We were much more relaxed today because we weren't going far today. The stress-free beginning continued. We went to the Billy Graham library under clear, sunny skies. We went through the house that "Billy Frank" lived in from the time he was 9 years old until he was 19.
Then we went to visit the grave of Ruth Graham. It was very moving and humbling time. The epitaph read, "End of construction, thank you for your patience."
The doors that lead into the library are at the bottom of a huge glass cross. The foyer is beautifully done in rustic, barnyard style. From the first we were told the library is about Jesus, not Billy.
A very real looking cow told us about his early years and his integrity. The animation was so realistic. From there we watched a video by Franklin Graham thanking us for coming and encouraging us to enjoy the museum.
There were a number of rooms and our guide gave many tidbits and it was all Christ centered. There was such a peace and calmness while there - so glad we went.
After some lunch, wandered to the site of James Polk's childhood home. It is interesting that we don't hear a lot about Polk. He was the 11th President, he served one term and he left office in 1849. 13 years later - 1861 - Abraham Lincoln became president. There were four presidents between the two. He was the president remembered for fulfilling the Manifest Destiny.
OK history buffs do you remember what Manifest Destiny was? We didn't either so we looked it up. It was - our words - that not only could America expand from sea to sea but that it should. Polk ensured that Oregon Territory - bigger than the state is now - would be part of the United States and not Mexico. Fascinating what all happened during his four years.
He died within a year of leaving office at the age of 53. It was said he worked very long hours as president.
Anyway the site was where he was born. In 1795 the houses weren't very impressive. Back then the kitchen wasn't even attached to the rest of the house - so much for late night snacks. Of course there wasn't any indoor plumbing either - talk about bare bones.
We were ready to go home and try to process all the information. Sue fixed a wonderful taco soup. We played Rumicube and Sequence. Great fun and fellowship.
At James Polk's birth place memorial
After some lunch, wandered to the site of James Polk's childhood home. It is interesting that we don't hear a lot about Polk. He was the 11th President, he served one term and he left office in 1849. 13 years later - 1861 - Abraham Lincoln became president. There were four presidents between the two. He was the president remembered for fulfilling the Manifest Destiny.
OK history buffs do you remember what Manifest Destiny was? We didn't either so we looked it up. It was - our words - that not only could America expand from sea to sea but that it should. Polk ensured that Oregon Territory - bigger than the state is now - would be part of the United States and not Mexico. Fascinating what all happened during his four years.
He died within a year of leaving office at the age of 53. It was said he worked very long hours as president.
Anyway the site was where he was born. In 1795 the houses weren't very impressive. Back then the kitchen wasn't even attached to the rest of the house - so much for late night snacks. Of course there wasn't any indoor plumbing either - talk about bare bones.
We were ready to go home and try to process all the information. Sue fixed a wonderful taco soup. We played Rumicube and Sequence. Great fun and fellowship.
Billy Graham Library
