Dear Friend

Thank you for your email and there is so much I want to share about my first few weeks in Virginia. It has been such a gift being here in Staunton and unexpected in so many ways. 

When I meet new people here and they find out I moved from Rome, they always ask, “What brought you to Staunton?” It’s my favorite question to answer and say, “A church!” I can’t tell you the wide range of responses that has received. Usually I get a strange look. But I’ve also found that the answer opens up the door to conversations about the gospel. I’m able to tell them that I was in need of a church community and I found that here. 

On my first week in VA I went to a coffee and paint meet up. We were sitting around the table sharing stories and one gentlemen asked me to tell him more about the church and why I moved. His curious expression told me God was using this conversation. Before I knew it I was sharing the gospel and my friend and I were able to pray for him. “The church is a hospital for sinners. We are all in need of grace” is what I told him as he sat across from me with tears in his eyes. 

And that’s what this church has been for me. A family that welcomed me in with open arms. My first weekend I was able to join the women’s retreat with all the churches in the area. The Staunton women were known as the fun crew staying up late talking around the fire. Every Sunday after church we share a meal together and it feels like a family dinner. I’m living with a couple from the church and overwhelmed by their gracious generosity to let me become part of their lives. I’ve babysat for families, sat over coffee and meals, heard stories, gone on walks and hikes and been prayed for. All in one month. 

You asked me what caught my eye about the church. Answer, they preach and live the gospel. It’s a family of sinners saved by grace. 

I’m also excited to share that I am now a barista by day and a sommelier by night. Employed at Staunton’s two most notable places - Crucible Cafe and Accordia Wine. My friends all laugh when I tell them because I don’t drink caffeine or like the taste of wine… but shhh don’t tell anyone!    

Let’s just say I am learning a lot. This week I asked my boss at the wine store to do “Wine 101” with me. I told her to start very basic. This woman from Germany looks at me and says, “Wine, comes from grapes.” Okay, got it! 

I love working in these places because they are so different and offer opportunities to meet new people. Coffee and wine and they couldn’t be more different. The cafe is fast paced, running on caffeine and efficiency. Every minute of the day is scheduled and I’m learning to do the dance around the bar as I grind beans and steam milk at the same time. The line is out the door and people sit with laptops open as if it’s a co-working space. And the culture feels like it belongs in Portland, Oregon. 

It’s an alternate universe as I walk 10 minutes down the road and enter my own little taste of Europe. Everything slows down as tourists from around the world stop and spend hours drinking and talking over a glass of wine. Just last week I met a woman who was a reporter for the Croatian war and a gentlemen from South Africa who is an apple distributor (yes actual apples). I will have so many stories to share! 

I've also been working on some writing projects while I am here, which it seems is a common theme in Staunton. I've been continuing to edit my travel posts from the past year and working on a discipleship guide and Bible study. Yesterday I connected with a woman who came to Staunton for a writing retreat. So, I think I'm in the right place.

Much love,

Lindsey