Berea, KY

Yesterday we hit the road early. With a few stops along the way, the bus arrived in Berea, Kentucky. We enjoyed walking around and seeing the beautiful town. Our ladies had the chance to go on a historical tour or a tour of craft making at the college. The Berea Collage is very unique. The students there don't pay any tuition, but instead make crafts and work at local shops to pay for their schooling. We stayed at the Historic Boone Tavern and enjoyed a lovely supper there. With full stomachs, we all headed to bed to get ready for our early day ahead. Today we are on the road again heading to Arcola/Arthur, IL! 

 

 The wood shop at the Berea Arts and Craft College

 Checking out broom making

Even the photographer gets her picture taken.

 Taking a break in the beautiful town of Berea, KY

 The Historic Boone Tavern

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and we have a lot of pictures! It was the day everybody has been waiting for, the day we deliver 1207 quilts to soldiers who have fought for our freedom. There were many stories, handshakes, and hugs shared, and it will be a day many will not forget. Many of the soldiers were surprised of not only how much time is put into the quilts, but the love and care put into each stich. Many hands have touched the quilts, but there are many hearts behind each one as well.

 

After our mission was complete at Fort Bragg, we were again invited to the Hope Mills American Legion Post 32 for supper. It was great to have the Depth of North Carolina Adjutant Frank Stancil, along with many others from the North Carolina American Legion. We were also blessed with the presence of Sandra and Donald Holland, the North Carolina Coordinators for Quilts of Valor. Sandra and Donald have been so overwhelmed to fulfill over 480 requests for quilts, so it was very gratifying to help them out with quilts made from the Ottertail County Quilts of Valor. 

 

Many of our quilters also got a special treat yesterday. One of our quilters had the opportunity to spend some time with her family that lives in North Carolina. We also had another quilter whose son is stationed at Fort Bragg. It was our honor to present him with a Quilt of Valor.

 

 We had a tour of the 820 Airborne Museum

 Our load of 1207 quilts

 We had a lot of helpful hands unloading the quilts

 Even our Bus Driver Randy joined in on the fun!

 

 This soldier took the time to find the perfect quilt for his 6 month old son.

 We also presented Harvey Stewert, Commander of American Legion Post 32 with a Quilt of Valor.

 

 Jenny with Sandra Holland, North Carolina Coordinator of Quilts of Valor

 We have the best bus drivers!

 Our quilters reading thank you cards sent to the soldiers from children