While I walked through ground zero, I was imagining where the thousands of people witnessed the towers burn, people jumping off the buildings, the towers falling, clouds of smoke traveling at 40mph, and where people died. I tried to think about what I would do or how I would react to what was right in front of me. If it were to happen today, I would like to think I would be a surivor, but I in my heart, I think I would be one of those that would die.
I cried several times throughout the day as I listened to the transmissions, saw pictures and video and read about each artifact and personal item. We were able to listen to a surivor talk about her experience at our last stop.
I can't say much more about the tributes and the memorials, you just need to see if for yourself.
Blessing #11: What hit me the most was knowing that God's justice was finally served to every one of the people that died that day and to those that died from health issues, due to 9/11, the years after. What affected me was that many went to hell and the rest heaven. Even some of those that put their lives at risk or died while helping others went to hell. So many people who decided not to be reconciled with God had their fate sealed that day. The survivor that spoke to us was obviously bitter and very angry even though she was one of the many people who were blessed. How precious is it to be given another chance to know who God is, to admit her guilt to sin and finally be right with God - it's a blessing. I often think it makes sense when God spares the life of those that eventually come to Him because of the tragedy, but what about those that don't? When God knows they will never come to Him, what plans does He have to fullfill through them? If the lady who we saw spoke happens to be one of those that don't come to God, I believe her testimony still brings people to God and God spared her life to bring others toward Him. This was first hand experience of the work God does through the righteous and unrighteous.
I won't post any pictures since it's too hard for me to see them again, but I will post the 9/11 memorial pond, where the two towers once were, and the new World One tower.
Estimated miles walked ~5 miles
Understand the sentiments of your experience. It's one thing to watch the video 2,500+ miles away on the opposite coast but to experience the holes left behind and the closeness of the surrounding buildings gives the certainty that there was nowhere to hide that day. Your thoughts are along the same thoughts I had when mom and I visited NYC in February of 2012.
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