One Year Ago
Jun 6th, 2009 by Lyn Hanush
GAP WALK JOURNALS - IV
Thursday June 5, 2008 Day 91 0.0 miles
Total North Carolina miles - 133.2 Walking Days - 41
Accumulative miles 605.2
We got a late start today - it’s kind of a vicious cycle - late nights of visiting with people, too tired to start early - late start in the morning - not getting my journal done at night because I’m too tired to think, so I have to do it in the morning, etc. etc.
In spite of the late start it was a great day. We went into the city and had lunch at an international food court. Then we got back on the metro and went to Arlington National Cemetery. The tour was about an hour and a half or more, and we were able to get off at the Kennedy eternal flame site, and the Tomb of the Unknowns (no longer the Unknown Soldier in order to be more inclusive of all the services). The changing of the guard was an impressive ceremony, then we also got to watch a couple of wreath laying ceremonies there by two different school groups. This was even more impressive than the changing of the guard. What an honor for the four students from each of these schools who participated.
Lois drove back today, and took the metro to meet us at Arlington Visitors Center when we finished the tour. The kids went into the gift shop and purchased some souvenirs (very good choices) while Dave and I sat and rested. Then I noticed a man pushing his wife in a wheelchair. His shirt talked of their church and love for God. I can’t remember just what it said now, but I knew who they served by the shirt. Naturally I went over and talked with them, and he told me there was a long story to go with the shirt. I told him I had a few minutes, so he told me the amazing story of their 9-month old church (I think that is the right age) and the reach-out ministry they have in Kentucky. A large group of them came to Washington DC together to tour and pray.
Nick and Nancy were delightful people, and we parted with the assurance that we would be praying for each other. We also parted knowing that our encounter was ordained by God and not just a coincidence - another one of those God-incidences that I love.
As we walked to the metro station the five of us stopped to pray - especially for our men and women in the military. How awesome it is to pray in this city with my husband and grandchildren. What a joy, a privilege, and an honor.
We took the metro back to our cars. Kitty rode with Lois, and JonMichael rode with Dave and me. Then we left Lady Mag at a parking lot part way back to the hotel in order to ride on together to my nephew’s place for dinner. Dale was still at work when we arrived at about 7:45, but we enjoyed a picnic dinner with Diane and Bethany at a picnic table outside their place in a joint park area. What a beautiful time of the evening - nice and cool after a very hot, humid day.
Then we visited inside until Dale came home, and had some time with him. We were all very tired, and finally had to say good-night. Lois took us back to Lady Mag, then Dave and I stopped for gas for the poor girl (she was getting pretty low). Back at the hotel Dave and I moved our stuff to our other room, and Lois is the adult in the room with Kitty and JonMichael now. It’s a good set-up for all of us.
And since I’m writing this on Friday morning, it is now time for us to eat some breakfast and head out on another day in Washington DC.
