Today we arrived in Atlanta Georgia by 2 p.m....lost one hour in crossing from central to eastern time. With help from our lady we found Jimmy Carter's Presidential Library. While he preached peace world wide, he had a very difficult last year while Iran held 66 Americans hostage. Many people, including those in government wanted him to declare war on Iran, but he knew the 66 Americans would be executed if he did that. He said that he never prayed so hard for so long before or since and eventually the hostages were released the day that Reagan was sworn in as president. But Jimmy had negotiated that release and he knew as Reagan was giving his inaugural address that the hostages were in the plane on the runway coming home. Reagan sent him to greet them. He also negotiated a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel with much difficulty, and today that peace treaty is still in effect. He had many tough moments and once again Ed and I were reminded of the heavy weight our president carries on his shoulders. Much of it the American people don't know about until much later. He had his share. He probably lost the election after his first term over that hostage crisis. He had every intention of being in Washington for another 4 years, but that was not to be. BUT, 66 Americans can thank him for his steadfastness and work in their regard. Today he and Rosalynn still do much world wide to aid in fighting poverty, mental illness and disease. In fact, he's probably been more effective since leaving office than he was while he was in office. A humble man, much in love with his wife....and we never heard of any dalliances on his part, did we? Something to be said for that. He preached honesty, fairness, civil rights, and giving the government back to the American people. In fact, you got the feeling that he was down right sickened over the Nixon mess and the dishonesty in government. He's earned his place in history for sure!!!!!
Tonight we are in Hogansville Georgia, an hour and a half south of Atlanta. It is the home town of our friend Dorothy Simarro. Tomorrow we'll toodle around and see more of the sights.