My Trip to Virginia - Part 1

   Without a shadow of a doubt, I can assuredly claim that my week spent in Virginia has been added to my "Happiest Memories" list. From spending one-on-one time with my Mom, to listening to inspirational lectures, even to merely strolling the campus, God blessed my trip literally every step of the way. Because there are very many joyful memories I would love to share, I thought that I would write about my experience in two different posts: The first is about the three charming days my Mom and I spent together, and the second is about my timeless experience at Patrick Henry College. 

    After a long five hour flight, my Mom and I landed in Washington Dulles around midnight. Neither of us had slept a wink on the plane, so we were very anxious to get to bed :) We went to pick up our rental car, and realized that we were going to be driving a cutting-edge black Cube. I am very thankful that the Lord was able to provide us a vehicle, but a Cube does not fit our personality at all! However, it provided us with a good laugh at 1 in the morning :) 

   We spent the next two days driving around Herndon, Leesburg, and Purcellville. Those three towns are some of my new favorite places to go. In these cities, I learned to identify and appreciate the beauty in the small, and often unnoticed things. Here are a few photos I snapped: 

   On Saturday, my Mom and I walked around Herndon and then explored historic Leesburg. While we were there, the weather was just perfect. It is kind of what you would call "a perfect day". The sun was shining, the original architecture made it feel like you were walking through history, and we were greeted by friendly faces at every turn. All that to say, the Lord greatly blessed our day.  
    Because we could only rent our car for twenty-four hours, my Mom and I drove back to the rental place and were given a new car. This time, we exchanged the boxy look for a circular style, and traded an angular hedgehog for a sleek bug. Our trip was packed full of unexpected, yet wonderful surprises at every turn!! :)
   To complete our fantastic day, we drove to Purcellville; the home of Patrick Henry College. As we drove down the freeway, I fixed my gaze on the hillside and waited for the roof of the college to come in to view. As its large brick figure emerged from the grassy plains, a large smile etched across my face. After months of anticipation, I was finally here! My Mom drove us throughout the campus as we admired the beautiful facets of the college. We both enjoyed seeing it!
On Sunday morning, my Mom and I wanted to go to church before she dropped me off at the college. Because we attend a Calvary Chapel, we always like to look for one when we travel. Since my family and I have been to Virginia before, we were slightly familiar with the Calvary Chapel in Leesburg called Cornerstone Church. When and if Virginia becomes my home, this fellowship is definitely on my list for potential churches.
   Around 2pm that afternoon, the time came for my Mom and I to say goodbye...for the week, that is. While I would begin my adventures in Virginia, she would fly back home to California. I was so thankful that I got to spend a couple days with her. She is truly the greatest Mom ever and she made my time across the US so much sweeter. Treasure and cherish the time you spend with your parents. I will post part two soon; God bless you, my dear readers!