Happy Fourth

This morning I was doing a little online research on the Declaration of Independence, inspired by its 232nd anniversary today, and learned some interesting facts relating Holland with the States. Apparently the "Act of Abjuration" - which was Holland's declaration of independence from Spain in 1581 - is eerily similar to our very own Declaration. (You can read it here)

There is no apparent historical evidence that Jefferson used the Act of Abjuration as a model, but John Adams had this to say: “the originals of the two Republics are so much alike that the history of one seems but a transcript from that of the other.”

I also learned that the seven arrows in the lion's left claw in the Republic of the United Provinces' (i.e. Holland's) coat of arms which represented the seven united provinces, was a model for the thirteen arrows in the eagle's left claw in the US Great Seal. (At least, that's what wikipedia tells me)

So be thankful for our Dutch brethren for paving the way as you're stuffing yourself silly and enjoying fireworks tonight...

A QUICK TEAM UPDATE: The Pickerills and Brooke have their plane tickets! Eric and Connor are flying out on July 30th (only 26 days from now!), and Julia, Lucas and Gloria will by leaving a few days later on August 2nd. Brooke's flight is on August 18th. Crazy to think that we'll be in the air less than a month and a half after that. Please be praying for the Pickerill family and Brooke as they finish their last few days State-side...finalizing details and saying goodbyes.

Cheers for now,
John