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We made it to Des Moines, Iowa, last night just in time for dinner with our
hosts, the Nichols family. Today, Mary took us out to a tasty lunch in
the East Village in downtown Des Moines to Lucca's, a delicious place for
sandwiches and pasta. (8/23) |
Jess and Lindsay work on Lindsay's homework assignment: covering all her
text books with brown paper bags. Maybe Elena could lend a hand... |
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Good job Elena! |
Josh could sell an umbrella on a sunny day with that smile! |
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Today was our "Day with Wayne," the
first "Lutheran" we met way back when at the Four Corners National Monument.
He took us around greater Des Moines. First stop: The Lutheran Church
of Hope, the place that started it all! (By "all," I mean the Navajo
Mission trip, but I'm sure you knew that.) |
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The Lutheran Church of Hope |
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Inside one of the chapels of the church |
The gym in the church, the site of the Sunday morning breakfast service |
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Pastor Pat (right) gave Wayne and us a tour of the construction area of the
ever-expanding Church of Hope. |
If we thought this place was big before... |
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Here's a fact: Hardhats required on this tour! |
Could be a new look for Jonathan... or maybe not |
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After leaving the church, we met up with good ol' Lynn at his home away from
home, Freedom for Youth, where he's working on getting things ready, like
this computer room, for at-risk youth. There was also an auto repair
shop and a welding shop. |
The rain continued throughout most of the day. |
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Wayne |
Lynn |
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Elena |
Elena enjoying lunch at Palmers |
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Next stop: the Capitol Building in Des Moines! |
The wall of honor |
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We didn't make models like THIS when we were kids! |
Bell from the USS Iowa, 1943 |
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The dome of the capitol is under construction (or restoration). This
is the underside of the dome seen through the scaffolding. |
The senate room |
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The senate room with tourists |
The senate room with tourists and a real senator, State Senator Staci Appel
of the 37th District (to learn
more about Staci, visit her
website) |
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The law library in the capitol. We love the cool staircase in the
back. |
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"This is a 14th century hand-lettered book and was copied before the time of
the printing press. It is written in Latin on vellum (calf skin or
sheep skin). Books like this one were used in medieval church services
during the singing or chanting of a hymn or psalm between alternating choirs
(antiphonal singing)." |
"Printed in 1539, this is the oldest book in the law library's collection." |
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Seating chart of representatives
by district |
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Next stop on our Day with Wayne:
Sticks, a store with unusual finely crafted furniture and then some. |
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Jonathan and Santa - like two
peas in a pod! |
Elena in a tree-chair |
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Next stop with Wayne:
Gong Fu Tea |
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The co-owner, Mike (not
pictured), told us of how he and his partner started this tea house, the
story of which is on their website |
Various teas available to sample
of their fine aroma |
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The Budding Jasmine: "This
hand-tied presentation tea from Fujian Province, China, is crafted from
select white tea leaves that have been triple-scented with the aroma of
fresh-picked jasmine blossoms. Its showy nature is further enhanced by the
addition of a chrysanthemum blossom that has been carefully enveloped in the
tea allowing it to "bloom" while the tea steeps. A perfect centerpiece for a
special occasion." |
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The chrysanthemum blossom begins
to bloom as the tea steeps |
The chrysanthemum blossom in full
bloom as the teas has been drunk by thirsty tourists (i.e., us). |
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After our way-cool Day with
Wayne, we met an old friend, Dina, for dinner at Cool Basil |
After dinner, Dina and us |
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Dina and Oddie (not sure of the
spelling) |
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A message to our good friend,
Dina's sister Micki... |
...thanks for tuning in! |
