Mrs. Thrasher is a member of the Washington Preforming Arts Society and participates in the Embassy Adoption Program; the program is a partnership between WPAS and D.C. Public Schools, the Embassy Adoption Program annually connects 1,500 fifth- and sixth-grade students in 50 schools in all D.C. Wards with 50 embassies. Embassy officials and teachers design an individualized curriculum based on the culture of the country, the embassy’s resources, D.C. Public School curriculum standards, and needs of the students.
Diplomats visit the schools to give students a personalized understanding of their nation’s positions on various world issues. WPAS Women’s Committee members serve as liaisons between the teachers and embassy officials. Students in the Embassy Adoption Program also have the opportunity to participate in a WPAS cultural performance, a mini United Nations summit, and a trip to the United Nations in New York City. A wonderful opportunity for young people to learn about other cultures of the world in which we live.
Today the Brightwood Elementary School of Washington, District of Columbia ended their study of Ancient Rome by visiting the Embassy of Italy and I was a part of the group that met and welcome the students to the Italian Embassy. (see photo below)
The Embassy of Italy of Washington, DC
The Embassy of Italy, District of ColumbiaThe students had the experience of being on Italian soil, although they never left the continent of North America and were only minutes away from their respective homes in Washington, DC. It was a delight to see the realization of that fact register on those young faces that just beyond the security wall of the Embassy the laws of the United States of America prevailed, but within the building they were standing the laws of Italy (a foreign country) prevailed.
In the above-mentioned group, were present: Pat Ellwood of the Office of Protocol and International Affairs within the office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia; Halima Z. Adams, Manager of Embassy Adoption Program for the District of Columbia Public Schools; Michael L. Giacalone of Public Affairs for Italian Cultural Institute; and other were present including my friend Gloria Thrasher of Long and Foster Company, and I - of The Commonwealth of Christ.
The city of L'Aquila after 2009 earthquake
city of L’Aquila - after earthquakeOne of the highlights of the visit was seeing one of the paintings that was saved from the 6.3 earthquake in Italy, in April of this year, that caused massive damage to what had been one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Large sections of a famous 13th-century basilica and three other historic churches in the mountain city of L’Aquila crumbled.
The below 14th Century painting, saved from the earthquake damage in the Medieval city of L’Aquila - that is scheduled for a tour throughout the United States - is presently housed at the Embassy of Italy.
14th Century painting from the City of L'Auila
What strikes me as significant, is that while growing up in San Francisco, in middle-low income family, I never thought that I would one day stand in the Washington, DC Italian Embassy and view someone’s work from 1395 that was almost destroyed in 2009.
Presentation of Brightwood Art - a gift to the Embassy of Italy: just before lunch, the Brightwood Student performed a skit about Ancient Rome and then present their artful creation to the Italian Embassy - that will now be on display in the same building that 14th Century Art is displayed. Below are a few of the photos I took with my iPhone - my photo privileges were limited.
Gloria Thrasher and a few of the Brightwood Students
Group photo
Yes, I am thankful that God has called Larry and me to the great ‘city’ of Washington, DC!
