Letter of Paul to the Iowans

Dear Iowans,

As a fellow farmer and traveler, I understand the challenges and rewards of life in the great state of Iowa. I enjoyed walking through the state — the rich, fertile soil, the endless fields of corn and soybeans, and your hardworking farmers who toil day and night to feed the world.

As I traveled through your beautiful state, I had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people, including a farmer named John. John was a kind and gentle soul, and he welcomed me into his home and shared with me his wisdom and experience.

We talked at length about the challenges and rewards of farming, and I was struck by the deep connection that John felt to the land and to the animals that he tended. He spoke of the importance of forgiveness and redemption in the life of a farmer, and how the cycle of planting, nurturing, and harvesting mirrored the cycle of sin and redemption in the human soul. He mentioned also the need to forgive the Hawkeyes when they choke on the last play of a game.

John told me of the many blessings that farming had brought to his life, such as the joy of watching a seedling grow into a healthy plant, the satisfaction of providing food for his family and community, and the spiritual fulfillment of working in harmony with nature. He also invited me to what he called a local blessing — the Bowl 2 Games, Get 1 free special at the local bowling palace.

But he also spoke of the challenges that farming presented, such as the uncertainty of the weather and the volatility of the market. He told me of the many sleepless nights that he had spent worrying about his crops and his animals, and of the deep sense of loss that he felt when a drought or a flood destroyed his hard work. And he detailed the challenge of booting a fat sheep in the rump when he won’t fit through the chute and needs some extra help.

But through it all, John remained steadfast in his faith and his determination. He trusted in the goodness of God, and he knew that even in the darkest of times, there was always hope for a new beginning, the kind of feeling that floods you heart the first game of every new Hawkeye football season.

I was deeply moved by John’s words, and I was reminded of the many lessons that farming has to teach us about life and faith. May God continue to bless the farmers of Iowa, and may they continue to be a shining example of the power of forgiveness and redemption.

In Iowa, I had the pleasure of meeting many interesting people, including a rider of the RAGBRAI bike ride. His name was Tom, and he was a seasoned veteran of the annual event, having completed the ride several times before.

Tom was kind enough to tell me all about the RAGBRAI ride, and I was impressed by the endurance and determination required to complete such a grueling challenge. He spoke of the many challenges that riders face, such as the hot sun, the strong winds, hilly terrain and the aching Gluteus Maximus Painfullus which doesn’t subside for weeks.

But he also spoke of the many rewards, such as the camaraderie and friendship among the riders, the breathtaking beauty of the Iowa countryside, and the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from finishing the ride, including knocking back 16 beers each night before passing out until riding again in the morning.

I must confess that I have never ridden a bike before, but I was tempted to try it out after hearing Tom’s enthusiastic description. I have always been a walker, preferring to travel on foot and take in the sights and sounds of my surroundings at a leisurely pace. But a bike seems like a faster and more efficient way to travel, and it looks like a lot of fun as well.

Perhaps one day I will give it a try, and join the ranks of the brave and hearty riders of RAGBRAI. Until then, I will continue to walk and explore the wonderful state of Iowa, and I will be grateful for the many blessings that it has to offer.

May God bless you and keep you safe, and may He continue to bless the riders of RAGBRAI.

I also met a resident of Ottumwa named Mary. Mary was a warm and friendly person, and she was eager to share with me the many wonders of her home town.

One of the things that Mary was most excited to tell me about was the deliciousness of fried baloney sandwiches. She told me that they were a beloved delicacy in Iowa, and that I simply had to try one to experience their deliciousness for myself. I didn’t have time to try one on this go round, for I had many calls from Nebraska to see if I can get divine help for their football team.

While I have never tried a fried baloney sandwich before, I was intrigued by Mary’s description. I have travelled all over the known world, and I have visited many places that are famous for their culinary delights. I have been to Bologna, Italy, for example, and I have enjoyed many delicious meals there. But I have never heard of fried baloney sandwiches, and I must admit that they sound quite interesting.

I will definitely have to add fried baloney sandwiches to my list of things to try during my next travels in Iowa. And who knows, perhaps one day I will even be able to compare the fried baloney of Ottumwa to the Bolognese cuisine of Italy, and see which one is more delicious.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and love of food with me, Mary. May God bless you and keep you safe, and may He continue to bless the people of Iowa with delicious fried baloney sandwiches.

Sincerely,

Paul the Apostle