Concluding our time in the Los Angeles area we next headed north. Homeward, as it were. As close to home as we’ve ever known. Nearly eleven years spent in the idyllic locale of Santa Barbara, California. The American Riviera. An exquisite, beautiful bubble of wealth mixed with a healthy strain of surf culture. It’s where our kids call home, and it was exciting to be headed back.
This happened to coincide with Caedmon’s 18th birthday which we happily celebrated at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants.
The week was filled with favorite foods and people. I was blessed to have the opportunity to preach at my previous congregation, Emanuel Lutheran Santa Barbara. As well I preached at Good Shepherd Lutheran Goleta. Pastor Keith Jones has served there since I first arrived back in 2010, and it was good to reconnect with him and his community.
There were lots of other meetups with people who filled our lives with joy for many years. Parishioners, friends, fellow home-schooling families. All in beautiful 70-degree weather and bright sun. Although we were also thrilled to get a few cloudy/foggy days with rain in the mix!
Yes, Mika met up with us in Santa Barbara for the week which made the time there even better. She was thrilled to be able to reconnect with lots of people as well as enjoy some time off from her busy work schedule!
As to be expected, the week passed more quickly than we wanted. We’re grateful for all the people who made time for us, a reminder of the glorious reunion we’re looking forward to when our Lord returns!
The Nelson Family Indonesia 