On July 14th, we packed up our little home away from home and headed for Montgomery, Alabama. We stayed in a campground called Gunter Hill State Park. It was right on a lake. The sites were very big, and there was hardly anyone camping there. The trees were covered in Spanish Moss, it was shady and very nice. The rain came down hard right as we were driving in, but then slowed right back down again... we were lulled into a sense of security and took the time to explore the lake a bit before putting up our trailer. It was beautiful! There was a Great Blue Heron just across the way. But what a mistake that turned out to be!! The rain came back and harder! This time we put up the trailer in pouring down rain. We were all drenched! While 3 of us went in to dry off and take shelter, Derek decided he was already soaked, he might as well explore in the rain. He was out by the lake when a bolt of lightening hit really close. I don't think I have ever seen that kid run so fast!!! There was the smell of ozone in the air! That night we went to sleep with the sound of rain on our trailer.
We awoke the next day to the sounds of birds. There was a thick mist coming up off the lake, it was fun to watch. The boys went out to explore and found 3 adorable, friendly little kittens! They so wanted to bring them along with us on our trip! After breakfast, we headed in to the Montgomery Visitor's Center, where we watch a short video and took the trolley into the heart of town. Our first stop was the Rosa Parks Museum. I was so impressed by this exhibit! In the first room, the walls are covered in mural sized photos of various civil rights activities. Visitors gather there and see a short film. We happened to be joining an all black group from Tuskegee University. The tour guide told the students that the policy was for the kids to give up their seats to the adults, meaning these black students should let us white old folks have their seats! Marcus and I quickly said we were fine, but we found it rather ironic! Next, you go into another room that has a full sized replica of the bus that Rosa Parks was on. They project video onto the windows of the bus, so that it looks like you can see what actually went on in the bus. They show Rosa sitting calmly in the middle of the bus, with other people of color. As the bus fills, and there are no longer enough seats for whites, the complaining begins. We were uncomfortable, as we watched the rude, aggressive comments being made! My boys were totally engaged. At one point, we were visited by one of the State Senators, who spoke to the University group. We thoroughly enjoyed the museum.
By this time, it was time for lunch. We walked around, looking for a place. We were surprised to see how many boarded up and closed businesses there were in the area! We found a little grill, and had our lunch before walking to our next stop, the Civil Rights Memorial. This Memorial is dedicated to 40 individuals who are seldom heard of, who lost their lives during the Civil Rights Struggle. Inside, there is an audio presentation, that tells you the story of each individual, a short video, that gives an overview of the times, and an interactive video screen that shows you the various points on a 3-D scale of Montgomery, where events happened.
Back to the trolley, and on the Parish where Martin Luther King Jr. was pastor for a few years. We didn't go inside, but it was pretty amazing to think we were standing right where so much history had taken place! Next, to the State Capitol. This is the site where Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as the first President of the Confederacy! It is a beautiful building. On the trolley again, we rode by the Parish House where Martin Luther King Jr. and his family lived during their time in Montgomery, and where a small bomb was set off on his porch while his wife and young daughter were inside! We also saw " the White House of the Confederacy," where Jefferson Davis lived during his term as President of the Confederacy. What an enlightening day for my children who have lived in such different times!
When we arrived back at the trailer, we found the ants had decided to move in! Apparently, they didn't particularly enjoy the rain, and thought our source of shelter was big enough for them to join us. They started to move in, eggs and all!! Marcus and I emptied every food cupboard, and cleaned, we sprayed the outside liberally with Raid, we sprayed many of the inside surfaces with Raid. They were even in our beds. We finally got the situation under control. The next morning, as we were putting down our trailer, we first thought perhaps we had convinced them to leave, but no... we had only convinced them to become more creative! They found little nooks to move into behind the tail lights, and along the seems of the roof to the trailer. They even moved into the car door hinges!! I think perhaps they were looking for a little adventure too! We hope we have finally won the battle!
On our way out of town, we went through Selma along the same route that the marchers took, over the bridge where the Civil Rights March for the right to vote took place. More History, more to think about!
Our time in Montgomery was a rich learning time that our family won't soon forget. I am so proud of my boys and their interest, empathy, and ideals! I hope they have learned a bit more about the importance of respecting the rights and feelings of EVERYONE no matter the circumstances.
No comments:
Post a Comment