Did you miss our mid-week update? Catch up here.
Wednesday dawned early with a nutritious breakfast at Chick-fil-a. (lol) Muchas gracias to the NaviJAYtor for leading us again on the metro trains to Union Station. Students wanted to arrive early to rehearse their scripts for our congressional meetings on Wednesday afternoon. Aimee was surprised that we were there early and impressed that students made the decision to take the time for extra rehearsal. Aimee listened to each student as they practiced and offered encouragement and feedback.
After a quick lunch, we paused for prayer in the hallway of the Russell Senate Office Building before proceeding to Senator Ashley Moody’s office. Students were on point with their professionalism, kindness and clarity of message in their meeting with Gianmarco Herrera, Legislative Correspondent for the Senator. To the students – Jay, Stella, Owen, Curran, Caleb and Jacqueline – to say the adults in the room felt proud of you is a tremendous understatement. You killed it.
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Because of the heat, we requested an escort through the tunnels over to the House of Representatives side of the Capitol. (If you are reading this, please, someone ask Keaton Wood how he liked the train under the Capitol.) We met with Representative Maxwell Frost, and the students, again, nailed it with their demeanor and clarity. After this eventful day, we spent time together in fellowship, celebration and scripture that evening.
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Thursday, we spent time having fun together and supporting one another through multiple roller coaster rides at Six Flags just outside of DC. Some of us were excited to ride anything and everything and others were not too sure. Throughout the day students encouraged each other to try a new coaster and understood without judgment when someone said no.
Our last day in DC, we started with a walk to the White House and then over to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. We spent a full morning there, contemplating our country’s history of slavery and learning about black Americans’ significant contributions to art, music, sports, military and more. The conversation continued over a late lunch and then some time to relax together that evening.
For our last devotional time, Keaton shared an affirmation practice. One by one, we affirmed one another, ranging from affirmations about great sourdough and creative nicknames to thankfulness for sharing genuine prayers and abilities to ask the hard questions. After this beautiful hour, Pastor Jared prepared communion for the group. We served one another in a circle, ending where we began.
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Our group was 10 strong. Four adults and six students. Some might say we didn’t really need that many adults. That’s probably true. This ratio, though, made deeper connections possible between adults and students. One theme throughout the week was the students’ gratefulness for the investment we made in them. We were able to hold one on one conversation, to notice when someone might be feeling upset or frustrated and to listen without distraction when a student needed to share. It was quite a wonderful trip.
From the adults, Jared, Victoria, Keaton and Seiche…Thank you, church, for your prayers and encouragement. Thank you, Marcy Trust, for granting financial support. Thank you, parents, for trusting us with your precious children. This journey was discipleship in action. And all the youth respond…Bet.
