At the Jamestown to Scotland VA Ferry 

Hear Ye, Hear Ye ! Ashby's Landed !

Established in 1691, George Washington and Lord Cornwallis here in 1781, the Union army was held off in 1862 but now the Ashby’s and a truckload of their goods have arrived safely at the Port of Yorktown VA.
The adventure in moving started July 27th when Tracy and Margaret came back from Asheville NC and started to pack in earnest. Picking up the 20’ Penske truck on Friday July 30 and with the aid of seminary neighbor “DJ” and others we had the truck packed by 2PM.
First drive was south to Asheville NC that took us until about midnight Friday. On Saturday we unloaded a washer and dryer and a sofa for Nick and Tracy and then the caravan continued. We drove from Asheville to Petersburg VA which is south of Richmond VA with Gerald driving the truck, Margaret driving the Ford and Tracy driving the Saab. Sunday morning we completed the drive into Yorktown VA arriving at the apartment around 11am. The apartment manager who let us in greeted us and the unpacking started. Shortly thereafter a member of St. Mark Lutheran’s internship committee who had a carload of really useful groceries joined us. We lived off of these groceries, plates and information for several days as we unpacked. Next to arrive on the scene was a work crew of 7 from the church and the box brigade commenced in earnest. At this point the heavens absolutely opened up and I mean with a LOT of fireworks and noise and about 3 inches of rain in 45 minutes! Needless to say a timeout was called and new/wet friends were made. Unpacking was completed by mid afternoon and we unpacked like crazy until Pastor Erdos (Margaret’s boss) and his family came to take/walk us to dinner.
I forgot to mention that Yorktown is ALL national park and we are in the middle of an actual historical tour site. Our walk to diner was about 4 minutes long going through a little village of the 1700’s to the waterfront of the York River. Fish and burgers and all the local color was enjoyed at the local pub.
Monday August 2nd Margaret went to work and Gerald drove Tracy back to Asheville NC. Tuesday Margaret went to work (begin to get the picture?) and Gerald drove back from Asheville to Yorktown (a good 8 hour drive). Margaret had called me Tuesday to let me know that it was raining a bunch (so what’s new?) as the side affect of hurricane Alex. In true male initiative I came on anyhow and in fact saw about 2 hours less rain on Tuesday than we had seen on Monday when we left.

We have been so warmly welcomed and blessed every step of the way and by every member of the congregation and everyone here in Yorktown. Over the next 2 weeks we will dine individually with the members of the Internship Committee and this Sunday there is a reception for us after the 3rd service (8:15AM, 9:45AM, 11:00AM). Vicar Margaret Ashby will be assisting at all services this Sunday, preaching next Sunday, preaching twice a month (until December- 4 times) and was helping with Vacation Bible School this week.
As of today, Friday, I’ve got all the pictures up, rooms cleaned, checking accounts opened, lights changed and hung, towel bars up and loaded. Now that the basics of the apartment are underway I’ll set to checking out the area and a job next week.

Your assistance, your prayers and your friendship continues to keep us afloat and we are ready to receive guests in our second
(that’s right folks!) bedroom.
Thank you and God bless,

Gerald and Margaret Ashby