Day 4 - Sioux Falls, South Dakota



The day began with a visit to the national monument of Mt. Rushmore. The amazing sculpture of American Presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

Adam and Sophia have virtually no knowledge of American history. So, it was fun for us to go over each of these Presidents - although my own knowledge of this country's history is limited as well. I'm going to try to read some good history books to get caught up to speed with our new home country.

After a couple of hours there, we had to change the oil in the van because the service light was coming on. We found a locally owned garage where the staff was so friendly and helpful, it reminded me of 1950's era service stations where you would pull up for gas and 4 guys would jump out and go over your whole car.

After that it was back on the road. South Dakota looks remarkably similar to Saskatchewan. One big difference is in the large number of billboards advertising everything from Reptile Gardens to down home cooking. It appears quite odd to see miles of farm land interrupted by these garish ads.

All three of the kids displayed an almost un-natural restraint and well being as we rolled over hundreds of miles, yet once again. We have a long drive tomorrow towards Chicago and we plan on leaving earlier. We are staying the weekend in Chicago and are quite excited to explore the city!

Tonight we are in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We are close to both Minneapolis and Iowa, and sort of Nebraska. This is the real heartland of America, the bread basket, the Mid-West. It is not very cosmopolitan. Everyone sort of looks small townish. But, you get a sense that community has not completely evaporated in these small towns and cities. That people still have concern for each other's welfare. That they take care of their own as Bruce Springsteen sings.

This trip through America has shown me that America is bigger that the caricature of ignorance and self absorption that most of the world holds on to.
 America is a mixed bag.
She is eaving behind past ideals forged by religion and civil idealism.
She is remaking herself.
This time of change and transition alarms the traditionalists and excites the progressives.
And into all of this remains the church of Jesus Christ, whose primary mission is neither politics or moralism - but simply the sharing of good news.
Good news that came into fruition during this same week 2000 years ago, and culminated in what Christians remember tomorrow, Good Friday.




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