Coming home

I have a million things to say about Washington, D.C.--maybe more. Let me resort to my stand-by bullet method to summarize (For in-depth analysis and pictures, check out my wife's blog. She's a better writer, she includes pictures and she has music on her blog.):

• There are absolutely no words in my arsenal to convey the movement of heart and depth of appreciation for God's grace that constantly swept over me while (and since) walking in the history that is our Nation's capital. None.



• The founding fathers, even when Christless, led from a profound sense of duty and a passion to serve our country to the death. I was struck with the contrast between those fathers and the circus of rhetoric in Washington today. The day I appreciated George Washington's resignation of his commanding post in the army, and then his resignation from the Presidency (both times to go home to/with his wife, family and farm) was the same day Hillary Clinton was posturing for attention from the media because, after changing her position on driver's licensing for illegal immigrants, she cried "foul" over her opponent's criticism. We used to be led by men (and women) employed over a sense of duty and honor. We are now led by those who can market themselves. Politics has moved from the heights to the depths, approaching even the depths of the celebrity royalty found in Hollywood. This lesson is written everywhere in D.C.



• The marathon was a wonderful experience, but my race time stunk. I am thrilled to have run the Marine Corps Marathon.
  


• Quick snapshots:


• Best single monument: For me, it was Washington. Like it's namesake the Washington Monument stands alone and tall as a symbol against our historical horizon of how we began to become great.



• Don't miss it: I hate to stay on the theme, but, Mount Vernon. The history, the vision, and a picture of a man (Washington) who ordered his private life.



• Bring you to tears (tie): WWII monument, Changing of the Guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, my first sight of the White House from atop Washington Monument.



• Want to, but can't look away: Holocaust Museum.



• It was okay: International Spy Museum



• Better than advertised: Library of Congress (do not miss it!)



• Worse than advertised: Peterson House ("House Where Lincoln Died") Don't go out of your way for this. Biggest plus: it's free.
  



• Bummer: Museum of American History: closed.



• Nice: A bunch of exhibits from MAH on display at Air and Space Museum. I know it's ridiculous, but seeing C3PO--pretty cool.
  



• Unbelievable surprise: The House of Reps (we had a Capital tour) took not one, but two votes on separate issues while we were sitting in the balcony. Thanks, Liesl, for encouraging us to NOT schedule our tour on a Monday!

Okay. That's the man's overview. Now I close with this "we know" capstone: I love being home. I felt a kinship with George Washington (all right, that is a bit of a stretch) as we dipped beneath the clouds in Milwaukee. I looked down over the glum November shore of Lake Michigan with a swell of relief, pride, love and joy in my heart. George temporarily relocated to serve his country, but he couldn't wait to get home.

Me, too.