You do not even know all the feelings Brad and I had going on about a week and a half ago while we were in BOSTON. That's right. Brad took me to Boston as a Christmas gift (belated, obviously). It was the best. The. Best.
We have been in such a slump recently. Without going into all the detail that there is, suffice it to say that we are having a HARD time getting a group of friends up and going around here. The list of things we have tried in an effort to make these elusive friends is extensive and somewhat creative. And despite such a fabulous list, we have very little to show for our efforts. It doesn't make us miss Boston less/like Durham any more than we did when we moved here. 8 months ago.
This has led us to question ourselves. Have we become unreasonably awkward? Are we now socially inept? Is the fact that we now know basically nothing about pop culture hurting our chances?
We've been struggling, y'all.
So, our trip to Boston came at the most perfect time. To try and tell you about everything wonderful that we did would be a little impossible for me...because, cheesy as this sounds, I feel a little like Mary when she treasured things up in her heart.
Yes. I realize I just typed that. But, in all seriousness, the Lord orchestrated so many opportunities that we so desperately needed. It was perfect.
Seeing as describing everything would be impossible, I thought I'd make a list of highlights:
1. We were there when Boston got the last two inches they needed to break the record for the most snow. I loved it.
2. We got to eat at our beloved Regina's Pizza. And Mike's Pastry.
3. Those were the only Boston-y things we got to do, and we were SO okay with that because our time was packed to the gills with friends. Saturday was spent with our friend and host, Anne. She is so dear to us. On Sunday, we spent about 4 hours with some of our dearest friends, eating fabulous food and playing Settlers. The wife, a Californian, made sweet tea just for us and did a GREAT job. Sunday after church, I got to spend 3 hours with my "mom" friends (which was so so so needed) and Brad got to visit with one of his friends. Monday: Brad had a friend breakfast, I had a friend coffee, we visited with one of our Jesuit friends, Brad had lunch with his Boston College advisor, I had lunch with a friend, Brad went for a walk with another friend, I got my hair cut, and we had the most perfect dinner with four couples who are dear to our hearts. Tuesday: breakfast with a bestie couple of ours, Brad had coffee with a mentor, I had coffee (apple cider) with Anne, Brad had lunch with our Boston pastor, and I had lunch with one of my favorite friends and her kids.
4. Church. This was one of the best things. We have been so desperate to find a permanent home church that serves as our family in Durham, and it has not happened yet. Being in the midst of our Boston church family while worshiping exceeded all of our expectations and filled us to the brim. I'll stop here before the gushing becomes too much.
5. We headed home on Tuesday, but we headed to the airport from different places around the city, which means I was by myself during the sad part of our Bostonian adventure. Because God knew I needed a laugh, I took the green line to Park Street to switch the the red line. Isn't that hilarious? Just kidding. The funny part was that while I was waiting for the train to arrive, a musician set up right next to me and started play Darius Rucker's song "Wagon Wheel." I don't know if you're familiar with the song, but this is the first bit:
Heading down south to the land of the pines
I'm thumbing my way into North Carolina
Staring up the road and pray to God I see headlights
I made it down the coast in seventeen hours
Picking me a bouquet of dogwood flowersAnd I'm a-hopin' for Raleigh, I can see my baby tonight
...
Running from the cold up in New England...
I definitely laughed out loud by myself and put some money in that guy's guitar case. How very appropriate to my life. And, as if we were in a movie, that guy strummed his last chord the exact moment that my train pulled up. Unbelievable timing. It really was a fun way to leave...seeing as how I didn't want to leave at all.
The trip was perfect. We came back with new outlooks and recharged batteries. The best Christmas present, Brad. Thank you!!
Arriving at the airport...could NOT have been more excited!
Headed to church with Bobby and Karli
Regina's! Best pizza. Ate way too much.
Got our cannoli because we would have shriveled up otherwise.
Got to ride the T. It's funny how you miss it when you're gone...not so much when you live there.
Saw this guy playing fabulous music in South Station.
We stayed with our former upstairs neighbor. It was so bittersweet to stay in our old building. Loved it and it made me sad at the same time.
Anne and her kitty, Sammy.
Brad with our friend, Chris, hanging out at the Jesuit residence near Boston College.
This was everywhere.
Friends. They're the best. Also, you wouldn't believe how complicated it was to get this shot...
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