My name is Annabelle and I am an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a certified spiritual director serving in Sterling, VA. I offer spiritual direction, icon writing/painting classes, and occasional retreats and pilgrimages. I did not grow up in the church and discovered God, faith, and my vocations as I went along through life. A passionate traveler and life-long le
arner, I believe life is a journey – a pilgrimage in which we are always seeking the holy in our midst, in ourselves, and in each other. Curiosity, asking questions, creativity, reflection, and living with awe, wonder, gratitude, joy, and laughter are at the core of how I try to move through life. The story of Jesus meeting two disciples on the road to Emmaus, making himself known in conversing, walking, and breaking bread with them is a powerful example of how we encounter God in our everyday journeying. My experiences walking the 500-mile Camino Frances from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela continue bringing this home to me in an embodied and powerful way. In spiritual direction/companionship, I am a fellow traveler, listening attentively and deeply to your story, watching and pointing to God's accompanying presence along the way. I am a 2017 graduate of the Shalem Institute's "Going Deeper: Clergy Spiritual Life and Leadership" Program. Contemplative spirituality has had a profound effect on my life and how I understand we are always works in progress. Similarly, the practice of writing icons has helped me slow down, breathe deeply, acknowledge and trust in the process, and appreciate that we learn and grow one brushstroke at a time. In 2022, I graduated from the two-year Oasis Ministries for Spiritual Development "Spiritual Direction for Spiritual Guides" Program. My specialty areas include using different prayer practices including iconography and the creative arts and offering direction for religious leaders, young adults, the elderly/mature, interfaith folks, and seekers. I also offer Walk & Talk sessions – spiritual direction on the go (https://journeying-together.com/walk-talk/)! On a lighter note, I love tacos, dogs, walking/hiking, spending time in nature, traveling, singing, knitting, writing icons, and learning languages. I am married to wonderful fellow named Jeff and I look forward to meeting you and hearing your unfolding story!
*Journeying Together is located on the original and ancestral homelands of the Piscataway and Manahoac peoples, and we give thanks for their presence here since time immemorial. We also wish to recognize and honor all our Indigenous siblings who have and continue to call this land their home.*
