Jake adjusted his backpack and stepped off the train at the St. Louis Union Station. He leaned as he stretched from the long ride. “Now, where did I put that map?” he muttered, checking his pockets. “The convention center has got to be close by.”
Jake walked out of Union Station and into the warm Missouri air. Dazzling in the distance was the Gateway Arch. “Look at that glowing archway. It’s a beauty!” he said, staring at the landmark. “Might as well get a closer look while I’m lost!”
Soon Jake stood beneath the towering Arch, marveling at its size. “Built to honor westward expansion,” he read aloud from a sign. Jake found a bag of trail mix and munched on it as he looked around for the convention center.
Still unsure of which way to go, Jake headed toward a park—Forest Park. As he wandered its shady paths, he stumbled upon the Missouri History Museum. “Hmm, I’ve got time for one room,” he told himself, already halfway inside. Minutes turned into nearly an hour as Jake read all about the 1904 World’s Fair and early frontier life.
Realizing the sun was creeping west, Jake hurried on. “Okay, Jake, less sightseeing, more locating!” He passed the St. Louis Science Center, paused at the Planetarium, and pointed toward the sky. “I have no time for starry dreams. I have to find the booth!”
“This visit is a disaster,” Jake muttered, feeling lost. And then he turned a corner and saw it. The America’s Center Convention Complex. “There it is!” Jake cheered. He pushed through the big glass doors and followed the hallway signs to the exhibit hall.
Inside, people milled around booths, chatting with exhibitors and checking out all the neat materials and giveaways. Then he saw it—Voice of Prophecy—with a cheerful crew and a welcoming display. He hustled over, dropping his pack with a relieved sigh.
“You made it!” Ms. Jean called.
“I did!” Jake grinned. “I took the scenic route, and a detour through Missouri history. Highly recommend!”
Ms. Jean laughed. “Glad you’re here, Jake. And so are all our visitors.”
Jake turned to see a crowd of young people on the other side of the booth. Nervous, he chuckled and then asked, “Anyone know where I can find more trail mix?”
If you're going to be visiting St. Louis this July 3-12, find us at the Voice of Prophecy booth #2139. If you time your visit just right—no scenic detours—you just might meet Jake!