How did the breadfruit tree travel from Tahiti to the West Indies? How many trees were brought to the West Indies? What year?

This is the story of the mutiny on the "Bounty." It is also the story of Fletcher Christian and Pitcairns Island.

Visit Pitcairn Island's virtual mall
http://www.lareau.org/pitcmall.html

Mother's Day

It has always been a bit awkward being wished a Happy Mother's Day, not being a mother and all. But people's good wishes for the day gave me a different feeling this year. This is my first Mother's Day without my mom. It felt strange not to send her a card and flowers. I wanted to call her and talk to her for hours. I would mostly talk; she would mostly listen.

Mom has gone ahead, and though I don't know what heaven will be like, I hope that she is the first to greet me and that we can pick up our conversation where we left off. Thankfully, we'll have eternity to talk.

Gender Bender

March 28, 2009

I was wondering when this question would start appearing on forms. I came across it today for the first time on a website for MSWord users.

http://word.tips.net/questions.html

What is your gender?
Male
Female
Unsure

Matthew Fontaine Maury

Pathfinder of the Seas, Father of Modern Oceanography (1806 - 1873)

Have you ever wondered how a novice from the Canary Islands could set sail for the Americas and make landfall? Have you ever wondered how Pacific Islanders could navigate long distances between islands? Have you ever wondered how Capt Bligh's skiff made its way from Tahiti to the Dutch East Indies?

Guided by Psalm 8 and blessed with a career-threatening leg injury, Lt. Matthew Maury, the first superintendent of the US Naval Observatory, mapped the Earth's ocean currents and wind patterns. Sailors used his research findings to shorten the length of their voyages and explorers discovered the Northwest Passage.

Matthew Maury was instrumental in founding the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Maury Hall, which houses the department of Engineering, is named for him.

Read more about Matthew Maury at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_F._Maury

thrill:chill

exploring WebCT/Blackboard:grade conferences

Fiji

2011

Remembrances from Friends & Family

I loved Helen - her graciousness, her smile. I called her "frenchie" because she always wore a French beret and a sparkle.

I had a collection myself and she dared me to wear one on Sundays.

I teased her often about sitting on the bench outside the sanctuary waiting for a cup of coffee from her "boyfriend" - Charlie.

I would meet Charlie in the Fellowship Room and remind him of our collective mission and see who got back to the bench first. She touched a lot of our lives - as a Christian.

Carol De Rosa

Helen asked me to teach a class on women and their Christian rights, obligations, and blessings. After that three class course she kept nudging me back into the life of Woods - which has brought me many joys over the years.

Faye Daniel

I recall in 1968 when I returned with my children from some time spent in the U.K. - and without my wife Sheila - that Helen was the first and only person to call and ask if she could help in any way. As it happened this was not really possible, but I very much valued her kindness. This remains a strong memory with me to this day, and I remain very thankful to her.

Michael Cross

When we moved to Severna Park, Helen was beginning her stint as Church Secretary. However, she was first and foremost a Christian Educator. She enjoyed sharing remembrances with me of prominant Christian Educators from her work with the former Presbyterian Church (PCUS) in the South.

She carried her interest in Christian Education when no longer employed as such, to her volunteer work on the Adult Education Committee at Woods which is how I came to her best. She was never without opinions and fresh ideas for that program. Of course, she served Woods in many other ways and will be sorely missed by all of us.

Nancy Searles

I always looked for Helen sitting on the bench on the narthex of the sanctuary. And if she sat in the sanctuary it was always to the left as you entered.

She was always easy to spot - with her little "cap-on-head" - it really didn't matter where she sat! There was always a smile on her face - a bit wrinkled but always there.

She was a "benchmark" for all - cheerful to speak to. She was a mile-marker! She has finished her work and gone home to rest! Thanks be to God for her life with us and for us.

Maynard Huddleston

Helen has always been a part of Woods Quilters for many years. But long after she was quilting, she enjoyed coming to our monthly meetings to enjoy the fellowship with the group

Liz Pringle

The smile under the hat was always a welcome memory with each trip home! I always look for her the minute I enter the sanctuary!

Love you!

Margaret Borland Hopkins

I always knew Helen Phelps as Zara's grandmother and my grandmother's dear friend. I was Zara's college roommate and teammate and got to know Mrs. Phelps when she would come to visit Richmond and support Zara when she would come to our games. She always had a smile on her face and was so happy to be with her family. It was really neat for me to hear all these stories about Mrs. Phelps from her friends and family because I have realized how many of her traits she passed on to my best friend Zara - her passion to learn, the importance of education, her faith and goal to spread God's Word. And even as one member stated her mischeviousness, she will always be remembered.

Erin Kennedy

OMG - What can I say? A lovely lovely Sweet Heart in every way!

Susan Luck

Several years ago Helen and I decided to go to a nursing home north of Baltimore somewhere to take Tish Jackens out for lunch. The staff didn't seem to happy with what we were doing but did go along. With me pushing the wheel chair and Helen pulling the large oxygen tank–this was before the small ones existed I guess–the staff helped us get Tish in the car. When we got to the restaurant we were on our home but we did manage to get her into the restaurant and back to the home safety On the way home we decided that we wouldn't do anything like that again and realized why the staff was so discomforted by 2 old ladies taking another old lady out for lunch

I could always call on Helen when ever I needed help ie Choir School, Circle leader, substitute for bridge etc. I will really miss her. When ever I went over to visit she was always interested in what every one else was doing and was so stoic about her deteriorating condition. She will be sorely missed especially by me.

Jean Parker

Helen was always supportive wherever there was a need - I remember her helping phone for a new church Ash Dove and teaching there when she knew there was need of support even though there was no tie.

She always had a nice smile and welcomed discourse and had a sympathetic ear. A more loving and giving Christian would be hard to find. I particularly appreciated her support during a stressful time in my life. I enjoyed her points of view in the book club. She kept everyone grounded. Wonderful blessing!

She should have been cloned! I feel privileged to have traveled with her!

Polly Wilson

Helen and I became Elders back in the early days when women weren't usually asked to serve.

We also served in many efforts together - Bazaar, Women's Guild. We played bridge together and she said "It is obvious that Marjorie plays by her own rules" but we loved each other very much.

Our last effort together was to share the Monday morning telephone duty in the church office.

She was a saint.

Marjorie Holt

I remember Helen talking about her days at Queens College when she dated boys from Davidson, where our daughter went. She always had a twinkle in her eye - so upbeat - it always made me feel better to see here on Sunday mornings.

Bill Daniel