Last Stop: CA – Land of Lauras

July 28 - August 6, 2012

As my summer adventures are coming to a close, I can’t help but pat myself on the back for this final stop. As Alaska was a great experience, I have found in the past that intense jobs like that need some time to decompress. I could not have picked a better location!

This stop in CA I affectionately call the Land of the Lauras. The reason: the two people I went to visit are both former roommates and both named Laura. Oddly enough, they live 45 minutes apart. With a week out in the San Jose/ Santa Cruz area I couldn’t help but visit both. 

On my first stop, I reunited with Laura from Graduate school. The last time I saw her was Christmas as we made gingerbread houses in Maryland. Her place of employment opened the door to some unique opportunities. Among them: sleeping in a sequoia tree.

Yup, I just woke up

In the middle of the week, I hopped in Laura’s car and drove to San Jose to the house of Laura, former roommate from Arkansas. I hadn’t seen her since 2008! A span of 5 years had passed leaving our 3 days together full of great conversation on all that had been happening in our lives. In those 5 years, Laura had two adorable children that I got to spend time with as well. Whether playing on the beach or in the backyard, it was wonderful to see Laura in her current stage of life as wife and mother.

Couldn't help but snap a picture of Westbrook St. in Downtown Santa Cruz

The week ended back at Laura’s with a trip to her co-worker’s house where we got to sample some of the local California fruit.

After 5 weeks of being around people that had only the smallest hint of who I really am, I find myself encouraged and rejuvenated in the Land of Lauras. Both have been and continue to be a great blessing in my life no matter how much time passes between visits.