Wow!  Our trip to Washington, D.C., seems like a passing dream.  We returned to Moorhead and hit the ground running.  We've been very busy finishing the launch of our home enterprises, as well as educational assignments and caring for our family and friends. 
I'll get photos posted to this website when I can.  Might be awhile!
 
 
Hey, we're in Washington DC.  US Congress, can you hear us now?
Kill the House Healthcare Reform Bill right now.  We love our country and our children and want to keep both forever.

- Dennis
 
 
Our three buses from Eden Prairie enroute to Washington, D.C. are operated by a company aptly named Eagles Wings Bus Charter.

 

Until now the focus of the trip has been simply "getting there." Lots of phone calls by passengers dealing with details from disrupted plans back home.

Figuring out how to get the kids comfortable enough so they can get a little sleep. Extending and receiving a great deal of tolerance as a bunch of strangers share very close quarters for an extended period of time.

I think of the true hardships endured by the Patriots of the First American Revolution, and I consider any inconvenience to be a blessing in contrast.

But now, as we near our destination, the mood is changing.

We see buses, traveling in the same direction. The rest stops are geting busier.

Those who are awake seem to be pensive, mulling what lies ahead.

How big will the crowds be?

We've heard rumors that some liberal legislators are trying to keep us away.

Will our presence here actually make a difference?  Turn the tide?  Cause a watershed?  Will there be hostility?

Suddenly, it feels like its not about "little old us," but a BIG US.

My teens are still asleep. I'd love to get on my blog to write an update, but the Mommy in me is afraid to wake them too soon by moving around too much. 

What will this day mean to them in the balance of their lives?

Certainly, they will be stronger, better people for having had this experience.

Perhaps we all will be.

 
 
 
Internet access with the Wifi is great, but there's only so long the computer battery can last.
One member of our three-bus delegation had to get off the bus to return home due to a family emergency.  One of the risks of embarking on a cross-country adventure is the necessity of hotfooting it back home (at great additional expense) if something serious happens at home. 
Our prayers are with the woman and her family.
After an early dinner stop (many of us charged up our computers and cell phones) we watched some videos about our American heritage and recent threats to our country's well-being.
Finding a comfortable seating position and getting the legs stretched out is a challenge.  But, hey!  It's not anywhere near the difficult of, say, the Valley Forge winter suffered by General Washington and his troops! Kind of puts it into perspective.
Two interesting changes from the routine:  nothing much I "have" to do. Made a few phone calls, then the agenda was empty. At least what I can deal with on a bus. With teenagers.  Tired teenagers.
The second difference:  no talk radio in the background.  No steady stream of information and opinion to chew on while working on projects.
If things quiet down later, I'll try to listen to some streaming talk radio. 
What's happening out th

 
 
Hannah and John are enjoying card games with a young man at the built-in table between our bus seats.  We're breaking out the snacks.  A talk radio personality is playing on the bus stereo.  Quality of the sound is good, even if the content lacks a little.
It's always interesting to see how communities form.  How do people relate to each other?  Whom will be the clown?  The zeallot?  The mother hen?  I'm playing "the tired mom grateful for some time to just chill and enjoy the company of my children.  I'm also enjoying watching my children enjoy the company of pleasant acquaintances.
 
 
We're ready to hit the road!  What an adventure for my teenagers.  This is the best kind of education ... being personally involved in the process of representative government.  We CAN Keep It, Ben!
 
 
God works in amazing ways!  A few listeners of the Scott Hennen Show on The Flag met on this website to discuss the prospects of traveling to Washington, D.C.  Where the spirit was willing, the wallets were lacking.

The group planning a bus trip to leave from Eden Prairie filled nearly three buses!  The last 10 seats were paid for by a contributor, and the seats were donated to those who otherwise could not afford to attend.

I heard about the opportunity after 8 p.m. Tuesday evening, and before long, all four of us were confirmed to have seats -- IF the rest of the available seats were sold.  A few people had backed out at the last minute.
Mara, from the bus company, worked into the wee hours to fill the bus.  We got the word after midnight, and had just a few hours of sleep before heading out on our grand adventure at 3 a.m.

I'll do my best to keep you updated on our adven
 
 
Would you like to be in Washington, D.C., for the rally at noon, Thursday, Nov. 5, organized by Minnesota Senator Michele Bachmann?Here's your place to network and find some traveling partners. List what you can contrbute (vehicle, gas money, food, motel costs, etc.) and what you need.
Let's work together to do what we can!