PA Pit Stop

Another one of those times, when the hand of God is so evident. Coming back from England, I had a 20 hour layover in Newark, NJ. My roommate from college, just so happened to live 40 minutes from EWR with her family. So I was picked up from the airport, and Lynette and I headed for Pennsylvania to pay a visit to my former PA roomy. My one request on this trip was that we went out to eat at the nearest Chick-fil-a, a restaurant not found on the Big Island.

When old friends get together, there is something magical that happens. No facades are needed. A space of support is created as we jump into each other's lives at whatever stage we are in. I was secretly hoping to meet Aletheia's little one on this trip, but it seemed (to Aletheia's dismay as well) that Baby wasn't ready just yet to great the world. Hang in there Mama - you are almost there. Until next time friends.

The journey is always worth it.

All in the Family

Yes, traveling halfway around the world can be stressful. Hawaii and the UK are two islands in two different oceans. Yes, money has to be spent and time as to be rearranged in order to bring family together. It can seem like it will never happen or the distance is too great. However, if an opportunity arises. If a door opens. If Mark is heading to America on business opening up a space in the Sephton household for a visitor - time, money, and distance loose their power.

And so my family visiting adventure continued from Michigan to England where memories were made in the everyday things but also in local adventures. My mom was able to make the trip as well. England showed she can do much more than rain, as the sun broke through on more than one day. We found time for creativity, exploration, and fair share of silliness which are the characteristics that I love most about my family.

On the Move in London

When visiting my sister in England, I always try to take advantage of location by visiting any other friends that might be near by - even just for the weekend. Kara, my friend from PA, is finishing up her degree in London and thus an opportunity presented itself. The weather was on our side as we got to walk the streets of London seeing some sights that she had yet to see. As seems to be tradition with Kara, I always turn up just when she needs me. As providence would have it, Kara was needing my packing skills once again as the day I left she was moving out of her apartment and into another place. As this is my third time helping Kara move (once as I was road tripping through NC and another time in PA) this is a testament to God always providing the aid in our time of need. So glad I could be of service, friend!

There's No Place Like Home

I am so thankful that my job allows me to take a shift off giving me three whole weeks for travel. Nothing warms the heart more than going back to the place where I grew up and feeling that sense of familiarity. I walked to the library and say bikes sitting in the bike rack with no locks. I saw the same trees that always were the first to show signs of fall. Best of all, I saw so many loving faces, received so may warms embraces that I was overwhelmed with the sense that there really is no place like home.