Cherry Blossom Festival

Since we came to Washington everyone has told us how eye-opening and fun the Cherry Blossom Festival was going to be. We were told it was one of the most beautiful and exciting times to live and work in Washington. Well, I have to proudly say the stories are all true.

You can not escape the excitement in the air. People are friendlier, there are so many awesome events to be a part of, it is much warmer (thank God for us Texans hating this cold), and of course the beautiful cherry blossoms. It is a testament to God’s great creation.

The day started early – my roommates and I were going to head to the National Mall to throw some football. Austin and I decided to ride our bikes there instead of taking the Metro (it was such a perfect day for riding). When we arrived – we stood in awe at the many thousands of people, many of which were flying kites! It was the opening day of the Cherry Blossom Festival, and they had kite-flying events throughout the area; I have never, in my life, seen so many kites.

It was so enjoyable to notice the faces of all the people on the National Mall in such happiness. It struck me - as if I remembered a happy moment in my past with someone special – and everyone there was happy too, as if they were with me (if that makes sense).

We threw the ball for a while – I decided to take my bike for a leisurely ride around the Tidal Basin; it was crowded – but to see the panoramic views of the Jefferson and Washington Memorials was worth it.

As I rode along the Tidal Basin with my bike, there were many spots where I just stopped, walked, or stood while taking it all in. I prayed a lot as well – and reflected on many things. It was such a clarifying moment to be alone yet surrounded by life. I stood and admired God’s creation, and how simple and yet complex it all was. I recollected on my countless hours back in Texas at our family farm, down by the creek in the woods. I remembered how I thought then, as I do now, that surely God is everywhere - because I see Him in his creation when I am there.

I was definitely stirring feelings of home inside my heart – and though I was happy to be here, I was yet the more happy to be coming home soon.

The walk and ride on my bike concluded with the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. It is the largest memorial in Washington; consisting of seven acres. The designers of this memorial made great use of water with the many waterfalls and fountains that are weaved throughout the FDR Memorial. I actually thought, on a nice day I will come back with a good book, find a good spot next to one of these fountains and read some.

Riding my bike back across the Potomac, I gazed behind me, and I thought to myself how happy I am to see it all, and I how happy I will be to share this all with you.