Sunday June 23rd

Today is the last day of the Citizenship Washington Focus Trip. As we cross the Kansas state line, we reminisce about the past ten days and the thousands of miles. I think I can speak for most of us when I say that I will never forget this trip, the memories or the friends we’ve made along the way. I personally will never forget that not only did Claire fall down the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, but the Jefferson Memorial too. On the way to Washington D.C. the bus was mostly quiet and now, the music and voices are so loud you can’t hear yourself think. Spending ten days in close quarters with 34 kids from Kansas guarantees fast, forever friendships. This morning we boarded the bus at 7:30 (even though Frances, Faith, Gillian, and Aundrea overslept a little) and left Indianapolis. We stopped twice for gas and restroom breaks and we ate lunch in Illinois. We went around the bus this afternoon and shared our favorite moments. JC’s favorite was the FDR memorial, Issac enjoyed Capital Hill day, Gage loved the “Giant Water Chicken,” aka geese, and the overwhelming favorite was the people we met from Kansas and other states. This trip taught us how to use Uber Eats, not crash on the scooters, and discuss controversial topics with civility.  As Cora put it, “it’s not always easy to feel like you belong, but it was easy with this group.” I don’t know how I’ll wake up tomorrow without hearing “Greetings!” from Eric, seeings Jedd’s socks, or jamming to 2008 Taylor Swift. All  in all, Citizenship Washington Focus was an amazing experience that we will never forget. A huge thanks to Marietta, Jenee, Rich, Ron, Tonya and all of the parents and extension agents back home who got us here.

— Written by Kodi Rogers

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