Places that Define

If I were to begin to describe to you many of the crazy things that I have happened to me this year, I would be remiss if I didn’t include one place where I have been a frequent visitor: Washington D.C.

I think in life we have to pay attention to people and places that are warm and inviting… places that keep drawing us back. Washington D.C. has been one of these places that has drew me back in often surprising ways since last August (after I finished up my internship there). In fact, I’ve visited the District eight times since then.. In many ways this city has become my new home. I’ve fallen in love with city life and in particular, all the great people I’ve met since becoming acquainted with the city for the first time this time last year. It is the little things that I love… I know it must sound strange to any long term city dweller, but even the riding Metro (D.C. subway system) makes me giddy. I love that I keep my Smart Trip card still in my wallet even when I’m back in NC. And, I love the Starbucks mug that sits in my cabinet which says Washington D.C. I go to Starbucks here when I miss real city life.

And not just this, but the sights, the smells and the pace of life in D.C invigorate me. While the parking, the traffic and prices of things there can drive me crazy, the sacrifices seem small to all that you gain such as access to an incredibly diverse collection of people, coffee shops on every corner, and great opportunities for fun stuff to do. I mean, who doesn’t get excited to see the Washington or Lincoln Memorial? I have to admit that I do.

But, being the poor seminary student that I am, you might be wondering, how it is that you can afford to make such frequent trips out of town? Well, somehow, it has just worked out, financially and otherwise. One of these reasons is because of the hospitality of my friends the Butlers who live in the area. Their friendship has been a catalyst for many wonderful blessings in my life this year. I had a place to stay . . .

When I decided to come back to join Calvary as soon as I got back from Rwanda . . .
When I needed an escape from Durham over Fall Break…
When I was on my way through to a conference in Ohio . . .
When I came to town for one of my first dates with my boyfriend . . .
And just this week, when I was in town to look for jobs for after graduation I stayed with them yet again.

So because of these defining moments over the past year and many more, I am very grateful for the ways that the Butlers have allowed me to journey with them. Their welcoming presence and interest in my life have connected me to a wealth of experiences that I would not have had otherwise. In particular, they’ve enabled me to continue to be in relationship with Calvary Baptist during my last year of seminary (a community of faith whose sheer existence has cheered me on through days of wondering why I’m studying to be a pastor anyway). They've also given me a place to just be myself when I stay with them-- such an amazing gift in itself.

So, when I look back on this year of my life, I know that I will think often of how D.C. shaped my journey for things to come (who knows for what?). But, in particular, I will think of the Butlers—how they have modeled hospitality, friendship, and life together in the community of faith. How happy is this!

Amy is pictured to the right. Hayden, Sam and Hannah are below... Mark is mia in the photo gallery but still very cool.