Harvest Fest, Homecoming, Happy Days

October is a very busy month in French Camp, MS. In fact, that is one of the reasons why we chose to be here. Last October, while in French Camp, Bill noticed that there was no one working or demonstrating in the Historic Village Blacksmith Shop during the Harvest Festival and wondered why. And so, here he is doing his thing along with many other photos of Harvest Festival happenings:

Bill's blacksmith in training.

Auction crowd

Hand made quilts bring in some nice dollars.

Dressing the part.

Country Store

Oxen cart rides

Carriage rides

Making harvest garland. Look below!

Making sorghum

All God's Children Pottery Shoppe

Completed garland.

It was a beautiful day and we had so much fun. Bill was kept busy all day at the blacksmith stop but I was able to walk around and take in a lot of the activities (many of which are not pictured here). I did volunteer for awhile in the afternoon at the Welcome Center that also houses the best bread and cookie bakery anywhere. They sold over 230 loves of bread and I have no idea how many cookies and cinnamon rolls. I helped by bagging and sealing individual giant size chocolate caramel cookies as they were selling them faster than they were making them. I didn't even snitch except when I was all done. I couldn't resist. They are the yummiest.

The following weekend was homecoming. I love how they celebrate it at French Camp. There is a parade on Thursday night followed by an awesome and entertaining pep rally where the homecoming court is presented escorted by a classmate of their choice. The next night, prior to the football game, the court is presented again (after some awesome entertainment and that's another special event which I didn't get any good pictures of because I was too busy enjoying it). This time when they are presented they are escorted by a special adult male in their life (oftentimes a father, grandfather, house parent father, brother, special uncle, you get the idea) and this is when the homecoming queen is announced. Sorry fellas, there's no king. (And don't go getting all gender equity on me.) As they are presented, the first night, interesting facts are shared about the classmate escort; at the football game its about each of the girls. I can't say how its done at other schools as its been a long while since I've been around other homecoming events but I sure like the way its done at French Camp.

The day after homecoming the French Camp Academy radio station (WFCA) had their big fund raising event that included a silent auction (we didn't "win" anything), a craft fair (bought a few things to help out one of the dorms make a little money), and some live good country gospel music. Too busy looking, bidding, and buying to take pics of the silent auction or craft fair, but I did love relaxing and enjoying some country gospel. My favorite are gospel quartets like this one. 

For those of you who don't know, there is the sweetest couple here at French Camp who always hosts a gathering for the volunteers. Besides the great food and fellowship there is a sing-along led by our host on the dulcimer, the pastor on the guitar, and sometimes (this time) the chief F.C. baker.

I was also blessed to be part (the end part) of the ladies Bible study. That is something I really miss when we aren't in one place long enough to engage in group study of God's Word.

Oh, and in case you are wondering, I did manage to squeeze in some volunteer work time. Besides helping make the harvest garland, I worked in the thrift shop organizing and keeping the book shelves in good order, did some base coats in the pottery shop, and worked in the Admin office with donor data entry (God is so amazing to put me in a place that uses the same donor data entry program that I used for the past 14 years while working for His House Christian Fellowship).

Well that pretty much gives y'all a glimpse of what our October was like. All I can say is that Bill and I thank God every night for this season of our life and what He allows us to do. We are so very blessed!