The Path

A dear friend sent an email yesterday sharing where she is on her journey.  She was vulnerable and opened up to the struggles she is facing as God called her out of the familiar and into the unfamiliar.  I can so relate to her.  We are in a similar place, once again.   This time it is three years after our initial journey to Boston, where our paths crossed and the Lord used our friendship to grow in me things and new adventures I could never have even imagined.
Though now separated by miles and a time zone, I can place myself in her shoes and am still struggling to see the hand of God in where I am and where He has called me to be.  One thing she said really hit home with me.

 My heart is to serve the Lord wherever He places me in whatever capacity He wills

This too is my prayer though I feel my heart is not doing a great job of showing evidence of this.  My attitude is definitely not reflecting this and I often leave conversations frustrated that I am not further along.
My prayer this time last year as I was in the midst of my last year of grad school was that just as He had before I moved, that God would reveal to me His plan and where He wanted me to go.  As the months continued and I still had no answer and no interviews, I searched scripture and prayed and prayed and prayed.  I looked once again behind me and reflected on the trail of faithfulness He had brought me down and clung to the hope that He was not going to just STOP and leave me to fend for myself.  I am not completely to that point, but I am thankful for the small glimpses He is showing me that He has not forsaken me in this familiar yet very unfamiliar place.  I know I am exactly where He wants me to be and that does give me hope.

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3-4

It is right now that I am praying I will cultivate faithfulness, that I will continue to search scripture and press into my God seeking Him and trusting that just like He always has, He will continue in His faithfulness to me, though it may not look like I think it should!  I have to constantly be reminded, I am not in control!!!

California Part 3

After San Fran, I extended my California vacay and flew south to the O.C. to visit my family!  My aunt, cousin and I headed north to Ojai for two nights at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa.  We went to celebrate my graduation.  We did some yoga, lounged by the pool, went to the spa, and soaked in the scenery. 

Yummy pixie tangerines awaiting us in our room.

Gorgeous grounds

There were several pools, gorgeous landscape, serene surroundings... I could have stayed forever!

Our last night in Ojai

Julie and I doing a little shopping on Rodeo Drive

A cute little cupcake shop we stopped at in Orange, CA

Orange is a super cute little town that had so much charm and really cute little shops.

As always, I had a fabulous visit and it made me so excited for Thanksgiving!!  It will be here soooo soon :)

Wine Country

Having never been to wine country before and not really knowing where to even start or what wineries to go to, Taylor and I decided that a tour would be the best way for our first visit.  We found a great company and absolutely loved our tour guide, Dan the man!!!

First Stop

 

 

This is the life!

Our tour group.... very interesting group!!

My favorite winery!

Rupert, the official dog of Peter Cellars

We had so much fun that we are already planning our return trip!  So much fun and a beautiful day for wine tasting!

San Francisco

Though I have been to California many times, I had yet to make it to San Francisco.  So in celebration of my graduation and just because it was time for a fun friend trip, Taylor and I met in San Fran for a fabulous long weekend of sorts.  We had so much fun exploring a brand new city, eating yummy food, and finally visiting wine country (post to follow).
The weather was beautiful during the day and rather chilly at night... I was glad I brought a fleece!!  We definitely left no stone unturned and covered much in the four days we were there.

Gate into Chinatown

My street

Giants vs. Cubs... it was so fun to go to a sporting event together

Gorgeous view!

Ferry Building

 

Bay bridge, view from the ferry to Sausalito

 

One of the many modes of transportation we took

It was quite a journey to get to Muir Woods, no one had prepared us for just how windy the roads were, I thought we would never make it and that thank goodness we had not eaten lunch yet!!

Living in New England has made me a bit of a tree hugger ;) j/k

Senior Pictures... hahaha

Yay someone who actually knows how to use a camera, it was a struggle all weekend to get people to take a decent picture of us together!!

So tranquil, I could have spent all day there exploring!

These trees made me feel so tiny!!!

YUMMERS!!!

Lombard Street

Golden Gate Bridge

Wells Fargo Museum

Preparing for the long journey on the stage coach, man I am so glad we don't have to travel like that, it sounded TERRIBLE!!

Wax Muesuem

Of course I had to have a picture of Martha

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Fisherman's Wharf

Cable Car Museum

Southern Dining

Yummy southern restaurant!

Last night in San Fran!!

Self Timering it at the View Lounge

I didn't get any pictures of our precious little boutique hotel... Hotel Rex.  It reminded me of the game Clue since the library was right off of the entrance.  The staff was super friendly and the room was great.  I would definitely stay here again, especially since they have a wine happy hour each night with a complimentary glass of wine!!  It was convenient to so much, which made exploring so much easier.  And also, yay for smartphones and Yelp, it helped us find amazing restaurants!!!