Historic

After leaving New York, we slowed down the pace a little bit as we headed toward our nation’s capital. Our next destination was the home of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. To stand in the very hall where 56 men staked their lives on the idea of democracy with their signatures was humbling.

To see the Liberty Bell and so many other reminders of our nation’s beginning was a dream come true.

Next, we spent some time at Valley Forge and were reminded again of the incredible price that was paid by so many in the founding of this amazing place we call the United States of America. Valley Forge in the Spring of 2008 was very pleasant, but we could only imagine how desperate the conditions must have been in the Winter of 1775.

On arriving in our nation’s capital our first impression was of the quality of the travel in the city. The subways were the primary NYC transportation. Not really the place you wanted to be at night, but a local cultural experience, and we do mean experience, with nothing to compare it to until….the Metro in DC. At every stop there were actually people stationed there to guide you through the process of how to get a card and what to do with it. Underground stops were spacious and very open in comparison with the dank, hot clammy subway air of NYC. Reading the maps and finding destinations was quick and easy to learn, another sharp contrast. We applaud the DC area for its public transportation.

Wondering where we actually traveled too? Well… once in DC, it was on to the Mall, of course, taking in some of the Smithsonians we hadn’t seen before, also seeing the Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and World War II memorials. All were beautifully imposing, accomplishing exactly what they were created to do, drawing you to them by their powerfully unique designs, to remind you of the great things accomplished through the lives and the sacrifices of these amazing people. We also took in the Supreme Court and the Newsium which were all fascinating.

One of our favorite places was the Jefferson Library in the Library of Congress. It was awesome to realize that at one time he personally possessed the largest library in the nation. His vast thirst for knowledge included areas such as literature, the arts, architecture, philosophy, history, law, science, etc. However Rob and I found an area they neglected to mention---Theology. His gathering of commentaries, Latin dictionaries, Bibles, and theological studies available in his time was remarkable. Thomas Jefferson valued knowledge, including the knowledge of God and His Word which led to wisdom. Inspirational!

By now you’ve guessed that we survived the 4 tornadoes that hit the area. We never lost our electricity, though some residents around us were still waiting for theirs for over 24 hours after the storms. We watched the rain come down in torrents from inside Union Station one afternoon as the wrath of the storm beat against the windows. It was a great place to sit safely, have dessert and read a good book.

On Sunday we were in the Harrisonburg 1st Church of the Nazarene. Kerry and Kim Willis pastor there, and it was wonderful to be in worship with them and to hear the stories of how God is at work. They are doing some amazing things in their own unique way.

We continue to pray for all of you and miss you all very much. We are feeling the tug of Bakersfield increasing as we now start moving west this week starting our way back toward home.

The journey continues… blessings!!!

Rob and Debie