Marching Through the Madness

A walk in my shoes.

WARNING: This week's blog is a little bit different. I want to share the opportunity I am currently a part of. As of right now, I am sitting in a hotel room after a full day of viewing Washington, D.C. 

This all started last semester. I received an email from my college notifying all students they would be fully-funding a trip to the East Coast to learn more about our country. I applied not knowing if I had a chance of receiving the opportunity or not, but little did I know, I would find out some of the best news I would ever be told.

I was accepted for this once in a lifetime opportunity along with over twenty other students. I was then enrolled in a class all last semester through this point. On Tuesday, March 13, 2018, we left for Arkansas. The next morning, we hopped on a plane and flew into Atlanta, Georgia. From Georgia, we flew to Jamestown.

The trip is going in order of America's discovery. 

I have been extremely blessed to view this nation along with the legacies of the men and women who have made it beautiful. We have toured the U.S. Capital Building, and had a private tour of the White House. We viewed the Library of Congress, the Holocaust Museum, Jamestown, Yorktown, and Colonial Williamsburg to name a few. I have experienced a D.C. metro for the first time. We still have Philadelphia and New York City experience. I know I am missing some of the events, but it would be nearly impossible to put into words the experience of these two weeks. 

There is always a lesson to be learned...

In the midst of all the craziness, God has been teaching me something. There are twenty-four students on this trip of the 1,500 at our university. The sponsors of the trip selected which students would have the opportunity to attend. Most, along with myself, would normally have chosen close friends or family to experience a trip such as this with them. However, because the sponsors chose the students, twenty-four students went from peers, to the closest of friends. Our majors are diverse. Our interests are different. In areas where some are weak, the others are strong; in areas when some are strong, others are weak. It is not about similarities, it is about making the most of every moment with the people you are with.

Everyone has a story. I have loved meeting the people I will spend the remainder of this trip with. The best part is, we have created friendships that will last for the remainder of my college career, and hopefully some of the friendships will carry on with me through life. 

The photographers on this trip tell the story through their artistic lens.

The education majors are seeking ways to better teach the future leaders of the world.

The communication majors are seeking out the best way to promote what is good, and minimize the evil.

The agriculture majors are sharing past successes and the value of hard work.

The nursing majors are sharing their heart for those wounded in war and those in need of medical assistance. 

The history majors are unveiling their desire to see the former successes and failures of the past in hopes to promote a bright future. 

The list goes on and on. I will say it again, "Everyone has a story."

This may seem random to some, but to me it had a meaning words could never accurately describe. Today, I went to Arlington National Cemetery, the burial ground for over 400,000 brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice. We dispersed to pray for the families of those who have lost their loved ones in war. It was a surreal and humbling moment for me. As I said, "amen," my eyes slowly opened to see a perfect alignment of white-washed tombstones. The tombstones went on for acres and acres. The entire group left Arlington in a somber mood. As I was praying, something really stood out to me. Jesus, was the only PERFECT and ultimate sacrifice. Today gave me a newfound respect and appreciation for our veterans. Today also gave me a deeper appreciation for my salvation and relationship with Jesus Christ.

I have been reminded this week of the blessings I have. 

-LM

You are loved! Until next time...

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Pic Creds: Photo by Oziel Gómez on Unsplash (@ozgomz)