Destination: California – A Return to Our Past

Before Living Water, before the pastorate, before seminary, before kids, there was just Mike and me.

As we entered northern California, our minds were flooded with fond memories of our visits to San Francisco and Monterey. We enjoyed seeing the sights again and sharing the experience this time with Mikey, John, and Nicole. They were happy to see the Golden Gate Bridge, stick their toes in the Pacific Ocean, and watch the sea lions sun themselves, but I think what they enjoyed most of all was the chocolate chip cookies from a shop on Cannery Row. It has become clear to me that they enjoy and appreciate the sights much more on a full stomach!

Heading down Highway 1, the sheer cliffs and giant boulders of the West Coast were literally breathtaking, especially for me since I was riding on the cliff side of the RV and felt like we might tip over the edge and plunge into the ocean at any moment!

As we drove down the coast, it was amazing to see the total devastation from the recent forest fires. Entire mountainsides were completely burned out. Along the way, we passed several sites where the fireman would stage their equipment and while we didn’t see any active fires, it was clear from the smoke in the air that the fires weren’t too far away.

Eventually, we made it to our old stomping grounds – Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo Beaches. Our first stop was to meet up with Mike’s parents who flew out to get a grandchildren fix. They stayed with us a week in L.A. and San Diego and it was awesome. We never cease to be amazed at their generosity and love which they abundantly lavish on us and the kids.

Highlights of our time in California include spending time with Mike’s parents, going bike riding on the strand (paved trail on the beach), seeing our old house, eating at In and Out Burger, playing in the ocean (for the kids), riding a Jet Ski in San Diego’s Mission Bay, spending time with Mike’s cousin David, his wife Melissa and their little boy Lucas, visiting friends from our old church, and going to Universal Studios.

We realized once again what a blessing it was for Mike and me to live here for that brief time in our lives early in our marriage. While this place has many faults (no pun intended), weather and bugs are not among them – Sunny and 75 every day, no humidity, and no bugs are charming aspects not to be taken lightly.

More importantly, though, this is where Mike and I truly bonded as our own family unit, and we grew and blossomed spiritually and individually. The lasting friendships we made here, the spiritual principles we learned here, the biblical models of life and family we witnessed here all have impacted us, and our life, and our decisions in a positive and enduring way. And we are forever grateful for the experiences we enjoyed here both recently and just eighteen short years ago.

By Kathy