit the OKC Memorial, that you do it. It's well worth the trip. 

Love you guys and keep praying for my mama!