Coffee Girls: An Odyssey of Faith and Romance

I would like to invite you on a spiritual and romantic odyssey through the Berkshires and beyond.

Coffee Girls is my memoir chronicling a journey through heartbreak, loneliness, and the search for true love. My journey begins with a painful breakup between myself and a woman that lived far away. This experience ignited a profound crisis in both faith and identity for me. In my search for solace and understanding, I began writing and frequenting cafes in the Berkshires.

In the quiet hum of Berkshire cafes, among steaming cups of coffee, I found moments of inspiration and romantic possibility. With each exciting experience, my belief in the magic of love was rekindled. However, despite some shared beliefs and brief connections, these relationships never developed beyond friendship, resulting in romantic disappointment and introspection.

photo courtesy Meg Jensen (retrieved from Unsplash)

After a long period of heartache and spiritual confusion, I met a radiant Russian waitress in the town of Housatonic. Even though I was fourteen years her senior, I found an unexpected connection to everything I love: Dostoevsky, faith, and the mystery of human suffering. Our relationship unfolded slowly through long walks, shared silences, and deep spiritual discussions. We discovered that we had profound religious differences, but the love that had developed between us kept us kindred spirits.

The circumstances surrounding the sudden death of my childhood friend led me to question my faith and manhood. Talking to several people about my friend's passing brought me moments of comfort that would fade away by the next day. Until I sought solace from the Russian waitress. I shared my doubts and fears with her, and in her words to me, I felt the acceptance and grace of Jesus Christ, which stays with me to this day.

Ultimately, I watched the Russian waitress board a plane to her homeland, a land with a rich history that I have always longed to experience. Although I have yet to find the love of my life, I believe that the wisdom I’ve gained from these fleeting encounters compensates for the heartaches I’ve faced on my odyssey.

Coffee Girls is not just a story of failed romances or spiritual uncertainty. It is a testament to the persistent search for meaning in everyday encounters. Through cafes, conversations, and unexpected companionships, I came to understand that fleeting moments of love are just as meaningful as lasting love and should be cherished just the same. I hope my memoir will inspire you to open yourself up to the everyday encounters with strangers and seek the grace of Jesus Christ.

The publication for this memoir will be later this year (2025).