Washington vs. California

Dear World,

Washington has become my absolute favorite place to be. But through being here, I've learned the significance of the phrase too much of a good thing, can be a bad thing.

I've only been here twice since my fantastic summer. My first time was about 3 weeks ago for the SAMBICA thing called Refuge. This time, I've been here for about 11 days, housesitting for our cousins who were in Hawaii. On this trip, I tried to keep it pretty family centered. If I had really tried to see a lot of people, then I probably would have been gone every day. But while being here I only spent, Tuesday night with my friend Jessica, Saturday with Kasey and Pluto,  a party at my aunt and uncle's house on Sunday with some ELITE friends, and then the Bible Study Mondey night at SAMBICA camp with Liz aka Happy Feet. I love being here soo much, but also, I love my other home, back in Cali as well. I can't help but deeply miss my friends there...

Two of my closest friends from home, Codi and Courtney, have been the ones on my mind the most. I miss them a lot. I see Codi about 2 times a week and Courtney only once, but I can't ask for more, because I'm home-schooled. One of my most desperately prayed prayers from the summer were answered over the past couple weeks. I started finding friends who were not un-like the ones from camp. Extremely set upon their faith. Working everyday to do things for God. and Mind you, these are teenagers. Codi, Courtney, and my new close friend, Tyler. It's a small group. Incomparable to the two dozen people from the summer. But our friendships are in little, to no danger of being broken apart. That's why I love these specific people so much. Hopefully, my group of special, close friends, will grow. Not to a drastic size. But a trusting group of friends. Ones at my California home that I can truly trust with anything.

I think the reason I don't just have 1 best friend (not that I have maannnyyy best friends) if because I opporate in groups. Maybe not collectively, together, groups. But groups none the less. I put my trust in specific people's hands. Not just one. If one person flakes out, or disappoints me, I have others behind me. I've seen it many times with other close friends. Their "best friend" treats them like crap, and they don't have anyone to fall back on. (that's how I've gotten close to a couple of my friends) Other friends have done it to me. And the only reason I don't shut down is because I have other close friends who hold me up.

I'm so greatful that the Lord is answering my prayer for "SAMBICA like" friends at home. It's making me start to really miss my home when I leave.

but...

Don't take that to mean that I've gotten over Washington. Dear me, no. That's not what it means at all. I still love Washington greeaatly. And my wish for trips back up here has not faltered. :)

In Him,
Maddie