and I nearly forgot just how alike we are. Honestly, we just "get" eachother..and I love her for it. Our conversations evolved from what christian community should be to how traveling helps us be independent. The first night we had so much to catch up on that we couldn't barely get out the door to grab a bite to eat. 
I enjoyed mornings waking up slowly, sipping on fresh brewed starbucks coffee and sharing the prior day's blessings and the hopes for the days to follow. We ventured into the city nearly every day. Exploring the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito (cutest stinkin town on the planet), Pier 39, Fishermans Warf and sooo much more. Here are a few shots.. 
Sarah's amazing community embraced me and welcomed me into their wonderful fellowship. Be it building empires at game night, line dancing at a dueling piano bar, or attempting a Lord of the Ring marathon at 10 o'clock at night...I sincerely enjoyed being in a christian community again where folks lift one another up, protect eachother, and hold one another accountable to the living word. 
I drank the best chai I've tasted yet at the Grind Coffee Bar, ate a delicious 1/2 pound burger at Pudley's Bar, and of course, couldn't resist a huge bread bowl filled with fisherman warf's famous clam chowder!! 
Did I mention I got to ride around in that beautiful MUSTANG all day..thanks to Kenneth!! and check out the video of the world's crookedest street on LOMBARD STREET!! 
I was blessed with unbelievable weather the whole time I was there as well. With the fog lifting by noon, we were bronzed by sunshine and a cool breeze!! We explored all day Monday in San Francisco...triple shot, cappucino breves in Little Italy and all. And of course, a night cap of build your own frozen yogurt creation at Tutti-Fruitti!
I think what I found most refreshing/lifechanging was the ability to be surrounded by such loving individuals who could live IN this world but not be OF this world. It has been so long since I have been surrounded by folks who are successfully balancing their lives..living just as christ would in the 21st century, reaching out in the community, loving one another, and teaching His teachings--all while still interacting with the "gentiles." It was beautiful to be a part of a devote people and not "pharisees" interested solely in judging and criticizing the sin on your shoulder.
A revelation was made to me in California..the importance of having a community around you who shares the same values and is active in your life, uplifting and encouraging you to be the best you can be! I hoppin my red eye flight on Monday night in awe of the life my dear friend had built on the West Coast..juggling three jobs, with the ambition to be even more involved and dreams of running a half marathon, venturing back to africa, and being content and confident in one's circumstance, I couldn't be prouder. I left my best friend in good hands as God made it very clear how well He takes care of us all and how we each have our own story to live. And though my story may carry me thousands of miles away from my dear friend Sarah...our ultimate purpose in serving Him will always bring us close together and no matter the time that passes or the people we become..our frienship will only grow stronger. So grateful for my sunny days spent in California where the Lord's grace shown so clearly and His faithfulness in providing everything we need no matter where we go. 
Now more than ever I look forward to returning to Chile to watch the Lord's will unfold and my gifts to be used. I'll be boarding a plane once again heading "home" in 5 days!!
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