We awoke this early morning to the sun shining through our windows, unfortunately many of us did not welcome it with it’s joy as this is our seventh day with the lack of rest holding us back.
First thing this morning we pried open our eyes to attend the bill writing session. During this session each color group had the opportunity to come together and write a bill on a hot topic. Choices included gun control, ethanol use, file sharing, and government data mining. These bills then moved on to the government committee where they diligently worked to combine both sides for the Congressional session.
We then hurriedly loaded our coach only imagining how beautiful our National Cathedral could be. Once we arrived it was even more magnificent than any of us expected, leaving everyone speechless at the sight of the National Cathedral that our country comes to rely on in times of joy and even in times of trial and tribulation. The Cathedral made for the people and by the people expresses our country in many ways. As many generations have seen it rise into what it is today, they have contributed bits and pieces of their lives whether it is the bit of moon rock in the stained glass or the Darth Vader gargoyle placed on one of the spires atop the Cathedral.
After returning from the Cathedral our delegation started Action Plan Part 1. This was a time for our delegation to come up with action plans to make our communities a better place to live. During this time we split up into groups to make an action plan with issues including a first date, a prom, and giving a dog to every person in Kansas. This was a great time for all of us to brain storm and have fun with our fellow Kansans.
During the second part of the session it was time to get to work. While the adults backed away we took the reins and came up with incredible ideas that can make our community a better place to live. Feeling passionately about our chosen topics, each group presented a goal of what they wanted to accomplish. Our topics included mentoring, respect/discrimination, healthy living, under age drinking and parent involvement in fair projects. Steve McAllister said it was one of the best classroom environments he had seen.
Later on that day we all got into our very casual attire to have a fun filled hour of games and activities. During the Derby we split into color groups to compete in activities such as tug of war, sand volleyball and ultimate frisbee. Overall everyone really enjoyed the Derby.
Another great part of the day was the Town Hall that was put on by the Youth in Governance Committee where we split up into different groups and discussed current topics such as abortion, gay marriage, and off shore drilling. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this, seeing the many different views on these topics and having healthy debate on each topic.
We ended the day with a briefing about tomorrow’s adventurous day on Capitol Hill and free time. Overall it was a wonderful day in D. C.
Reflections:
* Mike - Drivers in this city can’t drive unless their horn works.
* Wes making the kissing face during action planning
* Alex Spence is going to name his daughter “Dixie May”
* Wade wiping out twice during the Derby
* Austin tripped & spilled water all over the other team
* Chris - Room will be destroyed by the end of the trip
* Grumpy ladies at the Cathedral “Move your feet, come on, come on”
* Blake didn’t know who Helen Keller was
* During committees a guy asked Rachael & Kristen if they were from Ohio, and after thinking a minute said “Wait, I’m from Ohio”
Courtesy of Rachael Mayhill
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