Wednesday, June 3rd, From Jason's Diary

...Judah, Julian and I had "Scottish Pancakes" in prep for our upcoming entry to Scotland...

Caught the train to Newcastle...Stayed at the Royal Station Hotel (read Jenny's latest blog for details).



My highlight in Newcastle: Jacob and I walked down to the Tyne River. Newcastle is famous for its bridges. We walked up and down the river admiring the bridges. We talked about cities - their origin, their systems, what makes them tick. We talked about Indianapolis. I asked Jacob what one thing he would do if he had power to help Indianapolis develop as a city. He said, first that he would encourage people to fill the vacant homes in the city so that the city would be full; second, he would encourage a culture of walking (make the circle accessible only by foot, etc.).

I told Jacob that the idea of cities being walkable was a leading feature of the new urbanism.

Jacob also caught me up on the lore surrounding the Holy Grail.

But what was so sweet was just to be with my son, walking in the sun, having a grown up conversation, and seeing his mind - so alive, so lithe and active and hopeful. It gives me great hope for the church in the future to see such gifted young people emerging as our next generation of leaders.