My knowledge and passion for politics is rather small, yet when I heard that Pastor Rick Warren from Saddleback Church was hosting Senators McCain and Obama for a civil forum I knew that somehow I needed to be there. To actually witness the person who will lead our country answer questions posed by a man who I respect immensely would be eye opening and life changing. Jason and I both put our names into the lottery system for the free tickets to view the event on campus in a tent. We both figured that being chosen was an impossibility. However, a friendly email in my inbox Tuesday night informed me that my name was chosen. We couldn't believe that we would be witnessing history, even if on a TV screen. We arrived hours early yesterday in order to be shuttled in and to go through the elaborate security screening process. Right as we were about to walk into the venue a random man who I have never seen before asked me if I was going to Tent 3. Assuming he needed directions, I answered yes and he proceeded to tell me that his friends could not make it, and would I like two tickets to the main auditorium. Confused and dumbfounded I asked him why he wanted to give them to us (they are really pricey seats and he was asking for nothing in return) and he just smiled and handed them over. Elated we jumped over to the auditorium line to go through more security checkpoints. In the back of my mind I thought that maybe these amazing tickets would fall through and we would go back down to the tent. Instead we were led to our seats in the 10th row. We watched Pastor Rick boldly ask the candidates about faith, worldview, evil, taxes, marriage, rights of the unborn, adoption, war, education, and moral failure. I walked away much more knowledgeable as well as amazed that these two men agreed to come into a church and face difficult and dangerous questions. I am still in shock that we were actually there and immensely grateful that a sweet man that I might never see again gave us such a gift in those tickets.
To top off the fine day, we picked up the girls from my parent's house, chatted politics with my dad, went home to tuck them in and then turned on the Olympics.
On the same day I was able to see the future president in person as well as watch my "boyfriend" make history with his eighth gold medal. Happiness.
I was so surprised to hear about that event - on NPR news this afternoon. I told my son I wished I could have seen or heard it. I'm going to look to see if I can get a recording. I hear Rick asked some really awesome questions that are important to many of us. -- Michele
ReplyDeletewow--that is something i would have really enjoyed myself....you are so lucky! what a great experience!
ReplyDeleteOkay, but now I am dying to know which way you are leaning!
ReplyDeleteDo share more! I would have love to have heard this discussion, as up until now I have really felt this whole election is, pardon the phrase but I don't know how else to word it -- a crapshoot. I am typically a conservative, very very wary of Obama and his ties/background to Islam, but not impressed with McCain either. I would love to hear your take on how they responded to the questions posed.
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought I was cool because I passed the procession of secret service and police with one of the candidates buses on the toll road. I guess you have me beat! I would also love to hear which way you are leaning since you were able to see it all live!
ReplyDeleteWhat a BIG weekend. You guys are so lucky to be right there with the candidates. *** Then Phelps...I was STANDING on my couch cheering on OUR swimmers!
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting day!!! =] I know which one I am leaning towards for voting, but I would of love to been there to hear their opinions on everything~ although, that would of been hard to do since I am in Ohio!! =] And goooooo Phelps!!!! That man is incredible!!
ReplyDeleteWow what an awesome opportunity. You were supposed to be in the auditorium. How blessed you are.
ReplyDeleteWe watched it on tv. I wish I would have known to look for you. Because that would be fun to explain that I sorta kinda knew the girl on tv because I've seen her on the internet. Riiiiight...people would think I was insane! I am jealous that you got to go-it must have been amazing!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing opportunity. I wonder...did your views change at all about the candidates after seeing them?
ReplyDelete-Carrie
oh this gives me goosebumps.
ReplyDeletehow cool that you got picked at all and then you got an upgrade! God is so cool.
i have no idea about politics. i think i feel the way you do...just wanting things to be better.
but this would've been very cool to see.