My trip to Iowa began this morning at 6:30 A.M., a time that I usually am never up to experience, but have the feeling that this month will change that. I was all packed and ready to go, even though my flight was not. But, somehow it all seemed to work out, and I was able to eat lunch with the whole group, which was something I enjoyed. Once we got to the farm, the guided tour by Denny was a nice outlook on farm life. It is amazing to see how big some of the equipment is and how much it costs. I will be very interested to see these machines in action. I love the small town feel and how everyone is so warm and hospitable here. Farming culture is very admirable from the values ingrained in the people to the wide variety of skill sets required to be a farmer. I cannot imagine all the things I would need to know to live and function here. Especially given the fact that my income was based on the weather. That would scare me regularly, but it may be worth it to get the life experience you receive. It was so nice to sit down to dinner, all as a group, and relax and laugh while sharing stories. This concept is something I am afraid we are losing in this day and age of communication. Cell phones and busy schedules are ruining family dinners, and I really look forward to a month of home cooked meals sitting with a group of people who were strangers to me this morning and I already feel close and comfortable with tonight.

The movie was the other part of my day that I enjoyed. I learned a lot about Henry A. Wallace that I did not know and I must say the man impressed me. It is crazy to think that one guy innovated so much. I am intrigued to hear more and to hear the other sides of the debate. Today was a nice day so far with a mixture of information and has me looking forward to the rest of my time here.