Break out the Donuts

I went to a birthday party in the neighborhood this evening for a little 10-year-old named Blanka. She is quite the little cutie and very smart! One of the first things she said to me when I walked in the door was, “Ms. D, What do I have to do to get into Kids...

Not Your Average Bridal Shower

Mujeres de Virtud meets monthly to share stories and Jesus with a growing group of Latina women, many of whom do not attend church or profess a relationship with the Lord. Emily Snyder has been a large part of getting this group started here in Alexandria and inviting...

Mr. Hoppe, A Local Celebrity

Matt Hoppe is excited for the opportunity to live in the community where he is teaching. After four years of commuting over 30 minutes to school everyday, it has been a treat to ride his bike to and from work each day through the neighborhood where many of his...

Room for Rent

One afternoon while Rachel and Dawnielle were cleaning the kitchen, they heard a shuffling on the back deck. Dawnielle peeked out the back door and found 11 year old Fernando sitting on the patio chair. She asked him if he’d like to come in and get some help with his...

A Reflection from Our Summer Intern

The news came – I would be spending my 7-week InterVarsity urban program in Chirilagua, a Latino immigrant community between Alexandria and Arlington Virginia. I would be living in Casa Chirilagua, an intentional community (and newly forming not-for-profit) and would...

From Trouble Maker to Avid Reader

Pablo is one of those kids who can make even the most seasoned child care professional consider another career path. When his mom asked if he could be part of our after school tutoring efforts, we were excited to accept him. Within a few months I was telling Emily...