AND I DO QUOTE:

The cross is the greatest example of humility and devotion in the universe. Jesus put your needs ahead of His own. He considered you more valuable than Himself. - Chip Ingram

Saturday, June 2, 2007

O-H-I-O Trip






Paige and I spent the past three days on the Ohio Trip for 7th and 8th graders. It was quite an experience. All in all, I am feeling pretty lucky to live in Ohio these days. For starters... HELLO LEBRON JAMES! I do believe the best state in the nation is home to this amazing basketball player!

We traveled to many Ohio sites, but my favorite was the State Capital. I have always loved history and politics and the State of Ohio, so I knew this would be right up my ally. We sat in on Senate in session and we were recognized on the floor of the Senate. Cool stuff. But the coolest part was meeting Senator Robert Spada. I didn't know that we were visiting Senator Spada until we boarded the bus, but I recognized the name immediately. Senator Spada was extremely instrumental in the recent signing of Ohio's Mental Health Parity Bill into law. Substitute Senate Bill 116, sponsored by Sen. Robert Spada, prohibits discrimination in group health care policies, contracts and agreements in the coverage provided for the diagnosis, care and treatment of biologically based mental illnesses. One of the specific disorders it targets is OCD. This bill has been sitting out there for about 15 years and Mr. Spada has pushed it through, making it possible for those with mental illness to afford more treatment. Perhaps they won't feel the financial push to skip filling prescriptions and seeking medical attention due to higher health care costs. Mr. Spada was very candid with me and shared that he has a son that suffers with bipolar disorder, so mental health issues are important to him. So, this week, he is my hero.

Something else that struck me on this trip, our nation's forefathers were soooo intelligent and detail oriented. Just to create the form of government that we have (including the consistution) is one thing. But when you see all the little details, it is really amazing. Did you know that when the Ohio flag and the U.S. Flag are displayed in unison (or any other state flag) that the U.S. flag must be positioned slightly higher to show respect and authority? Just a cool little detail.
Above you will also see pictures from the Ohio Caverns (cool place), Air Force Museum and COSi.

Yet, still good to be home!
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. -- Romans 10:9

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