Somehow we have been gone a whole month already! We did get out of the city this weekend to go
to Laurelville camp. It was a nice
change of pace and we were happy to be able to see both of our parents, do some
hiking, and learn from great speakers.
Our time in D.C. has been very busy between working and
schooling, but we have had ample time to get out and see the city. We are about a half hour bike ride to the
D.C. mall, so we have frequented museums and the monuments there. It has been great to be able to study insects
and Africa one day from our school books, then hit the Natural History museum
the next day to see the corresponding exhibits.
Other good
experiences included participating in the climate march last Saturday, hitting
an organ concert in the National Cathedral, touring various historic buildings
and, of course, sampling from the vast array of ethnic restaurants in D.C. We are amazed at how our kids have jumped on
board with trying Middle Eastern Tabbouleh, West African goat, Cajun crawfish,
and many others in between.
We have also thoroughly enjoyed the hours of conversations
with guests and staff at the guest house.
The guests there are mix of people traveling through for business or pleasure, often
connected to the Mennonite Church, as well as many international visitors
(mostly from developing countries) for various reasons. Part of our responsibility is facilitating
breakfast and evening tea conversations, which often last an hour or more. It has been fascinating to interact with different segments of people and the range of perspectives they bring.
Because of the size of our family, we aren't actually
staying at the International Guest House.
Instead, we have a 1 bedroom basement apartment which is several miles
from the guest house. It is a pleasant
30 minute bike ride along a riverside path north to work or south to the
mall. We are near a park, which explodes
with people walking their dogs in the evening.
Our kids try to get their fix of laughing at and petting various dogs, since
they are constantly missing their own.
Thanks for being a part of our journey. We are having a great time and hope all is
well with you also!
Eric, Jodi, Julia, and Nathan 
