Lots of hugs

Time to say goodbye..I can't believe it was only 3 weeks. I've met so many beautiful people and we went through so much together, that's amazing. I was the only one who was leaving and I was a bit shy with the situation, since I got an overload of attention and hugs. Giving is often easier than receiving.. 

Graduation day

Thursday morning, I opened my door and suddenly I was wading through a bunch of golden and black balloons, that were marking my special day! So sweet! Initially the graduation would happen online, as I was an online student. But because I was at the school, the staff informed me that it would take place in person in the morning, after the worship. I assumed this was planned with a few staff members at the office for 5 minutes. So worship ended and I was about to leave, till I heard my name, called to come to the front.. All students were sitting on the floor, happy to celebrate this with me. David (one of the teachers) gave a speech, telling about my perseverance and hunger, sucking in every word;) Then he prayed for me and invited students to pray and speak prophetic words over my life. All this was overwhelming and although I'm used to stand in front of a group, now I felt like a shy, little child..;) I was unprepared, not in control, I just had to let it happen and receive. Afterwards I got the mic to say some words, a testimony about what God has been doing in me during these schools. Again, unprepared, full of fresh, unprocessed happenings and emotions I managed to give an impression-finding the English words- of the journey and breakthroughs I have experienced. 

Flying fun

Most of us, large, Dutch people are not looking forward to the teeny tiny seats in the economic class. I don't know how to not move for so long. However, some people are experts, they just choose one position, close their eyes, leave earth and return on the moment it's done. Not me. I'm searching for stuff in my bag all the time: a book, glasses, my ear pods, a puzzle, a pen, a tissue, water, candy, my laptop, my phone. So bored. I take my shoes off, put socks on, grab a blanket, check the flight plan, try a movie, go to the restroom, stretch my legs, .. Really disturbing to my neighbours;) I think that's why God doesn't put other passengers near me in any flight hahahaha. Same this trip to LA. The flight was pretty full, but I was the only one with 3 seats for myself, Yay:))

Friday May 27 Welcome back to Cali

Time difference increased. I got 3 hours extra this day. Lotte worked from home and was able to pick me up. So happy to see her again. She dropped me at the hotel and a few hours later I joined her to a loud, happy birthday party at Cheesecake factory with the big Filipino family of Ryan. Most of them I'd never met before yet and I liked to taste the atmosphere. Family is very important in this culture and they are close. I can see that. The next day Lotte and I went for our favourite shopping adventure: in Salvation Army;) In the afternoon, together with Ryan and his sister to "Fiesta Hermosa", a huge market with food stands, games, products etc. Lotte even found her Dutch poffertjes stand;) Finally she surprised me with a "paint and unwine workshop"! A painting class that goes along with a glass of wine, I suppose you might want a shot of courage first;)) It was much fun and educational. (for the results, see the photos).

In my next blog I'll be telling about the visit to our relatives and our little holiday in Palm Springs and the casino! Now we're back in Redondo Beach, Lotte is back to work and that gives me time to process the many impressions of the last 4 weeks. Pfff Phew.

I'm flying back on Sunday the 5th, arriving on Monday!

Love & hugs Marieke