Coram Deo: California

My sweet, gracious husband encouraged me to go back to California to visit my best friends, get a large dose of Vitamin D, and stick my toes in the ocean before I become "Mama" to Baby #2. I am so thankful for this wonderful babymoon he gave me!

I had prayed so much about the trip in the months leading up to it because, in so many ways, I feel like my heart is still there. I miss the sun. I miss the smell of flowers and the beauty. I miss all the things that SoCal has to offer. I miss the deep friendships I'd formed. I miss my school. My heart still aches and tears well up in my eyes if I spend too much time thinking about my old life there. So I got on the airplane last Monday with complete excitement and yet trepidation...would I be able to get back on the plane in six days with dry eyes and a desire to go back home?

Thankfully, God was super gracious to me. I had an absolutely glorious time; everything went just perfectly. And that is so rare for a vacation! I just loved my time with my friends and traipsing around my old stomping grounds. And, yet, despite how incredibly wonderful the trip was, I was ready to come home - I realized that "home" isn't a location, but "home" is where Brian is. I missed him so much.

I flew into LAX and stayed in La Mirada with the Brittons for a few days. It was so much fun to meet their daughter, play with Isaiah, and hang out at Huntington Beach.

Isaiah reminds me so much of Aidan - he is just hilarious and curious about everything.

Austin received a call to the pastorate at an OPC church in La Mirada last fall. I'm jealous that he gets to study and prepare for Bible studies and sermons at the beach.

This is their adorable home.

Thanks, Brittons, for an absolutely wonderful time! I miss you already.

Then I drove down to Murrieta to stay with the Gallaghers. They were very sweet to let their door swing open so many times as I visited a number of friends in Escondido throughout my time at their house. I was able to visit my old school and see my students - most of them are taller than me. I went to a weightlifting competition, a softball game, Del Mar beach, Coronado Island and, of course, I had to drive by our old apartments and the seminary. It was bittersweet.

Gallies and I went to the lake to walk and feed the ducks on Saturday morning. It was over 85 degrees! So beautiful.

Gallies have two boys - Sean and Logan. They are so sweet and well-behaved. Sean is three weeks older than Aidan so it was fun to play with him and identify all the similarities. Gallies are flying out this summer for a few days, and I can't wait for Aidan and Sean to play together.

On Saturday night, Kgal and I spent the night on Coronado. We played at the beach, walked around taking pamphlets of all the homes for sale (none under $1.7 million), and ate at an Irish pub. We were thankful to Ryan for being Super-Dad so we could have a girl's night.

The next morning we strolled along the harbor; the sun hadn't quite yet burned off the mist.

Like the Brittons, Gallies are blessed with a beautiful home. It was so fun to hang out in the backyard and eat meals at the outdoor table. It'd been 7 months since I'd felt warm air on my face.

I was so blessed by the hospitality and fellowship of the Brittons and Gallaghers. It was a true joy to be a part of their families. I love how strong and God-glorifying their marriages are - their love for one another is evident. I love how they parent - the Gospel is definitely at the center as they seek to draw their children to Christ (I took home so many great ideas!). I was so thankful for the late-night chats and ways in which they encouraged me. I was welcomed with open arms and fed extremely well. So blessed beyond belief to call these two families dear friends.

Before I flew out of San Diego, I drove along the harbor to take a few last-minute pictures. Below is the Midway and it always reminds me of my grandpas because they fought in WWII too.