The Greatest Gift

Well, today's post may not be what you are used to reading about, or maybe it will be exactly what you've been hoping to read about. Today I've decided to share with you a little about the fun that I have here in California. I don't think that it will come as a shock to any of you that I do indeed have fun, but I just wanted to share some experiences and pictures of how God has been blessing me in this way. As many of you know it was difficult for me to move here not knowing anybody and starting from scratch as far as building relationships go. Well, God has blessed me so many good friends here that provide encouragement, accountability, love, and joy in my life. Some of my friends are YWAM co-workers, some are from church, and some I've met here and there and I love that because each one is so different and unique.
In June I got the oppurtunity to spend a few days of rest and recovery after the DTS graduated with my friend and roomate Lauren. We went to the Los Angeles area and visited Disneyland and made a quick trip to Hollywood. It was such a good time, I felt like a little kid as we raced around trying to ride every ride and in search of Mickey Mouse pretzels. I also got to burn my knees taking a picture at the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Another exciting time I had was with my friend Nicole when we ventured up north to the Sonoma region as well as San Fracisco. We had fun getting lost downtown, wandering over to Berkley for dinner and jazz and then canoeing the next daywith her cousin in Sonoma. It was amazing to be in nature all day, and by the end of it I wasn't sure if my arms would fall of or not, but it was all worth it.
Recently all of our staff went on our bi-yearly family vacation. I don't think I could have planned this time better. We were able to rent a house near a lake just north of our county and spent 4 days lazing around, reading, naping, watching movies, eating, hanging out by the pool, and relaxing. We also had a special time where we were able to pray for one another and seek God for encouraging words for each other. By the end of the vacation I felt so relaxed, refreshed, and closer to those whom I not only work with but also call friends.
There is so much more I could say, stories upon stories of how God has truly been blessing me with meaningful friendships in my life. From our group of church friends that hang out and play tennis every Sunday afternoon, to the Wednesday Inreach times when members of our community come and hang out, it all speaks of our heavenly Father's faithfulness in surrounding us with community, love, and laughter.