California!

Now I'm spending the next 11 days in Santa Cruz, CA, as of the 13th. California is kind of a foreign country to me but I can at least speak the language fairly well! Today I went to the beach alone and just walked. I love the beach - the sound of the waves pounding, the coast stretching out before me and fresh salty air. Plus, it's January and I only wore a light jacket. The sun, sand and water are very enticing. I don't know if I'd get tired of it and take it for granted if I lived here but for now it's a real treat.
I'm here through connections in Switzerland. It's funny making connections with other Americans because of who I know in Switzerland! I'm visiting the Coastlands Foursquare church and I feel very welcomed here. I greatly appreciate the warm, relaxed and open atmosphere.
After 2 months of sabbatical/furlough I finally have been able to relax enough to let go and not worry about the future and possible decisions. I can enjoy where I'm at and hopefully receive all that God has for me. It will be interesting to see what God has for me this week. I must say, however, there were days in those first 2 months of my furlough that were very tough. It's easy to say that my identity is in Christ but when all of a sudden you aren't doing what you normally do - we very often have a crisis time. At least I did. Who am I? What am I good at? What do I want to do? What's coming up? Time will tell and it's God's good timing.

Getting back in Touch

I went to college with some of the best people around! Last Friday Lani, my fellow architecture graduate and roommate way back when, gathered those of us available for an impromptu reunion. I was glad to be the reason for some of us to get together. I wasn’t able to attend the 20 year reunion of our Architecture graduating class a year and a half ago because I was in Poland. So it was wonderful to see old friends. Some I hadn’t seen for 15 to 20 years!
And the evening was great! I loved hearing the laughs I’d come to recognize in the Arch. Lab, the bad jokes and the quick banter. Some of the conversations had “older” themes than I remember having before with these people! But I was very encouraged by the time and truly in hysterics at one point.
As I mentioned I was a good excuse to get together. But I think this time together was also to celebrate Joy's return after having been caught in the Tsunami in Puket, Thailand. She thinks she survived just because of dumb luck. But I definitely have a different take on that! Her story is quite amazing.
I'm rejoicing in great friends, laughter, good food and time able to spend together.