Memory Lane

A few weekends ago I took a trip down to Los Angeles to visit with some dear friends. June 30th was the 10 year anniversary of being back in Northern California from moving from Southern California. Time has gone by so quickly. For some reason this trip down to LA was filled with memories of my time in LA. I will try to remember now some of what I remembered 2 weeks ago. There are so many other memories of sweet times with beloved sisters and brothers in Christ, church life, ministry, work, and so much more.



The drive down I-5 has many stories of it's own. There was the time that a cantaloupe truck lost it's load and melons were rolling all over the highway. As I slowly drove by I scooped up two and I tell you they were the best melons I have ever eaten. Then there was the time that one of my college volleyball buddies flew down to see me and drove home (back to Northern California) with me. One this time home there was a tornado warning in the central valley. All the traffic was stopped and a highway sign told us to tune into a certain am station. The station said something like, "there have been some tornadoes spotted in the central valley. If you are in your car and you see a funnel tube, get out of your car immediately and go lay in the irrigation ditch. Leave your car behind". Or the time my dad and I drove back earthquake relief supplies to Northridge and we were escorted by the highway patrol over the Grapevine. There was not one other car on the highway. Kinda eerie.



Jerre (one of my roommates from the Wilbur House) and I went down to the CSUN campus. I needed to go to the bookstore to get a wall banner and a sweatshirt. We parked right outside of the Kinesiology building and I wanted to go in and check out the Center of Achievement. The CoA and the Kinesiology was such a huge part of my time down in LA. God mightily used my first semester in the Kinesiology department to bring me to Himself to be saved. In walking in the building I could not find the entrance to the CoA. The place has gotten so big and expanded, not only the CoA but the whole Kinesiology building. Some of this was due to the earthquake in '94, some to have basketball and volleyball teams go to the NCAA championships, and so much for the donations to make the CoA a better place. I finally was able to find the entrance to the CoA, it was where it used to be but just everything was built up around it. I knocked on the door and a kind grad assistant answered the door. I introduced myself and told him of all my years working at the CoA and asked if I could take a tour. Wow, the place was huge. There now was 3 separate pools for specific disabilities and rehab, classrooms, offices, stretching room, weight room, cardio room, lobby and so much more. I was so blown away. We dreamed of some of the changes when I was there but we did not have the funds, it was just a dream or a wish. I asked about one of my dear co-workers and I found out she still worked there. I was able to leave her a note and she contacted me one day as I was leaving LA. I could tell you story after story of my time in there but it really would not have any significance to you.



The best part of my trip was connecting up with some dear friends that I keep in touch with but we just don't get to see each other very often. Each of these folks have been so instrumental in my walk with Christ, many of them were from my CSUN days and the Grace on Campus Bible Study. There were so many that I would loved to have seen while I was there but there is just not enough time or energy to fit everyone in. It was so good to see everyone. On each meeting we caught up, shared stories from the past and encouraged each other in faith and where each of us are at now. I thank God for rich times like these with dear brothers and sisters in the Lord.



My next post I will share a few photos that were taken on my journey.