Adventures in California

Thanks to the crazy requirements needed in order to get my visa for France, I was able to spend a few days in Santa Barbara with my friend Bri. It was beautiful. And wonderful. And lovely. And perfect. I didn't want to leave. 

She lived about a two minute walk away from the beach. Of course,  I did have to climb down a precarious, steep, and frightening dirt path.

But once I made it to the ocean, it was well worth it. 

It was rough out there, let me tell you. 

And look, my hair does crazy things in the humidity. So. Much. Volume. 

I can hardly think of a better way to spend an afternoon than at the beach with a Bible in hand. It was such a sweet time in the presence of my Jesus.

We also went on an adventure in the mountains to see some ruins and take fun pictures. It was beautiful.

 I didn't want to leave.

But eventually, I had to go the French consulate in LA to apply for my visa. It was scary. So scary.

This older black French security guard let me into the always locked door, and then made sure I had all my paperwork while asking me weird questions in this unnaturally calm and slightly amused manner. And then I had to go in the other room and wait for a few minutes before I got called up to this counter.

She didn't smile. Not once. And asked me for all this paperwork. And then when she had to get my fingerprints, it wasn't working. She got so angry. I wanted to cry. And then finally she got everything sorted, and told me they would make their decision within 7-10 days. And then I left and found coffee to make myself feel better.

And I rested in the knowledge that clearly God wanted me in France for a while, because why else would He provide that much money?

And, of course, He did come through. My visa showed up 8 days later. And I leave for France really, really soon. Pray for God to change the hearts of those I will encounter in France. :)