Well, here I am. After months of mouth-watering build up and a frantic week of orientation, I'm finally able to begin my web journal. As I write this, I sit in my ivory tower, surveying all below me from the lofty heights of the political capital of the world. Capitol Hill, that is. Don't worry though, I'm on my lunch break so I'm in no way neglecting my duties!
I shan't get into the intricate details of our whirlwind tour thus far, but suffice to say that we've seen the sights (Arlington cemetary, including the tombs of both JFK and the Unknown Soldier, the Lincoln and Roosevelt memorials, and the Korean and Vietnam War memorials); we've hit the town (though perhaps not as much as some of us would have liked!) and met a host of eminent figures, most notably Sen. Patrick Leahey, currently the 7th most powerful senator and movie star extraordinaire.
Perhaps the most memorable moment so far however, for me at least, was the time we spent entertaining classes from the J.O. Wilson Elementary School. It was a fantastic effort from the team given such little time for preparation, but more significant than that was the incredible sense of fulfilment to be gained from seeing the kids' faces light up as we taught, acted, sang and danced our way through the afternoon. I was particularly touched as one young kid of around 9 years old told me afterwards that I was his "favourite guitar player ever". So in your face Hendrix! On a different note however, whilst I was there I couldn't help but think of the vast amount of potential to be found in each and every one of those ebullient, spirited kids, and what a crying shame it would be to see a single ounce of that potential go to waste. So I resolved, as part of the task group for the WIP group public service project, to see what more might be done for them during our time here in DC and beyond. I'll keep you posted on any developments in that regard.
So all in all it's been an exhausting but unforgettable 10 days - everything we thought it would be and more. And I think I speak for everyone in the group when I say that already we can feel the bonds of great and lasting friendships taking root. Here's to much more of the same over the course of the summer!
