Maps are dangerous. And wonderful. I ran my mouse over Google Earth toward the east coast of the U.S. looking for a beach destination less developed than what I had found on previous visits to Virginia Beach and perhaps with less driving involved—and definitely with an eye toward Airbnb properties. I landed on the village of Wanchese, on Roanoke Island, North Carolina.
During the rule of England’s first Queen Elizabeth, Roanoke Island became home to colonists (before Jamestown, before Plymouth Rock). They allegedly vanished to an unknown and tragic destiny. Re-supply from England was delayed by war with Spain and their famous armada. Three years later, Governor White (who was also father and grandfather of a couple of the colonists) finally returned only to find the settlement deserted and the letters CRO carved on a tree.
A centuries-old mystery makes for great theater, and the Waterside Theater produces a symphonic musical complete with sailing ships and fantastical puppetry, staged since 1937, based on the Pulitzer-prize winning play by Paul Green. The production earned a Tony Award for theatrical excellence in 2013. On a hot almost-summer night, we enjoyed the pageantry and the music.
But was the lost colony truly lost? Or was history buried? Archeological finds on the nearby island of Hatteras (formerly known as Croatoan) as well as a study of records from the time, say no. For example, why 120 years later were there reports of “blue-eyed Indians” on Hatteras who traded with other colonies and said their ancestors were English?
Peaceful assimilation and interracial families in this country five hundred years ago?
History lessons. Needed.
Hatteras native, Scott Dawson has devoted years of study to the archeological evidence. His book, The Lost Colony and Hatteras Island is on its way to my front door as we speak. Thank you Scott and thank you Amazon.
PRAISES
A young woman has received much-needed medical treatment for grave mental health concerns. We have prayed for her and her family. Prayers continue!
A woman who struggles with cancer celebrated her 83rd birthday and an in-person visit with her daughter. She praises God for her good health and a renewed relationship.
Great travels with my mom this week — praising God for safety and time very well-spent.
Praise God that a young man’s trachea was re-built after being crushed in attempted suicide. Continued prayers for healing.
PRAYERS
A beloved pastor has gone Home, leaving his family to mourn and celebrate at the same time. Blessings.
A woman suffers from intestinal cancer.
A family grieves the loss of their son to suicide.
A woman has been hospitalized with severe internal bleeding.
Prayers for a man who had intestinal surgery—he is under sedation with an open incision for the next few days.
Lord God, we pray for the nations — ours and others— bring your peace and your kingdom, Lord Jesus. We need it so much.
QUESTS
Anybody who has planted anything knows that creating a garden is a quest. In the 1950’s, a garden club in Roanoke, North Carolina undertook the goal of creating a tribute to the plants and culture of Elizabethan England. Seventy five years of cultivation later, the results are well worth an extended visit.
Read about the Elizabethan Garden’s history here.
We enjoyed a stroll in the shade of magnificent live oaks and magnolias and evergreens:
Until next week,
Look at a map. Pick a place. Go. The world becomes a better place when we explore and learn to appreciate unknown places and cultures.
With love,
Jana
p.s. We went to the beach too… but that was on the map.
What’s your favorite garden or beach? Fat Souls want to know!
Loved the photos of the gardens!! Wish I was there right now.
Thanks so much for sharing the Elizabethan garden photos. After a morning of toiling (and sweating!) in my own gardens, it was a joy to take this pictorial visit to a well-established garden.