A blog dedicated to Bernita - who leaves tomorrow...

Bernita's first day in DC!

When someone knows you for an extended period of time, there is a bond, a relationship, a history with them that is valuable. I have a lot of family and friends like that back home. But since moving to DC, I remember the first couple months wishing someone knew me longer than several months. Or wanting to crack a joke that only people that knew me well would get. Well in the two years of being in DC, I have had many great friends come to visit, and even my family!

But this summer was a little different. Bernita Bontrager is the daughter of Jay and Linda Bontrager whom I affectionately call Uncle Jay and Aunt Linda, and big sister to Gabriella and Alisha. I have known Bernita since she was born, I was a whopping 6 years old, or maybe I should say she has known me her WHOLE life. :-) From doing hair and nails together, to getting ice skating lessons from semi-pro Linda, to shopping excursions, to camping adventures, to growing up in church together to family dinners and events, the Bontrager family is family to me.

When I was a senior in high school, I decided to mentor a group of girls, and Bernita was in that group. I wanted to see them through middle school, and then really felt called to see them graduate high school. It was really neat to see Bernita grow through those years, to see her mature as a young lady, to watch her excel in school, and develop relationships but also to grow in her faith, and to see her share it with those around her.

This summer, Bernita took a summer after graduating college to intern in DC, much to my persuasion. (haha) She took residence on an air mattress in our hallway, and began the adventure that is DC!

It was incredible on so many levels: to have a sister-like friend and to have her living life with me here in DC. She knows my tendencies, knows my quirks and yet loves and cares for me regardless. She knows how to make me laugh, make me cry, and so much more.. haha. She engaged in friendships, relationships and ministry here in DC, which was a huge blessing to me. I love how she processes things, how we process things, and how she genuinely loves Jesus with her entire heart.

I think Bernita’s plan for the summer was to recalibrate and figure out what’s next, but I feel like she has been more of a blessing to me being here than anyone could ever know. To have had a dear sister-friend here in DC from back home is something I will cherish forever. I am so proud of her, who she is, who she is becoming. She is a rockstar!

Bernita,
Thank you for taking the leap out to the other Washington. Thanks for investing 3 months of your summer to hang out here in DC, to get to know the city, to know my friends, to create your own circles of friends and influence, and to be a part of what I get to do here in DC. Thanks for the laughter, the adventures, the new experiences and thanks for challenging me, loving me and really spurring me on to love Jesus more. I really have loved you being here. I am incredibly proud of you, and am excited for where God is taking you next!
Love you!
Jen

Just a little trip down memory's lane this summer!

dinner with the gals!

Experiencing rain, thunderstorms and hail all prior to the Mumford and Sons concert!

Bernita jumped in with Crosswalk Kids Filming!!

Serendipity for Fried Oreo Sundae - yes please!

Harry Potter MIDNIGHT showing!!

Adventures on the Alexandria waterfront!

The Mason Dixon line on our way up to Gettysburg!

Segway TOURS of DC!!

Marine Corp Barracks Parade

National Cathedral

Nationals Game with the roommates!

A little NYC Times Square action! (pre-IRENE)

a little Irene Rain Dance!! (an Earthquake AND Hurricane all in one week!)

National Harbor with the Zempels!

Bike tours of DC and at the Capitol with Bert.

Love ya Squirt! Come back soon! :-)