Sunday, May 25, 2014
Betty Thompson has a story. The 67 year old has always wanted to go to the Redwood Forests of California to see the gargantuan trees that her father helped maintain while he worked as part of the conservation corps. There is, however, one slight problem that has kept Betty from fulfilling that dream; she is confined to a wheelchair. To see the sunlight filtering through the tall trees seemed out of reach for Betty until the congregation at Oakhurst Baptist Church, the church where Betty has attended services for decades, stepped in. Over the past few months they have raised the funds and put together the logistics to get Betty from Atlanta to California with a small entourage so that she can finally see those majestic giants that have stood the test of time. I had the privilege on Sunday of hanging out with Betty and meeting some of the people who made her trip happen. It was a wonderful morning and Betty was more than excited to show me around and introduce me. Betty leaves June 18 and will be gone for eight days traveling up the California coast and into the National Redwood Forest.
Betty Thompson (right) communicates with pastor Melanie Vaughn-West before worship service begins at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur on Sunday, May 25, 2014.
Betty Thompson (right) communicates with pastor Melanie Vaughn-West before worship service begins at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur on Sunday, May 25, 2014.
Betty Thompson (right) visits with some of the youth at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur before worship service begins on Sunday, May 25, 2014.
Betty Thompson answers questions from some of the youth at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur before worship service begins on Sunday, May 25, 2014.
Betty Thompson (left) uses a letter board to talk with Dee Ann Dozier and Elise Phillips before worship service begins at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur on Sunday, May 25, 2014.
Betty Thompson (right) uses a letter board to talk with Elise Phillips and Dee Ann Dozier before worship service begins at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur on Sunday, May 25, 2014.
Betty Thompson (center) communicates with Jackie Dial (left) before worship service begins at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur on Sunday, May 25, 2014.
Betty Thompson (right) gives Mark Reeve a hug before worship service at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur on Sunday, May 25, 2014.
Betty Thompson (left) participates in worship service at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur on Sunday, May 25, 2014.
Betty Thompson (left) listens during worship service at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur on Sunday, May 25, 2014.
Betty Thompson (left) sings a hymn during worship service at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur on Sunday, May 25, 2014.
Betty Thompson listens to a sermon by pastor Melanie Vaughn-West during worship service at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur on Sunday, May 25, 2014.