Last week, we ventured to the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter in Kentucky.
Brodie was in his cinematic element documenting the whole experience, loving every minute!
Our time at the Ark was completely awe-inspiring!
And we loved watching him take it all in.
...as we tried to do the same ourselves.
The grandeur of the Ark, its sheer size and extraordinary beauty were absolutely breathtaking!
In seeing the Ark from the parking area, then taking the tram to the exhibit, it's difficult/impossible
to grasp the magnitude and gorgeous weathered patina of the wood...until getting a closer look.
Once we had slowly acclimated through the emotional response to the external impact,
we made our way to the entrance through lush landscaping that captivated the girls.
The colors, the fullness, the uniqueness, the music, the rustic posts overhead...
It was all extremely well done and Olia has never not stopped to be wowed by the flowers.
Before we boarded the Ark, we took a moment to remember...
(Brodie's all time favorite)
Next, we walked up the ramp and boarded the Ark as the crackle of thunder
behind music that moved gave us a hint at what was ahead.
Then it happened...
We entered, not knowing what was waiting for us inside...a multi-sensory experience and intimate encounter with God. It was dark and loud as the simulated rain, thunder, squall crashed overhead and all around the wooden walls. The smells were musty, the awareness of the fright that may have tempted Noah and his family to waffle on their mission was felt. But knowing they pressed on to what they'd been called to in the midst of the storm of all storms and the destruction of the creation that chose sin inspired our hearts to do the same and I just prayed there in the dark. It was a completely overwhelming and spiritual experience for us to imagine all that Noah and his family must have gone through. To stand in their shoes in the smallest of ways and ask ourselves what we would be willing to do for our God was challenging and important.
(having a moment here)
Our entry left an impact and continues to.
In moving through the first section, after taking our time in the dark, I was immediately struck by something else I hadn't expected and quickly called my family over to see if they had noticed the same.
I asked them for the 1 word that they would think of when taking in our initial surroundings on the Ark.
Order.
They got it.
They saw.
How could they not? It was so obvious. There was a palpable sense of God's creative order displayed in every corner of the replica of the Ark. It was tangible and noticeable and I don't know why our minds conjure up imagery of animals here there and everywhere or in makeshift stalls on the Ark, but to consider that it was God who designed every element, employing Noah to execute His plan, should bring us then no surprise to assume that since He is a God of order and all of His creation is intelligently designed that of course, the Ark would be likewise. And the exhibit portrayed that beautifully down to the details of the numerous cages and waterers, food storage, and even aesthetics.
A completely wooden structure, it was architecturally simply beautiful both inside and out.
(the door)
As we made our way through the museum, we saturated in the triumph of the gospel and what was accomplished on the cross through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and His ultimate conquering over the sin that had wrecked the perfect world God created.
It was spiritually edifying and deeply encouraging.
We walked through history to see God's love for the world.
And how He used 1 man, Noah, and his family to accomplish His purpose through the flood.
And 1 man, Jesus, to save the whole world from sin once and for all.
After taking it all in, we walked around outside to the zoo area and explored more of the grounds.
Our hearts were full, having not only seen with our eyes, but experienced something that moved us.
We will never forget the Ark.
"By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen,
in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household.
By this he condemned the world and became an heir
of the righteousness that comes by faith."
Hebrews 11:7
"And Noah did all that the Lord had commanded him."
Genesis 7:5
