Despite a 2-hour flight delay on Saturday, students and chaperones arrived in Washington, DC in high spirits and looking forward to the week. We met a woman named Latrice while grocery shopping and shared a prayer with her. After some conversation, the youth decided to help Latrice pay for her groceries—something she had asked for help with. That evening, the whole group “locked in” for a series of scripture readings, prayer, and reflection questions led by 11th grader Caleb Sims. (And if you don’t know what “lock in” means, ask one of the youth.)
On Sunday, we navigated the Metro train and bus and happened to meet a couple named Ben and Terry at the bus stop. At the Washington National Cathedral, we learned that Ben and Terri had lived in Orlando for 15 years and recently moved to DC to be near their son. Ben wants to move back to Orlando (but we don’t think Terri does. 
). We also learned that they are members of the National Cathedral congregation and joyfully welcomed us to worship.
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After grabbing lunch at a local grocery store, we shared a picnic on the Cathedral grounds, then spent the afternoon at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. That evening, students shared their reflections on the visit, along with a devotion and prayer led by Caleb.
On Monday and Tuesday, we joined Aimee Hong at the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society. Aimee led us in two days of workshops on mercy and justice, advocacy, and legislation affecting economic poverty and food insecurity. She also helped us prepare for meetings on Wednesday with Senator Ashley Moody and Representative Maxwell Frost. On Tuesday night, we had a working dinner where students reviewed and rehearsed their questions for our representation and the advocacy topics they feel are most important to address.
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Another highlight of Monday and Tuesday has been 11th grader Jay Nielson becoming our map reader and navigator on the Metro train. It’s fitting that his new punny name is NaviJAYtor. Green Line to Greenbelt—our stop is Georgia Ave.
We leave this mid-week report with a real-time update: youth are writing thank-you notes to Aimee and continuing to plan their congressional meetings.
Stay tuned for more stories, reflections, and adventures as our students’ journey in DC continues!