What a ride!

In the village of Big Canoe in Atlanta, Georgia I was invited to discuss my future plans and projects with a group of friends among whom the village pastor. We talked about World-Wide Hearing and the deafblind communication project. This was, of course, followed by the inevitable politics and discussions about the visits of wild bears.

Shannandoa
Leaving Atlanta we drove along the main Shannandoa route North through Virginia with the Blue Mountains in the distance.

Next day we crossed into Pennsylvania on the way to Akron where I had friends. We write every year, but the last time we met was 21 years ago.

Amish
Paul and Rebecca with their daughter could not have been kinder and were typical examples of the Mennonite hospitality. Being curious about the Amish culture and its Dutch roots through Menno Siemonszn and the flight of the Anabaptists (doopsgezinden), we also visited an Amish tourist village. While there Rene helped me write an epitaph for my future tomb stone (written on a tea towel). Better not to postpone such things ;-) :

"Life’s journey is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting 'Holy Cow, What a ride!'"

My dear brother Roger would have agreed, and he was ready when his beloved Master called him home to his new mansion. His tomb stone reads: 'Moved to new location' (Dutch: 'Verhuisd').

George Washington 
Late afternoon we reached Washington DC in the pouring rain. We went to Historic Christ Church in Alexandria, Washington. This is the famous Episcopal Church of George Washington of old where I had preached on previous occasions. Unfortunately all my old contacts had gone.

Abraham Lincoln
Friday we met some old friends and visited the famous Washington sites. I was particularly struck, again, by the memorial of Abraham Lincoln and his speeches.

Br. Andrew