J.O.Y. 2005 Trip Journal #1

Tuesday 26 July 2005

Hot!  It’s hot in Washington, D.C.  The rumor is that today’s heat index will be about 105.  It was just about the same way yesterday when we finally, finally, finally got off the bus.

The bus trip was very good, and very long.  We navigated the complicated waters of bus changes in Chicago and Cleveland including an exploration of just how much chaos is too much in Chicago when we couldn’t figure out if we were supposed to be in line 7 or line 8, or perhaps both.  Still, despite the changes and several quick stops along the way we all got at least a little sleep, we met some new people, we helped out a woman and her three children by looking after the kids while she got a much deserved break and we helped a woman in Cleveland who was having a very hard time.

When we finally arrived in D.C., we began what looks on the map to be a very short walk to our hotel.  Well, looks are deceiving.  It is a short walk except that it’s up hill and it was 100 degrees.  We’ve had a couple of scratches and two blisters, a little sunburn, but otherwise we’re rebounding quite well from the experience.

We had lots of pizza in our beautifully air conditioned hotel rooms last night for dinner and some even splashed about in the pool.

Today we’re off to the National Mall – alas there is no shopping there, only grass and museums and the buildings that house our government.  We’re going to see the Hirshhorn art museum & gallery, the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History including the insect zoo!  We’ll also walk by the capitol building, the White House and the Supreme Court.

Tomorrow we’ll be working with John M’akwalu helping him with some of the problems facing his church and their building.  In the afternoon we’ll see some of the monuments and memorials along the Mall and tour Arlington National Cemetery in the early evening.

Everyone is well and we’ll find out in about 15 minutes when they’re here for morning prayer if they’re rested as well.

Peace, Pastor Moira