Home at last!
Well the trip is over and we have made it back safe and sound. Our day was filled with checking out and travel but we did hit a couple DC spots before we left.
First on the agenda was Ford Theater and the Petersen House. I can say that I am glad that I have seen it, but not worth the hour and forty minutes of lines. The Ford Theater has been totally redone and so it is not the actual balcony Lincoln was shot and the furniture in the Petersen House is all replicas. The boys were even less impressed. But the next stop would make up for that...
The International Spy Museum was a lot of fun. In here we got to test our skill in the art of espionage and to see the evolution of spy equipment. It was a lot of fun and very interesting to read the stories and see the technology that has been used. We would tell you more, but then we might have to kill you. :)
We then ate at the Hard Rock Cafe, then headed back to our hotel to grab our bags and head to the airport.
I want to thank all the guys for making this trip a lot of fun. They represented their school, their families and the Lord, well on this trip. They were giving in their encounters with everyone we came in contact with and several times impressed the people around us with their southern charm. A special thanks to Kevin Mahoney for ALL he did to make this trip an even bigger success. Carol with Joshua Expeditions did a great job leading us around town and taking care of all the "business" and Debra was also a lot of fun as she shared her city with us. All in all, a great trip! I am thankful to have had the opportunity to go to Washington with this group of guys. I was blessed by them. Thank you also to Joey Richards for all of his hard work on the front end and for allowing me to take this trip.
I am sure the guys are all in bed. I am about to do the same. See below for some pics. Thanks for keeping up with us. Be Blessed!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday - Day 3
Today, on the surface, would seem to be a depressing type of day. We started the day at Arlington National Cemetery. Here we got to observe the always impressive, Changing of the Guard. To see the discipline and dedication of the men and women who serve to protect and honor those who have served our country is moving. While there, they were preparing for President Obama. He came to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown about two hours after we left. Secret Service were preparing the police while we were there.
After we left Arlington, we stopped by the Pentagon and saw the newly opened 9-11 Memorial. It is a little different than other memorials around Washington, but the symbolism used by its designer is very interesting. You can tell by the change of tones in the stone what part had to be rebuilt. Helps make the event come to life.
After lunch, we took a quick detour and went inside the Library of Congress. Often times it is recognized as the most beautiful building in D.C. Here we got to take a quick look at the Reading Room, as well as the Gutenberg Bible. One of only five copies in the U.S. One, by the way, is at the University of Texas.
From here, we headed to the Holocaust Museum. I could not help but wonder how someone could possible hate a group of people so. It is hard to put into words this part of the trip. It is a must see if you are ever in D.C. and can best be summed up in the words of one of our students today after seeing the Museum: "Intense."
We ate dinner at the ESPN Zone. It was great not to eat in a food court. I think the boys liked the games the most.
To wrap up our evening, we took a trek to the Marines Memorial (AKA: Iwo Jima Memorial) and the Netherlands Carillon. Both have a very interesting history and provide a beautiful view of the Monuments and the Capital.
As we wrap up the day, our guide, Carol, reminded us of various Scriptures that remind us that God is with us in all situations. Some of these same verses are found in the various Holocaust Memorials throughout the world and were used by many Jews to get them through the awful atrocities they have faced over the years.
Today's Favorites:
After we left Arlington, we stopped by the Pentagon and saw the newly opened 9-11 Memorial. It is a little different than other memorials around Washington, but the symbolism used by its designer is very interesting. You can tell by the change of tones in the stone what part had to be rebuilt. Helps make the event come to life.
After lunch, we took a quick detour and went inside the Library of Congress. Often times it is recognized as the most beautiful building in D.C. Here we got to take a quick look at the Reading Room, as well as the Gutenberg Bible. One of only five copies in the U.S. One, by the way, is at the University of Texas.
From here, we headed to the Holocaust Museum. I could not help but wonder how someone could possible hate a group of people so. It is hard to put into words this part of the trip. It is a must see if you are ever in D.C. and can best be summed up in the words of one of our students today after seeing the Museum: "Intense."
We ate dinner at the ESPN Zone. It was great not to eat in a food court. I think the boys liked the games the most.
To wrap up our evening, we took a trek to the Marines Memorial (AKA: Iwo Jima Memorial) and the Netherlands Carillon. Both have a very interesting history and provide a beautiful view of the Monuments and the Capital.
As we wrap up the day, our guide, Carol, reminded us of various Scriptures that remind us that God is with us in all situations. Some of these same verses are found in the various Holocaust Memorials throughout the world and were used by many Jews to get them through the awful atrocities they have faced over the years.
Today's Favorites:
- Troy - Changing of the Guard: "Precision"
- Brian - Seeing a four-star general at Arlington National Cemetery
- Marshall - Library of Congress: "It was a cool building."
- Clayton - Changing of the Guard: "I like the inspection."
- Thomas - Changing of the Guard: "I love the way the march in sync and that everything was done exactly the same."
- Dakotah - Changing of the Guard: "I thought how they inspected the gun was cool."
- EVERYONE - ESPN ZONE for food and games
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Tuesday - Day 2
Another fun-filled day of seeing DC. We started at the National Archives. Here we got to see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. This took most of the morning. We then headed to the offices of Congressman Burgess of Texas where one of his interns led us on a tour of the Capital. Special thanks to Thomas Dowell's aunt (Jill) for setting this up. We also enjoyed 15 minutes watching the proceedings in the House of Representatives from the gallery. We then walked by the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. After dinner, we quickly toured the Art Gallery and then walked to the FDR and Jefferson Memorials. After we arrived back in our hotel we had a devo and now to bed.
This week we are being led by Carol with Joshua Expeditions and Debbie/Debra a tour guide from Washington. Carol has been the one that takes care of us from directing us through the subway, sharing to DC secrets that make the trip a greater success, to sharing her knowledge about DC and her faith along the way. Debra (or Ms. Debbie as the boys like to call her) has been a lot of fun. In DC, you must have a certified guide to help you as you travel from monument to monument if you are in a group. She has been a lot of fun. She even shared her "light saber" with the boys as we walk. She even took us to the top of her apartment building to share the view of the Capital, Pennsylvania Avenue and the Mall. What an amazing view...
Here are some things the boys wanted to share:
Quotes of the day from those we came in contact with:
Favorite events:
This week we are being led by Carol with Joshua Expeditions and Debbie/Debra a tour guide from Washington. Carol has been the one that takes care of us from directing us through the subway, sharing to DC secrets that make the trip a greater success, to sharing her knowledge about DC and her faith along the way. Debra (or Ms. Debbie as the boys like to call her) has been a lot of fun. In DC, you must have a certified guide to help you as you travel from monument to monument if you are in a group. She has been a lot of fun. She even shared her "light saber" with the boys as we walk. She even took us to the top of her apartment building to share the view of the Capital, Pennsylvania Avenue and the Mall. What an amazing view...
Here are some things the boys wanted to share:
Quotes of the day from those we came in contact with:
- "You and me go back like car seats."
- "Your my brother from another mother."
- "Excuse me may I have your digits."
- "Could you please remove your feet from that table. People eat from there. It is not sanitary."
- "Debraaaaaaaaaaaaa!
- Our main guide Carol pronouncing BAG like Dr. Armstrong: "Don't forget your beg."
- Clayton being the last one to scan his card on the subway and almost getting left.
- Brian needing a new card after losing his first one.
Favorite events:
- Clayton - Seeing the modern art in the Art Gallery.
- Thomas - Hooked us up with a tour of the Capital Building through Congressman Burgess' Office
- Brian - Watching the Congress at work from the Gallery in the Capital.
- Dakotah - Modern art in the Art Gallery
- Troy - Seeing the White House from the Jefferson Memorial and the echo effect in the old Senate Room in the Capital.
- Marshall - Seeing the significant documents in the National Archives
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday - Day 1
Well we have arrived safely and hit the ground running. Our main mode of transportation is the Metro (Washington's subway). This was a first for some of our guys. After dropping off our bags and grabbing a bite, we headed to the Smithsonian museums. First stop was the Air and Space Museum. Here we got to see the Wright Brothers plane, Spirit of Saint Louis, Amelia Earnhart's plane and many of the various crafts used to explore space. Several of the guys took part in the flight simulators they had set up. Both Thomas and Dakotah enjoyed the simulator the most so far. Marshall and Clayton both want me to mention they had 13 kills in their simulator. The other guys were around 6 or 7. (I think because they spent most of their time just doing barrel rolls).
Our next stop was the Museum of Natural History. This museum is best known for the dinosaur bones, mummies and for the Hope Diamond. This was Brian's favorite stop of the day.
Our final Smithsonian stop was the museum was the Museum of American History. Here we got to see the Hall of Presidents, the Price for Freedom, the Lincoln Story, as well as the ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz" and the pirate shirt from "Seinfeld." This is by far my favorite of the Smithsonian's. I love the history of our great nation. I especially like to see "Old Glory."
After dinner, we walked the Mall. We stopped at the World War II Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and the Korean Memorial. Marshall, Troy and Clay were all moved by the Vietnam Memorial. The reflection of those looking at the mall reminds us all to reflect on the sacrifice people make to defend our freedom. While there we also learned that the Tomb of the Unknown no longer has a representative for the Vietnam War because he was identified. We found his name of the wall (Michael J. Blassie).
We have walked several miles. The boys are worn out and should have no problem sleeping.
Our next stop was the Museum of Natural History. This museum is best known for the dinosaur bones, mummies and for the Hope Diamond. This was Brian's favorite stop of the day.
Our final Smithsonian stop was the museum was the Museum of American History. Here we got to see the Hall of Presidents, the Price for Freedom, the Lincoln Story, as well as the ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz" and the pirate shirt from "Seinfeld." This is by far my favorite of the Smithsonian's. I love the history of our great nation. I especially like to see "Old Glory."
After dinner, we walked the Mall. We stopped at the World War II Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and the Korean Memorial. Marshall, Troy and Clay were all moved by the Vietnam Memorial. The reflection of those looking at the mall reminds us all to reflect on the sacrifice people make to defend our freedom. While there we also learned that the Tomb of the Unknown no longer has a representative for the Vietnam War because he was identified. We found his name of the wall (Michael J. Blassie).
We have walked several miles. The boys are worn out and should have no problem sleeping.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Here we go!!!
The trip is finally here. I am packed and I hope the rest of the guys are too. Six of us will meet at the airport at 5:15 a.m. and head that way. We will meet up with the other two guys once we get there, along with our guide. It should be a great time. Here is who is going:
• Grant Griggs – Leader
• Kevin Mahoney – Chaperone
• Clayton Neves
• Marshall Dow
• Troy Craddock
• Thomas Dowell
• Brian Mahoney
• Dakotah Richardson
Thanks for praying for us as we travel and explore. I heard from a friend that the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom. I hear that is amazing. I am thankful to God to live in such an amazing country.
• Grant Griggs – Leader
• Kevin Mahoney – Chaperone
• Clayton Neves
• Marshall Dow
• Troy Craddock
• Thomas Dowell
• Brian Mahoney
• Dakotah Richardson
Thanks for praying for us as we travel and explore. I heard from a friend that the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom. I hear that is amazing. I am thankful to God to live in such an amazing country.
Schedule
March 23rd Monday
5:15 a.m. Check-in with Coach Griggs at ticket counter outside gate
6:45 a.m. Depart DFW Airport: American Airlines Flight #1428
Make sure to wear your JE T-shirt on the 1st day
10:25 a.m. Arrive D.C., check-in at hotel and orientation
Afternoon Smithsonian Museum and lunch
4:30 pm Meet in front of the American History Museum to walk to dinner.
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Dinner at Reagan Centre
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Walking tour of the Presidential Memorials
10:00 pm Devotions at the hotel and lights out
March 24th Tuesday – Subway day
6:30 am – 8:30 am Breakfast served at the hotel
9:30 am Depart Hotel for DC via subway
10:00am Arrive at National Archives
12:00pm Lunch at the Old Post Office
Afternoon Tour Capital Hill- stops include:
Exterior tour of the Supreme Court
Interior tour of the Library of Congress
Exterior tour of the Capital building
Dinner Union Station
After dinner, Walking tour of the War Memorials
10:00 pm Devotions at the hotel and lights out
March 25th Wednesday
6:30 am – 8:00 am Breakfast served at the hotel.
8:15 am Load on the subway for transfer
9:00am Visit to Arlington National Cemetery
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Changing of the Guard Ceremony
12:00 pm Load up the subway for transfer to lunch
12:30 pm Lunch at Pentagon Centre
1:30 pm Transfer back to the Capital
2:30 pm Visit to the National Holocaust Museum
5:30 pm Dinner at ESPN zone
7:30 pm Load up and head over to the White House and Lafayette square.
10:00 pm Devotions at the hotel and lights out
March 26th Thursday
6:30 – 8:00 am Breakfast served at the hotel
Check out of the Hotel
8:30 pm Visit Ford’ Theatre and the Peterson House
12:00 pm Lunch in the area
3:00 pm Transfer to airport.
6:00 pm Depart Washington Reagan American Airlines Flight #891
8:35 pm Arrive DFW
5:15 a.m. Check-in with Coach Griggs at ticket counter outside gate
6:45 a.m. Depart DFW Airport: American Airlines Flight #1428
Make sure to wear your JE T-shirt on the 1st day
10:25 a.m. Arrive D.C., check-in at hotel and orientation
Afternoon Smithsonian Museum and lunch
4:30 pm Meet in front of the American History Museum to walk to dinner.
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Dinner at Reagan Centre
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Walking tour of the Presidential Memorials
10:00 pm Devotions at the hotel and lights out
March 24th Tuesday – Subway day
6:30 am – 8:30 am Breakfast served at the hotel
9:30 am Depart Hotel for DC via subway
10:00am Arrive at National Archives
12:00pm Lunch at the Old Post Office
Afternoon Tour Capital Hill- stops include:
Exterior tour of the Supreme Court
Interior tour of the Library of Congress
Exterior tour of the Capital building
Dinner Union Station
After dinner, Walking tour of the War Memorials
10:00 pm Devotions at the hotel and lights out
March 25th Wednesday
6:30 am – 8:00 am Breakfast served at the hotel.
8:15 am Load on the subway for transfer
9:00am Visit to Arlington National Cemetery
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Changing of the Guard Ceremony
12:00 pm Load up the subway for transfer to lunch
12:30 pm Lunch at Pentagon Centre
1:30 pm Transfer back to the Capital
2:30 pm Visit to the National Holocaust Museum
5:30 pm Dinner at ESPN zone
7:30 pm Load up and head over to the White House and Lafayette square.
10:00 pm Devotions at the hotel and lights out
March 26th Thursday
6:30 – 8:00 am Breakfast served at the hotel
Check out of the Hotel
8:30 pm Visit Ford’ Theatre and the Peterson House
12:00 pm Lunch in the area
3:00 pm Transfer to airport.
6:00 pm Depart Washington Reagan American Airlines Flight #891
8:35 pm Arrive DFW
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