Jarrod arranged for a group tour of the Capitol building and met up with our county's House of Representatives member to pick up some tickets to the gallery of the actual House floor. It was a great tour, and a great experience for the kids who have been learning about our national government all year. Jarrod was actively questioning the student's knowledge throughout the tour as well as making sure to point out key sites.
While we were sitting in the House of Representatives, we took time to pray for our country and government - which was a unique opportunity to pray in a room where they actually make decisions to make legislation law. It was also neat to see how there were various sculptures of international figures around the room, all showing half a face to look towards the Speaker of the House's seat. The one that looks straight on to the Speaker is Moses! We did not get to visit other government sites due to time constraints, but Jarrod was sure to point out the Supreme Court and Library of Congress buildings. I don't think I can remember how many times the movie "National Treasure" was mentioned... which perhaps is telling as to what REALLY makes an impact in our memories. 
After touring the Capitol, we headed over to the United States Botanic Gardens and had the Science teacher take the lead in questioning the kids and pointing out various plant species and adaptations to their climate. 
It was so neat to be with a Christian school and hear the teacher say "isn't it amazing how the Lord created this perfectly in their DNA so that they could survive together" as she spoke about plants not needing as much light if they were 
usually under thick jungle coverage. We also saw an amazing collection of God's artistry found among the flowers that grow around the world.It was definitely an educational experience... who knew there was a "Lipstick plant"!
I was particularly interested in this chocolate display... it seems as though the "speaking chocolate" sign might come in handy for our future travels. :) 
From the garden, we were picked up by our bus and taken to the Washington monument where we ate lunch and enjoyed the view. 
Praise the Lord it didn't rain or thunderstorm as the forecast has said! By this time it was nearly 2pm, so we drove around Washington on the bus looking at various memorials from the street and then headed back to Woodstock to beat Friday afternoon traffic.
As I think back on the experience - of course, I think about what it was like to be with a group of middle school kids who will at times test the limits... but this trip was educational for me as well. The 
motto found on the United States Seal is "E pluribus unum" which means: Out of many, one. This motto originated at the birth of our nation, suggesting that out of many colonies or states emerge a single nation; however, it has come to suggest that out of many peoples, races, religions and ancestries has emerged a single people and nation. This idea is not foreign to me - as I have grown up in this "melting pot". As I have increased age and perhaps in my understanding of the Christ and the Church, I think that this is really what Christ intended for His body as Paul writes in Romans 12 verse 5, "so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others". How it must grieve the heart of God to see Christians fighting with each other, putting each other down, living side by side and not acknowledging one-another's presence. I walk down the street in New Market and see church buildings erected side-by-side, and upon questioning their leaders, find out that their is not association between the two churches, both believing the in the same Christ as their savior. Paul addresses this issue again to the Corinthians when he writes in chapter 12, "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.... God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it,
so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
How many Christians suffer every day - without the prayers or assistance from the international church? How many Christians know of suffering and look for ways to walk with and assist their brother and sister in that trial? How many Christians choose to be ignorant of the truth to the suffering in the world- those persecuted, those starving, those widowed or orphaned? Who rejoices along with the angels when someone has come to accept Jesus as their savior? Who celebrates the rebellious child coming home along with the parents instead of maintain a critical eye? As a member of the body of Christ, we are not all called to do the same thing - as both Romans and Corinthians instructs - we do have different giftings and roles; but this is about having an attitude and perspective of being a part of a larger whole that drives the individual to action on behalf of the whole - on behalf of his or her self that is also affected by the whole.
As I look upon our nation's seal and motto - in our nation's capital, or on our currency - I remember our Lord, and our calling as Christians to not just think about me... but to be ever cognizant of the many that forms one. (who knew all this would come from a middle school field trip! ;)
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6
E pluribus unum.
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