Asleep in the Storm
By Avery Bravo
I spent my Sunday driving through a winding Maryland backroad, rain pouring down, wondering what I was about to get myself into. It was a clear drive up until I was about 10 minutes from my retreat destination. Then came the downpour. I had my maps going and was trying not to miss the turn. I thought the weather was fitting. I thought, "How funny is it that I can see so little of what is right in front of me and yet someone else knows exactly where I am going?" God often works like that. The disciples are panicked by the raging storm, and yet where is Jesus? Peacefully sleeping on the boat. He knows exactly where I am and exactly where I need to go.
Stephanie and John Kyle greeted us at the retreat with cheery handshakes. My host family welcomed me and Mackenzie with an overwhelming amount of warmth. They let us right in with the movement of the family. Every new Capital Fellow encounters a wealth of established knowledge and community. Before I started fellows, this church community created the program I now have the privilege to experience. To all the heads, hearts, and hands that went into welcoming the fellows, thank you.
As I've gotten to know the fellows, God has proved he knows exactly what I need in this time and place. Mackenzie feels like my lost Canadian sister. Bri is a bundle of sunshine with depth and energy. Grady is the calmest comedian I've ever met. Calhoun brings a gleeful earnestness to every conversation. Sarah Elizabeth (Slizzy) is a kindhearted Cavalier. Andrew, our dependable eagle scout who knows every movie/show. Bethany is a sister through and through and reminds me of home. Natalie wears her heart on her sleeve but is always down to clown. Samuel is our wise man who knows how to make a plan and execute it. Caroline is a cool cat, and the jury's still out on if it's her brain or heart that's bigger. Halle is our lead woman with the voice and smile of an angel. Christine is gentle but knows how to stir a crowd. Asaf’s my Latino brother who loves to dance and is the group's proclaimed “therapist”. And lastly, Ethan, our local and international athlete, is so approachable and down to earth; the MPC youth already love him. My heart feels full knowing I get to live life with these people this year.
Although I just shared my joys, the storm is still there. I have been tired every day since arrived. Embracing others is good but hard work. I developed a cold my first day of work. I’ve spent more time doing than resting. So, the storm is here and all around. The question is, "What do we do in the storm?” I don't have one answer, but I will have faith and rest in Him.
23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. 24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. - Luke 8:23-24 (NIV)
Song of the Week: "I'll Be Here in the Morning” by Townes Van Zandt
Avery Bravo is a member of the Capital Fellows class of 2026-27. She is from Roanoke, VA, and is a graduate of the St. Johns College. This year, she is working as the Children's Ministry Intern at McLean Presbyterian Church.
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About Capital Fellows. Capital Fellows is an advanced leadership and discipleship program for recent college graduates. Through graduate courses, a paid internship, one-on-one mentoring, and many leadership and community service opportunities, fellows develop and apply their gifts in real-world situations while learning to integrate a Christian worldview into all areas of life. Capital Fellows is a unique opportunity to live and work in the Washington DC area and to be an active member of a supportive community that seeks to serve the city with the love of Christ. It is also a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience in the workplace while deeply exploring God’s design for us as workers and contributors to human flourishing.
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