A weekend in Virginia

I'm choosing to reflect on my weekend adventure on this blog - not my Rochester MVS blog - because it is a period of my life that has significance above and beyond, and mostly unrelated to, my time in the Flower City. Not that all of life is not interconnected and my experience in Rochester did not shape my visit and likewise my visit will not shape that experience. But because the relationships and people I shared food and celebration with this past weekend have influenced other parts of my life more in the past, and I expect in the future as well. Their love, acceptance, support, and hugs have shaped more than my MVS year and I want - and expect - them to continue to impact my life long after my time in Rochester has come to a close. And so, my reflections on a fall weekend spent in Virginia:

I traveled at least a few hours every day for 5 days to see the man I love, celebrate an american tradition, experience the reunion of college roommates and attend at a wedding of two dear friends. I am so full of thanks from this past weekend, so full of joy for friendships building and continuing, and excitement about what is yet to come. 

I left Rochester on Wednesday morning at 1 am in the midst of a snow storm. My journey south by bus was mostly uneventful, regardless of the horrible weather and my arrival was delayed only 2 hours due to Thanksgiving traffic around D.C. I was greeted by a very enthusiastic boyfriend and treated to a dinner of sushi and an evening of cuddles. Because I had the brilliant plan of having Tania Bukach sew my dress for the wedding, I got to spend some time catching up, drinking coffee, and petting her cats as we brain stormed what we could do to make the much-too-small dress fit over my chest and hips. 

The next morning Matt and I drove 3 1/2 hours east to the ocean and crossed the Chesapeake.  Thanksgiving was spent on the eastern shore with Matt's family. We had dinner at his grandparents house with an aunt and uncle and one set of cousins. It was fun to see his extended family connections and to get to know that part of his life a little more. I was welcomed enthusiastically and even invited to come back.  His younger cousins, sister, and I made gingerbread men/houses after the meal and laughed together. We spent the night on the eastern shore at Matt's mother's mother''s house (she is no longer living and Matt's parents have possession of her home) and on Friday got to spend some time with Donnette and Terry (Matt's parents) and Matt's sister Rachel. We went to an art exhibit at the high school both Matt's parents attended (it is now a historical building) and then to visit his grandmother's grave before lunch out. It was interesting for me to feel included in his family time - to wonder how well I fit and what it meant to spend the holiday with Matt's relations. 

That afternoon we drove back to Richmond, laughing and giggling and having political arguments about Marvel's Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D (a Joss Wheton tv show based on Marvel's comics), the goodness of people, mob mentality and ethics of gun proliferation and ownership. The second fitting of my dress produced a beautiful gown (of which I will post pictures) and a few more Tania hugs. 

Saturday morning we began our third long car ride in 3 days as we journeyed west to Harrisonburg. As I drove through the mountains (and Matt dossed) I got to reflect on the beauty of the place I spent my four years at college. I was truly blessed to be able to learn and grow in such a awe-inspiring local. And as I pulled into the church parking lot for an afternoon/evening of games, food, rehearsal, birthday celebrations, and wedding prep I was reminded of how blessed I was to know so many amazing people. These relationships with people from EMU grew out of thought and debate, joy and laughter, and mutual compassion and care and continue to feel as natural and beautiful even when I haven't spent time with some of them for almost a year. I got to spend the evening giggling with my closest college girlfriends, preparing to celebrate the wedding of my dearest Aly and rejoicing in the unexpected visit of Jamila, all the way from Indonesia to celebrate with us. 

Sunday morning we woke up slowly, made pancakes, and had a picnic on the floor - just like old times. The way we continue to complement each other, but have also grown more into our individual uniqueness since leaving college was inspiring.  Wedding prep and photos continued to renew the sense of closeness and friendship that I had been rediscovering Saturday afternoon.  And the wedding itself was such a beautiful expression of who Aly and Sam are, the love and caring, commitment and the perfect combination of geekiness and traditional Mennonite. To celebrate this occasion with them and to attend on them as they committed to love each other for the rest of their lives... i do not have the words to describe my joy and delight. 

And following the reception, as Matt and I made our last car trip together back to Richmond, I reflected on how the lives that have meant so much to me are changing and will continue to change. When I lived with Aly and Meg and Jamila and began to watch Aly and Sam fall in love - those days will never come back. But my friends will continue to be a part of my life, in different ways and at different times. I am so blessed to experience such support and to be inspired by so many different people. So thankful for all that I have had witness to and all that is yet to come between us and because of us. 

This morning Matt had me at the train station by 5 am and as I reflect on the past 5 days from my seat aboard a crowded train, I wonder what celebrations the next few years hold. I was blessed to attend upon 4 weddings over the past year and a half - and while I am not planning on purchasing any more bridesmaid dresses in the foreseeable future,  I am anxious to discover what other celebrations and life changing joys I will have the blessing to attend upon in the years to come.