The Unexpected Amazing Day!!!

The day we had planned out for today, is not the day that we actually ended up carrying through. Thank goodness for people's flexabilty and willingness to do something that is probably way better than the plan! We started out the morning at Ebeneezer Baptist for their 8am church service. It was really good and inspiring. The preacher talked about how we all have abilty, responsiblity and how we also must have availablity. This really struck a chord with me and all the times I am too busy to take advantage of the things that I should do or ways I can be helpful.

Then, I went on a tour of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthhome. It was pretty sureal to walk around that house and thing of this little boy who lived there who is now my inspiration! The tour guide had lots of stories that helped us remember that he was a normal little kid just like all of us were at one point in time.

Then, here is where the day got interesting . . . We found out that we would have the opportunity to see Congressman John Lewis speak at the King Center. We decided that we would rather do that than make it to Birmingham early enough to make it the museum here tonight, so we had a little extra time. We also knew that Rev. Joseph Lowery, who delivered the benediction at President Obama's Inauguration was the preacher for the 11am church service. Most of us headed back to church to hear him speak. He talked about how whenever we have a big event (birthday, anniversary, inauguration) we have the chance to start over. He said after being at the inauguration he sees a new heaven and a new earth! It was pretty amazing.

Then we headed over to the King Center to hear Congressman Lewis. He told his story of how he got involved in the Civil Rights Movement, how he met Dr. King, and how he has felt this very historical year. It was so hard/moving to listen to him talk about being in Selma protesting for voting rights and being beaten on "Bloody Sunday."

I am so thankful for this incredible day. I love this trip.