Home, Sweet Home

It’s official! After 3 trips to the DMV, and 3 hours waiting in lines, we’re licensed to drive as residents of Virginia. We had heard horror stories of how they cut up your Texas driver’s license while you watch, but that didn’t happen.

I think I’d like to work for the government; I want to be the most efficient government employee who ever lived. The playing field is level at the DMV, everyone is treated poorly. Most of you know that I struggle a bit with lack of patience. Needless to say, Mimi had her hands full keeping me from taking over the DMV and restructuring it completely. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen government bureaucracy at its worse. (Why would we want government to be any bigger?)

Braddock Station, Alexandria, VA

Now that we’re official residents, we thought it would be good to show you where we live, and where Mimi works. Braddock Road is our Metro Station; it’s only about 3 blocks from our condo. Did we tell you we don’t have a car? It’s really a nice little ride into DC–Reagan National Airport, Crystal City, Pentagon City, Pentagon, crossing the Potomac, L’Enfant Plaza, Archives/Navy Memorial and Gallery Place/Chinatown. After a quick switch to the red line, it’s on to Judiciary Square and Union Station, and Mimi is within 5 blocks from her office. On cold days, she’ll hop on the D6 bus that drops her at the Corner of 8th NE and D, then it’s just a quick sprint across the street and she’s there. Clad in flip flops, with pumps in tow, Mimi makes this trip flawlessly, now. In the early days, she made a few wrong turns, and ended up going the wrong way on the Metro. I’m impatient; Mimi’s directionally challenged. We all have our growth areas.

CCCU Executive/Admin Offices

Mimi works at the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, 321 8th St. NE, just a stones throw from the US Capitol, if you have a good arm. The executive/administrative offices of the Council are in one building; the student programs–American Studies and Washington Journalism Center, as well as student housing, are next door.

CCCU Washington Student Programs

The Council is a consortium of 180+ evangelical Christian colleges and universities, both nationally and internationally. Mimi serves as Vice President for Professional Development and Research, providing leadership for the programs of the CCCU intended to challenge, inform, encourage, and inspire faculty and staff at member institutions, including conferences and workshops, networking grants, assessment, research, institutional surveys and helpful resources. This position is ideal for Mimi, and she loves it.

1111 Oronoco, Alexandria, VA

After work, Mimi returns to our condo in Alexandria. This was a great find; we love the Alexandria community, especially King St. and Old Town, which are only a couple of blocks away. We’ve enjoyed walking among our nation’s history, exploring the quaint, cobblestone streets, and eating in the very best restaurants. We’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to live year-round where so many people enjoy vacationing. Well, now we know, and it’s great.

Our Own Starbucks

Of course, my favorite part is that we have our very own neighborhood Starbucks, right here in our building. Can you imagine, it’s right here in my backyard. Talk about a dream come true. It doesn’t get better than this.

You now have an idea of our new home, or should I say, Mimi’s home. I’m leaving in the morning for Beijing. It was tough saying goodbye to Mimi when I walked her to the Metro this morning. She leaves this afternoon for an overnight retreat, so I’ll be gone when she gets home. We’re completely confident in our decision for me to spend this year in China, but it doesn’t make leaving any easier. That said, we’re pretty strong people, so I know we’ll be okay. Your thoughts and prayers have been a tremendous support. We love and appreciate all of you. Keep us in your prayers, and don’t forget Katie and Colin in Abilene.

Advertisement