Washington, DC Photographie-- Cherry Blossoms and Life-Giving Friendship

 confession: i took more photos of flowers than I did of historical memorabilia and the buildings and places that DC is actually known for. you are now free to read ahead :) 

i packed my bags and took a plane to visit my dearest friend Megan in Washington, DC last Wednesday. i was definitely ready for some Sky Mall browsing and Ginger Ale sipping (which I only ever drink on planes... no idea why.) i'll never understand why simply sitting on a plane for about 4 hours makes you dead tired, but after a truly wonderful dinner with Meg at Zaytinya, a snazzy Greek and Mediterranean restaurant, my head hit the pillow and i was out. 

thursday i was on my own until late in the afternoon. at first i was a little nervous to traverse such a large city all solo, but there's something about riding the metro and just people-watching that is thrilling! throughout the day i made my way to the National Mall, caught glimpses of the Capitol and the Washington Monument, had my breath taken away by the plum trees and cherry blossoms, wandered off into a museum, paid $6 to stand in a room full of butterflies (little known fact- i am a tad bit obsessed), and explored a truly magnificent part of Georgetown.  

i met up with a sweet friend, Suzanne, at the Dumbarton Oaks Park in Georgetown. it is a 16+ acre garden simply covered with gorgeous flowers, trees and landscaping. 

after enjoying so much of our sweet God's beauty we visited a marvelous coffeeshop, where we enjoyed delicious Belgium hot chocolate-- it's an incredible concept: steam the milk, and pour in pure melted chocolate. stir, and enjoy. 

dinner with Meg that night was at Busboys and Poets--  potentially the coolest place i've ever been to. coffeeshop, lounge, bar, restaurant, and major site for social justice and documentaries to be viewed during the week. oh, and did i mention they also have a bookstore inside? 

Friday was such an incredible day. Meg is an intern at International Justice Mission, IJM. i was so blessed to be able to join them for their Friday prayer time and intern lunch, and later a dinner. it was astounding-- to sit in a room full of people that probably could be working anywhere they wanted in the business world, and they are praying for justice to be brought to the nations and for God to move BIG. i was brought to tears by their faith. 

we spent our afternoon doing an official photoshoot near Crystal City, and then returned to Dumbarton Oaks for the incredible scenery. Megan, you are incredibly beautiful. you are honest and humble, and your adoration of Jesus moves me to the core. 

Saturday we visited Eastern Market---a plethora of colors, fresh fruits and vegetables, and the most delicious blueberry buckwheat pancakes i have ever put in my mouth. 

and not to mention all the other food i enjoyed while there-- it seems as though every single thing was just full of flavor! i was definitely a huge fan of all the coffee available... 

and finally, after being there almost 3 days, we visited the Library of Congress... the old giddy English major in me came out as we walked around a smidgen of what was once Thomas Jefferson's old library. however, as the line to get in to tour the Capitol building was about a mile long, we contented ourselves with walking in the near vicinity :) 

our Saturday was topped off with going to National Community Church. this church's story of origin is incredible in itself, but the sheer sense of raw humility and openness in the worship and sermon was incredible. i can't remember the last time i've been so wrecked by God's presence and power. 

my visit concluded on Sunday with a run on Mt. Vernon Trail, right next to the Potomac river. and might i mention that this decided to be the only purely sunny day while i was there?? we passed even more beautiful flowers and trees. i was just astounded by how much DC puts into their landscaping! especially downtown and the business centers, it was stunning. (and yes, the last few flowers are ranunculus. mmm!!!) 

with one last visit to Busboys and Poets and then some time-killing photo editing (hence how i've already finished with the tremendous amount of photos i took), my stay was over :( Meg accompanied me to the bus that took me to the airport, and before i knew it was greeted by the baggage claim by my most wonderful husband (who, might i add, had brought yellow roses and petite brownies with his handsome face :-) ). it was truly a most incredible trip-- so full of adventure and fresh air. not to mention that the Lord definitely grabbed me deep in the heart again. oh, to long for my Savior! 

i hope this leaves you well. enjoy such a beautiful week!!