i think about the last time we lived on the West Coast and mostly, i, and everyone who knew me then, cannot believe we are back. it's not that it was terrible, it was just a rough season for me. i had bad back pain that greatly affected my days and self esteem, i was lonelier than i was used to and felt regularly out of place, and i had an unfulfilling job.

it is so wild to be back in this city and hear myself tell people that we drove down from Seattle for the weekend. Because we live in Seattle. Crazy. But i feel like such a totally different person returning to this coast far more confident in who i am and where we are in life in so many ways. it's just wild to be in this city and remember our first journey left. While it was a very mixed bag, the joy of being able to be in more day in, day out life with the Vaughans is a sweet reminder of God's generosity in giving us them 8 years ago, and that there is much more in store than i can even imagine of why we are back over here. a great deal out there to learn about ourselves, our God and community.

it has been so good to laugh, play and dine for a few days. friendship is so nourishing, along with dern good food and the chance to have a date. and i love that Hannah is always up to meet new people and be a part of new adventure. you would think her pallet on the floor was a king size bed in the Ritz in Hawaii she loves it so much. i appreciate her open heart and it teaches me. stay open ash, stuff is ahead. good stuff.