We’ve been traveling this week for the first time in a long time. I had a tour of the offices for the company I’ve been teaching for online for about eight years. Putting a face to the faces I’ve only known on the computer was wonderful. I met a team of teachers from south Texas too, who are remarkable for the work they are doing with kids there in very difficult circumstances.

Touring DC has been amazing. But there is so much to see and experience here and there is no possible way to fit it all in. Watching the changing of the guard was incredible; the respect that is given those who have fallen and especially those who have never been identified.

Standing at the feet of President Lincoln and reading the words of the Gettysburg Address, and the 2nd Inaugural Address made my breath catch, to think about our history. It is incredible to think about how far we’ve come and where we are going, and to see that expanse of water and remember all the people who have gathered there, filling up the space with their combined voices to move our country forward.