Our First Week in Cali

On December 28th, we moved to Bakersfield California. It's been one week since our moving day, and I'm feeling somewhat settled but also unsettled at the same time. The thing is, everything is new. Nothing is comfortable. Even going for a run or going to the gym takes extra brain power. For a somewhat introvert such as myself, every time I leave the house, I will be interacting with a stranger (since I know NO ONE in this city), and that's a little nerve-wracking. Every time I drive somewhere, I have to think about which way to go and how to get where I'm headed. Even cooking in my kitchen takes extra brain power because I have to think about where I put the dishes and utensils. It's truly exhausting. But at the same time, it's interesting and exciting.

Yesterday, we went on our first California adventure. First we went to Lake Isabella in Sequoia National Forest, and it turned out to be not very pretty at all, due to the long-standing drought. The lake was very low and the surrounding areas were all very brown and blah. So, we got back in the car and headed north to the Sequoia National Monument. There we found some beautiful scenery including the beautiful Kern River and snow covered mountains. We took Heidi on a little hike, which she loved. Katie found a huge walking stick and a giant Sequoia pinecone.

This morning we went to Crosspoint Community Church, and interestingly enough, the sermon was about loving the city that God has you in. The pastor talked about how each one of us is here in Bakersfield through God's sovereignty for a divine purpose. Those are some of the same thoughts I've been having over the past weeks, wondering how and when I will discover what God's purpose is for me and my family in Bakersfield.

Tomorrow the girls start school. Katie is very nervous. Sarah is probably nervous as well, but she hides it well. Lots of prayers for their first day: new friends, nice teachers, a smooth transition.