I saw it again early, early this morning: “Receive Jesus.”
On the itinerary today: Ferguson, Missouri; lunch, wherever; Budweiser Brewery, St. Louis.
For the 30 mile drive to St. Louis I was driving through some rougher looking areas of town, down streets where there was not much traffic. It dawned on me. I had the GPS set to keep me off highways. So the byways were my command.
One of the off the normal streets was cheaper gas: $2.63 a gallon.
I arrived at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic church in Ferguson.
The good deacon who unlocked a door to the church for me told me that the parish was “founded” just ten years ago, when four parishes were merged. Hence the new almost-Saint’s name. There was a prayer card in the pews, obviously specifically written for this neighborhood.
In the church I prayed midday prayer, and found a line that kept my attention for a while: “Do not remember the sins of our youth and stupidity.” Children were playing in the school yard outside. All seemed fine for them.
Near the police station was Cathy’s Kitchen.
Jasmine suggested that I have the Memphis-style gumbo. It was spicy. Kathy herself came to check on me.
When I asked her which were the crawfish tails, she spooned through my gumbo, at my invitation and with her checking with me that it was really okay, to find none, but soon to return with a small bowl filled with the little things. I was going to have the sweet potato pie, until Jasmine told me that another choice was peach.
About a mile away the boarded up and burned buildings convinced me that I was close to the place where Michael Brown was shot and died. I googled on my phone for the name of the street itself. Finding the name, I hesitated, but thought, “Why not?”
The street memorial remains, very peaceful, and very few people even out on the street. Yes, that is my car in the second photo.
Budweiser brewery, with tour and samples, was next. The Clydesdales are pretty animals, nicely groomed, strong looking, and camera ready.
I came away from the brewery amazed at how much beer is consumed in our country.
And right before bed, you guessed it – the commercial. It is real. Look ye here.
With Open Doors 
So glad to see these photos of you and the places you are visiting. I looked up online choices of churches in Ferguson that you might visit and was hoping it be Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. It is endearing that you wanted to pray in a catholic church in Ferguson. It’s “Andrew”-like of you to get to know everyone you meet along the route. God bless and keep you. Today should be the start of your 3and a half day trek home.!!! We miss you!!!
What a moving experience. It’s so interesting to see the “calm” aftermath in a place that for months has been swarmed with chaos. It really goes to show that peace is never too far off of a thought, nor is it ever impossible. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing. We were in St. Louis in 1988 we also went to see the Clydesdales, this brings back memories. Enjoy and have a safe trip home. Jane
You might need to go on a diet once you get home, eh? I feel full just by reading about your meals! Love the commercial! Safe travels! And may you feel the presence of your guardian angel and never, ever feel alone!
JoAnne