Dear California:

I want to share with you a few things I've learned during my extended stay...

1. There's nothing like taking a walk on the beach - it's absolutely free, relaxing, and always worth the drive.

2. "Sunny California" is your nickname because you've earned it.

3. One can never have too many swimsuits.

4. Flip flops actually do go with everything.

5. There is such a thing as going too slowly on the freeway...it's called 80 mph.

6. Big sunglasses are not just "in", they are necessary.

7. In n' Out burgers and shakes are seriously worth every stinkin' calorie and fat gram.

8. Getting stuck in traffic can actually be a very productive time thanks to rollover minutes.

9. Your greatest strengths are your cultural diversity, open-mindedness, and casual approach to life. Careful, though, because they can also be your worst enemies.

10. The car trunk essentials: beach chairs, bottled water, and a beach towel. Just in case.

Thanks for letting me stay. I enjoyed it immensely and hope one day I'll return and continue to learn more about what a wonderful place you are. You and your residents have been amazing hosts to me this past two years. I am truly grateful...

Last night's goodbye party.

So, last night some good friends hosted a goodbye party for me at their home. It was a great time to see lots of people before I leave on Friday...I was truly blessed by seeing many students, fellow staff, and friends from my time here at CBU. My favorite part of the party was when my friends presented me with a bible that had been highlighted and written in by each person at the party. It was very special to see which portions of scripture stood out to friends as they send me off to begin a new chapter in Texas. I was truly honored. I will definitely miss the CBU family and count it a true blessing to have been a part of this community for the past two years.

Now there's only 36 hours till my brother and I begin the long trek to Texas in the U-Haul!

I'm in Berlin!
So, just a short update...I arrived in Berlin a couple of days ago with a group of 30 students. We spent a full 5 days in training at CBU and left directly from there for Berlin (hence, the inability to update...) So far our time here has been amazing. We are now experts at the U-bon and Berlin streets. It has been fun to explore the city together and to see the excitement of all of these students. For most of them this is the first time they have ever travelled overseas and it is great fun to be the one leading them in this experience.

I'm moving to Texas!
So I guess this makes for two somewhat big announcements in one entry. Whoa. Yeah, I know for those of you faithful readers (all four or so) this is like a major event. Anyways, after much thought and prayer over the past several months it is clear that I am heading back to Texas. I will miss California and working with students at CBU, but I am honestly looking forward to the opportunity to be near friends and family again. If there is one thing I could change about my life in Cali, it has been that I wish I could have transported all my friends with me when I moved two years ago! Overall, though, it just seems like it's time to go. And I am excited about the change. I'll keep you posted on the details but it looks like I'll be in Fort Worth by August...just in time for the blazing heat, my nephews' birthday, and maybe even the ACL music fest in September. Can't wait.

Matthew & Make-A-Wish

Check out my nephew Matthew staring in a Make-A-Wish video. This commercial is playing in selected markets in West Texas...check him out!