Instead of giving you a blow by blow account, I’m aiming for an abridged version, a synopsis of all activities, the trials and the triumphs that have occurred in my first week in washington d.c. If however you would like the blow by blow, I have that version available by email, or you can order my book on Amazon. (you can’t actually because I don’t have a book on Amazon but I should once you read this masterpiece. However, you can email me and I’ll send you the long version…. It’s really long though, really it is!!)
After a 16 hour traveling day, with only an hour of sleep the night before, being greeted at the Ronald Reagan Airport in D.C. on Saturday evening, was somewhat overwhelming. I couldn’t really process the dazzling American smiles and welcome signs that the host families possessed, let alone the people who wanted to take pictures!!
The first week has been operation overload, we have done everything (not strictly speaking everything but we’ve done an awful lot!!)
The Host family BBQ on Sunday was a great way to get to know the families and spend time with the team. And may it be said from the outset, Americans know how to do food, and lots of it. Kurt and Deb put on an amazing spread and it was a really great afternoon.
Meeting outside the White House on Monday morning was a bit of a treat. The day was packed with antics in the board room, delicious monkey bread (thank you Lenor) (also please ask me for a recipe once I get one-it’s like a cinnamon scone mixed with caramel and doughnuts!!) and inspiration words from Kevin O’Sullivan. It was then I think it finally sunk in that my summer adventure in D.C. had commenced. The afternoon saw us walk to the Newsuem in dress code one, not cool, seriously not cool- in fact very, very hot and sweaty!! It just so happens that we arrived in D.C. in the midst of a heatwave, my hair and my wardrobe were simply not prepared. Curls have all of a sudden become an attractive style to embrace during my summer in the sunny, sticky Washington. Also, your feet really do swell, I thought it was just a rumour, the souls of my feet and Catherine Green can tell you all about that.
Tuesday consisted of an amazing workshop on leadership style that Michael Galligan Stierle from ACCU did with us. I see RED in all things, I’m really really RED. Essentially it means I’m relational and I’m all about the people. It was great to see the diversity in the group already come to light, it’s certainly going to be a great summer!! That afternoon, we had the privilege of being taken on Oakley’s Death Tour of the momuments and memorials of D.C. We visited Arlington Cemetery, the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam memorial, Korean memorial and finally Roosevelts memorial. It was incredible, and I was sure to take plenty of touristy snaps, despite the scorching heat, which had me sweating from every single pore in my body!!
On Wednesday, we were able to walk the corridors of the Library of Congress, and encounter living history in different letters and documents we got to see from the archives.
Thursday gave us the chance to experience two sides of the city. We spent the morning singing, dancing and acting crazy with the kids at J.O. Wilson. Just a few blocks from the white marble of Washington D.C., J.O. Wilson School doesn’t attract as many tourists. But just wait till you open the door, the kids we met were more than worth the visit. This brightened my day and gave me fresh perspective on why I am here and who I am. Juxtapose J.O. Wilson with publicity shots on the Steps of Capitol Hill with Senator Leahy, and it really makes you think about your motivations and your dreams and the contrasts that exist the world over. We had the privilege of hearing from Senator Leahy, he spoke with honesty and a genuine heart about his times in Ireland and his love for our country. From here, three interns from the Hill whisked us all over the buildings and it felt good to click my heels through the corridors of Capitol Hill.
Unlucky Friday the 13th proved that superstition is a load of rubbish. The first four members of the team, Andy, Gary, Sarah and Elaine, delivered their speeches on the thirteenth floor at the National Press Club. They all did incredibly well and I was so proud of each and every one of them. They remained calm and collected and delivered incredibly powerful speeches. This event was kindly hosted by the N.I. Bureau, and it turns out I played hockey with the deputy director who introduced the luncheon- small world really. Fancy dress on Friday night was so much fun and yet again, Lenor excelled herself in the bakery department- she makes thee most amazing brownies, muffins, cookies- you name it, I’m sorry sister Sazzy but she really does!! The cindarella dress served it’s purpose and arriving with Cruella devil (aka Elaine) made quite an impression!!
Saturday equals shopping and sleeping. This was a lovely leisurely day, which I spent with Lauren, Elaine and Fiona. We headed out to Montgomery Mall-amazing!! And then we visited poor Catherine (plus bigfoot) in Bethesda Suburban Hospital. (Note to self: ordering taxi’s in America is a complicated process- I must work on my skills so it doesn’t take 20 minutes on the phone.)
Sunday was slightly surreal, we went to Church in a cinema at Union Station, where they took the offering in popcorn boxes and gave us free doughnuts on the way in. The message was taken from Ephesians 4, which talks about the Church being one united body, which requires all the different component parts. And I think the lesson stands for our WIP team, we are one team, working together, but we all have our individual part to play and our unique gifts and abilities to bring to the team. Sunday night consisted of basketball, burgers and brownies at chez Chesney.
Having persevered to the end of week one, (and I promise this is the shortened version), please stay tuned for the next edition.
