What I Did On My Summer Vacation

May 11, 2019

All,

On Wednesday, I embarked on a journey that will take me across America and back.  It is more than a journey of scenic and educational discovery.  It is also a spiritual journey intended to help me reconnect with America’s soul. I have found myself at times becoming jaded and cynical, triggered by many of the same things you are. Thomas Pynchon wrote in Crying of Lot 49  “cynicism is death.”  Forever the optimist, I certainly do not want to fall prey to the grip of cynicism.  Hence an important part of why I decided to take this trip.  I’m hoping that besides having fun, I will come away with a renewed sense of appreciation of America and a clear idea of what I can do for our country.    

With no firm itinerary, I am meandering across the United States, following a southern route west and northern route on return.  I have no fixed date for any city, historical place, or nature setting. Think John Steinbeck’s Travels with Charlie.  If anyone would like to meet me along the way, let me know. A couple people have already expressed an interest.  I will be sharing my experiences and observations in the form of “a letter from the road.”  I’m anticipating that the mix of everything including witnessing the crisis at our southern boarder, retracing the freedom trail, visiting presidential libraries, sauntering through galleries and the spontaneous interaction with people along the way, will both shape the journey and my spirit.     

Every journey needs bookends.  Ideally, something provocative at the outset and something reflective at its conclusion. In my case, my first stop is at Liberty University where I just attended the graduation ceremony of my cousin.  The commencement address was delivered by Vice President Pence. The concluding bookend should find me at Jimmy Carter’s Sunday school class in Plains, Georgia. I’d like to take credit for the originality of the idea of two evangelical Christians with differing political views serving as my bookends.  Truth be told, they fell into my lap.  Serendipitous or Devine intervention?  

I promise not to inundate you with volumes of “Letters from the Road.”  In fact, this will be the only letter in email form.  Shortly you will be invited to join my blog for updates.  Feel free to engage in a conversation as the trip unfolds. I’ll provide a rough idea of where I’m headed next with each letter.  If you have a recommendation for lodging, a site to see, or a person to meet, let me know.  

No trip is without its mishaps.  As I was leaving Washington, a metropolitan bus backed into my car crushing the front bumper.  My car is now at the body shop being repaired which means I will be doubling back to DC to return the rental for my own set of wheels and then heading west once again.   I’ll share more on that and my observations about Liberty University and the vice president’s address in my first blog entry.  

All the best,

Stephen

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