Food, Fun, and Farewells in NorCal

As comfortable as home can be, it's always good to see college buddies again, especially when a few are moving on (and far away) for a while. I had that opportunity this past weekend when I flew up to Berkeley. As with every visit up north, I had a great time, although there was a lot of traveling around the Bay Area to see friends off and it wasn't as chill as my visit in January. But again, like every trip, there were a few surprises along the way that was icing on the cake.

• While taking a Friday morning stroll around the Campanile on campus, I happened to pass by a graduation reception, and ran into like 20 people I knew! Not just several IV '07 graduates and friends, but also my sophomore year roommate too! It was an awesome chance to catchup, congratulate, and take a picture or two with them at their milestones.
  
  
• Going to Sharon's 23rd birthday dinner that evening @ the Sushi House in the Asian Ghetto. We were a bit apprehensive at first because we had 12 people and the restaurant was quite small with only 2-person tables. But the maitre'd obliged our request, kicked out all customers as soon as they were done, pushed tables together, and sat our party - all in 15 minutes. Needless to say, we were impressed by the show. Happy Birthday!
  
  
• Seeing and saying farewell to Elaine, the former small group leader of "The Commissioned" (loving small group up there). She is off to the Peace Corps in Malawi, Africa for the next two years and her family threw a party to send her off. I will always remember the fun times we had hanging/growing/laughing/praying together as well as the Spirit-led leadership she brought to our small group two years ago. God really made a difference through her that overflowed in each of us six guys and gals, and it continues to do so with many blessings. =)