From the monthly archives: July 2010
What a treat I had today. Our friend Katya took us to the Pigeon Point Light Station, Año Nuevo Light Station, and then a lovely drive through Santa Cruz.
A highlight for me was watching elephant seals sprawling all over the Año Nuevo beach. It was a good two mile walk each way just to get close enough to see them. The walk took us about one and half hours each way. Tiring but certainly worth the effort.
Besides lots of interesting information, the ranger told us that the elephant seals shed their skins, renew and heal themselves just by doing nothing but lying still. They don’t have to do anything she said. Amazing.
It’s one thing to blog about the things I am doing, another to blog about the journeys of the heart. The latter is far harder to talk about.
The people of Israel saw the deeds of God but it was Moses who understood his ways (Psalm 103:7). Elijah, the prophet of God who saw great victories on God’s behalf became afraid at a woman’s threats. Afraid, he ran for his life into hiding. He who called rain and fire from heaven ran away! He sat under a tree and asked to die.
God nursed Elijah from his tired journey by giving him sleep. The first gift that God gave me on this trip was sleep. No doubt many victories have been won, many things accomplished. But each heart knows its own sorrows, and I have come away with my share of wounds, grieves, hurts, disappointments, anger, rejection. It is part of being on this side of eternity.
I didn’t realise how tired I have been, wrapping up work, passing on responsibilities to my replacement, teaching three workshops, tying up lose ends, administration, meeting and ministering to people, preparing for this trip… making painful, major life changing decisions.
Sleep has not come to me easily. My mind has been like the remote of a TV control – switching from one channel to another. I was very surprised (but thankful) I just kept sleeping and sleeping.
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. – Psalm 3:5
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. – Psalm 4:8
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. – Psalm 127:2
Psalm 131
A song of ascents. Of David.
1 My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. – Psalm 121:4
I have been in San Francisco (SF) for the past three days (I think). The first few days were spent trying to get my body clock reset to SF timing. After flying for about 20 hours, I didn’t know if I was coming or going or here or there. I am very grateful that I actually slept most to the time on the plane (was it the free wine that they served on board? 
). I don’t like the idea of being cramped in my seat for long hours. I feel claustrophobic. The sleep made my flight time go by far quicker than I had expected. What an answer to prayers.
We had to take the BART upon arrival because our friends were at work. Anna Mae who picked us up didn’t feel comfortable driving on the fast freeways. Except for the luggage we had to carry, it was fun taking the public transport. We were so glad to see her smiling face when we got to Colma station.
I LOVE the weather here!
So far, I have NOT planned anything here (yet)… all that has and is happening happens… our wonderful hosts are taking fantastic care of us and I feel pampered. Arlene gave up her room for us… she is bunking in with her sister Anna Mae.
Friday, 16 July - Anna Mae took us to Marie Callendar’s for lunch on the day of our arrival. The portion was HUGE. I’m glad we decided to share our lunch. In the evening, the whole Filipino gang gathered at Dan and Hazel’s for dinner. You wouldn’t know it was the US if it were not for the cool weather.
Saturday, 17 July – Yesterday, Katya, Amy, and Arlene took us to Sam’s Clam Chowder House at Half Moon Bay. Loved the coastal drive (even I had slept most of the time!) Food was great. We’ve been warned to watch our diets!
Sunday, 18 July - Today I met up with Harry who took me to his work place and showed me around his studio, sound room, equipment and gave me a run down of what his work day is like. Wow. Nice! He bought some takeaway Chinese food – you can get everything here almost. Then we headed to his home to lunch with Li Soon, Matthew and Nathan.
Harry showed me his entry for the 48-Hour Film Project where participants are given a character, a prop, a line of dialogue and a genre to include in a film they have to complete in 48 hours. I liked what happens with the team members as they work on the project together.
23-25 July – My hosts, Arlene, Anna Mae, Amy and friends are planning a three days-two nights outdoor camping at Brannan Island California. They said to expect about 20+ people with us! Woah… that’s what they love doing.
Believe it or not, I AM keeping my pace SLOW, catching up with rest and with myself. No agenda at this point except whatsoever happens happens. I have lots of suggestions. My mind says one thing but my body is saying STOP! I will start planning things I want and need to do the week after.
I am so grateful for this break which I certainly didn’t plan for.
Au and I arrived safely after flying for some 20+ hours. Just had gathering with some friends. We are excited!
I hired some Bollywood actors to help me deliver this important message to you. Now turn up your speakers and enjoy. LOL.
