Divine Appointments

October 25, 2017

Good Evening 8th Grade Parents -

We're entering our last night on this momentous trip. Our final, full day was an amazing one full of divine appointments. It began at the Korean War and Vietnam Memorials. In Mr. Bahadoor's words, this morning's experience was "the best and most powerful ever." Our students were blessed to meet many veterans from both of the wars and they, in turn, blessed the veterans. This email can not do justice in explaining just how powerful these divine meetings were but to paint a small picture, several veterans were in tears sharing they had never been thanked before. They hugged our students with tears coming down their cheeks, overwhelmed by the kindness and acknowledgment of their service. Our students prayed for many of these veterans as well. In addition to the emotion of the memorial, I stood back and cried watching our students loving these veterans just as Jesus does. It was beautiful!

We also visited the National Archives where the students saw our Declaration of Independence and Constitution. From there, we toured the African American History Museum, visited Jefferson's memorial, and now we are headed to the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial. What a day!

 
Tomorrow we will explore the Smithsonian and visit a few more monuments. Praying for more divine appointments. Praying we continue to be open to what God wants us to learn and experience. Praying that all that our students have experienced, finds its way to their hearts where it permanently leaves a mark so that they can understand how blessed we are, how God has had His hand on this nation and continues to, and how God wants to use them to continue to shape this country and them for His kingdom!

Blessed, 

Heather Harrison

Adding these two photos just sent from Mrs. Thurston with the subject line: 

"They LOVE their Principal"

 "Holding hands and praying after Mrs. Harrison brings it!"

The Weight of Sacrifice 

October 23, 2017

Good Evening 8th Grade Parents -

I have to start this update by saying how proud I am of our students.  A theme has run through the past two days as we toured Gettysburg, the location of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, and Arlington National Cemetery, resting place for thousands upon thousands who willingly gave their lives in service to this country. It's humbling to learn the history, see the gravestones, and be witnesses to what has been required in order for us to have the lives we have today. It has been humbling, eye opening, for our students to connect the past sacrifices to today and understand there are still thousands sacrificing on our behalf. This morning, after we had the privilege of participating in the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, was emotional for all of them as they walked through section 61, the most recent section of Arlington Cemetery. Encouraged to walk by themselves and read the names of these dedicated men and women who gave the "last full measure of devotion" to this country, our students prayed, some knelt by the headstones, some cried. The way our students, every one of them, responded has made me more than proud. They have been reflective, present, reverent, and thankful. They have been truly humbled by the weight of sacrifice and they have allowed themselves to be powerfully affected.

Now, we are hanging out in George Washington's backyard running around, playing duck duck goose, skipping across the lawn (don't worry, it's all allowed), and enjoying being a community. Joy. Pure joy.

Tonight we will visit the Korean War memorial as we continue to pay our respects and give honor to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Tomorrow, we will explore Capitol Hill as we visit the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and tour the US Capitol Building. We will spend the afternoon at the Holocaust Museum followed by the World War II and Pentagon memorials. It will be another powerful and full day.

I should end this update the way I started. I can't even begin to tell you all how proud I am of them. You should be too! They are soaking it all in, not taking anything for granted, and making the most of this experience and their time together. Grateful!

Expect a phone call tomorrow, Tuesday night. I'm sure they will have much to share with you! Thank you for your continued prayers.

Humbled,

Heather Harrison

MCS Takes Philly 

October 21, 2017

Greetings 8th Grade Parents -

We've spent our time in Philadelphia with Betsy Ross and the Founding Fathers. At Independence Hall we were honored to be in the very room where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written and signed. We've taken in the sights of the city and even enjoyed a famous cheesesteak! The gentlemen learned how to bow and greet a lady (good training for the future though the boys aren't too sure about that) and the ladies learned how to formally curtsy when meeting a gentleman (good training as well though the girls really aren't too sure about that). And all of this while having a blast together. Day two of the trip has been a great success!

Tonight we head to Gettysburg and tomorrow morning we'll tour the Civil War battlefield and stand in the field where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address. Who knows, we may even find ourselves in the middle of reenacting some of the battle! Then, tomorrow afternoon we will travel into DC for the remainder of our trip. There's much more ahead of us and we are enjoying every second!

All of the students will call home tomorrow, Sunday, evening. Thank you for your continued prayers. Know that your investment in providing your child this experience is worth it in every way! God has more in store for us in the days ahead just as he had much in store for this nation from its beginning, today, and in the future!

Enjoy these photos,

Heather Harrison