Today we walked Boston’s Freedom Trail, visited the home of Paul Revere, and learned about the “shot heard ’round the world” that started the Revolutionary War.  We enjoyed lunch at the popular market area and took in views of the city from the top of the Prudential Building.  It was a historically packed day as we heard insight into a nation founded originally on religious freedom and later on freedom of personal, internal government as the colonies opposed Britain’s rule from the outside.

Tomorrow is gearing up to be another busy day as we prepare to visit Plymoth Rock and begin our long voyage home.  What an exciting and inspiring journey this adventure has been!  We will have memories to last us a lifetime!

What a contrast! We went from the quiet, slow-paced life of the Amish to the hustle and bustle of New York City. We saw the city, it seemed, at the speed of light! There’s so much to see and do that the city cries out for a return visit….someday.
We visited Lady Liberty, caught the view from the top of the Rockefeller, and were humbled by the memorial at the World Trade Center. It was a whirlwind experience I am sure none of us will forget. And did I mention all the people???

After a visit to the historic battlefield of Gettysburg this morning, we traveled into Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to see just how the Amish live.  Students were in awe at the “plain” clothes, horse-drawn buggies, and a life without electricity and all that comes with that.  They did, however, like the idea of only having to go to school until the 8th grade.  Although, I’m not sure that was enough of a bonus for students to choose the Amish life.  Personally, a simple, quiet life focused on God sounds somewhat appealing.  However, I’m not sure I’m ready to give up all of the worldly comforts I enjoy either.  There’s something to be said for a real washer and dryer, not to mention a few other things.  The tour was definitely eye-opening  and gave a whole new perspective and appreciation for the Amish people, their love for family and for God.

After the tour of the one room school house, we enjoyed a traditional family-style Amish dinner.  We even had shoofly pie, which the students were convinced must contain some kind of fly.

Tomorrow we’re headed to NewYork City.  The students and chaperones alike are all excited and can’t wait to see the city’s sights!  Phantom of the Opera is definitely going to be a highlight for us!

Today, we had the honor of participating in a most sacred ceremony honoring all those who paid the ultimate price and are “known but to God.”  It was a humbling experience for our students who learned what real courage is – not the absence of fear but bravery in spite of fear.

We also visited Mount Vernon to tour the residence of our first president and first lady, George and Martha Washington.  What a beautiful setting along the Potomac River!  Our students learned what true leadership is and the value of humility as one leads.

The life lessons are truly abounding!  I pray our students will catch the vision of our founding fathers as men of integrity, humility, perseverance, godly character and dependence upon God.  I pray also that our students will have a deeper appreciation for the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country so that we can experience true liberty.

We had another full day today, lots of spectacular sights and of course, lessons in history and in life.  We took pictures at the White House and prayed for our president and his advisors.  We toured the beautiful campus of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and even found some of our students inspired with a dream of one day possibly attending the university.  We viewed our nation’s most precious historical documents at the National Archives and remembered all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the Korean Conflict and Vietnam.  We finished off the evening with a visit to the Lincoln Memorial which honors our nation’s 16th president who was a model of perseverance.

We have truly been blessed with a fresh perspective of our country as a nation, its citizens, and God’s guiding hand.

It was a busy day today – constantly on the move. We got a taste of the Smithsonians, remembered the Holocaust, and were struck by the beauty of the monuments at night. It was a day that would challenge the best of travelers, and I am proud to say that our students handled themselves well! They caught their second and third wind to finish the day looking out at DC’s most beautiful sights at sunset. It was an awesome end to the day!

One red eye and little to no sleep makes the adults crave Starbucks! We have safely arrived in Atlanta and are headed to Baltimore soon. It’s going to be a LONG day!

Our students at SCS have the privilege and honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.  Representatives are chosen based on their original essays submitted anonymously to their teachers.  This year, 11 students submitted essays for consideration.  It was a difficult decision, but the selection was finally narrowed down.  Four students’ essays were chosen: Gino and Miranda (8th) and Jimmy and Makaelah (7th).  Congratulations to our SCS representatives!  

Fundraising is finished!  Accounts are being paid off; roommates are being assigned; paperwork is being finalized.  The end is in sight, or is it really just the beginning?  Anticipation is building among students, parents, and teachers alike.  62 days and counting…