Month: March 2015

Whirlwind Friend Tour

Benjamin, , , , 1 Comment

Spring break.  I hardly ever get out of Little Rock.  I decided I needed to.  A friend had just moved back to the state up to northwest Arkansas.  Another longtime friend was there who I have not seen for far too long.  And a new friend I could meet in person was close enough to add an extra leg of the journey.  So I went.  It was an overnight there and back.  In 34 hours I drove 11.5 of them for about 650 miles.

It is always so refreshing to talk to my buddy who has gone into the ministry, to just have those authentic conversations that illuminate the ways God has grown us both.  And to meet a long-time close friend and his new(ish) family.  And today especially went by so fast, I felt like I barely made introductions before I had to hit the road home.  It all left me wishing I had more time to spend with each of them.

In northwest Arkansas, I briefly saw cool things like Cross Church, Crystal Bridges Art Museum, the first “five and dime” that would become Wal-mart one day.  In Oklahoma, I drove through Oral Roberts University, saw downtown Tulsa, the Tulsa Drillers stadium, and the Oklahoma Aquarium.  Had a much longed for Whataburger and got to spend a couple hours with a cool guy I’ve been playing online games with.  Pictures follow!

My friend Craig joked this is the Walton family money tree. It sprouts at night.
My friend joked this is the Walton family money tree. It sprouts at night.
Beautiful facility containing many pieces of art from largely American artists.
Beautiful facility containing many pieces of art from largely American artists.
One of the most iconic Norman Rockwell paintings, Rosie the Riveter.
One of the most iconic Norman Rockwell paintings, Rosie the Riveter.
A room containing some interesting sculptures, including a big pile of silver poop?
A room containing some interesting sculptures, including a big pile of silver poop?
This is where the superstores got their start, right here in Bentonville.
This is where the superstores got their start, right here in Bentonville.
The man's office itself, left exactly the way it was when he last used it.
The man’s office itself, left exactly the way it was when he last used it.
The famous praying hands sculpture at the entrance to the campus.
The famous praying hands sculpture at the entrance to the campus.
The new home to the Tulsa Drillers, the AA MiLB team who often play our own Travelers.
The new home to the Tulsa Drillers, the AA MiLB team who often play our own Travelers.
A quaint aquarium with some amazing fresh and salt water creatures. Unfortunately, the main attraction--their huge shark exhibit--was closed.
A quaint aquarium with some amazing fresh and salt water creatures. Unfortunately, the main attraction–their huge shark exhibit–was closed.
Whirlwind Friend Tour