Leaving

Most people know now, but Kristin and I are moving to Philadelphia in June. We are excited to start a new chapter in our lives, but leaving the bay area will be, and already has been, difficult emotionaly. Today was a beautiful sunny warm day, which made it harder to accept that we will not be living here any more. Kristin will be attending the University of Pennsilvania to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. There is no better school to recieve this education in the country. I am very proud of her. For as much as Kristin has supported me in my ministry and in our marriage, it has not been hard to support her in desire to pursue this degree even though it mean leaving a comfortable situation. I cannot wait to see how she thrives in her education and vocation. As I have been thinking about leaving I have come up with 5 things I will miss. This list will evolve I'm sure. These are things, I will always miss people more than anything:

1. Really, really, really good mexican food. (I'm not saying I won't find any in Philly, but let's be honest, California has the best options.)

2. Being so close to the beach/mountains/Forrest. Pretty much I can drive from Tahoe to the coast in a matter of hours. This state has every type of landscape, even boring farming lands. (Shout out to my birth town Fresno!)

3. The sports teams. Mainly I would say the Warriors, but I have grown attached to all bay area teams, especially the Raiders/A's/Giants. I will also miss the bay area fans, they are so jaded against the east coast bias in the sporting world. 

4. Really good beer. I have had beer in Germany,Switzerland, England, Belgium, Denmark, and Central America. As much as I have tasted, personally I think California has the best micro breweries. Now I'm going to have to drink Sam Adams...

5. Millbrae. I have grown attached to the place in a short time. I of course love the people in Millbrae but I also like the proximity to everything. I can be in the city, out in Half Moon Bay, or down in Santa Cruz in a very short time. I'll also miss the heavy Asian, mainly Chinese, influence of the community in Millbrae. I love that feel to it.