2Day!

  2day! Today is our second day, hence 2day. Even before we set out, I was nervous leaving the hotel. I am a chronic loser, meaning forgetful of things and not losing of games. I'm not the best organizer so 6 or 7 nights of moving between hotels is going to be hard. I think I made it out okay, but I almost lost my glasses (I don't mean to scare you Mom!). We headed out to church and I had no idea what to expect. I talked to Joey (from City Neighbors) on the bus and we both had this consensus of church and religion as being vaguely important but not really in our lives, which doesnt exactly get one pumped up for a sermon. 

     When I got in there though I think something changed. The church was huge but minimal at the same time, with huge speakers, a massive LED screen and blank walls. I understood the speakers purpose immediately as the choir's music blared out, and it felt overpowering. It moved me more than I expected, and it felt like my body was sort of reacting. It was beautiful, and even more beautiful when you pair it with what came next. The opening music was like a fine delicious wine, and the service itself was like intelligent pasta. Reverend Warnock killed it with his sermon (or speech?). It was what religion should be, a respite from dark times, a hopeful but honest light and welcome to all. He was funny and honest and personal. I loved him, and I felt like I knew him. He was like a more honest politician without a monied agenda (although there was plenty of times and ways to give). Joey and I both thought that if he went to church near us, we would join. 

     The rest of the day was productive, but it just was different. I had never been to a church service before and it was such a way to start. We walked around Dr. King's birth area and it was great but I found it hard to bring it back to him. I just saw a house, a visitor center. I did love both of them though and I thought they were well curated. We next met with Andrew Young which was amazing. He's a wonderful man who really actually came off as the perfect diplomat. Nice pick Jimmy Carter! The Atlanta Civil Rights Meusuem was next, which was so well done and a great idea to have in a touristy area. It was cool to see World of Coca Cola and The Aquarium rub up along side this muesuem. Good for Atlanta. The counter simulation was an obivous shocker, and I'm sure a lot of people have a lot to say about it. I was also impressed by the muesuem's focus on individuals and thier impact on the movement with thier lives or deaths. 

     Lastly, we got some dinner at a pretty good bbq place and headed to Super 8. The hotel is so nice! My theory is that it's owned by Wyndham, which owns like a million chains and has been redoing all of their places. It's lovely, with easy WiFi and a super thin TV (!!) Here is a pic of Gabe and I who are sharing a bed (Tyrese has his own bed tonight.) Anyway, that's all I'll say for today, which is crazy because I wrote so much and their is so much I didn't cover. It really does speak to the volume of information we take in either from museums or just interesting conversation. See y'all tomorrow! (I'm picking up the Alabama lingo. Haha.)