Dearest friends in some great places

For the first time in 5 years, I won't be taking a trip with Campus Crusade over Spring Break. Its bitter sweet to be honest. The memories I have on SB trips are dear to my heart--fond friendship, laughter til it hurts, exploration of land I'd never seen before, and stories of God's work I intended to tell until the other side. At the same time, at this exact moment, the thought of leading a SB trip challenges me; it fells raw and pushed, and the Lord knew that.

When I met with our students to tell them that if SB was happening, it was happening because they would organize it, I was excited about the possibilities. Then, after a long frustrating meeting, I wasn't so much. The short story is people decided to sort of go their own way, more just to be refreshed on their own and get a break. We do so much here together that there was a felt need for separation and not just doing a trip for the sake of doing a trip. I was actually thrilled, because I fit that category.

Now being freed up for spring break, I did what I do best, look into options. It was thrilled to know that I had a week to play with, no one to tie me down, no responsibilities for the week, no where to be, no doctor appointments of any sort and all the options in the world. I've been wanted to do a trip to DC for a good while know. Kathryn and I talk about it each semester and then the time passes by and we still haven't done it--luckily we find ways to see each other in Atl and Colorado--friends have to see each other sometime!

I've also been telling another Katherine in Raleigh that I wanted to come see her, for just about ever. Its been since college since I visited, and thats too long!

Soooo, I booked a trip. A train trip actually. Planes are a too normal and driving seemed a little boring without a pal by my side for this one. A train, just right. So, I'll be leaving town on Friday and heading north. The train takes nearly a day to get there (and if your thinking that sucks, I'm thinking quite the opposite) How often do we crave down time, time to just sit, relax, think, journal, read. Time to watch the world pass us by with the voice of our favorite artist in our ears. Does it not sound heavenly. It shall be. I hope to meet some cool travelers and hear their stories. Maybe share a meal with someone you'd least expect. I just can't wait.

I then arrive in DC and will be staying with Kathryn and Tyler. Its worth noting that the last time I was there is pretty much when these two love birds got together. So, I like to take credit for them, I'm just saying. Someone has to do all the hard work. Can't wait to hang out with them, lay around on the couch, hit the town, whatever it is they wanna do!

Tuesday I take off on the next train--repeat step one, arriving that afternoon in Raleigh NC. The land of like 8 colleges, or just three big ones, but still. I'll be staying with Katherine, a dear sweet friend who I swear has been with me through thick and thin. She has never been afraid to say hard things to me and has been so faithful to be in my life. I can't waaaait for good minutes with her. To top that off, Erin, another summer project friend is coming down along with Laura. The more of us there are, the more trouble we are likely to find. Especially with that cast. Its sure to be wild. I love those girls dearly.

So despite it not being a Crusade Spring Break, I know it will still be memorable. Its just what I need. A spring break with some of my dearest friends in some great places. I'm thankful my friends live in desirable locations, that helps. Can't wait to see you guys! Blessings.