Out of Bounds

U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.

For nearly 20 years, I have been working with youth in one form or another. While my job has changed, somethings haven't. On Monday morning, I will be heading to Washington, D.C. with nine of our students and four staff from L.A.H.S. Almost as long as I have been working with kids, I have been taking them on the road (or in the air, for that matter).

There's something about changing locations and getting out of our familiar boundaries that changes kids. Whether a work camp in Kentucky, a rafting trip to Tennessee, a mission trip to Africa, or an educational trip to DC, the change of venue (and cultures and sights and experiences) opens minds and liberates them from the narrow confines of their limited experiences. These kinds of journeys are good for kids, especially those who haven't been given many opportunities.

I find it interesting that some of the disciple's greatest learning moments took place when Jesus took them out of their familiar surroundings and submersed them in places that were unfamiliar to them and among people they were taught to avoid. I'm not convinced that Jesus wants us to live in our safe circles of familiarity with little interest or regard for the "outside world". He engaged different cultures in strange places and challenged his followers to do the same. Perhaps the journey is an important part of our journey.

I am not expecting a life-changing experience for our students this week, but I do expect their eyes to be opened and for them to learn a little bit more about the world around them and their place in it. For many of them, this will be their first time flying or even their first time out of the state of Colorado. Their mix of anxiety and curiosity will put their senses on high alert and keep them primed for learning.

It's good for all of us to get out of bounds from time to time.