Thank you my FANTASTIC L.A. people!

S O M E
OF THE
F A N T A S T I C
L. A. P E O P L E!!

I am back in Chico (northern Ca) and summer has officially arrived. Hot afternoons. Summer markets. Shaved ice. And summer tans! Since coming back from visiting many of you in the Los Angeles area...I have enjoyed an American summer from hot dogs and fireworks to summer tans and long walks in the park for the first time in about 10 years. It has been beautiful...all of it.

I am grateful for the new friends that I am meeting here in Chico...though I miss so many of you that I have long befriended in Los Angeles area. And though I wanted to stay longer, scans and developing relationships here beaconed me back. Your faces, that speckle this post, continue to run through my mind of my time there. Reminders of picnics and bible studies, church camp outs and girls night out. Deep conversations over the value of life, kids events and everyday life in Afghanistan that you have become acquainted with from afar. Pictures of your faces splash across my mind...and I am reminded that I am blessed to know so many people that are committed not only to each other, their community and church, but to those in Afghanistan that are waiting to experience peace and an education for the first time in their lives.

Thank you to each of you for reaching out to me over these past 10 years, and through me hundreds of people in so many countries,...you have been so faithful over the years.

I pray that God returns that to you in an unexpected way this year and the years to come. Much love and a HUGE hug to you!
((((((((((((((((((((((( YOU )))))))))))))))))))))) (your hug!)