to be honest, before we left, i was a little nervous about taking this trip to D.C. i was particularly dreading the upheaval of chloe’s routine and being in a place where i didn’t know where everything i needed was. the night before we left, kevin asked me what i was most looking forward to about the trip and i told him, ‘coming back home’. however, one of the first things i most appreciated was how well we were taken care of, and what incredible hospitality was shown by the two families we stayed with. we first stayed with the Law family in the arlington suburbs for a couple of days. even amidst taking care of two young children of their own, and mike prepping a sermon, they welcomed us into their cozy home and took such good care of us. any anxieties about traveling and being away from home were quickly put to ease as we felt very much at home in their place. it was a great joy to be a part of their family for a few days and for chloe to have some other kiddoes to play with. it was sweet to fellowship over play times, meals, walks and drives, and to share how each of our respective ‘church plants‘ are going.
it was also so sweet to stay with the ho family. we felt quite at home in their apartment, and it was so good to spend time with good friends. even though kevin and stella are cousins, i feel like we are much closer like brothers and sisters, and not just in Christ. and, i’m excited for chloe to have a little cousin to grow up with. it’s been a long time since we’ve really gotten to spend some quality time with them, so staying in their home was so good for us. i appreciated the ease in sharing the ways the Lord is growing our hearts, exposing our sin and welcoming God’s grace that covers it, and encouraging each other in continuing to praise the Lord. plus, we had one of the best breakfasts at the eastern market with them.
by the end of the trip, i was dreading having to leave a place that quickly felt like home and family for us.
next up…the reason we went to D.C. in the first place…’the surprise’
