Continued from Part 1:
Before heading into the main part of the museum we caught the Men in White show. It was fun to watch, especially when the Flood misted us all with water at just the right moment. I don’t think it is likely to change a hardened unbeliever but I doubt that was their purpose. The website with all their well-documented articles has much more information to show the science behind our beliefs. The touch of frustration the angels had when the lady couldn’t hear them was just the right reminder that if we don’t share, nobody will.
I’ll just skim over the main exhibit maze. It was all quality stuff and my daughter really liked the special kids’ entrance area that I couldn’t fit into. Everything was broken up into bite sized pieces, but if it was crowded, I know we would have missed a lot. It was a bit disappointing to see how few interactive stations there were. Probably their choice of layout had to do with space considerations, but hands-on learning is the greatest asset of having a physical location rather than just books and videos.
The ark section was really cool. If the full-sized replica is anywhere near as well done (as I’m sure it will be), it will be incredible. The way AiG has thought through the practical aspects of smart people stuck in a boat with a zoo of animals for a year has my full admiration. I’d never considered them having a garden in those low light conditions or using posts to gradually expose more hay to the grazers as needed.
After finishing the maze we visited the traveling collection of Bible related materials off the pizza plaza. It was small but awesome with cuniform and other writings dating back to nearly the time of Abraham. I hope the sponsors are able to accomplish their goal of a permanent museum in D.C.
Then we stopped at the chapel for a kids story reading time. My mom and I were both impressed with the book Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers: The Gospel. It put things very gently and in similar ways to how we have always shared Jesus and God’s message with little ones. The reading lady very kindly took one of my calling cards and has e-mailed me letting me know she likes my site. 🙂
This photo was taken before they’d finished landscaping, but you can see the eating terrace on the right
If you can afford to eat in their cafe, DO! The pizza is great (large enough for two kids to share) and my pot-roast-connoisseur mom highly recommends theirs. The wait staff is very friendly and keeps the counters so clean they lay their knitting and crochet on it for between customers. And, in warm weather you can eat on the deck overlooking the pond and garden.
The grounds- sigh! It was chilly the day we went, so my kids and I just ran down the steps by the cascades to see the pond for a minute. It would be worth having to deal with more company to come on a lovely June day and spend a few hours enjoying the garden paths. They weren’t too large, so you could enjoy everything in an hour or two, but the whole place is worth a second visit.
If you can, take advantage of their 2nd-day-free offer and make a double day trip when you go. The book store alone needs a couple of hours to really check through everything! My mom went on a spending spree (thanks, Mom) and they even shipped it all back for us at a very reasonable rate.
The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. Psalm 111:2
PS no sign of my photos on the memory card, so I’m afraid you’ll have to go and take your own to see more.
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