Tag Archives: Michigan

St Lorenz Lutheran Church

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Walking through the doors of St Lorenz Lutheran Church took my breath away. The Frankenmuth, Michigan landmark is a popular stop for self guided tours but we had the place to ourselves last Thursday.

What a stroke of luck this was.

This gorgeous brick building was constructed in 1880 and expanded in 1966. Impressive doesn’t begin to describe the soaring stained glass windows, extensive woodwork, choir loft and pump organ that seems to reach toward the heavens.

The congregation dates to 1845 when the first German immigrants to Frankenmuth first met in a log cabin. The following year, a wave of new immigrants created an increasing need for a larger church.

The air feels different in here and the light is extraordinary. Despite being the only two people here, I couldn’t bring myself to speak above a whisper. It was just so beautiful I hated to sully my surroundings with my words.

There are so many wonderful details.

It’s all beautiful. Everywhere you look, there’s something amazing to see – even in the mundane.

In addition to seeing the church, the cemetery across the road is home to some historic graves and a replica log cabin church.

They do still have services here. Go on the second Sunday each month and enjoy the service in German.

Visit the Make The Journey Fun Facebook page for a quick cell phone video of the inside of this church.

Adventure Abounds: Headed Home Happy

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Today I head home after a week of gallivanting and adventuring with my cousin Sherrie. Her brother called us the modern day Thelma and Louise.

For months we had planned a trip to Savannah but got spooked by possible storm damage and flooding caused by the hurricane. So, I consulted my handy list of endless possibilities for a trip and we agreed on something fun that we were able to throw together literally overnight.

We ended up heading north instead of south and spent the week poking around Michigan in the Petoskey area. We strolled around Mackinaw Island, watched the sun set from Sleeping Bear Dunes, got our feet wet in Lake Michigan, admired barns, churches and lighthouses and swooned over classic cars cruising the main drag in Frankenmuth after shopping at the town’s world famous Christmas shop.

There was good food, thrifting, rainbows and buckets full of rain. When the weather turned sour, we redirected and did something different than we wanted and had a fabulous time anyway.

We also met some fascinating people along the way including a gas station philosopher I’ll tell you about some day.

That’s the thing about this journey called life. Sometimes it goes as planned. Sometimes, a hurricane throws you off path. Sometimes that alternate route is better than you imagined possible.

Cancel the plans and do something better. Take the detour. Accept a stranger’s recommendation. Go look for the thing that everyone else passes by, and once in a while, follow the crowd. Maybe there’s a crowd gathered for a great reason.

I ate way too many rich foods this trip and look forward to getting back into some healthier eating habits. We were awake early and out late so a better sleep routine is welcome too. I look forward to seeing that little black cat of mine as well.

Isn’t it wonderful to go out on grand adventures and yet be glad to go home? It is true. Even if you are Thelma and Louise – there’s no place like home!

Road Trip to the Henry Ford Museum

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My last road trip of the year took me to Detroit to visit the Henry Ford Museum. This museum of innovation features all sorts of things I love – artifacts from history, cars, planes, trains, machinery, furniture, dollhouses…. the list goes on and on.

This was not my favorite road trip but this museum is incredible, making it all worthwhile. I’m going to tell you about a few special exhibits in the coming days but for today I’ll leave you with a handful of pictures.

That last picture is of a train snow plow from Canada. That’s right friends – this museum is so big it has a set of railroad tracks to accommodate a collection of trains. Not to mention the airplanes hanging from the ceiling and the acres of other cool stuff at ground level.

Check back tomorrow. There are stories to tell.

The Rosa Parks Bus

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P1017014.JPGEvery school child in America knows the name Rosa Parks. I grew up revering this brave woman and in awe of the movement that grew from her act of defiance on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama.

Last fall I had the privilege of seeing that bus. I’m thinking about it today because yesterday was the 63rd anniversary of the day Rosa Parks said no more and refused to give up her seat.

The bus is on display at The Henry Ford, the museum complex named for founder Henry Ford. Located in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan, this complex consists partly of an outdoor village of landmarks plucked from the world over and displayed for visitors to tour. The Wright Brothers’ shop and Thomas Edison’s Laboratory are among the many noteworthy sites here and you can even take a Model T ride to tour the place.

Inside the museum you’ll find any number of interesting things. Presidential limos, Abraham Lincoln’s chair from Ford Theater and the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile to name a few.

The thing that most captivated my attention was The Rosa Parks Bus. For a history buff, it was awe inspiring to see the bus and to hear the real story of what happened that day and how her choices helped to shape a movement.

As a middle aged white chick from 21st century southern Ohio it’s hard to imagine the courage it took. I can’t fathom what life was like for her on that day or any other. Maybe that’s why I have carried the memories with me so closely – this exhibit was the most thought provoking of them all for me.

The bus had been long retired and in bad shape when it went up for auction in 2001. Not long after, a substantial restoration began at the Henry Ford. Today it is part of the With Liberty and Justice For All exhibit.

 

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This exhibit. I don’t even know what to say about this exhibit. To reach the bus, you walk down a corridor past Klan propaganda and a robe and hood. It’s like a punch in the gut.

But then you come into this light, bright, open space with the bus – I just stood there for the longest time.

You can go on board the bus. There’s someone there to show you where she sat and to tell you the story – not just the abbreviated version they teach in school – but the entire story.

We sat on the bus for a few minutes and listened. I was impressed that everyone, all the tourists – people of all ages and races – were quiet and respectful. Reverent. In other exhibits you could hear laughter. Kids ran around. People pointed and chatted. Here, you could hear a pin drop.

I stand by my belief that people would like history better if they had more experiences like this one. History isn’t just the dates and locations and events we’re forced to memorize in school. The places and events and humanity of history come to life in places likes The Henry Ford and in exhibits like this one.

Are you interested in visiting The Henry Ford?  You should! From southern Ohio, it’s just about 4.5 hours up to Dearborn. If you go now, they have special events for the holidays.

There’s a spectacular boutique hotel not too far away called The Henry and lots of other Ford related things to do in the area. If you’re into music, make a reservation to tour Motown. I missed out that trip but it’s on my list to see someday! Try breakfast at Leon’s and don’t forget to look up some Detroit style pizza while you’re in town. It’s deep dish, square and delicious.

Some other day I’ll tell you about a few of other incredible things you’ll find at the Henry Ford