People, People, People

No matter where you go, it's always the people that determine if you like your experience there, love it, or (in the words of Elphaba and Glinda) are changed for good. For example...church camp is my favorite place in the world.  Located in Smackover, Arkansas it is nothing fancy, but the people I met there remain some of my dearest friends.  Camp Kurios is where I met Samantha, my wonderful college room mate for 3 years and the counselors there actually introduced me to Harding!  I could literally go on and on and on about the life changing people I met through Camp Kurios.
Since our time in California, we have met nothing but AMAZING people!! From Two Bunk John to the die-hard MIZZOU fan, Bob Tipton, we have quickly fallen in love with the people of California.  Sure, the view is breathtaking and of course the cuisine is exquisite BUT without wonderful people to share these adventures with, how dull would this experience be?  I want to share a few of my favorites...
Now, before you think this is too random, this idea just came to me as I was reflecting upon our shopping experience today.  Charlie and I went to J.Crew to finally get him some fall/winter clothes!  This boy is still growing and has outgrown his current attire.  The sales guy there, Steven, couldn't have been more kind.  He helped Charlie find the right jeans that weren't TOO modern but also didn't look like he bought them in the 80s.  When we finally checked out he gave us a discount and I really felt like we'd made a new friend!! He promised to drop by for a visit the next time he came surfing at Surfrider Beach.

Ok, back to the highlights (in no particular order)...

#1: KAJA

I'm dying to tell everyone about the funniest guy I have met so far.  He is the security guard next door and his name is Kaja.  He also has a heart of gold.  One cool, crisp Thursday night he came over to visit.  (He only comes over on Thursdays.)  He shared a few stories with Charlie and me and we all ate a strawberry cupcake then he took a cup of coffee to go...Before I knew he could actually go inside the building he protects, I thought he had to stand outside all night so I made him take a cup of coffee because it was chilly.  Well, about 3 minutes later he comes back in with a huge smile on his face and no coffee cup.  He asked us if he could have another cup of coffee.  "Sure...you must have drank the last cup super fast!!" I said.  "Actually, I gave it to the homeless guy who asked me for it when I walked by him."
Melt my heart right there!  I had tears in my eyes as I poured him another cup of coffee!  Lol, sad but true.

Kaja took this picture last night on our tour of the restaurant he stands watch over!

#2: TWO BUNK JOHN



Charlie getting John to autograph his chapter in the book!

In the middle of my recovery from surgery this summer I began reading 'Love Does' after my sweet sisters-in-law recommended it.  They spoke about the book with so much excitement and awe, Charlie and I went out that very night and bought the book store's last copy.  Claire and Mary Kyle couldn't wait to tell Charlie and I about it because the author, Bob Goff, actually taught law classes at Pepperdine.  It gets better...
As I was reading the last chapter about 'Two Bunk John' I read that he was starting law school this fall.  After reading about his work with a school in Uganda I wondered what law school was lucky enough to snag him.  At the end of the book it had his last name so of course I immediately did what anyone does these days when they want to find out the scoop on someone...I looked him up on facebook!
When I found him I saw that we had 1 mutual friend, Charlie Walker. I attempted to yell to Charlie who was deep in his own reading, however because I had just had jaw surgery and still had a splint in my mouth my speech was highly unintelligible.  I did my best to ask him how in the world he knew Two Bunk John.
He had no idea what I was talking about.  However, after some investigating I found out that I was right. Two Bunk John also known as John Niemeyer, would be attending Pepperdine Law School with Charlie in the fall.  I immediately sent him a facebook message telling him we couldn't wait to meet him.
I knew after receiving a message back from him that he, Charlie, and I would for sure be good friends!  I was right again...John is such a great guy and has THE BEST stories.  I don't want to tell you too much about him because I want you to read Love Does! :)

#3 : THE CAINS

Even though Chris is a big time movie producer, Sharon is an actress, and their son is SUPERMAN, the Cains are the most genuine people!!  Sharon has the biggest smile and most infectious laugh and Chris couldn't be more humble.  I love that whenever I see them it's obvious they are still very much in love by the way they look, talk, and interact with each other.  I just love LOVE! :)

Well, the list truly goes on and on but I wanted to share a few.  And to wrap things up, my favorite quote by C.S. Lewis.  It is much longer and more in depth, but these words have been etched in my mind since the very first time I read The Weight of Glory.

"There are no ordinary people.  You have never talked to a mere mortal."
-C.S. Lewis