a big scoop of happy with a little pinch of pain

We're currently taking a little vacation by revisiting our old stomping grounds...our nation's capital.

This weekend was incredibly full but sooo good for our souls.  Our church (the center of our DC world) is located just 5 blocks from the Capitol building.  Capitol Hill is (in my opinion) one of the greatest places on earth.  The quaint and colorful row houses, the brick sidewalks, strollers everywhere, chic stores and posh coffeeshops...And did I mention that church members have basically taken over the place?  Just walking around on Saturday, we ran into 20+ church folk.  Not kidding. 

Am I a city girl?  Sipping on a latte near Eastern Market with friends, watching the dogs and babies and enjoying the sun on our faces, I decided I must be.  Funny that a farm girl from Ohio could feel so utterly at home in a bustling metropolis.

I love Louisville.  Our transition there has been so smooth, and we have been blessed with new friends we love dearly.  We are thriving spiritually, and we love our church. 

But.

I still really miss DC.  I think this city will always have a special place in our hearts.  It is where we started off our marriage, where we learned how to apply the gospel in our relationship with each other.  It is where we first made friends as a couple and learned how to entertain together.  It is where we gave birth to our first child and learned the ropes of parenthood.  During our time there, I grew more in my relationship with the Lord and learned more from God's Word than I ever had before. 

So this visit is a little painful.  Though it is pure joy seeing our dear friends and worshipping at our old church, it reminds me of how much I miss it here.  A tinge of sadness laces every visit, every hug, every conversation.  And coming from a very non-nostalgic person, that is kind of a big deal.