DC Excitement to North Carolina Respite

Washington DC is a place of inspiration for both of us.  The city is a hub of action, and it has moved us to action in many ways.  We re-affirmed our vision to work internationally with the poor when we were there in April, 2009 while visiting friends, and we both felt at peace to quit our jobs to seek work in that capacity.  Therefore, it is appropriate we returned for a visit on our way to Texas for training with Mercy Ships. 

Our good friend, Emily invited us to stay, and she was happy to accommodate us royally in her small apartment, right in the middle of the city.  Emily works in the huge non-profit sector in DC with an organization called AED.   She introduced us to many of her friends who all have a passion for working internationally and making a difference in the world.  We were only there for a day, but it was filled with action! 

We ran in the morning, applied for our visas at the Benin Embassy, 

checked out the “wild” animals at the DC Zoo, 

and had a party at Emily’s house with friends.  We got a chance to see Ayago, our friend from Kenya who we met in Ithaca.  He’s now living  and working in DC too.  

Later that night we went Latin-dancing with Emily and her friends and danced late into the night.  We know Africans love to dance, so we see it as part of our continuing cultural training.  We left DC exhilarated yet tired.

We left early the next morning for North Carolina to visit our friends Wesley and Barbara Moses.  To contrast the action and excitement of Washington DC, our time in North Carolina can be characterized as immensely peaceful and restful. 

Wes and Barb just had a new baby, Josiah and we had fun holding him, trying to make him smile.  We played tennis, met some of their friends and went to their church in Raleigh. 

Our time with them was so restful both physically and spiritually, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to stay with them.    

Next stop:  Georgia, The Peach State! and play time with the Ashleys.