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When you think of outer space, what comes to mind? Images of the solar system, a vast open expanse, or unknowns yet to be discovered? No matter what you picture, there is a certain awe associated with space. This year, many of us had our eyes opened to a new kind of curiosity and creativity as we witnessed a total (or partial) solar eclipse – when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, blocking the sun from view. Alumni and students alike experienced the joy of this amazing and unique aspect of God’s created universe.
PHIL YODER ‘10 watched the event with his wife and daughter in their backyard in Ohio. “The highlight of the eclipse was by far the totality. Darkness rushed into the sky everywhere but on the horizon. In one moment, I felt both like a tiny human on a fragile planet and also a unique and precious spirit in God’s hands.”
To Phil, “Curiosity is important because it lends to how we treat each other…. we can be curious about different perspectives, people’s stories, and hope to learn from each other.” He also encourages anyone to “develop a curiosity for the everyday experiences of life. You don’t have to go very far to have your curiosity nurtured. There are amazing and mysterious things happening in our own backyards everyday.”
JESSICA (LUSBY) BUCKWALTER ‘00 went to Vermont with her husband and daughters. “We stumbled upon a viewing party at the local ski lodge, where we were warmly welcomed. There was food, live music, and a playground for the kids…It was fantastic!
The experience was fun, but also impactful on a deeper level. She shares that it helped her connect the world of science to faith. “Science helped me to understand what was happening, while my faith helped me to fully appreciate the awe that comes with experiencing a natural phenomenon.”
STEPHEN EDWARDS ‘03 is no stranger to the awe of outer space. In his role as Mission Architect at NASA – Marshall Space Flight Center, he is responsible for developing spacecraft designs and space mission concepts.
Edwards says, “I consider my work to be a worshipful act. Proverbs 25:2 says ‘It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.’ Through our seeking and finding, more of God’s glory is revealed.” Curiosity and creativity play a big part in his work as well! He shares that,
“Curiosity motivates our science and exploration objectives, which in turn call forth our creativity to figure out how we might achieve them. God has placed us in His great creation, and He has made us in His image! Exercising our creativity is necessary if we are to explore what this image-bearing means and learn to be good stewards of it.”
LM ECLIPSE EXPERIENCES
“The eclipse sparked scientific curiosity for our students! They were excited and delighted to experience looking at the eclipse, especially since the glasses made it so clear. Curiosity is important because it leads to investigating and learning, which lead to knowledge.”
– KAREN MADDOX ‘97, LM Teacher
PHOTO (R): 2ND GRADERS CREATED A PINHOLE SOLAR VIEWER OUT OF CEREAL BOXES FOR AN INCREDIBLE SOLAR ECLIPSE EXPERIENCE.
(MIDDLE) MIDDLE SCHOOLERS VIEW THE ECLIPSE. (RIGHT) PREK STUDENTS PRACTICE USING ECLIPSE GLASSES.
