First things first - we have to confess that today's mission was rigged. We did not pick a card at random. We intentionally chose the Brookland-Catholic University station. You'll find out why soon enough.Anyway, here's the standard picture of the sign. We also snapped a pic of the graffiti that lined the walls at this (and a few other) stations. Would you have recognized Michael Jackson?
As we came out of the station, we followed the sidewalk to Catholic University. It was pretty empty today - since it's a Saturday in the summer. There were, however, a few birds rinsing off in the fountains!
We were just beginning to explore the CUA campus when we realized we were walking toward the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. If you've lived in the DC area very long, this is definitelly a place that you've heard about -so, we decided that as 20 year residents of the area we should probably, finally check it out.
We were impressed from the outside, especially by the grand entrance. We had no idea what was in store for us behind that door!
Isn't it beautiful?
This is the 2nd set of pipes for the organ. There was a set just like this (maybe bigger) at the front of the church. It would've been amazing to hear this being played. Oh well. There was all manner of mosaic paintings, stained glass windows, gold leafing and more. Every inch of the ceilings was covered with scripture or quotes of some sort.
There were statues and paintings of every Saint possible. This portrait of Mother Teresa caught our attention. It looks like a photo - maybe from when she visited the Shrine.
Down in the basement (read: Crypt) was the confessional room, restrooms and this office........ we took a picture because we thought it was a great idea and we should do this to Brady's window at Jireh Place.
As it should be with every good church there was a gift shop offering the image of Christ and Mary in every possible form. =) Of course the gift shop also sold coffee items. We were real close to buying the Mystic Monk Press. Too bad we don't drink coffee!
After spending about an hour in the Shrine we decided it was time for lunch. We debated eating in the cafeteria at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception - cuz that's not something you get to do everyday! However, Brady used his magic google phone to look up a local favorite - Wings over Washington. We walked the 2 blocks over but found it to be a bit lacking.....meaning there was no where to sit and relax while we ate. So, against our better judgement, we went to a chain restaurant instead.
Brady: southern BBQ pulled pork
Now that our tummies were full and we could concentrate once again - we continued our trek. We noticed almost directly across from Catholic University was Trinity University. Once again, the magic google phone told us all we needed to know. It was founded as (and still is) a college for women. That's why Brady didn't make it into this picture!
There were statues and paintings of every Saint possible. This portrait of Mother Teresa caught our attention. It looks like a photo - maybe from when she visited the Shrine.
Down in the basement (read: Crypt) was the confessional room, restrooms and this office........ we took a picture because we thought it was a great idea and we should do this to Brady's window at Jireh Place. As it should be with every good church there was a gift shop offering the image of Christ and Mary in every possible form. =) Of course the gift shop also sold coffee items. We were real close to buying the Mystic Monk Press. Too bad we don't drink coffee!
After spending about an hour in the Shrine we decided it was time for lunch. We debated eating in the cafeteria at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception - cuz that's not something you get to do everyday! However, Brady used his magic google phone to look up a local favorite - Wings over Washington. We walked the 2 blocks over but found it to be a bit lacking.....meaning there was no where to sit and relax while we ate. So, against our better judgement, we went to a chain restaurant instead.
Brady: southern BBQ pulled porkJoy: mesquite chicken
It was YUMMY!....and great to sit down for a few minutes.
Now that our tummies were full and we could concentrate once again - we continued our trek. We noticed almost directly across from Catholic University was Trinity University. Once again, the magic google phone told us all we needed to know. It was founded as (and still is) a college for women. That's why Brady didn't make it into this picture!
Back on the main road, Joy looked down and noticed this manhole cover. It was made in the USA, specifically Neenah, WI where our buddy Dan Servi was raised. Joy remembered him mentioning that was Neenah's "claim to fame".....and here we were witnessing a real 'live' Neenah manhole cover. A little overwhelming isn't it? Take a moment if you need....
OK - we're almost to our ultimate, not random at all, destination.....are you excited? Have you guessed it yet?
That's not it but we're close. However, we must admit that walking past Washington Hospital Center did bring back a flood of memories from 13 years ago when our daughter Daria was born there and remained in the NICU for 13 days. We took a moment to thank God for her and how healthy she is today.
OK - we're almost to our ultimate, not random at all, destination.....are you excited? Have you guessed it yet?
That's not it but we're close. However, we must admit that walking past Washington Hospital Center did bring back a flood of memories from 13 years ago when our daughter Daria was born there and remained in the NICU for 13 days. We took a moment to thank God for her and how healthy she is today.Here we go........ are you ready?...........
There it is! Children's National Medical Center - the reason for this specific mission.......
We'd like you to meet Aniela Chambers. This precious baby girl was born on August 5th. Mom and Dad, Josh and Chaitra, are special friends of ours from Grace Baptist Church. Little Aniela has some heart problems so she is currently in the CICU (Cardiac Intensive Care Unit) at Children's. She is scheduled for surgery on Monday or Tuesday. If you think of it, keep her and the family in your prayers - they certainly could use it.
By the way, her name means "Angel" in Polish. Isn't she beautiful?
There it is! Children's National Medical Center - the reason for this specific mission.......
We'd like you to meet Aniela Chambers. This precious baby girl was born on August 5th. Mom and Dad, Josh and Chaitra, are special friends of ours from Grace Baptist Church. Little Aniela has some heart problems so she is currently in the CICU (Cardiac Intensive Care Unit) at Children's. She is scheduled for surgery on Monday or Tuesday. If you think of it, keep her and the family in your prayers - they certainly could use it.By the way, her name means "Angel" in Polish. Isn't she beautiful? So now you know why we rigged today's mission. Do you forgive us?
We'll get back on track with randomness next time.
Until then.......happy trails!
love this! ya know, i took quite a few classes at catholic (and trinity) and always admired the basilica from the outside but never went in! now i really wanna check it out! gonna put that on our list!
ReplyDelete