A grand day out

Matthew Huish
July 27, 2011

When I registered to attend the ODP workshop in Las Vegas I was aware that there would be an opportunity to do some sightseeing after the end of the main program. I don't usually enjoy tourism, so I thought to myself, "I don't need to see the Grand Canyon or anything else; the lectures of the workshop will be enough to satisfy my needs." Nevertheless, before I booked my flights, I consulted with European vice-president Tim Miller and he encouraged me to stay for at least one day longer than originally planned in order to make the most of the long trip. After all, how often do you get the chance to visit one of the world's natural wonders? I somewhat reluctantly conceded and committed to stay for at least one more day.

So, what is worth it?

Simply yes.

I don't easily get excited, but I was surprised by how breathtaking it was. I was awestruck. The Grand Canyon defines epic grandeur. Being there was like spending time with God.

There is an incredible peaceful stillness in the Canyon. It's an ideal place for doing meditation or reflection. The huge gulf of air in between the two plateaus – divided by a scar hacked away by the relentless Colorado river – absorbed all the sound. I can see why True Parents wanted us to come here. I think True Parents want us to connect to the beauty of nature and receive God's love through it. Our tour wasn't described as a tour – it was described as a holy land pilgrimage, because True Parents feel that these special sites are places of spiritual significance. I must admit, my visit to the Grand Canyon was a religious experience!

On our visit we had the perfect balance of weather – it had been raining earlier but the sun was out to create magnificent images. I had the mixed blessing of my camera battery dying, so I reverted to my HTC Desire to get some pretty amazing pictures, some of which I'm sharing in this brief blog.

I write this in a motel room in Fallstaff, Arizona. I return to Las Vegas today in order to fly back to London. I'd like to share more about my experiences away once I'm back in old blighty, but for now I'll leave you with these images.