I HEART California!

Deputation takes us everywhere, but I think my favorite place has to be California.

Call me crazy but I love it here!!
I mean some of my favorite people live in this great state, though sadly I did not get to see all of them.  But the people I did get to see made this trip totally worth it. 
People like:

Kyle Smith!  Kyle is an amazing friend.  We go way back.  He's one of the reasons I moved to California in the first place.  Kyle has done such an awesome job getting into amazing shape, and he is totally inspiring.  He's currently training for a 100 mile bike ride through Riverside.  Yes all in one day!  AMAZING!  But he also loves God a lot, and wants to serve Him with his life...and that is the most inspiring!
And these girls:

Oh man where do I even begin with these girls???  Well there's Courtney on the far left.  We were roommates for a time at Cal Baptist.  She's hilarious and should be writing for SNL, and she has a huge heart for missions.  Then there's Steffanie.  She's an amazing artist, and has so many other talents.  A lot of people have thought we looked a like and have even mistaken one for the other.  Even her parents couldn't tell in one picture.  We had so many heart to hearts, and she really kept me going my last year of school.  And also has a huge heart for missions.  Then Brooklyn.  OH Brooklyn.  Too many things to say about this girl.  She's quite special.  One of the funniest people I know.  Also an amazing artist, especially photography.  And also has a huge art for missions.  Can you see why I love these girls!? 
And then we got to see some very special little people.  One of them is an up and coming artist all her own:

 

Little kids make you feel like the coolest people in the world.

I love love love these little girls, and it had been three years since I've seen them.  Way too long.  They're so grown up now.  And I love the parents of these little girls, Aaron and Rachel.  Aaron had such an impact on my life over the years of spending my summers, and then school years out in Cali.  He's one of the most encouraging people I know.  And Rachel will always welcome you into her home.  Not to mention she's an amazing cook.  Love this family.

And we're still in California.  And have another week to go.  Which means we're currently with some amazing people (I'll have a whole post on them later) and we're still going to see some amazing people.  AH!  Life is good.  I never want to leave this state.  And I want to go up North to see the people I love there.  But alas, duty calls...