LEAD 2025

 This was the fourth year our family participated in LEAD Wisconsin, which is a ministry of Wisconsin Family Council.

We are always so blessed by this camp, whose mission is to equip teens in becoming effective Godly leaders.

This year Roman participated in the media track, and Nola was in the Senate.

For Senators, their work begins Sunday night. They are assigned to a caucus and given two bills to work on - one to support and one to oppose.   

Throughout the week they hold a press conference, as well as attend public hearings and meetings chaired by real state legislators.

By Friday they vote and hold live debate on the Assembly floor in our beautiful State Capitol.

"Here you will rise to the challenge of amendments, decorum, and open debate." -Speaker of the House 

Nola is at the microphone, presenting one of the three speeches she wrote during the week.

We observed from the gallery above.

I really was paying attention...honest, I was! But I kept daydreaming about the meaning behind the large mural on the wall. It was so beautiful and interesting! 

It looked to me like an angel commanding an ancient goddess to leave, while a few Patriots, clutching our American flag, were bravely emerging onto the scene. 

Could the meaning have been our founding fathers saying goodbye to the antiquated government system in Europe to embrace the American spirit in the New World? 

My curiosity got the best of me... I looked it up.

According to the Historical Society's website, "A woman representing Wisconsin is surrounded by three women representing the three bodies of water surrounding the state." Wow, I was way off! And other than a few harsh warnings about tampering with the image, that was just about all the site had to say on this intriguing piece of art, simply titled, "Wisconsin."

Oh, well... it was still fun to ponder.

Meanwhile, Roman received a crash course on journalism and broadcasting. Here's a photo I snagged from their social media...

When we first arrived at the Capitol, (trying to catch our bearings and find our way around) who do we bump into right away?... Roman setting up equipment for an interview!

He and his team conducted interviews, toured a news station, published six newspapers and created three video broadcasts all by the end of the week.

I loved their clever catchphrase...

"News that leads the way."

After a long day at the Capitol, followed by a commissioning ceremony, we picked the kids up at their dorms and journeyed home. 

I reflected on my observations from the program and am convinced that we do not need to be afraid for today's teenagers. There is an army of bright young people being raised up! These kids love the Lord, think right thoughts, and persuade effectively.

We just are fortunate to be a part of it! 

"God presides over the great assembly. He renders judgment among the gods." -Psalm 82:1

~ Courtney