Flat Stanley with Durham Cathedral
Last weekend a special visitor arrived in Durham. He came in an envelope with a return address of North Point Elementary School. As I opened it, I was surprised to see a little boy inside. As I read the accompanying letter, I saw that my son Austin had sent me his little friend, Flat Stanley. Flat Stanley was just a regular boy until, one day, a bulletin board fell on him and flattened him out! While this might seem bad, there are some advantages, including his ability to travel all over the world in mailed envelopes.
As Flat Stanley’s host in Durham, my job was to show him around town, teach him a little about our community, and send him back to North Point with photos and information on Durham and the area. During our time together, we visited the marketplace, tourist information center, and — of course — Durham Cathedral. We had a great time, and I was sorry to see him go. But, I hope that the students at North Point find the photos and information about Durham interesting. Perhaps, someday, some of them will even come to visit Durham themselves.
As I’ve been away from my family for over a month now, I also had several moments where I wished that they were flat like Stanley… that way they could just arrive here in the mail like he did, and I could see them much sooner. But, now they will be here in just over a week. I can’t wait to see them!
Flat Stanley with sculpture of Monks bringing Venerable Bede to Durham
Close-up of Stanley with Venerable Bede Sculpture
Flat Stanley with City of Durham Sign
Tags: austin, Durham, Flat Stanley, North Point
November 8th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
You know, i remember something like that when i was in elementary school. it was either a story or someone actually made a “flat person” and sent it in the mail to a person and see if you got it back. hope things are good there.
November 8th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Hi Tom,
Thanks for reading and commenting. You probably read the book “Flat Stanley.” It came out in the mid 1960’s, so it’s possible this is what you remember. It’s also not that unusual for schools or people who read the book to try sending their own flat people out.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Yep! Thats Flat Stanley!
November 17th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I was curious if your other special visitors have arrived yet or not?? I was praying a LOT for your family’s trip over yesterday and today. I’ll keep praying for your family and all the adjustments to a new place! =)
November 24th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Hi Michelle, thanks for commenting. Yes, my other visitors have arrived… they’ve been here for a week now, and it’s been really nice to have them. It’s been busy as well, that’s why there haven’t been any updates on the blog. We’ll try keeping them coming now though. Thanks for the prayers too… we can always use those!